2" 10 or 2 3/4" Speed-six...help me decide

signsrup · #1 10-25-2009, 09:05 PM

I typically carry a 642 AIWB or pocket carry. I sometimes carry a 4" 10-8, but it's too large for me to comfortably carry in the appendix position.

I'm looking to add a six shot snubby to the mix, and I have found two choices locally that interest me.

I can get a 90% 2" 10-5 for $285 OTD, or a 2 3/4" Speed six 357 for $400.

The Speed six is attractive as it fills the same niche as a snubby 19 or 66, a magnum in a small package, with the added benefit of not having an adjustable sight digging into my belly. Although I really like the Ruger cyl release, it would be the only revolver like it in the "herd".

The 10 is attractive as it's a great price, it's a little shorter (making carry easier when seated) and it keeps all my revolvers S&W.

I could hold out for a 19 or 66 snubby, but they're demanding a premium right now, and the adjustable sights (in the appendix position) could be uncomfortable.

The stainless vs blued finish is a non-issue for me.

Scary Gary · #2 10-25-2009, 09:42 PM

I just picked up a 2" Mod. 10 yesterday and went out and shot it . I would have no hesitation in carrying the Mod.10 . It's bare bone simplicity with reliability light weight handling and accuracy I was very much impressed with my Mod. 10 snubby and it look's like you can get your's for $100.00 less then what I paid . But mine had real authentic stag grip's on it . And I normally carry a 1911 .45 ACP .
Good Luck

flop-shank · #3 10-25-2009, 09:43 PM

I'd get the Ruger and make use of the .357 magnum power. A holster with a body shield (Bell Charter Oak's offerings would perhaps be of interest to you) would make the adjustable sights a moot point.

As far as the different cylinder latch goes, YMMV, but if the gun runs dry I do a New York Reload.

Out West · #4 10-25-2009, 09:59 PM

Speed Six all the way. 2X if its stainless.

Out West

38-44HD45 · #5 10-26-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flop-shank

I'd get the Ruger and make use of the .357 magnum power. A holster with a body shield (Bell Charter Oak's offerings would perhaps be of interest to you) would make the adjustable sights a moot point.

As far as the different cylinder latch goes, YMMV, but if the gun runs dry I do a New York Reload.

Ditto, except that Speed Sixes have fixed sights.

The Highlander · #6 10-26-2009, 11:45 AM

Speed Six. Great little gun, and they are getting very hard to find. The Model 10's are easier to track down, at least in my area.

David Sinko · #7 10-26-2009, 12:34 PM

I would go with the Model 10. The .357 will offer little if any ballistic advantage over a properly handloaded .38 Special in a short barrel. If you want to be able to shoot .357 that's one thing, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get one thinking it's more powerful. S&W revolvers are much easier to maintain and service. It has the smoother action. And since you already know and like the S&W, you gotta go with what you know.

Dave Sinko

Repellere · #8 10-26-2009, 01:06 PM

For appendix carry it's not up for debate . . . 2" Model 10.

sipowicz · #9 10-26-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Out West

Speed Six all the way. 2X if its stainless.

Out West

I had the Stainless service six in 2 3/4" I really miss that gun...built like a tank and a great shooter...not bad looking either...for a Ruger...

38-44HD45 · #10 10-26-2009, 04:13 PM

Here are my old Speed Sixes, a blued 4" and a stainless 2 3/4", both with factory bobbed hammers:

Few other things: First, the ejector stroke on the Speed Six is much longer than on any 2" or 2 1/2" K-frame, so extraction of empties is much more positive. Second, it is very, very simple to slick up the action on these little workhorses. It may never reach the level of what one can achieve with a Smith & Wesson K, L or N, but you can get close. Third, the Rugers will keep on ticking almost forever with a steady diet of 125gr. .357 screamers, with a huge ballistic advantage. The idea that a .357's advantages over .38 Special are lost in short barrels is a myth, although muzzle blast, recoil and with some ammo, flash, are wicked. However, the comment on appendix carry, above, is well-taken. The snubby 10 would be the easy choice if you're stuck on that mode of carry.

flop-shank · #11 10-26-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Sinko

The .357 will offer little if any ballistic advantage over a properly handloaded .38 Special in a short barrel. If you want to be able to shoot .357 that's one thing, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get one thinking it's more powerful.

Well when it comes to factory ammo the .357 is much more powerful. My SWAG is that the difference between the best factory .38+P loads from a 2" model 10 and the best factory .357 loads from a 2 1/2" Ruger would be that the Ruger would be approaching nearly twice the muzzle energy. Yes handloading will level the playing field somewhat, but most people are unwilling to carry handloads and due to less case capacity, a .38 will never outrun a .357 that's loaded optimally.

signsrup · #12 10-26-2009, 04:33 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the gallery is split, just like me.

On one hand I would like to have magnums as an option, but barrel length DRASTICALLY affects comfort in appendix carry.

I picked up a 4" 19-3 today, so i'm tossing around the idea of trading or selling my 4" 10-8 to fund a 2.5" 19.

cmort666 · #13 10-26-2009, 04:42 PM

Either would do, but I like the ability to shoot .357 even if I don't use it. I've always liked the Speed Six.

bummer · #14 10-26-2009, 11:26 PM

I would go with the Ruger.Hell depending on the load, the magnum fire ball would blind your adversary

HAWKEYE10 · #15 10-26-2009, 11:43 PM

That is a great price on a model 10. Buy that and have
more money for another gun. I really like my 10-5. Don

Poohgyrr · #16 10-29-2009, 03:21 AM

Both are great wheelguns and should do well. For myself, I sold my Speed Six and bought a used 10-7.

kennyb · #17 10-29-2009, 01:07 PM

where ya finding all those great guns around richmond...greentops?
i carried the 4" and snub security six for about 15 years as we were issued these...i have had a model 10 snub for many years and carried that off duty as well...both are very reliable but....i'll take the model 10...lighter,easier to carry and smoother to shoot

Gutpile Charlie · #18 10-29-2009, 09:17 PM

I would love to have a 2" M10 round butt...however...I think in your application, the Ruger might be the best choice.

I've got a six inch Ruger Security Six, and it is built like a tank. For a while they were not that well loved, but recently they are getting the respect they are due.

safearm · #19 10-30-2009, 10:41 AM

Definitely the Ruger; stronger, more versatile, less maintenance.

WFR · #20 11-02-2009, 11:59 PM

Hawkeye, that's a fine-looking gun!
Glad you were able to get it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWKEYE10

That is a great price on a model 10. Buy that and have
more money for another gun. I really like my 10-5. Don

Charles · #21 11-03-2009, 12:16 AM

A 2-3/4" Speed Six was the first gun I ever bought with my own money back in 1987. I sold it to a friend a few years later and I wish I had it back. Great gun. You'll have the advantages of a longer sight radius and ejector rod stroke, as well as better balance for shooting. I doubt you'll notice that much difference in appendix carry unless you wear your pants really low. Another plus is that Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot ammo is easier to find in .357 than it is in .38.

Bottom line, though, is which individual gun you like better. Both companies have turned out some good and not-so-good examples of revolvers over the years. I'd take a super nice m10 over a dog of a Speed Six any day. You're the only one here who has put his hands on both the particular revolvers in question. Which one is better put together?

cowart · #22 11-03-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Sinko

S&W revolvers are much easier to maintain and service.

Can you shed some more light on that?

sipowicz · #23 11-03-2009, 05:01 PM

The action on my old 2 3/4" Service six was much nicer than the standard Smith out of the box.....and the extra 3/4 inch made it very pointable....wish I still had it....

vipermd · #24 11-04-2009, 06:20 AM

I have carried a 2 3/4 speed six on and off since 1986. It has seen thousands of full house 357's and I have the arthritis to prove it. It always runs, and with the rd count I know it very well out to 100 yds ( groundhogs). It is what goes on when I am baiting bear or just in the woods. My 500,44,41 all 4" would also work, But the speed six is lighter, faster and very comfortable. It also has better balance than a 2" 10 or 64 in my hands. Enjoy

Charles · #25 11-04-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowart

Can you shed some more light on that?

I think what Mr. Sinko is alluding to is the fact that the Smiths have removeable sideplates whereas the Rugers do not. It's a bit tougher to get at their innards.

hittman77 · #26 11-04-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

Speed Six. Great little gun, and they are getting very hard to find. The Model 10's are easier to track down, at least in my area.

I second that notion.

Mickey D · #27 11-05-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hittman77

I second that notion.

I'll third. Ruger Speed Six is a sexy little gun. Getting hard to come by also.

signsrup · #28 11-09-2009, 05:50 PM

OK....so I got distracted. Ended up with this instead. Satisfied the craving for the time being.

motorpat · #29 11-19-2009, 05:36 PM

I have owned and carried,at times, a 2" Mod.64 and like it very much. It is also a great shooter. IMHO this weapon is a real keeper.

Beachcomber · #30 11-19-2009, 11:47 PM

I have to agree with "motorpat"... I own a 2" Model 64 and find it a real pleasure to shoot and carry, so I'm going to have to give you a vote for the 2" S&W Model 10.

NE450No2 · #31 11-20-2009, 01:39 AM

You made a great choice.

cowart · #32 11-20-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

I think what Mr. Sinko is alluding to is the fact that the Smiths have removeable sideplates whereas the Rugers do not. It's a bit tougher to get at their innards.

That's a bit of an odd thing to say! Once you have the grips off, you can get to the innards of a Ruger without any tools. Opening up a S&W requires removing at least 3 screws, and you need to know the "trick" for properly removing the sideplate. You also need some kind of tool(s) for removing and reinstalling the rebound slide.

signsrup · #33 11-20-2009, 08:26 PM

The Speed Six is the one Ruger I would like to own. A 3" GP would be OK too, but I don't HAVE to have one.

I am done buying for a while now. I picked up the 3" 66 that's shown in this thread, and then I stopped by a local pawn shop today. He had a 3" 64 DAO, and a 4" 65 transition gun with a recessed cylinder (no pin). He said he would sell both for $650, so I left with them.

The 64 DAO fits the bill for carry, and replaces the 3" 64 I sold (regretably) a few months ago. It will keep me from dinging up my 3" 66 too.