Going back in time, I want to kick myself for selling a 65-5 3" that I picked up for under $300 when they were not popular.

Now clean models of 3" smiths are 3-4 times what I paid some 20 years ago.

Every now and then I see a Ruger Speed Six and I know they came in 3" variants.

While I know they have some desire.... how does a Ruger Speed Six bone stock action stack up against a smith wesson of equivalent size?

are they easily tuned/timed?

are there smiths that perform action jobs on Rugers?

I watched one on Gunbroker (2.75" barrel Speed Six) sell well under what Smiths are selling for.

thanks in advance

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Rugers are different, not worse. The Six guns had nice triggers. I have two left, both Service Six’s. I had a 2.75” Speed Six. Very nice gun.

Rugers can be worked on pretty easily. Watch some YouTube videos.

Across multiple Security/Service/Speed Six revolvers, GP-100 revolvers, SP-101, LCR and Redhawk revolvers (add them all up and I’m talking a number approaching two dozen) there is ONE THING that has seriously impressed me to the point where I am a true believer:

These damn things never, never, NEVER have timing issues! I’m saying never!

In revolvers, my choice is S&W K-L-N frame, that’s what I love best, but S&W revolvers occasionally (or arguably... too often?) have timing issues.

I have never experienced timing struggles with Ruger DA revolvers, and the only Ruger DA revolver model that I don’t have experience with is a Super Redhawk.

The S&W is my favorite but I like the Ruger DA revolvers a lot. No brand I have ever seen is more reliable with timing than the Ruger.

Yeah, what kbm said and .....

The 3 inch Speed Six's are pretty scarce. Think they were limited to special runs like for US Postal Service, maybe a trial run for US Secret Service, etc.

99.9% were 2.75 inch or 4 inch.

In all my time on this earth, I have never personally met any Ruger owner, including myself, that had an issue with a stock Ruger product of any kind. The damn things just work. I know that there are some that don't work, there has to be, I just never ran across them.

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The best I can with what I got

I did. Several of us were issued brand new Security Sixes in the NMSP in October 1980. They did fine on the range with 38 wadcutters; when we started firing 125 grain Federal JHP 357s, several locked solid with the first or second cylinderful. Rangemasters there condemned them and sent them back. Dunno what the issue was, but I had owned a couple prior to that with no similar problems ever.

My 2.75" .357 Speed-Six has a great trigger, but that might just be a result of the fact that it has had a lot of ammo through it.

Recently purchased Redhawk and SP101 came with horrible triggers. I finally got the SP101 to be half way decent with some polishing and shims, but the Redhawk is a work in progress.

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Only a cold warrior

Proud owner of a pair of Security Sixs here. A 4" Blue and a 2.75" stainless.
The Ruger Six series revolvers are probably the toughest medium frame .357s ever built. You can't hurt these things.
The trigger pull is different from a S&W, but not bad at all.
These are great guns! I wish I could find more of 'em.

I was following this guy and it sold today. From a looks standpoint, it does not look bad. My hand is oversized.... and on Kframe RB I can make a Smith work with a Tyler T or similar grip adapter.

Not sure if they make the grip adapters for Rugers.

I will start looking at Rugers more. thanks for the info.

NICE-Ruger Speed Six .357 Mag snub nose Stainless (Mfg 1981) - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 891890333

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Miss my speed sixes something fierce. Absolutely lovely guns, just bummed out that they're finally getting their due pricewise.

I have a Speed-Six and two SP-101's.

All benefited greatly from some Wolff Springs, some smoothing of the edges of main spring hammer strut, and dry firing with snap caps while watching the boob tube.

There are a variety of aftermarket grips that I think you'll be able to find something that suits you.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I had both a speed six and a security six. Built like military trucks. Kind of ugly but solid as anything. I tuned them both a bit, easy to do.

I have an old Speed Six 2-3/4 inch .357. Love it - well worn - has best DA trigger pull of all my revolvers, including my Combat Masterpiece and my 1955.

I know I held a 3" Model 19 some year ago. It belonged to a retired officer. She told me it was going to her kids back then. It had some rust or browning to it.

I want to run into her and ask again. if its a 2.5" I will be disappointed.

I must be a needle in the haystack kind of guy as 3" Speed Six is what would be a cool find.


I did some googling this morning.... and one has to be careful as some are marketed as 3" but in reality they are 2.75".

thanks to everyone for the info

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Yes, I believe they're the #8.

Fits the Security and Service and Speed Six's, both square and round butt and the Redhawks too.

Here's some 5.5 inch Redhawks with the Tyler T Grips.



And a couple of Security Six's without them.

Gave this to my brother.


Kept this.

The 65-5 had been tuned and was more refined from jump. The Speed Six is more robust and can certainly be tuned...but I doubt to the level of refinement the Smith reached. Either should do you just fine.

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Now go make God proud...

a bobbed Ruger!!!!!!

thats the first thing I would do!

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if you're gonna be a bear...

quick somewhat off topic story.

I was assigned as Investigations Lt between 2006 and 2012. I was major crimes call out.

Part of my assignments was responding to crime scenes and property management supervisor.

I recall a Ruger blued small revolver (going off memory it was a Speed Six but it could have been a Security Six) covered in blood. Had to 70s to early 80s manufacture.

We secured it as evidence and the family told me they wanted it destroyed. As property supervisor, many guns covered in blood and the time it takes for property dispositions... many months to over a year will go by. Almost every gun I encountered covered in blood through the processes of time, the blood destroyed the exterior.

This Ruger came back through me as an officer related to the family wanted it and the owner OKed the release to him. I told the officer that it was covered in blood at the time of recovery and expect it to be destroyed.

Much to my amazement when it was pulled from Evidence.... the blood dried and broke off the finish and the blued exterior was perfect.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

In regards to Erich’s post, many years back I had two friends (still have one of them) who wanted a home protection gun. Not being gun folk I steered them to the 38/357 k frame in 3” which many consider a perfect nightstand gun. Anyway, one friend went for the 65 and the other the 2 3/4” Speed six in stainless. I was never a Ruger fan but I must say I actually like the Speed Six a little better. I never bought one but I did eventually pick up an SP101 which is another great shooter.

Added note...I even find the Speed six a bit more stylish as it doesn’t have that humongous top strap some other Rutgers sport.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

If you think that S&W had issues with timing, don't start collecting Colt DAs.

Just saying.

I agree. The Security Six is a thick front strap.

I might just look for a 2.75" Speed Six and cut of the hammer spur.

3" if I am lucky or if have the next 10 years to search for one.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

OMG..... I found one and I am also out (HA!)

1987 Ruger Speed Six 357 3 Inch NIB RARE - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 892111824

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if you're gonna be a bear...

My bicentennial marked, pre-warning, Speed Six with factory "speed hammer" - i have a 3" 13-3, 65-3, 10-5 and a 60-4. With all that, this one is among my favorites.




Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

I am very much aware. Here’s the thing...

I am a certified, card carrying long time and energetic Colt hater. This topic is on the Ruger DA and it was relevant for me to bring up the S&W which I love. It isn’t productive for me to bring up all the questionable revolvers made everywhere, and I’ve got nothing good to say about Colt revolvers.

i love them all

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I've got a 4" Speed, an excellent gun. I've also got a 3" Model 65 round butt. Intrested by this thread, I weighed both. The Smith weighed 32.6 oz. with slightly heavier than standard grips. The Speed weighs 37.2 oz. with a 4" barrel, so not a huge difference for a longer barrel.

Mine is blue and while several years old, the bluing looks great, like it came out of the factory. Not a shiny blue, but great looking nontheless.

Factory bobbed hammer I found.

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Now go make God proud...

W O W !



Thanks for sharing that, amigo. I have to be honest: my Speed Six doesn't get a lot of carry because I'm worried what would happen to the finish if I got sweat all over it. I sure feel less worried having seen your story.

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Now go make God proud...

Bought my dad one just like your 4" in '77. He's not a gun guy, so he ended up with some discoloration on the hammer and trigger, but even with modest maintenance it is as functional today as it was then.

This is the one gun I miss the most.



Yolo'd my way into parting with it, which I regret







Bobbed/checkered hammer (I believe a ruger factory part), a trijicon Tritium night sight added to the front, and a slicked up action. A truly excellent handgun.

I love my 2-3/4” blue speed-six! I do prefer the 2-3/4” over the 3” speed-six and I also like the 2-1/2” s&w combat magnums better than those 3” ones too....I know the 3” guns are more rare in both makes but they’ve never rung my bell with interest because of their scarcity (whoopee an extra 1/4”) although I can sure see why some folks like them...we all have or likes and needs! Make mine a 2-3/4” speedy!

I had a Speed Six 2-3/4 " a number of years ago still kicking myself for selling it super tough guns. They are a little heaver than a comparable Smith, but if shooting fire breathing .357 magnum ammo is your thing there is nothing better. I did get a chance a to get a stainless 6" Security Six a while back and did but would gladly trade if for its shorter brother.

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Randy

My Speed Six (.38 Spl.) has an excellent trigger in it.

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

Guess it's show and tell time.....so.

My Speed-Six is one of my favorites to carry hunting, camping or just tromping around the mtns. I bought it used many years ago and have no idea if the action was ever tuned by the previous owner, but it's as good or better than most of my S&W's.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

I had a model 10-7 2" nickel SW SQ BUTT and it was accurate as hell. Maybe it was the shooter (HA!)

My 65-5 3" RND BUTT with a tyler T just felt good, shot good and was well balanced.

I doubt there is much velocity difference between a 2.75 and 3 inch .38 or .357. After seeing what a new 3" Speed Six cost..... I will hunt for a 2.75 stainless. Hammer bob is the way to go for me. I would like to find a factory bobbed hammer, but not sure if they are still manufactured or part availability.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Good news! The factory hammer is available, and costs less than a pizza and sixer.

Hammer, Blued (Spurless) | Gun Parts Corp.

I have a blued Speed Six, a few Security Six stainless and recently picked up a GP100 for $199.00 - had cracked forcing cone, sent it to Ruger for a free fix. Not a bad deal.

Not too well known, Ruger makes a terrific set of target grips for the Security Six line.

Grips, Oversized Square Butt, Goncalo Alves, w/o Grip Screw | Gun Parts

They remind me of slightly thinner Coke grips and are about the best all around target type grips I've used. Very well made and at about $42.99 a great deal. Don't know if Ruger still makes them or if Numrich bought up their inventory.

Just scored on this 2.75 incher. Still waiting on shipping. Had a Redhawk but didn't like the heavy trigger so I sold it. I'm hoping this Speed Six from the 70s has a lighter pull. Big plus for me was it's a 9mm. A shooter on a tight budget has to love a 9mm revolver!

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Mine is here, at 12 o'clock. It is the largest of those pictured, but still a joy to carry. The grips are from a well known seller in the Philippines.

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Only a cold warrior

I bought this Speed Six in the late 90's from a pawn shop for $160.00. In the early 2000's I went through an ugly divorce and sold most of my guns, but kept the Speed Six. It was my bedside and camp gun. I've since bought several S&W's and a few others, but this Ruger will always hold a special place in my collection. Reliable, accurate, versatile and robust.

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Free advice is worth the price

I like the 6 series guns, but find anything shorter than 4in to look real ugly on them, same for the gp100.

I don't remember ever having a problem with one of their revolvers, but I've had a numerous problems with their other products. Their customer service is top notch, but quality control sucks. Just a few of the problems I've had is a MKII 22LR with the dovetail cut crooked, one of their 9mm autos (I can't remember which model) that wouldn't feed anything, and a couple of the older M77's that wouldn't put off rounds consistently. Ruger stood by everything, but they sure let some lemons out. I've also seen issues in Rugers belonging to others. But that said, I've owned a number that have been great.

Over the years I too have owned a number of Ruger revolvers. All their DA models were rock solid guns and trigger work can be done by the owner if they have any skill at all. My latest is an SP101 .22 and a little bit of polish and a new 14# hammerspring and it is a delight to shoot DA which says a lot for the 22's that do really need a heavy hammer strike to ignite the ****** ammo coming out of some manufacturers.
The Security Six is a revolver I would snap up in a second if I ran across one at a reasonable price.

I have 3 Security Six, a 6" SS, 4" SS, 4" Blued. Also have a 2 3/4" Speed Six and a 2 3/4" Service Six, both in 38 special. Tanks!

Speed Six:

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SWCA #2817

My SP101 is a Gemini Custom with fiber optic front and tuned action. It’s a real sweet shooter. I never carry it since my 442, Cobra, or DS fill that role well enough....I mostly use it to teach new shooters the fundamentals before they go auto crazy.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I passed up a stainless Speed Six in 9mm a few years back - $475.00 was "too much" at the time.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

It's true - you never really miss the extra money you spend, you always miss the deal you never did.

Wise words indeed.

So I'm torn. A guy has a Police Service Six with 2 3/4inch barrel. He also has a Speed Six that is a rare USPS with 3inch barrel. Both with boxes and papers. The USPS Speed Six has some cosmetic blemishes, but both are good mechanically. It would cost me about $1800 for the pair, but I don't have that kind of funds at this point. Any thoughts if I could get enough for the USPS Speed Six to make getting them to keep the Service Six worth while?

It seems like you could load 38 special loads for any of the six's in 38 special like a S&W 38/44 load, AKA the heavy duty load.

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"Free dirt, you dig."