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

S

signsrup

Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2008
Messages
291
Reaction score
4
Location
Richmond, VA
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.
 
Register to hide this ad
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
 
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.
 
flop-shank said:
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.
Click to expand...
Ditto, except that Speed Sixes have fixed sights.
 
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 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
 
Here are my old Speed Sixes, a blued 4" and a stainless 2 3/4", both with factory bobbed hammers:
P1010657-1.jpg


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.
 
Last edited:
David Sinko said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
I would go with the Ruger.Hell depending on the load, the magnum fire ball would blind your adversary
 
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
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Model 66-1 2.5 vs Ruger Speed Six
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
stansdds
S
G
  • Locked
FS: Model 642 PC, Model 625-8 JM 4” (sold), Model 15-2 4” (sold), Model 340PD (sold)
Replies
3
Views
2K
mike56
M
B
Introduction-LONG post warning
2 3
Replies
43
Views
2K
ISCS Yoda
ISCS Yoda
ddeanjohnson
For Sale WTS: 15 guns -- all offers respectfully considered -- collection liquidation
2
Replies
37
Views
23K
fredcoyote
fredcoyote
JHW
  • Locked
SOLD:Smith and Wesson Model 66-5 3in, 60-10 3-inch Pre-Lock .357MAG Unique Markings
Replies
2
Views
2K
John-in-Texas
J

Latest posts

Back
Top