Ruger Speed Six .38 Special

[sigp220.45]

I used to have a stainless Speed Six .357 snub but I had a hankering for something else and I could either feed my voracious kids or keep the Ruger, but not both.

I’ve had a low-grade fever to get another and what-do-you-know? - this one showed up. My kids generally feed themselves nowadays, so a deal was struck. For just under five bills I got the gun, the snazzy Tyler T, and three speedloaders destined to reside in a drawer.

The cool thing, to me at least, is this gun is marked .38 Special.

I’ve heard the .38s were often LE or security company guns. No markings on this one, and its not all beat to hell. Anyone know more?

It gets out of Colorado Gun Jail tomorrow, so until then all I have are the quick counter shots. The serial number indicates a 1981 birthday.

 

[Onomea]

Don't know much about it beyond that it has a solid reputation as a good un'.

(Also seem to have a distant memory that Claude Dallas carried a Speed Six.)

I find that I shoot and carry .38s in most of my .357s, FWIW.

 

[ColbyBruce]

OP, you may know this, but if you don’t, the .38 special and .357 magnum cylinders are the same length. If you locate a .357 magnum cylinder it should fit in your .38 special.

 

[pharmer]

I had a “PoliceService Six” Back in the 20th century. 3” bbl with sq butt (not 2 3/4”) like yours except it was .357. They are best Ruger revolvers ever in my opinion. Joe

 

[rjm6120]

I traded away a beautiful blued version of yours (in .357 though) a few years ago for God-knows-what (I forget). One of the trades I regret making.
Good score!

 

[erikpolcrack]

OP, you may know this, but if you don’t, the .38 special and .357 magnum cylinders are the same length. If you locate a .357 magnum cylinder it should fit in your .38 special.

I did. It does - perfectly and easily.

 

[Erich]

I had no idea that Claude Dallas was a Speed Six guy; neat.

You have one indestructable .38 Special right there, my friend. I'd go into .38/44 territory, myself.

My blued one sends its regards to its cousin.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm a long time fan of the Ruger "Six" Series DA revolvers. Great guns.
I've always said the the worst mistake Ruger ever made was discontinuing these fine revolvers.
I have three and always looking for more.

 

[Erich]

I'm a long time fan of the Ruger "Six" Series DA revolvers. Great guns.
I've always said the the worst mistake Ruger ever made was discontinuing these fine revolvers.
I have three and always looking for more.

A friend of mine retired as a magistrate judge after a couple terms as the sheriff of one of our northern counties. The other day he sent me a photo of the gun he went through the NM Law Enforcement Academy with back in 1981 . . . a blued Security Six .357 (he still has it - it's seen some miles, but it's obviously been cared for).

 

[BB57]

I’ve got a few short Six series revolvers:

- a 2 3/4” Security Six in .357;

-a Speed Six in .357;

and a Speed Six in 9mm Luger (left).

I also have a couple longer Six series revolvers;

- a 4” Police Service Six (bottom);

- and a 6” Security Six.

 

[sceva]

NICE!

Gotta love a Speed Six in .38 Spl. No worries about + P in them either.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I have a 2 3/4" Speed six in blue, a 2 3/4" Service Six in SS, both in .38.

Also have a 2 3/4" SS .357 Security Six, 4"& 6" SS Security Six, and a blue 4" Security Six.

I like my Rugers!

 

[Ameshawki]

Speeds have an almost cult-like following.

 

[sigp220.45]

I got to the range yesterday and I really like this gun. I have read some would chamber .357s, but mine won’t. .38 Special 158 JSPs shot a couple inches high at 20 yards, but grouped well. No surprise - all rounds went boom in single and double action.

This thing feels stout for a .357, for a .38 Special it borders on silly. The 9mms must really be pussycats.

I have a stash of FBI loads and also some .38 Super +P 125 grain Silvertips that chamber and eject just fine. I’ll try both out next range trip.

(No surprises under the grips, except the little pin used for holding the mainspring during takedown was still there. I almost lost it.)

 

[Muley Gil]

The .38 special and .357 Magnum cylinders are identical, same steel and all. All it takes to make one a .357 is to ream the chambers a bit deeper.

 

[gwpercle]

That is simply freaking Awesome ... ATTABOY !!!

I just love it when a dream comes true ...Sweet !

Leave it chambered 38 Special ... the older you get the more you appreciate the " The Special " and 38 special chambered handguns are extremely accurate ... besides you can handload some +P Near Magnum loads if you need them ...
Gary