[HOUSTONTX]

I have a speed six that is in great condition and I was looking to find out more about it. What is it valued at? Is it rare? Any other comments about it would be great.

[Wishoot]

Should probably move this to the revolver section....

At any rate, the Speed Six is a great gun. I have it's brother, the Security Six and I absolutely love it.

[c919]

I know it's not an autoloader... :D

[Avenger29]

The -Six series is a discontinued line of double action revolvers made by Ruger. They aren't exactly rare. There was the Security Six, Speed Six, and I believe the Service Six. One of them (maybe the Speed six?) is a round butt design as opposed to the square butt others.

All are excellent revolvers, Ruger made them to compete for the LE market against S&W. They were not profitable revolvers, but are good quality and will serve anyone well.

The .357 and .38 versions are most common, but Ruger also made them in 9mm. I don't know of any other factory chamberings.

They were rather low cost in the past years, but are increasing in price from what I see.

Here's the wikipedia page on it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Security_Six

[Voland]

I have a service six and a speed six in SS 4" and I love them both.

As far as what its worth, we would need a bit more information... is it a SS or blued? what caliber... Most range from $250 to $450 with some 9mm versions going for as much as $600. This information is based on about a months worth of research that I did on GB, rugger forums and general discussion.

IMHO, you should not sell it. Its a fine revolver and you will probably not be able to replace it for what you get out of it with a new one.

Thanks and good luck!

V.

[Blue Brick]

The Security Six line of revolvers was introduced by American company Sturm, Ruger & Co in 1971, as the new, most modern revolvers for police, military and civilian use. The line included three basic models - "Security Six" revolver with adjustable sights and square butt frame, "Police Service Six" revolvers (also known simply as "Service Six") with fixed sights and square butt frame, and "Speed Six" revolvers with with fixed sights and round butt frame. The first model was offered with three barrel lengths - 2,75" / 70mm, 4" / 102mm and 6" / 152mm, two latter models were offered only in two lengths - 2,75" / 70mm and 4" / 102mm. There also was fourth model in this line-up, the GS32-N, which was initially offered for government buyers; it was basically a slightly modified Speed Six revolver. Standard chamberings for the family were .357 Magnum or .38 Special, with 9x19 Luger / Parabellum added later (this featured a modified cylinder with patented extractor that had a spring ring which entered ejector grooves on rimless 9mm cartridge cases). For export to British commonwealth countries Ruger also made Speed Six revolvers in .380 British Service chambering. In 1975, Ruger introduced stainless-steel versions of all three basic models, which were produced concurrently with carbon steel models. Production of the whole line was ceased in 1988, with introduction of the second-generation Ruger GP-100 revolvers. Well over 1,5 million of Ruger's first-generation double action revolvers were produced. These revolvers were issued by US Border guard, National Immigration service, US armed forces, many police departments. Many revolvers were also exported to other countries.
In general, these first-generation Ruger revolvers were considered an excellent guns, strongly built, reliable and simple to maintain -all that with relatively affordable price. Many Service Six, Security Six and Speed Six revolvers are still sold in USA on commercial 2nd-hand market.

Ruger Security / Service / Speed Six revolvers are double-action guns with exposed hammers and swing-out cylinders. The trigger lockwork was assembled into the single unit along with detachable trigger guard, hammer was powered by durable coil spring. Revolvers have separate frame-mounted firing pin and automatic transfer-bar safety which permits the hammer to strike the firing pin only if trigger is fully depressed. Cylinder lock is operated by a push-button, located on the left side of the frame, behind the cylinder. Cylinder held 6 rounds of ammunition, and swung open to the left. Standard grips were checkered wood

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg210-e.htm

[btg3]

The Security/Speed/Service Six revolvers are not rare. However, some say they are becoming more scarce and are preferable to the current GP100. In any event, the Six series are a solid design and desirable revolvers. Also, parts are readily available to recondition any that have been well used over the years. I would advise keeping what you have regardless of the value, to avoid later regrets.

[Confederate]

Yes, selling these guns isn't a good idea. One of the popular topics of discussions in gun stores is how Ruger should bring these guns back. (They won't.) The newer GP-100s are bigger and heavier without adding any necessary strength.

In short, the newer guns are better at the range, but are too bulky and the muzzles too heavy to quickly acquire targets in general field use. (Much of the praise heaped on the 6-inch Security-Sixes was that they were light to carry, strong and were outstanding field and hunting guns.)

Bill Jordan advocated a light, powerful .357 that was easy to carry and quick to pick up moving targets. The Security-Six fit the bill exactly, and unlike the S&W 13/19 "K"-frames, they could eat .357 rounds for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The new GP-100 is a decent revolver, but they aren't Security-Sixes. They're great drawer guns, superior othe range, but need to be smaller and lighter in my opinion. For the size, I'd pick the S&W 686.

[S&W-Keeper]

I bought a 2 3/4" .357 mag stainless Speed Six several weeks ago for $300.It had an action job,and was mag-na-ported. I didn't know that you could get a Ruger that smooth.It is becoming one of my favorites. I would be hard pressed to sell it for $550.

[blue german]

The common barrel lengths on the Security-Six, Speed-Six, Police Service-Six series were 2 3/4", 4" and 6" with a special run of stainless steel guns in 3" for the US Postal Service. The design and tooling was all sold to the French sometime after 1989 and they have made a modified form (with a SIDEPLATE NO LESS!!!!) for a few years to arm some of their police.

Before the tooling was sold, Ruger cranked out 500,000 guns in 380/200 (the Brit name for the 38 S&W cartridge) with lanyard rings for the Indian Government to arm their police.

[HOUSTONTX]

It is a blued finish and is a .357, 2 3/4". It is in almost perfect condition. I would really love to trade it for a 44 mag. I really love every aspect of the gun but when I took it to my local gun show show, most people were trying to offer anything on their table for it. So that kind of made me a bit curious about what I have.

[Virginian]

Ruger made a design change with these revolvers at serial number prefix 151, and the earlier ones had a gently sloping backstrap profile without the traditional hump at the top of the grip, and lots of people had issues with their hands riding up as they shot. Those made after the change from prefix 151 on up have a lot more traditional grip profile, and handled a lot better to most people, including me. If you want to collect one, the earlier ones are more scarce, but none of them are really rare. The later ones are all great shooters.

[Voland]

No surprise there... If its really in good shape, people would be willing to trade for it with ease... Any reason you dont want to keep it and just buy the .44 outright?

I suppose if you dont CC or like the 357 you could trade it but at some point, you will probably regret it... :evil:

V.

[Blue Brick]

I love mine.

[oldgoat46]

All I will add to the excellent comments so far is Enjoy it. It is a very strong, well made well balance revolver certainly equal in quality to smiths and colts costing twice as much.

[tekarra]

You have a mighty fine revolver. I have three Sixes and will hang on to the them for some time. May I suggest you visit www.rugerforum.net and www.rugerforum.com and post your questions.

[roaddog28]

Unfornately I sold my Security Six 2.75. I am now looking for a Stainless Speed Six 2.75. They are not easy to locate.

Wish me luck,
roaddog28

[jad0110]

I wouldn't sell it, if I were you. Give it 4 or 5 more years and these guns will probably be pushing north of $500. I just picked up a 4" blued Service Six in .357 Mag for $275 last week. The finish is worn, but that just gives it more character IMO. Lockup is super tight. The same gunshop had a used GP100 in excellent condition for $350. A good price, but as nice as the GP may be for the range and home defense, it is a bloated pig for carry.

Oldgoat is right, the Sixes balance very well, just as good (or nearly so) as equivalent barrel length S&W K Frames.

Now I'd just like to find a 2.75" or preferrably a 3" Six and I'll be set.


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Ruger%20Service%20Six%20357%20Magnum/DSC00541.jpg


Just start saving a little every month and you'll have enough for a .44 Mag before long, but keep in mind that unless you are a reloader you won't be able to feed it much :p .

6 months ago, I bought a double action 5.5" stainless steel Ruger Redhawk in .44 Mag that came with a case, shoulder holster and 50 rounds of .44 Mag JHP for $300. Now, that price was more than fair, but Redhawks can be found for $400 or so if you are patient. Single Action Blackhawks may sell for less used, but I'm not certain.

[WVfishguy]

Speed Sixes are the strongest snubbies, period. I find their triggers to be acceptable, and with a little 'smithing, can equal a good S&W.

I have seen Speed Sixes go for $500, much more for the 9mm version, which I stupidly sold 20 years ago.

The Speed Sixes are so desirable now because of the increased interest in concealed carry.

I have a feeling that guns like the Ruger Speed Six will be among the first to made illegal to produce as this nation (and world) drifts toward a "New World Order." Good quality concealed carry guns are easy to condemn in the press, thus easily outlawed.

I might sell some other guns, but I'll die owning the Speed Six. Plus, the price of this gun will NEVER go down.

[Avenger29]

By the way, I currently carry a 4" bbled Security Six.

Big gun, but I shoot it well and have absolute confidence in it.

[Bill_G]

out of my 5 pistols, my speed six 2.75 is the last one i would part with.

trust me.....if you sell it you'll regret it.