Ruger Speed Six 9mm, rarity & price check

[bikemutt]

Learned from a LGS pawnshop today they have a Ruger Speed Six chambered in 9mm, used with tupperware, manual, lock and moon clips which will be under glass in about 30 days per WA law. However, I can put a deposit on it and secure now it if I so desire.

The gun appears to be in fine shape, it's built like an M1 Abrahms tank. The grips aren't my cup of tea, probably Hogues.

I have a fair amount invested in the 9mm platform now what with AR15s and various other semi-autos so owning a very nice revolver that chambers the same round makes perfect sense, at least that's how I'd explain it to my wife

The pawnbroker assures me this gun is rare and gunbroker.com seems to support his position. The price is $599 plus tax and is non-negotiable; he smugly revealed his little black book of customers pointing out that he did me a huge favor calling me first.

So fellow revolerites, is this one rare and is $599 a decent deal?

 

[W.E.G.]

That's the price they sell for at auction.

I have to wonder how many customers in that black book want a used 9mm billboard-barrel revolver bad enough to get into it for $599 plus tax.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

More than I would give.

 

[PabloJ]

The price is not unreasonable. Not sure what .357 in same model goes for but this would be worth about 30% more.

 

[bikemutt]

That's the price they sell for at auction.

Then add shipping, FFL transfer fee and, at least in WA, still have to pay sales tax.

 

[PabloJ]

The ammo is cheap and plentiful if you like the gun I would get it. What looks like 3" barrel ads to desirability. I know it's a Ruger, but look over the gun carefully with those grips they might have been shooting hot loads through that gun.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Yes, rare and $600 + is fair for the 9mm around here. If you find one.

I've never shot/owned one,(many other $600 guns higher up the list) so can't say how well the moonclips work or how long they last.

I do have a Speed Six in .38special only and love it.

Enjoy the search.

 

[hirundo82]

I know it's a Ruger, but look over the gun carefully with those grips they might have been shooting hot loads through that gun.

Is it physically possible to load 9x19 hot enough to hurt a Ruger?

 

[Deaf Smith]

I used to have a 9mm speed six. Used on board a boat off the Texas coast to kill a shark we hooked. Ok gun and yes the don't make it anymore. So from the collectors point of view it's pretty good.

$600? I dunno. If you have the money I guess it would be interesting.

Deaf

 

[tekarra]

I have a pair of Speed Sixes in 9 mm and they are great revolvers and shoot very well. To me, the price is on the high side but if you want it go for it and you will probably not be disappointed.

 

[Jim Watson]

They are uncommon but not really rare.
The 2 3/4" is seen much more often than the 4".
I would have bought a 4" if I could have found one before they changed the revolver rules in IDPA.

 

[bikemutt]

OK then, I'll let the pawnbroker flip the page in his book.

It's not like I don't have enough steel and polymer in the safe to hurl 9mm downrange. Thanks for the help all, it's good to know I can call on the A-team to help me keep these wily pawnbrokers in line

 

[9mmepiphany]

There were two versions of the Speed/Service-Six chambered in 9mm...ones chambered in .38 S&W are the most rare; they were made for a contract for India

The initial version had a ring of music wire embedded in the ejector that engaged the rim of the case...these are rare, as most went to fill contracts overseas. The versions using moonclips are more numerous, but not common.

For use, the moonclip version is a better gun, the non-moonclip is more collectable...the S&W 647...with it's ejector fingers...falls between the two

 

[rsrocket1]

I have a Service Six and had a Security Six and those guns were meant for .357 magnum!

If you are a collector, go for it, but shooting 9mm through it will make you feel like you are shooting a 22LR.

 

[Deaf Smith]

There were two versions of the Speed/Service-Six chambered in 9mm...ones chambered in .38 S&W are the most rare; they were made for a contract for India

.38 S&W? Geeze what a waste of a very strong revolver.

Deaf

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm sure it was due to the large stocks of ammo they had from their Enfield No.2 Mk 1* pistols chambered in .38/200

 

[PabloJ]

There were two versions of the Speed/Service-Six chambered in 9mm...ones chambered in .38 S&W are the most rare; they were made for a contract for India

The initial version had a ring of music wire embedded in the ejector that engaged the rim of the case...these are rare, as most went to fill contracts overseas. The versions using moonclips are more numerous, but not common.

For use, the moonclip version is a better gun, the non-moonclip is more collectable...the S&W 647...with it's ejector fingers...falls between the two

Collectors Firearms from TX had couple .38S&Ws in stock. Those were very pricey so they may still have them.

 

[skidder]

I have the Service Six and Security Six, but not the Speed Six. I've seen that same gun go for $800 and $900 on Gunbroker. High? Yes, but you have to take in account they are tough, and not made by Ruger anymore.

I think it's a fair price according to the current market value. The Six Series are nothing to sneeze at. High quality, durable, k-frame size, and in 9mm? Man, that would be a hard to resist!

 

[Lucky Derby]

I would grab it at that price. I've been wanting a revolver in 9mm.

 

[BBBBill]

If you want a 9mm revo, you may find a prettier one, but you will never find one that is more dependable or durable. (And I do own several of the S&W offerings.)

 

[heeler]

There is a local dealer here that is selling a Service Six 9mm for $595.
I have no idea of it's condition.
I bought a very clean Service Six a couple of years ago on GB for $280.
Of course it's a 357 mag,which is more versatile in my opinion.
Not sure how many of those moonclip 9mm revolvers Ruger made though so perhaps that sub $600 price is good.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Of course it's a 357 mag,which is more versatile in my opinion.

When discussing 9mm revolvers, it isn't about being more versatile, it is about being more desirable

 

[heeler]

9mm I am aware since the 9mm revolver is not real common it will have a higher collectors value.
All that being said the reason I mentioned I thought the 357 more versatile (for me) is because it can shoot 38 Special or 357.

 

[aliveisalive]

Honestly I'd pay that OTD, it appears to be in great condition.

9mm revolver is interesting, and ammo is cheaper than .38's... So why not?

That said, you can get a 98% .357 security six for 450.

 

[bigtubby]

At one point I had all three six models in 2 3/4" .357 but never had one in 9mm and have only seen one for sale locally and it was priced high and sold quickly. I only own Smiths now!!