Ruger Speed-six vs Taurus 669

[Southern Shooter]

I have the chance to pick up one of two .357 revolvers. They are both $300 out the door. It would be for both around the house protection and in the woods to take care of unwanted critters. It would not be for hunting.

1) Ruger Speed-six, manufacture date 1983, blue, some wear on the finish, 2 3/4" barrel, smooth trigger, lock-up is very, very tight, timing excellent, original wood grips.

2) Taurus 669, manufacture date 1990, stainless, mint condition, 6" heavy barrel, decent trigger, lock-up tight, timing excellent, original wood grips.

Opinions? Which would ya'll choose and why?

Thanks

 

[Bill_G]

i have the ruger security six in 2.75 barrel.

i have been lusting for a speed six for some time. i consider the speed/security sixes to be just about perfect for a SD revolver.. definitely grab the ruger!! built like a tank and great customer service. dont even worry about the finish.

load it up with Speer 135gr 38 +p gold dots and you are absolutely ready to go.

 

[Glockensig]

I have two 669's - one blue and one stainless - both 4" barrels. They are both great guns. Years ago, one of the gun rags did a Ruger GP100, Smith 686 and Taurus 669 side by side comparison. They were suprised to find out that the 669 was the most accuarate of the 3. I don't think you can go wrong with either one!!

 

[Ifishsum]

I think you'll be happier if you just buy both!

I love my Taurus 689, but if you're not hunting that smaller Ruger will be easier to pack around.

 

[SSN Vet]

I've been well pleased with my 689 (6-1/2" vent rib barrel)

but I think the real question here is what length barrel do you want.

your not going to easilly concele the 689....but that long barrel is going to take full advantage of the magnum load. You'll find it easier to shoot this one more accurately.

you can carry the 2-3/4" barrel....but you'll sacrifice on ballistics (you'll likely wind up shooting .38's with this one) and it will take much more practice to shoot it well.

I've found that unwanted critters are most easilly dispatched with either a box trap or a .22 rifle.

so if the game is personal/home defense, why not get something you can carry concealed.

if you already have a carry piece, get the 6" barrel and have "full power" parked in your night stand.

 

[Dienekes]

Grab the Ruger. They're good guns, built for stout, and factory service is good and they will be there when you need them. Which is unlikely.

BTW I took the Ruger armorer's course on them years ago, and that is the official word.

 

[Confederate]

My own personal choice would be a stainless Speed-Six with compact Pachmayr grips. You also have to watch side by side comparisons in "gun rags." Since the guns are most often factory ringers, nothing like what you'd likely get out of a box, you can't very well go by them. The Speed-Six is the superior gun by far.

 

[Glockensig]

You also have to watch side by side comparisons in "gun rags."

You may also have to watch out for comparisons by posters who have never even done a side by side comparison. The GP100 which replaced all the sixes is not even

the superior gun by far

. I have owned both!

 

[Deaf Smith]

Confederate,

Is that a 3 inch Postal Service Speed Six????

It sure looks like one. I kick my self for passing up one years ago.

Oh, and I have a 2 3/4 Security Six, 2 3/4 Speed Six, and a 4 inch Service Six. Guess you can say I like the Ruger SecuritY/Service/Speed Six series.

 

[Blue .45]

My brother picked up a 2.75" Speed-Six a few years back at a gun show. I shoot it more accurately than either of my 4" GP100s. If I ever come across one at any of my local shops, that sucker is mine!!! Definitely get the Ruger. You will have no problem getting your money back if for some reason you decide you don't like it. Seriously doubt that will be the case though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a 2.75" Police Service-Six and it's an outstanding revolver. It's very accurate and the trigger is as smooth as glass. I have never shot the Taurus revolver you listed but I have shot Taurus Snub Nose revolvers. The trigger on the Taurus revolvers I've shot isn't in the class of the Ruger in any way.

Actually, the 2 revolvers are totally different and hard to compare. You are trying to compare a medium frame Snub Nose to a large frame 6" heavy barrel revolver. Both have their place but are hardly interchangeable.

 

[Cosmoline]

The Speed Six is my all time favorite wheelgun. IMHO it is the finest all-around concealable .357 ever made.

 

[glockman19]

As they say, It's always "a flush over a straight, a full house over a flush, and four of a kind over a full house".

It's the same for revolvers, It's always "a Ruger over a Taurus".

 

[Bearcat]

The Ruger is a better piece and will hold its value better over time.

 

[Confederate]

Is that a 3 inch Postal Service Speed Six????

It was a .38 Spc that I had reamed for the .357 cartridge. I, too, love these guns and there's no doubt that the strength and quality of these guns are something Taurus can only dream about. The balance is night unto perfect and I've been known to carry it around in my front pants pocket.

 

[Charles S]

I would vote for the Ruger hands down. I have had great experiences with the older Rugers.

The older Rugers are no longer made, you can get the Taurus anytime.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Thank you

Thanks for the input...The more I look at and handle the Ruger the more I can't put it down. I think I will be adopting it soon.

 

[Rexster]

There is something very special about the Speed Six, which I believe is why so few are found on the pre-owned market, and go quickly when offered. I lucked into a 4" Speed Six last year; a truly wonderful carry sixgun. The Ruger GP100 replaced the DA Sixes for economy of manufacture, not design improvement for its own sake. Of course, I truly love the GP100 factory grip, so I like the old and the new.