S&W Model-13 vs. Ruger Speed Six

[Sistema1927]

I have a 2.5" S&W 19-4 (as well as a 64, 686, 642, 37, and 22-4, I like S&W) and a 2.75" Ruger Speed-Six.

While the 19-4 is a work of art, the Ruger is built like a tank. Both will do the job, but I feel more comfortable dragging the Speed-Six down the pot-holed road of real life.

 

[woodsltc]

While the 19-4 is a work of art, the Ruger is built like a tank. Both will do the job, but I feel more comfortable dragging the Speed-Six down the pot-holed road of real life.

Both of my M-13's are about 95% condition ---- while not safe queens they are not what I would (to quote Sistema1927) "feel more comfortable dragging down the pot-holed road "---- I'm hoping I can find a good Speed Six 2 3/4 inch barrel that I will feel OK with to throw it under the truck seat, shove into the back-pack ..etc... and still have a quality gun. I've missed out on a couple that I should have jumped on, but heck , thats part of the fun of accumulating guns ---- searching for that particular one!!!!

Don

 

[csmkersh]

The only problem I have with any Ruger firearm made since 1994 is the name on the barrel; Ruger.


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[Guillermo]

The only problem I have with any Ruger firearm made since 1994 is the name on the barrel; Ruger.

What is your problem with Ruger?

Or are you just stirring the pot?

 

[csmkersh]

It has to do with William B. Ruger's fathering the hi-cap mag ban.


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[jaholder1971]

I've got a Security Six and a Model 65 3".

I'm looking for a gunsmith who can put my Smith trigger in my Security Six. Then we would have the perfect combat revolver.

 

[wnycollector]

I have a Security Six snub. It gets carried more than any other gun I own. I will say that a 3" K frame is on my list of "must have's" for my collection!

 

[golden]

SMITH for carry, RUGER for shooting

I used to carry a 3 inch barreled SMITH & WESSON model 13 on duty. It is an excellent carry gun, but like most K frames, it is a bit weak with .357 ammo.

The following is what I ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED OR SAW, not a rumor or a second hand story.

1. Of the 47 guns issued to my academy class, 12 had problems. Mine had the sideplate screws torqued, I carried it anyway.
At least 2 guns were not shootable. Several had to be traded in for replacement guns.

2. My agency issued a notice FORBIDDING THE USE OF 125 GRAIN HOLLOW POINTS, AS SEVERAL OF THE GUNS BURST AT THE FORCING CONE.

3. Recoil with the 125 grain load can be severe. My agency went to the 110 grain hollow point. It was a much milder load.

4. None of these problems were listed with the SECURITY SIX that my agency used.

From my own experience, I would carry a model 13 only loaded with 110 grain loads. This is fine by me for a carry gun.

If I intended to shoot the gun a lot, I would go with the RUGER.

Just my experience.

Jim

 

[woodsltc]

I used to carry a 3 inch barreled SMITH & WESSON model 13 on duty. It is an excellent carry gun, but like most K frames, it is a bit weak with .357 ammo.

The following is what I ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED OR SAW, not a rumor or a second hand story.

1. Of the 47 guns issued to my academy class, 12 had problems. Mine had the sideplate screws torqued, I carried it anyway.
At least 2 guns were not shootable. Several had to be traded in for replacement guns.

2. My agency issued a notice FORBIDDING THE USE OF 125 GRAIN HOLLOW POINTS, AS SEVERAL OF THE GUNS BURST AT THE FORCING CONE.

3. Recoil with the 125 grain load can be severe. My agency went to the 110 grain hollow point. It was a much milder load.

4. None of these problems were listed with the SECURITY SIX that my agency used.

From my own experience, I would carry a model 13 only loaded with 110 grain loads. This is fine by me for a carry gun.

If I intended to shoot the gun a lot, I would go with the RUGER.

Just my experience.

Jim

Jim, I believe the problems you described with the K-Frames and the "hot" 125 grain loads is what prompted S&W to develop the L-Frame revolvers. L-Frames being stouter in the areas needed to handle a steady diet of hot .357 mag loads.

Don

 

[PzGren]

Since you like your model 13, a Ruger 6 series revolver is a good choice. The 6 series is closest in handling and trigger characteristics to S&W.

The Security and Service Six revolvers are underrated and can still be found at better prices than a GP100. They have the simple and solid design that lacks just a little of the refined trigger pull and hammer fall that S&W can provide.

Only if you try one, will you be able to appreciate the Six series as I do.

 

[golden]

Exactly

WOODSLTC,

From what I read, that is exactly what happened. The L frame guns are really great as far as strength, balance and can have an incredible trigger if the work is done right.

I switched to a model 681 from the model 13. I found it to be a great shooter. The only drawback was the extra half pound of weight. It got old at the end of a 12 hour shift.

I still have that 681 and a 686 that has one of the nicest triggers I have ever used on a revolver.

If SMITH had brought out the model 519 and 520 (L frame model) back in the 1980's, they might have held onto a larger part of the market.

Jim

 

[Guillermo]

csmkersh

Ruger has changed its ways.

The same cannot be said for Smith & Clinton

 

[csmkersh]

Going to PMs so thread won't be locked.

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[JNewell]

Back on topic...I used to assume that the Security/Speed Six line was basically as rugged as the GP100, at least in practical use. There was a long thread on the Ruger forum a few months ago in which quite a few owners of high-mileage Sixes told about the repair and rebuild work their Sixes had needed over the years. So...while the Sixes are probably going to go longer on a diet of hot 125s than a K frame, they are not indestructible (and some parts are beginning to get scarce).

 

[slick6]

Well, in one 30,000 round durability test, a Security-Six shot three times as many rounds as an Smith & Wesson Model 19 did, shooting hot .357's. before shooting loose! The Model 19 was shot loose in shooting only 1/3 of those rounds! Neither gun was indestructible-but, the Security-Six proved itself to be considerably more durable than the Model 19!

 

[Guillermo]

csmkersh made his point via PM in a polite, well informed manner.

His PM has caused me to do some research. In the end I too might join his position.

 

[Tom Servo]

Since you've already got the K-Frames, I'd say get the Ruger to complement them. Over the last couple of years, I've really developed a fondness for the Rugers, and I've found that even their smaller guns handle Magnums nicely.

Ruger triggers (once they're broken in) remind me favorably of Colts.

The S&W certainly feels more natural to me, but as a fighting gun, I'd trust a Ruger.

Nobody ever shot anyone with a Swiss Clock....

Actually, I've got a funny story about that. It involves my work in mall security, when Triad gangsters tried to hold up the Strudel Haus and my carry weapon (given to me by the ghost of Dean Wesson) ran out of ammo...

His PM has caused me to do some research. In the end I too might join his position.

Bear in mind, neither company is what it was during the dark days of the 1990s. While I know some folks feel animosity for past sins, S&W is no longer under Tomkins, and they are running under a whole new Board of Directors. While I have a few (minor) niggles about what they choose and choose not to manufacture, I don't feel politically bound to avoid them or Ruger.

 

[Guillermo]

I don't feel politically bound to avoid them or Ruger

I understand your position and respectfully disagree.

Smith & Clinton are ignoring their customers and Ruger does not make anything that I particularly want.

Thank you Lord for all the old Colts and Smiths that are on the secondary market.

 

[Trebor]

My carry gun is a S&W M 65 3". I also have a M 13 3" I use as a spare.

I'm also thinking of picking up a a Ruger Speed or Security Six with a 2 3/4" barrel to try.

I say get the Ruger so you can compare them head to head. You can always sell it if you don't like it.

 

[Shade00]

The Ruger is going to feel a little different, but it's a good different. Don't hesitate to get the Ruger. I love mine.

 

[Evyl Robot]

K frames have weaknesses the Ruger doesn't have, a stronger gun all over.

Bingo. This is why there is no current-production Magnum K-frame. Or to put it another way:

Although the model 13 is a great gun and a classic, for heavy duty usage, the Speed-Six is far superior.

That's why they came out with the L-frame, right? I don't usually feel like putting my opinion in a S&W vs Ruger thread. I love my Smiths. If the question is which is stronger, S&W or Ruger, then the answer might be:

To me, it is much like speaking of the superior strength of a body-on-frame construction of a pickup truck when the owner never tows or gets off road but rather commutes in it.

But is the question whether the M-13 is better than a Speed Six? The fact that S&W designed a NEW FRAME to replace the Magnum K's tells me that they believe that the Speed Six is BETTER than the M-13. I personally would love to have a 13, 19, 65, etc. in my collection one day, provided it has not seen too many magnum loads to knock the nickle off/crack the forcing cone/stretch the top strap, because that frame was not designed with any such forces in mind. But, that's not the question either.

You are asking for opinions, and here's mine: I would be proud to own the 13's, but if you are thinking of getting the Ruger as well, I say go for it!

 

[woodsltc]

You are asking for opinions, and here's mine: I would be proud to own the 13's, but if you are thinking of getting the Ruger as well, I say go for it!
__________________

Several have given virtually the same advise as quoted above.

I like both S&W's and Rugers and I've been looking for a good 2 3/4 inch Speed Six for several months now. As I stated previously I've missed out on a couple and have only myself to blame --- but I'm "still in the hunt" for one.

Additionally, I'm also looking to get another M-13..... I just think they are great guns!!

Don

 

[Marshall]

While it's not a 3" tube, the 4" Model 13 sure balances nicely. The 3" would be more desirable for IWB carry but for OWB I'm not sure it makes a difference. I sure like this HB version.

 

[Confederate]

If you have a Model 13, then I would think you'd be happier with a Ruger. Alas, "appeal" is in the eye of the beholder. I can say with absolute assuredly that the Ruger is the better gun of the two. It's a solid frame gun that can be disassembled and reassembled in the field, it has oversized parts, is about the same weight, but it's not a Model 13. The older 13s, with their pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, have a certain charm that people like in shooting. A stainless Speed-Six in a bugout bag would be mighty comforting, but you might enjoy the 13 more at the range. At any rate, having one of each makes more sense than having two of the same gun.





The Speed-Six is a good strong gun.

 

[GaryM]

Installing a Wolff spring kit in a speed/security six does wonders for the trigger and helps a lot with the accuracy.
My 4" security six is a whole 'nother gun with it installed.