Ruger Speed Six: A Medium-Framed Workhorse Revolver

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I have a solid affection for worn, workmanlike handguns. I don’t regard a revolver introduced in my lifetime as vintage, but perhaps I need to adjust my worldview. Some of these handguns that were introduced and then went out of production may rightly be called vintage. The Ruger Speed Six is such a revolver and one that will serve as well as any modern revolver.

Ruger introduced the Speed Six’s primogenitor, the Security Six, in 1972. Advertised as a massive-frame revolver chambering the powerful .357 Magnum, it featured a solid frame for strength. The action was modular and could be removed from the bottom of the frame.

After a few months of Security Six production, Ruger introduced two fixed-sight models. The Service Six was simply a fixed-sight version of the Security Six while the Speed Six had a round butt in place of the Security Six’s square one.

Ruger’s advertised “massive frame” is actually a medium frame, similar in size to Colt’s .41 frame revolvers. It was a tad heavier than the Smith & Wesson K frame and lighter than S&W N-frame guns. If you wanted to carry a .357 Magnum revolver concealed and maintain a measure of control with Magnum loads, the Speed Six with a 2.75- or four-inch was a good place to be.

The Action

The action is smooth and trouble-free. The fixed sights are as good as any fixed revolver sights, and the round butt conceals well. The Ruger GP100 is no doubt stronger, but it is a bit heavy for constant carry. The Speed Six is just right.

Due to popular demand and regulations limiting officers to .38 Special, the Ruger Security Six, Service Six and Speed Six were also offered in .38 Special. A very few were chambered in 9mm Luger, and exports were available in .38/200.

While these are interesting and all good guns, the .357 Magnum version is the most versatile. The original Speed Six featured an attractive blue finish and slim-line wood grips. They are not finely grained walnut but serve well enough.

My sample has been refinished with some type of non-reflective coating. It isn’t barbque spray, but it isn’t exactly Cerakote-level either. The round butt feels nice in the hand and allows cupping the grip quickly during speed draws.

Shootability

A 32-ounce .357 Magnum has plenty of momentum, and it does sting with magnum loads. Adding a set of Hogue Monogrip grips aids immeasurably, although the original grips aren’t bad for a couple of cylinders at the range.

This is one revolver where Bill Jordan’s rule of mastering the .357 Magnum applies. Fire 20 .38 Special cartridges for every magnum. With standard .38 Special loads the Ruger Speed Six is a joy to fire and use. Recoil is modest, and the smooth, rolling trigger action is easily mastered by those willing to practice.

All previous Ruger medium-frame double-action revolvers went out of production in 1988 with the introduction of the GP100. While the GP100 is among the most accurate and reliable handguns ever made, I wish Ruger had kept the lighter fixed-sight revolvers such as the Speed Six in production.

Today, Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum revolvers in good condition bring 90 percent of the price of a new GP100—often found for $300 to $500, depending on condition.

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