I Have This Old Gun - Ruger Speed-Six Revolver

Published on July 18, 2017
Duration: 5:18

This video provides an expert overview of the Ruger Speed-Six revolver, detailing its place in the law enforcement market alongside the Service-Six and Security-Six models. It highlights the Speed-Six's design as Ruger's answer to compact revolvers like the Colt Detective Special and S&W Chief's Special, emphasizing its suitability for concealed carry while still handling powerful cartridges. Key technical features such as the solid frame, coil mainspring, and transfer bar safety are discussed, along with its fixed sights designed for snag-free drawing.

Quick Summary

The Ruger Speed-Six was a compact double-action revolver designed for law enforcement and concealed carry, competing with models like the Colt Detective Special. It featured a durable solid frame, reliable coil springs, and a transfer bar safety. Its fixed sights were optimized for snag-free drawing, making it a practical choice for concealment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Ruger's Double-Action Revolvers
  2. 00:18Speed-Six: Round Butt, Fixed Sights
  3. 00:23Service-Six: Square Butt, Fixed Sights
  4. 00:30Security-Six: Square Butt, Adjustable Sights
  5. 00:38Ruger's Solid Frame Design Achievement
  6. 00:45All Coil Springs and Heavy-Duty Parts
  7. 00:53Speed-Six as Ruger's Answer to Compact Revolvers
  8. 01:15Concealability and Law Enforcement Appeal
  9. 01:31Context: 1970s Firearms Landscape
  10. 01:45Compact Size, Powerful Punch
  11. 02:02William B. Ruger Sr.'s Vision
  12. 02:13Entering the Double-Action Revolver Market
  13. 02:21Dominance of Colt and Smith & Wesson
  14. 02:30Ruger's Value Proposition
  15. 02:44Modern Features: Coil Mainspring
  16. 02:51Reliability of Coil Springs
  17. 03:01Modern Features: Transfer Bar Safety
  18. 03:38Desirable Safety Feature
  19. 03:41Speed-Six Sights: Fixed Groove and Ramp
  20. 04:01U-Notch Rear Sight
  21. 04:06Low-Profile Pinned Front Ramp Sight
  22. 04:12Purpose of Fixed Sights: Snag-Free Drawing
  23. 04:24No Side Plate, One-Piece Invest-Cast Frame
  24. 04:31Modular Trigger Group Assembly
  25. 04:45Field Strippable with a Coin
  26. 04:51Enduring Popularity for Carry and Defense
  27. 05:05Acquiring a Speed-Six, Service-Six, or Police-Six

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the three main double-action revolver models Ruger introduced to compete in the law enforcement market?

Ruger introduced three models: the Speed-Six (round butt, fixed sights), the Service-Six (square butt, fixed sights), and the Security-Six (square butt, adjustable sights). These were designed to compete for law enforcement contracts before the dominance of semi-automatic pistols.

What made the Ruger Speed-Six suitable for concealed carry?

The Speed-Six was designed as a compact revolver, similar to the Colt Detective Special or S&W Chief's Special. Its round butt and fixed sights, particularly the low-profile front ramp sight, were intended to allow for quick, snag-free drawing from concealment.

What were some key modern features of the Ruger Speed-Six and its siblings?

Key modern features included a solid frame design eliminating side plates, the use of all coil springs for improved reliability, and a transfer bar safety system that prevented accidental discharge by ensuring the hammer only contacted the firing pin when the trigger was fully pulled.

How did Ruger's Speed-Six design differ from traditional revolvers regarding maintenance?

The Speed-Six featured an innovative design where the trigger group assembly fit into the frame from below and snapped into place, containing all fire control mechanisms in a modular subassembly. This allowed the revolver to be field stripped with minimal tools, often just a coin.

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