Speed Six 9mm BLUED

[hedrok]

Hello, All...I'm hoping for a few bits of information about a blued Speed Six, 9mm,
2 3/4 bbl, serial # 157--59xxx.
I bought this revolver a few years ago along with a stainless version of the same
wheel gun. I carry the SS gun daily...but have not shot the blued one since there is
virtually no turn line and it's otherwise perfect. Besides...the SS never fails, so the
need for a NIB back up isn't there. I think I have the box...certainly have papers.

While I've seen several of the SS models over the years, I've never seen another
blued model.
I'm looking for all the info I can obtain so the next owner will have it...if there IS a
next owner.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Terry T]

I have one, ser. no. 157-64XX. Not sure what you're asking for. I do believe they were not as popular as the stainless ones. I've seen at least a couple of others over the years but certainly not as often as the stainless ones.



I've just acquired a Stainless one - well, sort of - prior owner had put a 4" .38 spl. barrel on it and swapped in a .357 mag. cylinder! He kept the original parts! The 9mm cylinder swapped back in so I have a 'convertible' ! I'm working on getting the 2 3/4" 9mm barrel put back on. :shock:
Terry T

 

[hedrok]

Thanks for the response.
Nice gun, Terry. Is yours a 157- 4digit or you missing an "x
As for the info I'm looking for, I'd like to know:
Year of mfg.
Number (or ratio)of blued to SS
Desirability of blued to SS for collectors
Value

All of that will help me decide to sell it or not.

 

[Terry T]

hedrok,
Not quite awake, yes, missing an 'x'.
I believe my friend, Lovemydals, has blued 4 inch 9mm Speed Sixs in both scalloped and non-scalloped frames, as well. I also have a 4" blued Service Six in 9mm.
It is my understanding that no 4" stainless 9mm Speed Sixs were made. But...with Ruger we never say never.

Ruger web site has the date of manufacture by ser. no. probably 1981.

So far, since Ruger refuses to release their records, we have no idea of the ratio of blued to stainless. Just my observations from a few years of collecting, maybe 2 or 3 stainless to each blued, but that's total speculation on my part.

Just a handful of we Ruger double action collectors at this point so not a lot of collector premium just yet.

I gave $625 for mine a couple of years ago without a box. I'd guess a current value would be in the $700 range, plus or minus, with box. The 9mm are in demand but more as shooters than as collectables. The stainless ones are in the $700 - $800 range. Check Gunbroker. com and look at sold guns. Some folks list theirs for a very 'proud' asking price but they don't sell.

Hope this helps,
Terry T

 

[contender]

I too treasure my blued 9mm Speed-Six.

 

[hedrok]

That helps a lot, Terry. I guess I understand the "collector" thing to some extent, but being a
practical (read "frugal") guy...I think it'd be a shame to have the best self defense revolvers I've
ever used to be all locked up in the security of collections all over the country.
I shot an IDPA match last night with mine and placed well against semi-autos for both speed and
accuracy with all shots being at 15 yds or better.
I may end up having a bit of a collection of these fine revolvers...but they'll not stay locked up like
they're wearing a chastity belt. My girls are going to the dance.

I still may sell the blued...'cause I just found a factory speed hammered SS that I've been looking for
ever since I ripped open the inside of my vest on the hammer of my carry gun. BAD gun! BAD gun!

 

[Terry T]

Henrok,
I think there are some speed hammers on Gunbroker.com - it's a 'drop in' to your blued Speed Six.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=450148907

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=450439542

Then you can use your 'dark beauty' as well! 8)
Just keep the original hammer and put it back in for that day when you finally part company.
Terry T

 

[hedrok]

And, "Thank you" again, Terry.
He's just now added to my favorite sellers list.
I've got a couple of triple "T" S&Ws that I've wanted combat
triggers for...I'm sure he's got them.

 

[edlmann]

I think there are some speed hammers on Gunbroker.com - it's a 'drop in' to your blued Speed Six.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=450148907

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=450439542

Also available at Numrich.

BTW, how do I tell the difference between DAO and not-DAO hammers?

 

[FergusonTO35]

Love those short tube Speed Sixes. Perfect carry revolver if there ever was one. I spent some quality time with my 1988 Service Six today, wouldn't trade it for any wheelgun currently made from any manufacturer!!

 

[hedrok]

I almost agree, Ferguson...I'd be hard pressed to turn down a Korth...Freedom Arms or a TLA.
But that's only because I have a back-up...lol