Ruger Speed-Six
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1972
Also known as: Speed Six, Ruger Model 207 / 208 / 209
Overview
The Ruger Speed-Six is a double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, part of Sturm, Ruger & Co.'s 'Six' series alongside the Security-Six and Service-Six. Introduced in 1972 and built on investment-cast carbon steel, it pairs a six-round swing-out cylinder with fixed sights and a compact round-butt frame intended for plainclothes detectives and concealed carry. A transfer-bar mechanism allows the revolver to be carried safely with all chambers loaded. Offered with 2.75-inch and 4-inch barrels in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and 9mm Luger, the Speed-Six served numerous police and security agencies before production ended in 1988.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 880 g (31.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 235 mm (9.25") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 410 m/s (1345 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 680 J (502 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar Safety
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Transfer Bar Safety, Fixed Sights, Round Butt Grip, Investment Cast Steel Frame, Exposed Hammer
Service history
Operators
- Royal Ulster Constabulary
- U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
Production
Production years: 1972-1988
Approximately 1.5 million units produced across the entire Six series (Security-Six, Service-Six, Speed-Six).
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Harry Sefried / Henry Into
Discontinued: 1988
Notes
The Speed-Six differs from the Security-Six by its round-butt grip and fixed sights, and from the fixed-sight Service-Six by its concealment-oriented round butt. Stainless steel versions were added from 1975. Also chambered in .38 Special and 9mm Luger (with moon clips).
Background
The 'Six' series was Bill Ruger's first foray into the double-action revolver market, engineered around investment casting and a coil-spring lockwork to undercut Smith & Wesson and Colt on cost while matching their strength. The Speed-Six's snag-free round butt and fixed sights made it a favored backup and plainclothes sidearm in the 1970s and 1980s.