Ruger · Revolver
Ruger Speed-Six
Revolving · .357 Magnum · introduced 1972
Also known as Speed Six, Ruger Model 207 / 208 / 209
About the Ruger Speed-Six
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.
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.
Ruger Speed-Six specifications
General
- Type
- Revolver
- Action
- Revolving
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action single action
- Calibres
- .357 Magnum
- Magazine capacity
- 6 rounds
- Magazine
- Rotary magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 102 mm (4.0 in)
- Overall length
- 235 mm (9.3 in)
- Height
- 133 mm (5.2 in)
- Width
- 38 mm (1.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.88 kg (1.94 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Walnut
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 410 m/s (1345 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 680 J (502 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 45 m
History
- Introduced
- 1972
- Discontinued
- 1988
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- Harry Sefried / Henry Into
Features
- Swing out cylinder
- Transfer bar safety
- Fixed sights
- Round butt grip
- Investment cast steel frame
- Exposed hammer
Safety
- Transfer bar safety
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).
