One to baffle the Ruger experts, with PICS!

[19-3Ben]

I am not one to start many threads, but I recently started two on two different issues. I apologize for starting this third one, but the plot has thickened, and we have a whole new oddball situation.

I recently bought a 150 prefix Speed Six. Serial number is 150-984XX. So this thing is right at the end of the production of the 150 series frames. The thing is, I think this gun has a 151 series grip frame, despite it's serial number.

It does have the round butt grip frame that one would expect from a speed six. However, while one would think it ought to have the "fastback" backstrap design based on that serial number, it appears as though it has the more deeply curved 151 style backstrap. The grips shown in the pics are 150 series Security Six grips that Ruger sent to me.

I obviously did not expect the square butt grips to match up with the round butt at the bottom of the grip frame, but as you can see, it doesn't line up on top where it would if this were a 150 prefix frame. The grips that came with the frame are aftermarket Hogue Monogrips that fit the gun properly, though not with the clean lines that I would hope for.

I did put the Pachmayr grips from my 151 series Security Six on the Speed Six, and while they are square butt shaped, they did fit the Speed Six with no problem at all. I would guess that the different shape in the top of the backstrap would have prevented them fitting if the Speed Six actually had a 150 series grip frame.

The only thing I can think is that this was in the last batch, or last few batches of 150 prefix Speed Six's and Ruger had already switched to the updated frame design so they just stamped this gun with the 150 serial number to finish off the serial series. Do we think that's plausible and if so, do you know if this is a particularly rare or unusual revolver? I don't imagine it's hugely valuable due to the finish wear, but if I'm wrong I'm happy to be told!

So in the end, I have lots of clues and a few ideas, but no real answers here. What do ye experts think?

I thank you in advance for your expertise.

 

[19-3Ben]

I found the original grips to my 151 series Security six and installed them on my mystery/half-breed Speed Six.

Of course the round/square butt issue aside, they fit. Not an absolutely perfect match like the old Smiths where the serial numbers were numbered to the frames and hand fitted, but it's close enough to call it a match.

 

[TennJed]

I may be wrong but I think the speed six did not have the same grip change as the security six. All grips for the speed six are the same and interchangable

 

[TennJed]

Here is a recent thread on the subject

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=706888

It looks like I was wrong they did change and you are the one that started that thread, so I apologize

 

[19-3Ben]

TennJed- That was one of my initial threads, and on that thread, there are specific pictures showing that there is a difference in the Speed Six grips between 150 and 151 series.
Had there been no change, I'd just go my merry way here. But it doesn't seem that's the case. Ruger also clarified to me that there was a change. I appreciate the input.

 

[skidder]

I'd say you have a rare bird. I've always been told the "low backs" ended at the 150s. and the "high backs" started at 151. It looks like you happen to catch the tail end of the 150 serial number with the new "high back" design.

Interesting and thanks for sharing. I never rule out being surprised when it comes to Ruger.

 

[9mmepiphany]

And just think; If we'd seen a picture of your gun in the other thread, we would have recognized it for what it was and that poor guy at Ruger wouldn't have had to rummage around for the fastback grip panels

This almost always happens during design changeovers, manufacturers seldom stop and start changes taking serial numbers into consideration

 

[19-3Ben]

Hey Skidder- Thanks. I'm glad I got to post it. It's certainly a new one to me!

9mmepiphany- I hear ya. I feel bad that he went so far out of his way for me, and I actually sent him an email yesterday afternoon asking if he wants them returned. I told him that if he doesn't I will find them a good home.

I just wonder if this gives the gun any added value as a collector's piece. I love the gun, but not more than I would any other Speed Six, and frankly if the opportunity for a straight across trade on a stainless model popped up, I'd jump on it.

Thank you both so much for the info and the help. If anyone else has more info, I'm always willing to learn about my new oddball Ruger.

 

[slick6]

Hey Skidder- Thanks. I'm glad I got to post it. It's certainly a new one to me!

9mmepiphany- I hear ya. I feel bad that he went so far out of his way for me, and I actually sent him an email yesterday afternoon asking if he wants them returned. I told him that if he doesn't I will find them a good home.

I just wonder if this gives the gun any added value as a collector's piece. I love the gun, but not more than I would any other Speed Six, and frankly if the opportunity for a straight across trade on a stainless model popped up, I'd jump on it.

Thank you both so much for the info and the help. If anyone else has more info, I'm always willing to learn about my new oddball Ruger.

1)As Skidder had indicated above, what you have is a 151 frame that was stamped with the 150 serial number prefix-during the transitional period(Change over)to the 151 series(New Model)Sixes. Thus, just always order parts for the 151 series Speed-Six and these will fit your gun! Note: Except for the round butt Speed-Six grips-all of the internal parts are the same for all of the "Sixes"(Security/Service/Speed-Sixes)!

2)Following is my transitional 150 series stainless Security-Six-yet, it was stamped with the 151 serial number prefix:

 

[19-3Ben]

Hey, Slick. (wow, I actually to call a guy, Slick and not sound weird!)

Do you know if there is any kind of collector value/premium for these oddballs?

 

[slick6]

There's no collector premium just for the mismarked frame but, in my early transitional stainless Security-Six example, there is somewhat of a collector premium on this gun in view of it being a scarce(150 series)model that was produced in stainless-but, not because of having a (151)serial number prefix.

On the other hand for example, if your (151) Speed-Six, along with it's (150)marking had also been mismarked as a Service-Six or a Security-Six-then, this would be considered to be a "Rare" gun! The same would be true of my(150)stainless Security-Six for example, if it's frame had been mismarked as a Service-Six or a Speed-Six!

 

[19-3Ben]

Very cool. Sounds like I should just carry it and shoot it and enjoy the gun for what it is!

 

[slick6]

Very cool. Sounds like I should just carry it and shoot it and enjoy the gun for what it is!

Yes, go ahead and shoot your wonderful Speed-Six revolver! They are great guns and you will get a lot of enjoyment out of shooting it! I have collected approximately 22 Security/Service/Speed-Six revolvers over the last 20 years. Although I have some Smith a Colt Revolvers there's just something about the "Sixes" that keeps me wanting to buy more of them! However, this isn't so easy to do anymore!

Addendum: Regarding the question of whether or not the 150 Speed-Six grips would fit the 151 Speed-Six frame? The answer is definately not! Aside from having a different shape compared to the 151 Speed-Six grips-the half circular nub on the back side of the grips(At the top)where they fit up against the frame is of a slightly larger diameter than for the 151 Speed-Six grips! And this is true for all of the 150 series grips-as you already discovered with trying to fit your 150 Security-Six grips to your 151 Speed-Six frame! Thus the cutout in the 150 frames are larger than the cutout in the 151 and up frames!