S&W Model-13 vs. Ruger Speed Six

[woodsltc]

I would just like to get the opinions of those on the forum about which of these two revolvers would be the most desirable.

First, let me say that I think both are great revolvers that seem to fill the same niche. I "already" own a Model-13 with a 3 inch barrel now, and I've been looking for a comparable Speed Six with a 2 3/4 inch barrel to go with the S&W.

Does one have more appeal than the other or are they pretty equal??

Don

 

[Shade00]

Can't really tell you about the Model 13 or any S&W K-frame, as I do not own any. But you can see what I do own in my signature, and I just got back from shooting my new(to me) Ruger Speed Six, along with my Colt Diamondback, .357, and S&W 34 and 37. The Ruger is just a super gun - I've gotta say that I enjoyed the heck out of shooting it. I put as many rounds through it today as I put through my Colts. It's got a great weight and great action. Get one and you'll love it.

 

[trane fan]

I would go with the Mod. 13 if I were you. I previously owned a Security-Six with 2 3/4 " barrel and currently own (and will never part with) an S&W Mod. 65-2 (recessed and pinned). IMHO S&W 3 inchers are more balanced and lend themselves more readily to natural point shooting. In fact, I'm getting ready to put my Glock 36 on the market so that I can afford to purchase either an early Mod. 13 or 65 with a three inch barrel. Good luck and I hope you enjoy whatever you pick. tf

 

[Ala Dan]

A S&W model 13 with a 3" tube is the ideal CCW piece for a revolver, IMHO;
but they have become extremely scarce, as has its counterpart the 3" model
65~!

 

[JNewell]

I agree with the post above. I've owned or currently own an M13PC, an M65 3" and a couple of Ruger Security (not Speed) Sixes. The Ruger is a great gun and is one of few revolvers that you can take almost completely apart with nothing more than a cartridge case, but the balance and handling of the K-frame 3" guns is superior. Although the Speed/Security Sixes are probably better suited to a steady diet of full-power .357 Mag loads, for most purposes (including human defense), the mid-range loads are excellent choices, possibly better overall than the full-house mag loads.

 

[skoro]

Nothing against the Ruger. They have a long record of good service. But the K-frame Smiths are "just right" in so many ways. There's a reason they were the standard sidearm for so many law enforcement agencies for so long.

 

[gizamo]

I have collected S&W's for a little more then 25 years....love them, eat them, breath them....they are a Swiss Clock !!!

But is your talking CCW...
Go with the Ruger, it is the better gun....
Nobody ever shot anyone with a Swiss Clock....

Giz.....
getting my popcorn ready

 

[OFT]

I would opt for the Model 13. The Ruger is a fine gun but the S&W just seems a little smoother to me.

 

[MCgunner]

K frames have weaknesses the Ruger doesn't have, a stronger gun all over. I've had forcing cone issues with K frames, not real in love with 'em in .357 caliber. I still have my M10, won't part with it. I had a security six at one time, strong gun, great triggr after I worked it over. I traded it off for a Blackhawk I still have.

My choice after owning both, Ruger, hands down Ruger. It's just a better design, stronger, will last a LOT longer. Either gun will shoot just fine. The Ruger will last longer.

 

[MCgunner]

They have a long record of good service. But the K-frame Smiths are "just right" in so many ways. There's a reason they were the standard sidearm for so many law enforcement agencies for so long.

Yeah, like the K frame had a 70 year head start. The design is, well, old, and adequate for the .38 special for which it was originally designed, but .357 pushes limits in it.

 

[mbt2001]

Speed 6 is one of the best guns ever made, one of the most underated as well. It points excellent and is strong and accurate. I wouldn't trade mine for all the tea in China. I might consider it for all the beer in Texas if someone can hook me up there.

 

[woodsltc]

Hey, I appreciate all the replys.

I think several of you missed the fact that I "already" have a 3 inch Model-13 (actually I have two).

But, I'm also interested in getting a 2 3/4 inch Speed Six --- I've been looking for a good one for several months now.

My post was to get an idea how others felt the Speed Six & the Model-13 compared.

Giz, if you've got any extra Speed Sixes for trade I have an extra "Swiss Clock" I can trade you.

Don

 

[Virginian]

I am a Ruger man 99%. Ah, but that other 1%... I think the 13/65 is about the best gun Smith ever made. A Speed Six is fine, but I do not think it will measure up to your 13 in feel and smoothness or accuracy.

 

[Brian Williams]

S&W 13 all the way.

 

[Bearhands]

you already own a mod 13 3"..... why not go for the Ruger unless you're thinking of a retirement income.

 

[Shade00]

If you are asking should you get a Speed Six in addition to your 13, then I say absolutely. Mine is a pleasure to shoot. I enjoy shooting it as much as I enjoy shooting my Colts.

 

[woodsltc]

Bearhands / Shade00 ---- I agree with you.

I really enjoy my M-13's and for carry that is what I use. (when I'm not carrying something else )

But why not get a Speed Six --- While I haven't shot one yet, I really think it would be a great revolver to have. If for no other reason --- heck, I want one. There's no better reason that!!!!

Don

 

[FEG]

I'm more of a Model 15/Security Six guy. That said, I've never found a Ruger as accurate as my S&W K frames.

The Model 13/65 is superior to the Speed Six in every respect, IMHO. Along with the 15, the 13 is one of the better combat revolvers ever made.

 

[Shade00]

But variety is the spice of life... and recently my life got spicy with the addition of the Speed Six. The Colts were a little jealous of the time my buddy and I spent with the Speed Six at the range the other day.

 

[CajunBass]

Does one have more appeal than the other or are they pretty equal??

Well, I think the "k" frame Smith & Wesson is better looking but that's about it. I've owned both, although mine were a Model 19, and a Speed Six, and I liked them both.

Guns aren't like wives. They don't care if you bring home another, different one.

 

[texagun]

The Ruger is a Timex. The S&W is a Rolex. Both are excellent guns. The Ruger is more robust, but I would choose the S&W over the Ruger anytime. The S&W will just continue to appreciate in value at a greater rate than the Ruger. My vote goes to the Model 13. They are already fairly rare.

 

[slick6]

Although the model 13 is more collectible than a Ruger Speed-Six, it was never designed for the continuous shooting of .357 magnum's! The Speed-Six was designed to fire the .357's regularly, and will stand up to this punishment. Also, the flat in the 6 o'clock position of the barrel has a tendency to crack on the model 13. Although the model 13 is a great gun and a classic, for heavy duty usage, the Speed-Six is far superior. Although the trigger is better on the model 13, the Speed-Six trigger get's much better after being broken in! You just need to weigh the advantages of each of these revolvers and take your pick, as they are both excellent revolvers!

 

[Guillermo]

While I understand the desire to collect many different types of firearms, there is also the logic of having multiples of the same.

I have a few Smiths and plan on buying more. Not that I am anti Ruger but the chances of accessories and holsters being interchangeable is much greater since I stick with the same general flavor.

It is not my desire to start a firestorm but this thread begs the following statement concerning the alleged superior strength of the Ruger. While the Smith may not be as strong, it is strong enough for me. I shoot a few thousand rounds a year (10ish) and have never had a problem with any of my Smiths (or Colts for that matter) with one exception. (and it was a revolver that was broken when I got it)

To me, it is much like speaking of the superior strength of a body-on-frame construction of a pickup truck when the owner never tows or gets off road but rather commutes in it.

Maybe you guys are shooting 50,000 of the hottest to-the-limit hand loads every year. Maybe it is worth it to buy a new gun knowing that you have to do some gunsmithing on the trigger in order to get little extra strength. If that is the case, good luck to you and I am glad you found your brand.

As for me, it does not sadden me that my safe might one day contain a couple of dozen Smiths.

 

[skoro]

Different strokes...

Yeah, like the K frame had a 70 year head start. The design is, well, old, and adequate for the .38 special for which it was originally designed, but .357 pushes limits in it.

Never had single issue using .357 full-house ammo in my Model 13.

Enjoy your Ruger.

 

[Frizzman]

I have had both revolvers and other short barreled L and K frames. I like the Rugers and S&W's. I agree that the S&W seems a bit more refined. I like the solid frame and ease of stripping of the Ruger. I remember when the Security Six came out and it was an innovative design. My first revolver was a stainless SS and I still have it. It has given me good service. Some like one better than another and I like and shoot and carry both. I would try to have both revolvers. Good, clean SS's seem to be almost as scarce around here as a 3' K-frame...