I have been looking for a knock about 22lr revolver for going out to the coop at night, I have a couple of pre 17s and a nice 17 as well as an old colt, But I dont want to abuse those, I am not sure what Smith and Wesson 22s are out there, I would like a 2" barrel, But 4" may do, I dont want to spend a bunch of dough for something to go out to the coop at night in the rain/snow/heat ect.
I had been looking at the model 18, But cant seem to find a well worn one,
What other models are available from Smith that are between 2 and 4",
Alloy/blued/stainless doesnt matter to me, Just as long as it's a smith and wesson.
It is funny that there must be 4 million finish challenged 22s out there, But the only ones I see for sale are 90+ condition with box and papers, Where are they all hiding?????
Thank you for any imput you may have,
Peter

Look for a Mod 34. It's the J Frame and you may be able to find one with a "challenged" finish at a gun show or cruise the pawn shops. A Mod 63 would also be a great gun for that purpose, being stainless, but I doubt if you will find one with a "challenged" finish, or in a lower price range.

There was a "challanged finish" blue model 34 snubbie on Gunbroker not too long ago that went for $300. Just a guess, but I don't think Smith made or sold a lot of .22lr revolvers with maybe the exception of the model 17's. Producing a quality .22 revolver costs nearly as much as the larger calibers with nowhere near the sales or popularity. That's why most quality gunmakers stopped production. Ruger still makes the "Bearcat" but at an astronomical price tag. If you want something to go out in the elements in and shoot vermin, I'd suggest the Ruger .22 western style revolver (not the Bearcat). Millions were made and sold (Rugers were always cheaper in price). Gunbroker should have a few...

The .22 "Kit Gun" may be just what you envision. It has adjustable sights (an absolute must with the .22's in my opinion) and a 4" barrel (that would be minimum barrel length for this purpose).

S&W also made this in stainless. Either would be an excellent choice - my preference would be stainless for utilitarian reasons.

New revolvers are limited in choices but there are plenty of used ones at gun shows I have recently attended.

I have extensively used both single and double action revolvers that fit your criteria. I prefer double action Smiths because of their fine, out of the box, triggers. However, I still have a few Rugers lying around and with a trigger job (some of them are horrendous out of the box) they will do just fine.

If Smith and Wesson jumps on the .327 Federal band wagon, they just might introduce a nice, stainless, kit gun in .327. If you reload, that will be an excellent choice. I have a 631 (stainless) in .32 H&R Magnum with a 4" barrel and it is a dandy "Kit Gun" (but I reload, so ammo expense is a non-issue).

Another possible choice for you (used but scarce) is a Model 60 Chief's target (3" barrel with adjustable sights). I have one and it is another fine choice for an excellent "Kit Gun".

I really enjoy my 617 (6" barrel "K" frame) but it is a bit bulky for carry use.

FWIW
Dale53

A 4" stainless model 63 is the ultimate .22 handgun. It is small but very versatile and accurate and I can't believe I traded the one I had. I currently have a 40 year old mint condition M-34 which is the same gun in blue, but I baby it because it is so pristine. I wish I had a model 63 beater because they are so useful and fun to shoot. Even if you have to pay a premium I would get one while they are still available.

quote:

Originally posted by Dale53:
The .22 "Kit Gun" may be just what you envision. It has adjustable sights (an absolute must with the .22's in my opinion)

Dale, Are you saying this because of the large variances in .22 ammo quality, or some other reason?

A M317 (basically an eight shot all aluminum Kit Gun with a steel "barrel liner") would be ideal, but a prelock version will probably cost more than a comparable M34 which is probably your best bet. Since you do not sound picky about the barrel length you may be able to find a servicable M34 for as little as $300.00. Just keep in mind that the 2" barreled guns can be pretty loud.

perpster;
ALL .22 rimfires (including high end target rifles AND pistols and revolvers) are ammo sensitive. A particular brand or lot# may shoot considerably better in YOUR piece than in an identical model. Further, they may shoot to a different point of impact than what you desire. Adjustable sights solves that problem.

I also prefer 4" barrels or longer with a .22 simply because I am often called to perform on smaller targets requiring better accuracy than if I were using a self defense snubbie that is used against large targets up close. Now, a snubbie can be quite accurate but getting that out of one can be a problem with their extremely short sight radius.

So, if you want to hit something "on demand" the longer sight radius makes that outcome more likely.

Just a thought or two...
Dale53

I say use what you have....buy a decent holster for the Model 17 and don't worry about it...If it gets wet, clean it....it sure beats spending money you don't have to.
Terry

Look for a model 18 or a pre 18. K frame .22 made with a 4" bbl. A 17 basically, just a shorter bbl. Course even the beaters are $ high now.

I just picked up this 63 today with box, papers and cleaning kit. The factory grips have been sealed away in a baggie since purchase which is OK as I like the feel of the Pachmayr's. I have about $450 in this one and even if I paid too much I'm very happy...

Seems like you can't touch a S&W 22 revolver of any type in any condition for less than $300 these days.

If you can do without a Smith & Wesson, maybe a Ruger Single Six would work for you.

Also, used Ruger MkI and MKII autos are inexpensive, reliable and plentiful.

If you need a reliable, accurate knock-about gun, get a Ruger. They are great for that purpose. Smiths are too nice to be dragged around in the elements.

I just paid $400 for a dead mint M34 2". If not unfired, dang close....no box or papers but a sweetheart of a .22. I was also looking for a beater but couldn't pass on this one.

Pred
Do you mind if I ask why you need to take a gun to the “coop” which I assume is the chook house.
Just curious what kind nasties you have lurking in your back yard.
If I had to get a 22 my choice would be the stainless 10 shot 4" 617 Smith.