I like S&W for almost anything, but there does not seem to be an inexpensive S&W 22 revolver that is not "klunky". The Masterpiece is expensive. I have been looking at the Ruger Single Ten and I think that I like it. So if you would, please show me your 22 revolvers of all brands, so I can see what is out there. and if you want, please tell me what you like about it. Thank you in advance.

Picked this one up from a well known colt dealer a few years ago for $500. It needed a cleaning and was wearing Pachs.Its a '52 and shoots beautifully.

I have a bunch, and my favorite is a single six convertible.

Next favorite is a Ruger Bearcat. Definitely not clunky, actually quite dainty.

For double actions, I have an older 6 shot sp101, S&W 317 snub, and a 617. In general rimfire double actions have heavy trigger pulls for reliablity, so they tend to be shot single action by most people. If I am going to shoot single action, I'm going with a real single action, they have better ergonomics for single action shooting. I like my double action rimfire revolvers, but my wife and kids don't.

The single ten is nice, I don't like the fiberoptic sight they used, and I prefer the option of the magnum cylinder. So I would go with the single six, or Bearcat.

The single six, Bearcat and Ruger Mkll are the best .22's out there, all are iconic in their own way, extremely reliable and affordable.

I've owned many 22 revolvers (and still own 9). In my experience, the S&W 17/617's are the best hands down . They are expensive because S&W puts the same materials and workmanship into them as they do their big bore / centerfire revolvers.
As for other brands, I've had generally disappointing results with Taurus, H&R, Ruger (SP101's), Lama and Charter Arms. The ONLY inexpensive models I can recommend would be the Ruger Single 6/10 Series. They are usually well fit , reasonably accurate and built to last a lifetime. Good used single six's are not hard to find in the $300+/- $50 range.

That said, before I dropped $600 on a new single 10 /single six hunter (again), I'd shop for a used 617.
hth

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Dave

Good rimfire revolvers aren't cheap. My favourites are a Colt OMM, the next step up is a K-22 and my real favorite is a Korth post 1969 model for the roller bearing that gives an incredibly smooth double action pull, also the Korth has the chambers finished by a hardened steel roller bearing making extraction extremely easy.

You get what you pay for unless you are lucky enough to stumble onto a "deal" on a gun that someone has no real idea what the gun is really worth.

Ruger has finally just begun shipping the one I had hoped for. Not a "classic" wheel gun, but will make an excellent "kit gun" and informal plinker. A 3" LCRx with the hammer option. The LCR triggers usually feel a little lighter than some others and this translates to the rimfire version. It only weighs 17 ounces. Locally, they are just over $400. I'm saving my lunch money.

Ruger® LCRx® Double-Action Revolver Model 5435

I don't have it yet, but there is a new Uberti .22LR SAA at my LGS that calls my name when I walk by. I think it's this one:

A. UBERTI 356087 1873 CATT STEEL 5.5 22LR 12 $427.00 SHIPS FREE

I have a S&W 617 and I think it's a great gun. Everything on it is built like my other fine Smiths. It's totally reliable. I like the feel, the weight and the action. I have thousands of rounds through it with no problems at all.

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Ruger's Single-Six convertibles are great, reasonably priced revolvers and can be found used for $375 to $ 450 depending on options. The Single-Ten isn't as desirable to me because it lacks the ability to fire .22 Magnum. The Ruger SP 101 and GP 100 22s are well built, but heavy. They also have triggers that will require some work to be really good. I know, I had them.

The old High Standard Sentinel revolvers can be quite good, however finding one in good condition which isn't way overpriced is tough. Parts are an issue too.

Taurus? Stay far away from their small frame model 94 unless you like a super heavy, nasty trigger. The larger 917 and Tracker models aren't bad if you buy used and get a good price. The 917 I had responded well to new springs and some internal clean up. Sold it because ever single Smith & Wesson .22 revolver I owned, at the time I had seven, was more accurate.

So, where does this leave us? Smith & Wesson .22 LR revolvers are expensive because they are worth it. Period. The K-22, Model 17, Model 18, 617 and the J frame 34 or 63 (steel frame versions) are all excellent. Regardless of what dash number, whether it has the silly lock or not, they are all accurate and dependable. My S&W collection now has .22s from 1951 through 2008, K-22, 17-8 ten shot, 617 no dash, 63-1, 617-6. None needed any trigger work.

In closing, best deal single action is the Ruger-Single Six, best deal double action, we'll spend for a used Smith & Wesson and don't look back.

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

Single Six convertible. It's what I have, so it's all I can recommend, although I am drawn to the Shopkeeper, a 3" Bearcat with a birds head grip. Not for over $600, though.

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Not in jail.

Not Clunky



For whatever reasons, this is my favorite one to shoot

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C & L

Save up for an old K 22. I can't think of anything sadder or disheartening than to settle for a ruger of any kind.

Cocked & Locked I've always enjoyed your posts and pictures.

GF

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SWCA #2420

I like my 63-5. Been shooting it quite a bit lately now that 22 has reappeared on shelves. Great trigger for a small frame rimfire and even garbage quality ammo goes bang every time. It wasn't cheap but I don't think 1,000,000 rounds would wear it out.

Taurus 94.....yeah, I know, I know.....it works for me though.

I always thought the Charter Arms Pathfinder looked like a good choice as a tackle box gun. I have an older Charter Arms Undercover in .38 SPL. The quality is very good. Is your Pathfinder an older revolver?

My M34 is perfect for what I want in a 22 revolver. It's a tack driver and nicely portable.

I enjoy my Model 34-1. Shoots good and I can do it no more harm.

screen capture toolcertificity.com

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The wife's Model 317 is a joy to shoot.

temp image uploadcertificity.com

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

S&W model 317 AirLite with 3 inch barrel and adjustable HiViz sights
is about the UN-klunkiest 22 revolver you could own. In a holster you never know it's there , slips into a pocket just as easily. Light and 8 shots....take a gander at one.
Photo of one is in the post above, #20.
Mine has some Ahrends grips...the factory grips are functional but homely looking.
Gary

Well... if you don't like clunky or expensive, you can always go with an H&R Young America.



Picture is larger than the real item.

Petite to the point of being limited to .22 shorts and longs only. Long rifle are too long for the cylinder.

John

I have a 6" K-22 Masterpiece and a 17, 4"18s, 4"34s,a 4" 617 and a 4"63...... if I need a .22revolver it's generally one of the stainless guns....the 617 for shooting and the 63 for carrying.

I've had a couple of Rugers; but you can't beat a S&W IMHO

Dad had a 6" Diamondback he bought new in the 80's, it was junk! My 6" 17-5 will outshoot it any day any ammo. Dad is a better shot than I am, but he couldn't believe how bad his Colt was. It took him a month to find a 4" 617 to replace it (in terms of dad spending cash or trading in a gun that is lightning fast!)

Ivan

Well thank you Sir!

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C & L

Just picked up a Western Auto Revelation 99 from a local pawn broker.
It's a High Standard Sentinel; at a very reasonable price. Very tight lock up and clean bore; going to the range next week. Looked at Heritage and other single actions, but really prefer double action.

Yes Sir my Pathfinder is an older one...fairly low serial number. Thanks for asking!

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C & L

My father's Colt Frontier Scout in .22 mag.





Yep, that's $59.50. Circa 1964.

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Isaiah 41:10

I'll take it! Let me know where you are so I can pick it up.

Let's see....K22, Models 63, 617-4, 317, 317-1, Ruger three screw Single Six, SP101. The only "clunky ones" would be the 617 and the SP101-the rest are pretty much not clunky. I really like that old pathfinder and the H&R 22's also.

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Forum consigliere

Mod 63 or 34. Light enough for carry in the woods or wherever, and accurate enough to actually reliably hit what you are aiming at. I prefer the target grips for a better fit to my hand.

These are also the best teaching tools you can use, especially for youth and women.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have taught a lot of beginners to shoot with the Taurus model 94 shown
below on the left, wearing Altamont's boots.

2nd from left shown in a Wolfram Blazer holster with "dog ear",
on a Haugen belt, with a Marbles knife.

3rd from left in a Heiser #759 floral carved with hammer shield,
also with some ammo and 9 shot HKS speed loaders.

Never had a problem with this Taurus and it is inexpensive.

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In Omnia Paratus

You know CZU there is a lot of bad mouthing of the Taurus
guns, but I have had 3 Taurus revolvers, and never had a
problem with any of them. On the other hand I have had
quite a few students have problems with their Taurus Semi
Autos.

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In Omnia Paratus

I only own one rimfire revolver and its the venerable model 17-3. I absolutely love it.

There are a lot of choices out there - quite a few will be on the "used" market.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I have both 3" and 6" High Standard Sentinels. Light, tight, and the 6" is as accurate as my K22 was.

Larry

I got lucky and picked up the last police trainer Model 18 that summitgunbroker.com had 10 or so years ago. It cost me $350 at the time. It is still my favorite .22 wheelgun.

My two favorites are a 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel and a Model 18-4 with 4 inch barrel.
17-4 that shoot like a rifle

Model 18-4

I've owned literally hundreds of 22 pistols. My 1st top quality was
a Ruger Single-Six, shortly there after I got a K22. The Ruger S6
OM is a well made and accurate gun, but not in same class as a
K22. Over the years I dabbled with them all, did Diamondback
DanWesson, the only serious contenders in the new gun market
at the time. Also had the Colt Officers Match. The K22 would
outshoot them all. The 34 is a nice pistol but not a K22. The
various Charter Arms, Hi-Standards, Taurus, Llama, H&R, ect
aren't in the same league with S&W or Colt. The Ruger D/As are
well built and not 2nd rate, but don't come close to a K22. They
are more on the level of a 34, but not nearly as smooth. You can
always end up with a cherry by luck on cheap guns, but more times than not you will have a device to detonate 22ammo. I
guess it depends on what degree of accuracy you want. Most
will knock a can off the fence at 15', but with a K22 you can
dot the eye in Pepsi. For a serious 22 DA for field and target you
can't go wrong with a K22.

Ruger does have seem to have a monopoly on rimfire (10/22, Single-Six, Mark series, Charger, etc.) One of my favorites is this Single-Six Convertible (Hunter model). Got it a few years ago. Just a really classy revolver with a 7.5" barrel and gold bead front sight. I like having the option for both the 22lr and 22 mag (and 22 shorts if you can find them). Plus I love shooting 22's out of longer barrels.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I own just one .22 caliber revolver, a Smith & Wesson K22 Masterpiece, s/n K155XX. I believe that puts in in 1947. It is so accurate, that it makes me look good. I'm not suggesting that you get one as old as mine. What I am suggesting is that when you are tempted to buy a lesser revolver, you take the money you would spend, put it in an sealed envelope, and put the envelope away. Then the next time you are tempted to buy a lesser revolver, you take that money, put it in an sealed envelope, and put that envelope away with the first. After you have done this a few times, you take the money out of the envelopes and buy the best .22 caliber revolver; a K22 Masterpiece, Model 17, Model 18, etc. Trust me, you will be happy.

I have pondering the description "Klunky" given for Smith & Wesson .22 Caliber Revolvers. Granted there are no inexpensive .22 cal. revolvers! In the same context, there are no great inexpensive diamonds, rifles, Shotguns, pistols, Sport Cars, or Revolvers. Unless I've taken this question in the wrong light, I have a very simple test to determine the question asked, Take a good quality Revolver, such as the S&W Revolver described as "klunky" in your hand, feel the balance, try the trigger pull, and even fire it at a target. Most of the great .22 cal. revolvers, are available for trial in the large Gun Stores. If you can not tell the difference in the better grade revolvers, you might be lucky, just get yourself a Iver Johnson, or a Harington Richardson .22 revolver and enjoy it. You probably will never go through the anguish some of us "dummies" go through, wanting to find the best available. I didn't post pictures, as I don;t think they would help.

Chubbo

I have a Taurus 992 that I keep with me when I'm trapping. I like it a whole bunch for that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The recently released Ruger LCR 3" in .22LR may be the one to get.
I will have one myself as soon as I can get my hands on one.

Will report back on my opinion of it.

I have two .22 LR revolvers. Both are smaller framed, six-shot models that are anything but "clunky" in my opinion. Both are fun for plinking and target shooting.

One is a fixed-sight SA, 5.5-inch barrel, Ruger New Model Single Six. It was part of a Cabela's 50th Anniversary series they came out with in 2011. Unlike its adjustable sight equipped brother, the .22LR/.22 magnum Single Six Convertable, this version looks like a smaller-framed, western style New Vaquero. You can pick up one like it for $500-$550 on GB.

My favorite .22 revolver is a double action Smith and Wesson Mod. 63, which uses the J frame platform, sporting a 4-inch barrel and an adjustable rear sight. Mine dates to 1978, and they run in the $700-$750 range. You can buy a newer 8-shot version for about the same price, but it isn't built like the older models. The double action trigger pull is heavy on just about every J frame I've ever shot, but the single action is light and crisp.

Sound advice, I've seen lots of club members with lots of money tied up in big bore guns, they can't afford to feed. Then they have a ****** .22 they shoot all the time, and don't really enjoy.

My policy has always been to buy the best .22 guns I can, and to buy any .22 that looks like fun. That way you can have a boat load of fun at the range with just a few dollars of ammo.

Is it just me or does the new Ruger LCR revolver look "out of proportion"? That skinny cylinder makes the rest of the gun look bulky. (Way too much daylight showing around it..)
And who are they kidding with that grip? (It will tame recoil.... On a .22 revolver?? C'mon.....

However, I will give one a good look when they show up....

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Like others posted, I just don't think you can beat quality which seems to equal accuracy, fun, enjoyment, plinking , training the grandkids, etc.

The K 22 Outdoorsman's (1931) with Call gold dot doesn't go out much anymore...not since value went through the dang roof. The Model 34 AND the Ruger Single Six convertible go out ALL the time. Everyone in my crowd loves plinking with the M34, and who doesn't want to strap on a "cowboy" gun so the Ruger is loved by all with the Galco belt and Western rig. The older grandkids like me to switch (a few seconds tops) to the .22 Magnum and they are a hoot to watch clanging spinners, etc.

Like others, I say save the loot, go for the best you can afford. It will pay off in fun

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I've given up on K frame .22s. I've had K-22s and Model 18s, multiple examples of each, and every one had chambers so tight they were difficult to load and a real bear to eject.

My only .22 revolver is an old H&R Model 999 Sportsman. Its quick to load, quicker to unload, and always works. My other .22 handguns are semis - a Ruger Standard Auto, Hi Standard Sport King, and a pair of Berettas (948 and 87).

I'd keep my eye out for a nice H&R 999.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

As a poor college kid I "settled" for a Ruger Single Six Convertible. A Smith K22 was out of my price range.

Forty Seven years later I now own a Bearcat, Blackhawk, Mark I, II, III and IV, Redhawk........you get the picture.

I also own several K22s, as well as Models 14, 17, 29, 25, 39, 66, and a few "pre's".

My Single Ten is as accurate as my Single Six, and since I rarely shoot magnum it suits my purposes.

If for some reason I had to sell all my handguns and could only keep one, I would hold my Single Six in one hand and my favorite K22 in the other, look back and forth, and ultimately chose the Ruger.