Your recommended.22 with smaller grips?

[Timothy2700]

Not sure where to post this one, it could have been in the modern revolver thread I suppose……

This weekend the Mrs and I went to the steel range and had some quality time. She likes her browning .22 semi-auto very much, and her 9mm CZ75 (heavy so less perceived recoil). She was a bit apprehensive at first (she’d never fired a revolver) but I talked her into trying my K38 masterpiece for a few rounds that turned into 3 cylinders-worth (good). She like shooting it but had a hard time with the grips…a bit too large for her hands (standard masterpiece grips not the target grips).

Pretty sure she’d like a .22 revolver to call her own. But am guessing if I found a K22 masterpiece (or later equivalent model) that she’d have the same grip size issue.

Finally the question: are there S&W revolvers (new production or older models) that have smaller grips? What would you recommend? For her it is all about range shooting and making it fun and success-oriented is important….longer barrels better, not snubbies.

[Truckman]

Maybe a Model 35-1?...Or maybe slimmer grips on that K-22?...I have some shaved down K-frame grips I can send you if she wants to try them......Ben

[22shtur]

The kit guns have smaller grips, older ones are on I frames and newer ones on J frames.

[Rpg]

Try a 34-1 with a 4” barrel or it’s stainless equivalent.

[THE PILGRIM]

Try a J Frame.
Here’s my 63 2 inch on the left.
Also have a 4 inch.
This will give her a multitude of different grip sizes and shapes to choose from.

[Imissedagain]

A J frame in 22LR with something like those
little Uncle Mikes grips in size.
Rubber or wood.
One variation might be called boot grips.
Model 63 is all stainless.
Ours are rubbers from a 63-3 4" barrel.
Covers the backstrap and are two piece grips.

[MajorD]

The more recent production K frame 22’s are round butt, which may be enough to make a difference. I. Love the J’s, but they are more difficult to shoot generally than K’s

[gfors]

Just a thought…Altamont offers several service type grips. I might buy a set of the laminated, smooth ones, and sand them to fit. The laminate layers would still look pretty good, even after being slimmed down. They are less than $40; so not a huge risk.

[THE PILGRIM]

Find an East Tenn Good Ole Boy-Girl who has some grips and just try some out.

[BAM-BAM]

J-frame Models 34 blue and 63 stainless 2 and 4 inch barrels are common

[Dvus]

I would recommend an older Smith, like a .22/32 HFT (Bekeart type) with a 6" barrel. A little harder to find, and likely will cost as much as a K22 in good condition, but extremely easy to shoot accurately and are a beautiful example of old school craftsmanship. I picked up a finish challenged (some would say basket case) example for cheap and it puts all six shots in one hole at 10 yards.

[gwpercle]

She would love a J-frame 22 LR revolver ...
Mine is a "Kit Gun" , J-frame , eight shot , adjustable sighted and the grips are small . This one I carry hunting and fishing ... it is an Air-Lite (11 ounces ) with a 3 inch barrel ... but I know S&W makes all steel J-frame , 22 LR revolvers .
For range shooting a all steel J-frame with adjustable sights and 3 or 4 inch barrel would be nice ... the extra weight of an all steel model sometimes helps you shoot better but don't rule out an Air-Lite if available / price is right ... they shoot just fine .
Gary

[oldrookey617]

You can go to the S&W website, look at the model 63, I think the new ones has the 3" barrel, 8 shot, the gun and grips are nice for small or medium size hands, think around 25 oz., the trigger reach is shorter on a J Frame. The K Frame is nice for a longer trigger reach, medium or large hands, that's just my 2 cents, good luck..

[paplinker]

I would consider renting a J frame at a range before committing to buying one. I find K frames wonderful with great trigger pulls. J frames and I frames shoot different. Not bad but its just not the same as a k frame for me.

If you did go smaller Model 35s are a six inch option.

I taught my boys on a Model 63 but years later they much prefer and shoot better my K frame Outdoorsman.

[Timothy2700]

Thanks everyone…your replies give me plenty of options. Those .22/32’s, model 34’s and model 35’s look great to me, will have to look for a nice shooter (but on-line at least it appears these are all in demand based on the asking prices). J frame suggestions as well aftermarket grips - will consider those as well. My local town has its springtime gun show this weekend, maybe I can talk the boss into coming along.

[raljr1]

You can probably find a shooter grade k22 for less tban a model 63. The triggers are smoother, although the guns are a bit heavier. I have several I frames in 22 and 32. The sights are small on those I frames and that makes it harder to see them. Go for a shooter K frame or spring for a model 63.


Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

[max503]

If you can afford it a Model 34 or 63 would be just the ticket.
I think they are about $800 new but it would be money well spent.

My 34 has stood up to about 45 years of heavy use so far.
It's nothing for me to sit at a bench on the firing line and go through the better part of a brick at a sitting. I've done that many a day.

Sorry about the crumby pic.

[GypsmJim]

I realize you specified S&W, but you might also consider a Ruger Bearcat. Having a single action is always a good addition to the collection.

[murphydog]

If there is a grip size but not a weight issue, as mentioned above a smaller set of stocks may work, such as any prewar K frame service stocks. If weight is a factor, perhaps a 4” .22 Combat Masterpiece/model 18 with smaller stocks. Good luck in your search.

[Ameshawki]

The Smith kit guns, an older Charter Pathfinder, Colt made the Cobra in 22, Ruger SP101.

[JSR III]

Since you stated longer barrel preferred then for some unknown reason I too would suggest an older I frame .22/32 HFT. Should the over sized 2 screw target stocks still be too large for the boss then they also shipped later guns with the smaller regulation police style.

As others have suggested if she desires a little smaller item then the kit gun is basically the same gun with a 4" barrel. These too were available with the large target stocks or the smaller regulation police style.

If those are still to large then the M frame referred to as the Ladysmith by collectors could be an option.

Let us know what she ends up with including range photos.......

[Bruceboy]

Lots of votes for the model 63 and with the little J frame target grips I'd bet she would find it just about perfect.

Al

[DARE]

Here is my Airweight .22/32 Kit Gun from 1955 with Tyler T-Grip.