I recently purchased a Winchester 9422M, my first gun ever. It seemed appropriate afterward that a .22 caliber revolver would make a good companion for it. I first set out to find a gun that would chamber a magnum round, the same as the rifle. That sort of led me to a S&W, Model 48. While visiting a local gun shop I was shown a S&W, pre-Model 17 and was immediately sold except that it had a good sized ding or dent on the outer part of the muzzle. It looked like the gun was dropped and dropped hard. Otherwise it looked like it was in very good condition and fit my novice idea of what a revolver should look like. I ultimately backed off the purchase because of the dent. Then the shop showed me a High Standard, Double Nine double action, .22 caliber revolver. I don't know if it was frustration over discovering the dent in the otherwise perfect S&W 17 or the substantially lower price of the Double Nine but I bought the latter. Which leads me to my possible mistake. Was the S&W 17 a wiser choice or is the Double Nine a good place to start? Price was really not a deciding factor although the price tag on the 17 was $495 and the Double Nine was $225.

I'd of tried talking him down on the price. The 9422 is a well made classic rifle. The S&W is a well made classic revolver. The High Standard Double Nine is simply, well, a Double Nine........

Talking down the price of the pre-17? I walked away with the impression that the ding was irreparable. The ding didn't encroach on the inner part of the crown and probably wouldn't affect shooting accuracy but a ding seems much worse aesthetically than a scratch. So how much would a reasonable price be for an otherwise 95% gun? And yes, I think the sick feeling I have is because of settling for an obviously much less quality gun and being impatient.

nothing wrong with being "selective" if any gun has issues that YOU can see right up front (no pun intended) then you will always have that bother you OR have to pay and have it "corrected",and one should NOT have to have things done on a 'new' purchase, it is as it is and should be priced fairly and accordingly, the 'issue' taken into consideration, you could have asked him, and if the answer was NO to fix it or adjust the price, then walk away.as for the Double Nine, there are lots of guys out there who would love to have one of them, and the price you paid is NOT bad for one. Try it and see how you like it, one never knows.AND you can buy a LOT of ammo with the money you did save.......

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

Those in .22 LR were alloy frames for a long time and not steel...so eventually they would probably start to "shoot loose" with use. If you are saying this is a .22 magnum I cannot speak to the frame material. But you should do some checking so you know what your frame is made from. Maybe it does not matter to you but it would to me. So, we have all made mistakes and have all purchased something hastily. My point is....before putting out money for a gun learn about the brand, the model, the history, etc so you can be a wise consumer. I have a feeling you have now realized that. But do not feel alone. We have all done that at one time or another. Just move on.

See how the double 9 shoots while you keep looking for what you really want.When you find something you like better,sell it.It's a slippery slope :-)

The Double Nine I purchased is the W-104 version, which is chambered for .22LR. Yes, it has an alloy frame but the barrel and cylinder looks like stainless steel. It looks like new and doesn't seem to have been fired much if at all. One just like it but including the original box just sold on Gunbroker for almost $500. I think it's a wise suggestion to use it some and wait for the right replacement to come along.

Correction - The Double Nine that I was referring to as sold on Gunbroker is still posted here and currently at $500. I don't get it. Mine looks to be in a tad better condition. Supposedly the dealer sold it to me for $225 is because it can't be sold in CA, something to do with not being on an approved list. I'm having it shipped directly to a dealer in Arizona where we have another home.

Beeser, I'm glad you're happy with the pistol you purchased. I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering why you originally posted.
I agree with dant. You always use obvious issues to try and adjust the price. You can always walk away. If it's dinged badly, it's not 95% in my mind.

I think the advice to shoot it for awhile is the right way to go. Every time you would have shot or just looked at the smith ,the dent would be bothering you.
Keep an eye out for a keeper Smith and enjoy the HS,you never know,the HS might be a real tack driver. I've had one or two smiths that didn't shoot good . You don't always get what you pay for.
Coop

My first handgun was a High Standard Sentinal, the same gun, but in M&P configuration rather than Western. I got it by trade, used, in 1970. Although it isn't shot as much now with nearly two dozen other handguns, I still own it and know it will shoot just as well as ever. Don't worry, be happy!

Froggie

My first handgun was a High Standard Sentinal, the same gun, but in M&P configuration rather than Western. I got it by trade, used, in 1970. Although it isn't shot as much now with nearly two dozen other handguns, I still own it and know it will shoot just as well as ever. Don't worry, be happy!

Froggie

AMT Automag II. 22 magnum. Mine took a while to "break in". Others have not been so lucky.

Besser- keep your eyes (and wallet) out for a model 48 (in whatever barrel length you like) that comes with a .22LR cylinder. That way you can have .22 WMR to match your rifle and .22LR for cheap shooting fun. You can also buy a 48 and then purchase the LR cylinder separately but you will probably need a gunsmith to time the LR cylinder.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Thanks for the suggestion! After looking at the S&W website it appears the Model 48 is still made. Is it possible to get the LR cylinder from the factory already "timed"?

I'm a little confused about the differences between the Magnum and LR cartridges though. The cases are obviously different but to a much lesser extent so are the bullets. Why wouldn't the barrel affect how these two slightly different bullets shoot?

Good question, the High Standards, Colts and Ruger were never a problem/issue as to convertibles, two cylinders in the same gun, only S&W kept the models separate and at one time did offer an "auxillary" .22long rifle cylinder for the model 48,not so sure they do any longer though.
The bore diameter is .002" difference , .222 for the 'LR' and .224 for the 'mag'........and of course the mag will NOT fit in the LR but all too often we do put the LR in the mag chambering,,,,,,does 'split' the cases upon firing,not a good thing,BUT in a pinch, I'd not hesitate if it was the only ammo I had available.....

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

Well, you need a bunch of guns. Seriously. The 9422M is a great start, and if your HS is in pretty good shape, I bet it won't take you too long to get $225 worth of enjoyment out of it. Meanwhile, keep on the lookout for the Model 48. Also meanwhile, go ahead and find yourself a Ruger Single Six with the extra magnum cylinder to match up with your magnum rifle. Ihave had one nearly 30 years now. I could probably find the lr cylinder, but it has been a dedicated .22 mag to match up with my 9422M Trapper and Ruger bolt action .22 mag.

Later, of course, you will need a Model 19 to match up with a Marlin 1894 in .357 mag. As somebody said, its a long, slippery slope.

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Georgia On My Mind

Yes indeed, a long, slippery and as it's turning out steep slope. After viewing a Hickok video on YouTube I've discovered an itch for a Model 19. All this and I haven't even fired any of my purchases yet.