Hi all,

lately, I am thinking I would like to have a .22 target revolver. I don't know anything about them. (I shoot semi autos)

Since it is a target activity, I would expect that accuracy and trigger function would be the most important.

I like the look of the older revolvers like K 17, and Colt OMM.

But, are these older revolvers better than new production .22 revolvers? Or is it better to search out an older gun. If so which model(s) may be good?

Taurus makes a .22, 6 inch revolver that is half the price it seems of new S & W. Are the S & W worth the price difference?

any guidance will be appreciated.

YES, YES, AND YES! Bought my 1st K22, a model 17-4 in May of 2010.
I now have 25 K22s....ranging from an Outdoorsman in the box, several 'one liner' pre 17s, several 1950's pre-17s, some pre-18s, an 18-2, up to a nickel 17-6.
The pre 17s are ideal for what you seek. They cost less than a new and will rise in value, if you get a nice condition gun. Beware, they are like potato chips, you can't have just one. Probably one of the most sought after and most loved guns on the forum.

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Rick
SWCA #2396

If you can't find the beloved guns qr list above, a 617 is a nice piece, but it will also be fairly expensive.

You can roll-the-dice on the Taurus. Sometimes you can get a decent gun. First thing all new Taurus owners do is open it up, clean-out the cosmoline and mill-shavings. This is practically automatic among Taurus fans. Not bashing....and you can get a fine shooter once you tune it up, but it's a coin-toss as to what you may-or-may-not have to do to it once you open the box.

I have two S&W 17's and two Colt New Frontiers.

Both 17's are exceptional shooters - probably as good as it gets for the casual target shooter such as myself. The 17-6 was purchased from the estate of a dedicated target shooter. The Colts are good for plinking and fun on the range as well.

S&W Model 17 is my advice and expect to pay around $600 for a good one.

If you plan on shooting double action, at all, stick with S&W.

Since you're looking for a target revolver, my advice would be to find an older K-22 or Model 17 (same gun, the K-22 became the Model 17 when S&W changed to model numbers beginning in 1957). It's true that the older guns in 98% condition with box and papers usually command very high prices, but that's not what you need. There are plenty of guns out there that show considerable wear but are still mechanically sound and can be had for a lot less than the new production guns.

A good example is this old 1948 K-22 that I'm into for less than $400. It had some finish wear and surface rust when I got it, but the bore and chambers were clean and bright, and the mechanics were perfect. It's not a showpiece by any means, but it cleaned up pretty well and most importantly it'll shoot with the best of 'em.

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For a range revolver in 22LR a k22 or Model 17 is the ticket and like others have said if you buy one with a little hard earned wear and still a decent looking revolver they will give you years of shooting pleasure and the triggers will be as smooth as butter.

Finding an early K22 or model 17 is a very hit or miss affair and you may wait a long time before you get lucky. In addition Blued steel revolvers are nearly as wear resistant as the later stainless steel models. Because of this I have a distinct preference for the stainless steel revolvers. If you want something relatively quickly, I'd suggest looking into a 617. Granted, a new one will run a bit north of 700 bucks but if you factor what you'll save on ammo costs you may find the break even is only a year or two. As for accuracy, I've run 24 rounds into a 2 inch group at 35 yards with my early 617 from a rest on numerous occasions and that was with cheap Winchester Xpert HV from Walmart. With a scope and some premium target ammo it just might do an inch at that range, however I have yet to find any premium target ammo in 22LR at any of the shops in my area so that's just a guess. Point is, the newer 617 is plenty accurate.

As for the Taurus revolvers, they have a pretty miserable reputation for customer service. So, if you get a good one you'll likely find it useable, however it you get a lemon it may take up to a year to get it sorted out.

I bought a 617 from Bud's Gun shop about 3 weeks ago. $665. delivered. Plus the transfer.

It's a great pistol and would recommend it to anyone. I have a friend who shot it the first week I bought it and he bought himself one a few days later, also from Bud's. I don't have the patients to wait around hoping I can find a K22 or Pre 17 or anything else on the old gun list. And even if I did, I'm picky and would want to inspect a used one before I bought it. So I just buy new and shoot it and if I run across an old one I like, I'll buy that too.

I have a 6" model 17 that is a joy to shoot. I was shooting shotgun shells at between 20 and 25 yds sitting at a table with good results. I also have a 8 3/8" 617, a 4" 34-1 and a 41 that was made in 1959. They all are fun to shoot. Other .22's include Beretta 21A, High Standard Double Nine Longhorn, Ruger single six and Ruger Mark I, and Walther P22. You can not have too many .22's.

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Corripe Cervisiam

A S&W K-22 / Model 17 would be my recommendation.

I have a 17-6 that will digest anything brand, but for serious shooting I use Wolf. More consistent groups and cleaner shooting. Just bought a 617 10 shot and I still breaking it in. Between the two, I prefer the 17-6. Both have 6" bbls.

First .22LR revolver was a 63 Kit gun which saved my bacon in the woods once. Picked up a 17-3 in a 8 3/8th inch barrel because at the time I couldn't find a 6 incher. Shoots like a rifle. I found a pre-17 made the year I was born 1952 and finally got a 617 6 inch barrel 10 shot. It always goes into the range bag first thing.Other .22LR's Diamondback and Trooper Mk III still looking for an Officer Model Match in .22LR. Have a Model 48 with the extra .22LR cylinder looking for a Model 18. Most shooters generally hang on to .22LR revolvers. You can't go wrong with a Smith or a Colt. Most Colts are starting to fall in the collectors statis. Next .22LR revolver is going to be a USFA 12 shot SAA special order.
Cheers
Frank
SWCA # 2087

Well
Looks like most people think the old production is a better shooter than the new.

I will look around but I have never been one of those lucky people who trip over great guns/deals.

My amigo from the far east (ie St. Charles Parish) is correct, I have a pre 17 K22 made in 1956, a 63, 317, 317-1, 617. a 1959 vintage Ruger Single Six an SP101, a Mk III and a Mk II 45/22-you can never have enough .22's.
Oh, almost forgot, I also have a NAA mini revolver in .22

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Forum consigliere

Nothing wrong with a newer 617.



In a comparison, my 617 was still shooting when a range-mate's K-22 was through! (Duh... mine's a ten-shooter... his is a six-shooter!). In all seriousness, he was shocked at my lighter DA trigger!

My currently available 3" 63 is a keeper, too. Some of today's revolvers are really quite good.

Stainz