8 shot .22 LR snubbies

[Doctor7474]

Me and my pops want to get my mom one to keep in her purse and I can't really decide which one.

We have narrowed it to either a Ruger LCR or a S&W model 43c.

We like the hammer less design on them as they are less susceptible to catch on something in her purse. We also like the eight shot capacity.

I've read bad reviews on both.

For about the same price as the 43c you can get the LCR with the Crimson Trace Grips.

My dad leans toward the S&W because of the name and perceived quality, I'm 50/50 either way.

My mom has shot both and likes both equally (the LCR she shot did not have the laser grips).

Any opinions?

[Matt Hooper]

I have the 43C. I like the gun due to it's diminutive size and 11oz weight. Shooting is easy but the gun gets really dirty really quick. Was having a spitting problem and huge leading on the top strap. Sent it back to S&W and they fixed the timing and shaved the forcing cone. Haven't shot it since it came back but will be taking it out today.

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

LCRs are great guns. However, some of the 22 LCRs have stiff triggers. So I wouldn't buy one without trying the trigger first. If it has a good trigger, then that's what I'd go with. Keep in mind that 22 revolvers, regardless of brand, are more likely to have issues: stiff trigger, leading, stiff extraction. That seems to be the nature of things. But the odds are you will be fine with either gun.

[coach22]

If you haven't decided for sure that 22LR is the way to go,
you could also consider the S&W 351C.
7 shots, but 22 Magnum and 10.5 ounces.
Hornady (Critical Defense), CCI (Short Barrel)
& Winchester (PDX1) make high performance bullets
designed for a short barrel. All 3 over 1,000 fps.


Product: Model 351 C

Mine is pictured with the grips that come on the 351PD (with hammer).

[DFrame]

Actually my favorite is the old High Standard 9 shot 22 magnum snub nose. They can still be found out there but the prices keep going up. Most were in a subdued nickel that wasn't shiney.

[df06]

Also, the 317 Smith is a good option. It is an eight shooter and very light.

[WC145]

My wife loves her 317, it's easy to shoot and light as a feather, it's her favorite walking gun.

[fredg19]

LCR-22 ugh! Sent mine back, finish flaked off from the first day, cylinder was loose and only got worse. After shooting it several times the cylinder would spin free while closed.

Not really what you are looking for.... but I ended up with a (gasp) Rossi .22 revolver that just came out:

Rossi USA

It is a 4 inch but I think they make it in 2 and 6 inch as well. One of the BEST double action triggers on a .22 revolver I have ever felt and nice solid steel. Nice adjustable sights. Very solid gun. Cheap at around $350.

[mr-mom]

My daughter carries a S&W 317. Likes it a lot, however, I've found it difficult to shoot accurately. Have no problems with my J-frames, but that little 317 is a challenge.
Dave

[Stainz]

For the same $ as the 43C, you can get a 351C, if you can find it, an 11 oz .22 WMR 7-shooter. I was interested in the enclosed hammer, a la my 642 pocket protector, because of the lacking of a hammer spur to catch on my pocket holster or pocket. I liked the HiViz front sight and wood grip of the 351PD and elected to go with that instead, due to it's local availability 1/13. It hasn't been a problem at all to retrieve quickly from my pocket.

The best .22 LR 8-shooter is the 3" 63, a 26 oz, over twice the weight of the 43, 317's, & 351's, SS revolver with a HiViz front sight, adjustable rear sight, etc. Mine, an early one, has a quite decent trigger, making it a fun plinker. If your Mom needs 'protection', I'd encourage you to consider getting her a 642 and save a bundle of money - and gain real stopping power. Even though it is rated for .38 Special +P's, I'd start her off with a standard target load - 148gr full wadcutters. Mild shooting, but they make a significant wound channel.

Stainz

[BJoe]

Taurus 94 in .22 lr is also a nice gun. 9 shots but a REAL long, hard trigger. Love mine but my GF can't shoot with 2 fingers.

[fdw]

My wife carries the LCR and loves it. Great trigger, I use it for practice for my 38 LCR.

[Lobster Picnic]

The recent batch of S&W rimfire revolvers, manufactured in 2013 and now hitting store shelves, seem to be of good quality from the reports so far. I looked at a new M63 the other day and it seemed very nicely made. The 351c I acquired a few weeks ago has had about 125 rounds through it in 2 range sessions with no issues.

[mag318]

I have a 43c and an LCR and they are both good revolvers. I recently bought another LCR in 22 Magnum and it has become my favorite rimfire snubby. The 43c is a little smaller and lighter but I prefer a steel cylinder. There are a lot of good choices when it comes to rimfire snubbys, I recommend you try several if possible before deciding on what works best for you. I'm a diehard S&W fan so I was kind of shocked when I came to prefer the LCR.

[snubbiefan]

The Taurus 94SS2 can be turned into a pretty good little gun.....once you get the Godzilla hammer-spring gutted. I have Wolff 9-pound hammer springs in several that I have done for other folks and they work just fine. Assuming you eliminate the normal hammer and trigger rubs (and clean the internals making sure to remove any mill-shavings and cosmoline) the 94 is a good shooter with a really nice trigger. If a 94 won't shoot with a 9 or 10-pound Wolff hammer-spring, look for other mechanical issues. Taurus QC is absolutely horrible and you will need to inspect, clean and lube the innards as soon as it comes out of the box, but it's just the nature of the beast. USUALLY...they turn into pretty good little guns. I wish they made one with fixed sights.