I'm interested in a S&W .22 L.R. revolver, but can't find any listing of availability and options.

I saw a sweet little snub with ambi release and it was hammerless. And expensive! Around 8 bills.

Can I get some schooling from the forum on S&W .22 L.R. revolvers, please?

Have you checked out the S&W online catalog for what's being offered? If you're not fixated on S&W, try Ruger. My fixed sight Single Six .22LR is a great plinker and does double duty as a barn gun. You can also get a .22LR/.22 Magnum Convertible model in either fixed or adjustable sights at a very affordable price.

Ambi release on a S&W revolver? Not happening. If you saw pictures of this, it was probably a pictures of the left side reversed.
The snub 22s that are currently produced are the 43c, 63, 317, and for 22 mag, the 351c and 351pd.

There are currently a couple of brand new S&W 63-5s (3-inch barrel) on GunBroker. I recently purchased this model after waiting a year for one to turn up. Can't wait to take it to the range.

I have a model 317, Airlite, 3 inch barrel, adjustable Hi-Viz sights, It has a hammer and is just the ticket for carrying in the field. Very light weight, compact, adjustable sights allow it to be set for it's favorite ammo, Hi-Viz sight easy to see, holds 8 rounds and weighs only 12.5 ozs. Firing single action I can shoot well with it.
One thing you failed to mention was your intended use...in the field, concealed carry, home defense....could be important.
Gary

I have a model 63-5 3 ". It's a great gun and I shoot it a couple times a month. Stainless and easy to keep clean. If I remember correctly I paid $629 plus tax for it.

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S&W makes a Model 43 C. It's an 8-shot, .22 LR, J-frame snubby. It looks something like the polymer frame M&P Bodyguard 38 that does have a ambidextrous cylinder release. But they are two completely different guns. They only share a similar shape. Perhaps the OP got these two confused.

Model 43 C.

M&P Bodyguard 38 with laser.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I have a 1947 K22 and have been looking for smaller 22 revolver with greater capacity. I had not seen any locally in several years. My local shop had two in the case this weekend - a 43c and a 3" model 317. i don't really have much in the way of free funds right now, but I put money down on the 43c anyway.

I don't know if things are the same everywhere as it is here, but I would say that if you're interested you should jump on it.

I stand corrected on my comment about no Smith &wesson revolvers with an ambi release. I always forget about the bodyguard.

IT APPEARS THAT NONE OF THE POSTERS ABOVE MENTIONED THE M617, .22 LR REVOLVER, WHICH IS IN CURRENT PRODUCTION. (UNLESS I MISSED IT, WHICH, WITH MY ONE EYE IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE) IT COMES IN 4", 6" AND 8 3/8" BARREL LENGTHS AS A 6 SHOT OR A 10 SHOT. THEY ARE FINE REVOLVERS…...

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Thank you, Kernel Crittenden, you are correct I confused the 2.

And the price was $635, not as high as I had thought, still, quite dear when that laser equipped .38 is around $450.


My intended use is undetermined as my collection is lacking a .22 revolver and I'd prefer a S&W. I've had SA Rugers in the past and found them lacking for some reason.

I'll look for a 317 and a 617 before I buy anything, although that Ruger Shop Keeper looks pretty sweet!

If you can find a 617, I would highly recommend it. The size is larger than the 317 and 63, but it makes it easier to shoot. At least for me. The 63 would be my second choice.

I have the Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper with the bird's head wood grip. It is SA, and a pain to load / unload, as well as being too small for my hands. But I knew all of that, and have a specific application for it, so no real issue there.

Those are distributor specials, and real hard to find even at list price. Mine had a long list of defects (cosmetic & functional) out of the box. I bought it knowing that it was going back to Ruger first day home. It was the only one in the distributor's warehouse, so easier to get fixed than to swap out.

They did a great job bringing it to spec, and it looks better than the one on their site these days.

If it only had a .22mag cylinder.

But it is not an everyday plinker.

I do need to post a picture of my old Ruger Bearcat. Stag stocks and all. Cute gun! All I use it for is a barbecue gun. Even with my smallish hands it's kinda smallisher.....or sunthin' lak dat.....

I need a S&W 22 double action revolver. Thanks for reminding me!!!

If you think you may like to try Steel Challenge. Then, a model 617 ten shot will be competitive with the "bottom feeders". There is nothing like "drag racing" with a gun!

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Thanks for all the replies. At this point, I'll probably just look around and see what's out there local and just pick up the nicest one I can find. I'll get back with a range report.

For just plain shooting enjoyment, it's hard to beat a 4" either 63 or 34. While no longer made, there are many many out there on the market. If you are wanting to do any competitive shooting, you would be better served by a Mod 18 or Mod 18 (K Frame 22's).

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Snagged a Colt Trooper Mark III in .22 rimfire along with a Ruger Mark II ten inch. I just couldn't warm to a 617 with that lock and this was the nicest .22 wheel gun I've found, so snapped it up.

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I got these two in the last couple of years...a 17-4 from 1978 with a 8 3/8" barrel, and a NIB old stock 17-6 from 1989 with a 4" barrel. Nice revolvers!

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Wow! You got a couple of winners there. That 10 inch MKII is pretty scarce, and a Colt .22 is a treasure. If you still have the itch for a snub nose .22, the Ruger LCR, is inexpensive. Ed

I wanted more revolvers than my k22 masterpiece target and colt officers target model. I picked up some different H&R 22 revolvers.

I seen the s&w k22 revolvers up to $1,500 a few years back but as low as $695. Stay looking at your lgs. Spread out your search more too. These get grabbed up quickly too you need to spend more time looking.

I suggest the S&W Model 617 .22 caliber revolver with a 4 inch barrel and a 10 shot cylinder.

I wish you good hunting in your search! If you should come across a J frame M-34 give it a look. Only six shots but they seem to shoot those six just fine. Here's a nickel I found last year.

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Stay safe people!

I think you made the right choice having owned the M43 D/A only it is no joy to shoot with a 12 lb or so D/A. The 63-5 3" newer model I am sure is comparable to your 317. I almost bought one and then came across a 4" 63 no dash and would gladly give up the carry option for the trigger action on the 63.

If you are looking for a plinker, don't ignore the cosmetically challenged.

I picked up these well-used rimfires a couple of years ago cheap.

This K22 and 22/32 shoot better than my nicer looking younger versions. They get more use than any of my other revolvers.