I am considering buying a new model 17 or 48. My question to the community that has these is just this: can I shoot 22lr in the 48 accurately? I don’t have or plan to shoot much 22 magnum but I wouldn’t mind having that option. But if it won’t shoot them well I’d probably just go with the 17. Anyone have any experience with these two models in the new classic series?

Unless the model 48 is offered with a fitted cylinder for .22 LR, you would not be able to shoot the standard .22’s in it. The .22 Mag is significantly larger in diameter than the .22 LR.

By mistake I shot some 22 in a 48, sure sounded odd. It's not a good idea, especially considering the cost of mag ammo these days

You can shoot a .22LR in a magnum, however not recommended and the accuracy is horrible .22 magnum is slightly larger in diameter and the .22LR rattles its way down the larger bore.
There are some older guns out there with both cylinders out there but I can only recall one Ruger .22/.22 magnum that shot well with either cylinder.
Tried to buy the gun off my buddy, but hewouldn't part with it.
Go with the model 17, and save some $$ for a 48 later.

Get both! Problem solved.

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Pass it on.
Mark

During the last ammo drought, I could sometimes find .22LR. .22 magnum was not evident.

Personally, I'd just stick with the 17. Very cheap and accurate to shoot . You can also get dozens of types of ammo ranging in power from 22 CB caps and Colibri all the way up to hyper velocity hunting rounds. 22 mag rounds are 300% more expensive and relatively limited in power diversity. Both my (early) 48's also fouled badly within 50 rounds of the relatively dirty 22 mag ammo.

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Dave

If you intend to shoot the gun much, get the 17.

22 mag in a revolver offers miserable noise and blast, trivial velocity increase over 22 lr, and terribly expensive ammo.

p.s Just re-read your post. While I have not shot one, I have handled a few of the 17 Classics ( and do own other classic series revolvers). I would not hesitate to buy one . They are not quite as nice as my old pristeen 17-2, they are very nicely finished and a whole lot easier to find.

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Dave

Thank you everyone for you input and opinions. I am thinking I will go with the 17. Just as soon as I pay for my 29-10! Lol

In a handgun go with the 17 in .22lr.......

That said...................

For hunting and pest control...... it's hard to beat a .22 magnum rifle......with today's ammo.... it's an effective varmint round out to !00-150 yds.
MY CZ 452FS consistently shoots "under the crosshairs" of my Leupold 1-4x20 scope at 100yds..... that's a 1-1.5" group off the bench.

I will have to agree with the 22lr recommendations. I would rather fire 22 Mag in a rifle. I have a Ruger Single Six with both 22 Mag and 22lr and rarely ever use the 22 Mag cylinder.

I endorse the “both” option in the longest barrel options

Cory

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Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465