What 22LR Revolver Do I Want?

[quickdraw03]

I want a 22 revolver to add to my collection. It will mostly see range use, but would be nice to carry in the woods.

I used to have a light Taurus revolver. I couldn’t shoot it well and didn’t think it was nice. I think it was about the same form factor and weight as a S&W317.

I’m trying to decide between a 63 and 617. I know the easy answer is both, so maybe I will ask which first.

My grandfather had a 10 shot 617 with a 6” barrel. I thought the gun was really heavy as a young shooter.

Everyone seems to love a 617, and maybe the 4” one would be a great choice. Is it still too heavy?

The 63 is much lighter and would be easier to pack. It would be easier for young shooters to grip given being a j-frame. I don’t see as many comments on the all-reliable internet. It’s similar in weight as a Glock 19.

I would appreciate thoughts from any, especially those that own both.

Thanks,
QD

[22hipower]

I'd go with the 617 4 inch first. Reliable, accurate, great at the range and easy to carry too. The 63s are fine too although more difficult to shoot accurately; at least in my experience. Can't go wrong with either one. Only real question I'd consider would be do I want an older one, say a 617 no dash or even an older 18 with some "collectibility" or just one to shoot. If the latter, a new 617 will be perfect. With this kind of question there is no wrong answer.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[malph]

Yeah, it comes down to shooting mostly or carrying mostly. For shooting, the new 617s seem very good. All that weight makes for a very stable platform.

If i was carrying it in the woods on hikes, I think I'd rather have the 63. Small, light and easy to carry.

If full disclosure i do not have a 63. I do though have a 3" Model 60 that should have similar shooting characteristics.

It's not that the J frames can't be shot well. It just might take a little more work to get there.

[THEmodelof1989]

I'm a huge fan of both the 63 and the 617.

It seems like the weight of the 617 is your main concern. It's not a self defense gun that you'd pack around all day. It's a range/varmint revolver that is second to none, including the 63, in those respective categories. I'd buy it to cut my teeth. That way, when you step up to a full size .357 or .44 magnum (trust me, once the bug bites, you'll want to own at least one of all the different flavors) you'll be prepared for the weight, and that weight will help tame the recoil from the pure unadulterated power that IS a magnum cartridge.

[bulletslap]

My advice based on my accumulation of S&W .22s would be a pre-lock Model 18.

[DS-10-SPEED]

I have both and changed the grip on the 63 to a round to square butt conversion grip because it was too small for me. It shoots well but like what was said above it's not as easy to hit targets as the 617. IMO the 4 inch 617 has the best balance of all my .22 revolvers.

[clang444]

K frame for sure. I prefer the old 17 and 18 without the barrel lug, but a 4" 617 will do the trick too.

[Rpg]

The j frame is much superior for any field use compared to a K frame 22.

The J frame is superbly accurate and very easy to shoot. It’s also the gun you want to actually carry in the field.

My M34 is the favorite revolver among my students. They’re much less favorable toward the larger, heavier K’s.

[quickdraw03]

These are all great responses and food for thought. Please keep them coming.

One of the things I love about this board is the great photographers!

For disclosure, I have been bitten the the bug and have a 342, 625 (4”), and 629 (5”). I also have 41 that’s almost a laser gun.

[rockquarry]

I've had a 63, a 15, and a 17 for a long time. All are capable of very good accuracy with good ammo. I shoot a lot but have always found J-frame revolvers considerably more difficult to shoot well in comparison with a K-frame gun. For most people, the added weight and size of a K-frame is more forgiving of shooter shortcomings than is a J-frame revolver regardless of chambering.

I don't keep up with dashes or lack of dashes and lock vs. no lock. They're a big deal to some and that's fine, but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on this. Unless you can find a bonafide comparison study (not YouTube), dashes and locks or no dashes and no locks have nothing to do with how well a gun shoots.

[CH4]

When looking at rimfire revolvers S&W K frame models are the only option I was interested in; however, I have recently developed a curiosity for a 2” 63/34. I am also still interested in finding a 4” 18-3.

648 .22 mag
17-6 4”
17-6 6”

[Burley]

I just found that my Ruger single 6 is a .22 magnum with .22 L.R. capability. Maybe that's why I never shot it as well as I thought I should.

Of course, the vintage snub 63 packs and shoots pretty good.

[Jessie]

That’s a great combo Burley, but how does just the cylinder change the accuracy?
Mine is very accurate with both rounds.

[Babysitr]

If you can stand to carry a K frame, M18 for sure....I woods carry a M34...light and accurate....but my 317 would also be an excellent choice...There's 3 you will need, then the 63 is also a great.....well, never mind

[Burley]

Originally Posted by Jessie

That’s a great combo Burley, but how does just the cylinder change the accuracy?
Mine is very accurate with both rounds.

I'll admit it's an excuse but I still want to try both .

I've had a single 6 with extra cylinder most of my life and never shot mags out of 'em. Then, I found it's a .22 mag all along

[saemetric]

First choice is the 63. Target use the 17.

[Buick]

The M48 6" is the one i want. Should never ever have sold my old one. What a superb revolver.

[TMan51]

I'm a big fan of the J Frames, and their portability, but they are not the best choice if you want to show of your shooting talent, or need the accuracy past 15-20 yards.

If you live where carrying a handgun around the woods is OK, even the 6"/617 isn't much of a problem.

If you are not likely to own both, the 4" 617 might be the best of both worlds. It's not heavy or even bulky in a decent holster. That bit of extra weight and barrel length makes it a pretty accurate tool.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by bulletslap

My advice based on my accumulation of S&W .22s would be a pre-lock Model 18.

Saved me some typing.... if you can have only one!!!!!

I have a 4" 617 no dash and a 4" 63...... as well as some Model 17s (6"), 34s (4") and 18s (4")

The K frame has a better double action in my opinion than than the J-frame .22s

[ScottN]

I think it really comes down to how you will use it or who will use it. I recently sold my 617 6” and picked up a nice preowned 63. The 617 shot great but was too heavy for long plinking sessions, and way too heavy for my sons. I probably shot the 617 a little better but there’s plenty of accuracy in the 63. I’m not going for tiny groups...just shooting paper or steel targets out to 25 yards and beyond. I love seeing my sons face when he rings a 8” target from 50+ yards.

[HOUSTON RICK]

I want a certain S&W Masterpiece 22 revolver in St. Mary's Parish Louisiana, but when I have the cash, I can't go get it and vice versa. if I do not get laid off in this Covid thing, I am going to drive over some Saturday and buy it if it is still there.

[mod34]

Dear OP, I know where there is a really nice Mod.17-9

[Gamecock]

This thread prompts me to take my H&R 999 to a gunsmith to get it to work again.

[colt_saa]

As a Smith & Wesson guy, I would say go with the 3" Model 63 first, then add your way up to a 617. I own both and like both for different reasons

One of my first 22s was a 4" Model 63

I also have some of the model 34s.


However as a guy called Colt_SAA to a guy called quickdraw03 I would be wanting to see you carry one of the USFA Modle 12/22 revolvers.

Yes a 12 shot 22 revolver built the way an SAA should be built.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer stopped making them and they are getting crazy money on the auction sites

[quickdraw03]

If only USFA was still around. I’m a double action guy, but those were nice guns!

Great thoughts by all and lots to consider.

I always struggle with new pinned in (i.e. replaceable) sights vs. older no-locks.

[joe44va]

My 617 is amazing!

[H Richard]

In your case I would suggest you look around for a little older Mod 18. The same as a 4" Mod 17, (with no lug barrel). Great on the range, and light enough to pack in the woods. Best all around.

[quickdraw03]

I don’t have a no lock, so the thought of an M18 is interesting.

[rkittine]

+1 for a 4" 617 - Especially if you intend to carry it in the woods.

Bob

[KalamazooKid]

While the 617 is an awesome shooter (I have both 4” and 6” models), it’s too heavy IMHO to carry around. I’d recommend the 4” M63 or M18 - one a J and one a K.

[Tanners Owner]

I have both a m63 and a m617- both 4”. Of the two, the 617 is my preference- simply works better for me, smoother trigger, accurate, balanced.

[reccpd101]

I have owned a model 617. I currently own a Model 34, 63, 317, 2 Model 18s, and my grandfather's H&R Sportsman. I could not shoot the 617 any better than the others. Further, I couldn't find a hitch that would hook the model 617 to either my truck or my tractor.

H Richard gave you the best advice. The 18s are great shooters and easy packing.

[Pine_Worker]

Originally Posted by clang444

K frame for sure. I prefer the old 17 and 18 without the barrel lug, but a 4" 617 will do the trick too.

My thoughts exactly!

[fishcreekrim]

Originally Posted by bulletslap

My advice based on my accumulation of S&W .22s would be a pre-lock Model 18.

17-3 6” would also be a good choice.

[Mehutch]

My choice was easy, S&W 617-4 pre-lock 6" barrel with all the accoutrement you see here. Easy.

Get what you want, spear no expense.

[Dave Lively]

I am trying to make the same decision. What I really want is a brand new 8 shot 63 with a 4 inch barrel and an orange ramp sight. Problem is the 63 only comes with a 3 inch barrel and fiber front sight these days.

I keep scanning the local trading board but it seems like most 63s I see are the older pre-lock 6 shot models and the sellers want a premium for the older guns. I want a shooter, not a collectible so I would rather have the extra 2 rounds and the lock doesn't bother me enough to pay for a pre lock version.

[sparkyvega]

I've always been disappointed at my inability to offhand shoot my M63 J-frame and my son's M34 accurately. I'm relieved to read that many others posted here have experienced the same. The M63 is an excellent firearm with which I'll never part, and I'll keep working on my J-frame technique.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by sparkyvega

I've always been disappointed at my inability to offhand shoot my M63 J-frame and my son's M34 accurately. I'm relieved to read that many others posted here have experienced the same. The M63 is an excellent firearm with which I'll never part, and I'll keep working on my J-frame technique.

I do my handgun shooting at 25 yards, bullseye-style using one hand. The 63 is capable, but I'm usually not. Still, I find this to be good practice and it helps me to improve my shooting technique. I had a Model 34 4" many years ago and traded it off because I could never shoot it well. There was nothing wrong with the gun; the shooter's lack of skill was the problem.

These are small, light guns and consistency of hold and consistency of everything else is more difficult than with a larger, heavier revolver.

[chief38]

It's truly hard to beat a vintage M18. The M17's are nice too if you like a 6" barrel. For woods carry in Squirrel Country or small pests, a M63 comes in handy too.