Which .22 Revolver to Buy??

Redcoat3340

Redcoat3340

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I'd like to add a .22 revolver to the accumulation. I have two .22 pistols -- a Sig 226 with a 22 conversion and a Sig 250 with both .380 and .22 slides & barrels.

But I'd like a .22 revolver.

I've kind of narrowed it down to 3 brands:
Smith & Wesson
Ruger
High Standard

My parameters are: not junk; not real expensive or a collector's piece (a shooter); good value for the money (No more than $450 unless I trade at LGS); prefer 4" barrel but 6" is ok; blue or nickel no matter; don't mind older guns, in fact if I can buy it online with my 03FFL C&R that would be great.

Looking for some comment on High Standard (I know they were inexpensive "Sear" types in their day, but that doesn't necessarily make 'em bad). Rugers are solid so no problem there that I know of. And S&Ws would be preference but they get a bit pricey for my budget.

Thanks in advance.
 
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If double action is a desire, then I would try to sniff out a K frame based S&W (model 17, 18, 617, K-22) that's within your price range. They can be found in decent shooter condition in that general price range. The J frame based .22's are nice, but a lot of people find them hard to shoot well, compared to the larger K frame guns. The J frames are a good choice if compact carry is a priority.

The Ruger super single six (adjustable sight version) can easily be found for what you want to spend, or less. They are accurate and well made guns. Of course, they are single action only.

I have never owned a HS revolver, but have heard good things about them. I have owned a couple of their target semi-autos, and they were great guns.

Whatever you end up choosing, I would recommend adjustable sights, as different .22 loads can vary in POI. There is nothing more frustrating than a gun that shoots off from its fixed sights, at least to me.

Larry
 
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I like Rugers - but I cannot recommend the SP101 .22. I finally got rid of mine last year at a significant loss. Tight chambers and very sticky extraction plus crummy fit and finish (my fault - I shouldn’t have walked out of the store with it). Other than the excellent Ruger single actions – I think your only practical choice is an S&W.
 
I have a K-frame (17-2 6") and a J-frame (34-1 4") I still have a High Standard "Double 9" (Double action, 9 shot, matt finish, designed to look like a single action 6") and owned a HS Camper (double action 9 shot with a silverish eletroless finish, 6").

As a side note, my wife picked up my 17 and found she really liked it! I was worried I had "LOST" it to her, but about 6 weeks later she picked up the Double 9 and found it fit her hand better. So I get to keep the Model 17, but I lost the Double 9! I haven't let her try the Model 34!

The Double 9 is probably the least expensive High Standard there is. It looks cheap. Mine will shoot right up there with my 34-1! The Camper wouldn't quite shoot with the 17-2. I would still feel that the 34-1 and the 2 H.S. revolvers are fairly easy to find under $500, not so much any of the K-22's!

My brother's stainless Single 6 has the extra 22 mag cylinder. It outshot my Colt Frontier 22! But not as good as the Old model Bear Cat! you can easily find all the Rugers in your price range.

Ivan
 
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If I could have only one it would be a 4" Model 18.

Take your time, save some money, buy once.


A 4" 34/63 Jframe is a better/great kit gun...... smaller and lighter..... better in single action than double IMO (J vs. K lockwork/springs)

A 6" 17/617 is a better range/hunting gun...... longer sight radius
 
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If you are to stick to your criteria, your best option is a Ruger Single-Six. You may luck onto a bargain J or K frame S & W at $450 or less but it will likely be worn, or heavily worn - if that matters to you. Think closely about shucking out those empties one at a time and you may decide a DA revolver for a little more money is a good idea :). Good luck in your decision.
 
Single Action, go Ruger.
Double action...I lean to S&W .
Whichever , get a revolver with adjustable sights. So many different 22 loadings out there don't hamstring yourself with fixed.
That said, one of the handiest, easy to carry in field and surprisingly accurate is the S&W 317 Airlite , 3 inch barrel, Hi-Viz front sights and adjustable rear sight, 8 shots.
Not a true target gun but a take along plinker and tin can shooting fun gun to the max . On a belt holster you don't even know it's there.
What I love about 22 revolvers is any 22 that will chamber, CB Caps, shorts , longs, L.R., high velocity , low velocity it doesn't matter....they can be fired in the revolver.
Gary
 
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I have owned Ruger, High Standard, and S&W. I still have the S&W 617. It has a great trigger and is a great shooter. I use it sometimes for steel challenge matches. The triggers on the other two brands were way too heavy for me to shoot double action. I also have a Ruger Single-six which is a hoot to shoot but that is a totally different ballgame.
 
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I’ve found that the most useful 22 revolver for me is the M34 (M63 if you must have stainless).

Incredibly accurate and portable.

You have to be lucky to find one under $500, but it’s possible with luck and patience.
 
When I was young I bought an H&R .22 thinking I could make do, and thinking the S&W's couldn't possibly be worth their asking price. I soon realized my mistake and couldn't sell the H&R fast enough.

I do own a couple of single action Rugers but bought and sold my SP101 .22 almost as quickly as I unloaded the H&R.

Another poster made a great point, wait a little longer, save a little more, and buy a K frame .22. I own two Model 17's and a Model 18. Of course I also own a Model 48 so...
 
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I'd save my money for an early model 18. It would be worth the wait.
 
The only double action 22 revolvers in the same league as a K frame S&W are the original Colt Trooper and Diamondback. And they are both more expensive.

The K frame will set you back $600-750, but it is money well spent on a gun you will be giving to one of your children some day.
 
I have been on the same quest for a good 22 revolver. I do not see a lot of used (or new) S&W's at good prices (under $700) . I am starting to consider the Ruger Single Six.
 
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Had a Ruger single six ..... decades ago......good gun....I just didn't like the SAA style loading and unloading. it was slow and at the end of the day always had to double check to make sure it really was fully unloaded.
 
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