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.

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

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

Another old revolver to consider in your price range would be the H&R sportsman.

__________________
Paul
S&WCA #2726

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

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.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

A K frame S&W 22 is what you really want and is the top of the line. You would need to get lucky to find one for less than $500, more likely to find near $600. But worth it and you can always get your money back.

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

S & W model 63.

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.

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.

I also have a HI-Standard 22 revolver 8 shot,made in 1956.
Love the fit of the handle in my hand.
Shoots straight and true.

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...

__________________
Join the NRA today

S&W Model 617 6"

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.

__________________
My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

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.

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.

Since you asked. I've got a blue New Mod. Single Six convertible 4-5/8"
new unfired in the box I'll sell. PM if interested

I have an S&W 17, 18, and 63. Love them all, but if I could only keep one, it would be the 18 (I'm partial to 4" barrels and K-frames).

__________________
'Merica!

I have 3 .22 revolvers. A model 34 Kit gun 4" a 18 4'' and a 17, 6''

All are good dependable DA revolvers. The 34 is more of a trail/carry gun in the woods, the other 2 can also do that.

If pushed for a opinion I would say the 18 is my favorite for all around use. Yes you might go over your budget but in most cases you get what you pay for.

Of course if your into single actions the Ruger is a great gun.

__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Save your money, get a Model 17......while your practicing with the cheap .22 ammo....save some more $$$ for his twin brother Model 19 .357

Sent from my SM-J320P using Tapatalk

I've own all three.

The best as most everyone has said, is a Smith & Wesson. I've owned both 17's (6") and 18 (4") and liked both. I suppose I might give the 18 a slight nod, but it's close and ONLY because I like 4" barrels best.

Today I've only got one a K-22 (Call it an early Model 17) from 1948. I got it for less than $500.00 a couple of months ago. It's well worn, but is as solid as the day they made it.



I also own a Ruger Single-Six. It's a 50'th anniversary model, with fixed Colt type sights. Regular ones have adjustable sights which most people consider more desirable, but I bought this one for looks actually. They are good solid guns that you, your kids, and your grandkids will shoot.



The last one is the most interesting, only because they're not seen as often, a High Standard R-101. High Standard made these for a number of years, and improved them over the years, so you might find different "R" numbers. They were also sold under the Sears name...J.C.Higgins..same gun. I've owned three of these, ended up selling them people who wanted them for their daughters. They're light, with an aluminum frame, steel cylinder and barrel. Sights are adjustable for windage only by the wack and hope method. They're about the size of a Smith & Wesson K-frame, and fit the same holsters. They are nine shooters, with a hand ejector type frame. You pull the ejector pin out to swing the cylinder out and eject the empties.

This particular one was made in the late 50's and was obviously intended for the female market long before the modern trend to brightly colored guns. They can be found with the 2 1/2 inch barrels up to 6". They also sold the same basic gun in a western looking "Double Nine" that looks like a single action, but is in fact a double action. The 4" version is among my favorite guns, being light as a feather on the hip, and plenty accurate enough for pine cones and such bumming around in the woods.



Which would I get? Well, obviously, I've got all three. I like all three. The High Standard will probably be the least expensive, the Smith & Wesson the most, with the Ruger right in the center. Take your pick.

Another I would consider if you can find one, is a Dan Wesson. The only knock on them IMHO, is that they're big and heavy, closer to a Smith & Wesson L-frame than a K. But they shoot like lasers.

__________________
John 3:16 .

A S&W K frame 22lr is the easiest to shoot accurately for most
people. Js are nice but a little harder to shoot because they are
a small light gun, but both have adjustable sights.
Ruger Single Six is a well made and accurate but is harder for
most people to shoot just from the nature of the long hammer
fall of SAs. The Hi Standard revolvers are not known for target
accuracy, they are plinking class and not close to S&W and Ruger
in quality or construction. The Hi Standard autos were quality
top shelf Target pistols. Their 22 revolver lines were inexpensive
cast alloy frames. Not something I would buy as a serious 22
shooter. I would rate them with H&Rs, Charter Arms and such.

Pretty good advice so far.

I always try to buy a piece I will want to shoot 5 years from now. I have many HS, but they are not really a revolver company. The revolver model made for them by Dan Wesson is not bad.

The Rugers are SAA style and I do get tired of dumping and reloading one at a time. I take pride in practicing picking up three rounds at a time and dropping them in a swung out cylinder all together. The SP101 has the worst trigger ever sold. Ruger says "stuff it".

The Smiths are outstanding and you can't go wrong with a K frame 17 or 18. I can not recommend the 22 J frames and I've got a handfull. This is the sweet spot for 22's.

My favorite is like someone above said, the Colt Diamondback. Expect to lay out around $1500 and upward; but there is a truism, "you get what you pay for". I think the Diamondback may even be my favorite Colt snake gun. The bluing looks like wet glass. stunning !

Prescut

Left to right Taurus model 94. It also comes with 4" barrel.
I've taught quite a few students to shoot with it.
Shown with 2" barrel wearing Altamont grips.
In Bianchi Black Widow
In DeSantis Speed Scabbard
In Wolfram's Blazer
In TJ's chestnut gator pancake

Attached Images

	SAM_0190.jpg (108.9 KB, 26 views)
	SAM_0068.jpg (118.7 KB, 22 views)
	SAM_0191.jpg (141.6 KB, 22 views)
	SAM_0285.jpg (125.7 KB, 22 views)
	SAM_0659.jpg (151.6 KB, 23 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

In my opinion, the best of the best would be the revolvers illustrated below. The bad news is that they are no longer made, but would have to be found used - probably gun shows or the internet would be your best sources. Good luck, because their present owners likely want to keep them.

The top two are Model 17s. These are target guns with heavy barrels. The top one has an 8 3/8" barrel - not best for packing, but the longer sight interval gives you great accuracy. The one below it has a 6" barrel, which was the standard length.

The bottom one is a Model 18. Same action, but equipped with a standard shorter tapered 4" barrel with a sloped Baughman front sight, which does not easily scrape leather out of the holster on removal. This is my personal favorite for packing, and I shoot mine a lot. It's a good stand-in practice gun for 4" K-frames in .38 special and .357 Magnum.

These are all classic guns and remain in high demand in spite of their age.



The Model 48 is the equivalent of the Model 17, but chambered in .22 Winchester Rimfire Magnum. More punch, and makes longer shots more feasible. This is a great field gun for small game.

Hope this will help.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Maybe an Astra Cadix .22 revolver (granted, I have never owned one, but a friend of mine did, and it seems like a good gun).

http://www.thebuffalotradingcompany..../1/5/15320.jpg



----------------

Be patient and save a few more bucks.
Found this pre 18 a few years ago on an auction site for a bit over $500.
The grips cost another $30 off of eBay.

Attached Images

image.jpg (110.6 KB, 33 views)

I would definitely buy S&W for their overall quality. Model 17 or 18 would be my choice depending on weather you want 4" or 6" barrel length. You will probably find more 17's than 18's and therefore prices will reflect desirability.
Wait for your budget to reflect S&W pricing and you'll forever be rewarded with a fine quality revolver.

Great advice from everyone and many, many thanks.

I think it's gonna be S&W (save my money or sacrifice a few safe queens) for the 18. I've got a couple of K-frame .38s and .357s and the K-frame seems the best idea to keep it all in the family.

There's a 34 at my LGS I seem to recall. I'll try it on for size on Monday but I'm aiming for an 18 or K22. The hunt is on.

Again, thanks to all who shared.

I think you have made up your mind and it's a good choice. I have several combat masterpieces and masterpieces and the CMs are my favorite. I just got a 18-3 like new at the Missouri Valley show this spring for $500.00 and a pre 17 at a garage sale this summer for $300.00, so they're out there. Don't get in a hurry and they'll find you. Also, I don't knock High Standards, but you never see them for sale. People who have them keep them. You will see a lot of S&Ws, but few HSs.

Don't rule out the Ruger LCR
JIM...............

__________________
SWCA # L-1911

I have a badly re-blued 17-2 that shoots like a dream. Ive owned the full spectrum of the 22s. Single 10, bearcat, 617, 34, 63, sp101 22lr.

I like the 17-2 best. And it’s the only one that I still have. Although a 4” 18 sounds nice, for plinking I prefer 6”. And a full sized gun.

Attached Images

56EBB557-E70F-46BC-96F4-226C6E027AA3.jpg (68.0 KB, 17 views)

__________________
Just hanging with my dogs

My vote would be for a S&W K frame but even well worn specimens can be hard to come by in your price range. Second to that would be a Ruger Single /Ten. Beyond that, based on my own ownership experience of most other "B" brands ( I.e. H&R, Hi Standard,Taurus or Charter Arms, I would continue saving my $.

__________________
Dave

I'll swim against the tide here.

I've given up on S&W K-frame .22s. I've owned two model 18s, two Model 17s, and two pre-model # K-22s. All of them were awful to load and unload, due to very tight chambers.

It is probably just me. I see other people have them and love them. No more for me, though.

In the price range you are talking, I would go for a Ruger Single Six or look for an older High Standard Double Nine. The Ruger is slow to load and unload, but why hurry? The High Standard has a swing out 9 shot cylinder, and is allegedly also double action though I have only shot mine SA.

Good luck.

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

K-frame revolvers are my favorite handguns, in everything from .22 to .357


In .22 I would recommend the Combat Masterpiece/Model 18

K-22 pre-18, K-22 Masterpiece, Model of 1953 22/32 Kit Gun.
$535, $465, $470 respectively. All off GB in the past 5 months. It is doable if you are persistent and patient.

Attached Images

	DSC06234.JPG (48.3 KB, 17 views)
	DSC06023.JPG (62.1 KB, 16 views)
	DSC06105.JPG (57.5 KB, 21 views)

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

Sounds like you've decided on a Model 18 Combat Masterpiece and it is, in my opinion, the best all around choice. Accurate, "carry-able", high quality; I know I love mine.
That being said if you happen into a Dan Wesson Model 22... BUY IT NOW! It's a large for the caliber gun, but SHOCKINGLY accurate, hell for stout, and just exudes quality even above and beyond S&W's general quality level. Definitely should be a top contender despite it's low-ish production numbers. Mine would be one of the last revolvers I would ever sell.

M18 M617-4” M17 any. In that order. My recommendation.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Again, many thanks for all the recommendations.

It's S&W. Went in to my regular enabler (LGS) with a Smith 19-5 and Star 30M to see what he had and maybe do a trade. (The 19 became "surplus" when I traded a Lionheart LH9 I bought on a whim and at a very good price for a 66-2!! The Star was sitting in the safe gathering dust.)

He had a bunch of 617s in 6", a ton of Ruger Single Sixes, and one new 617 in 4". I tried on the Rugers and 6"ers....but once I picked up the 4" SS 617 I was toast.

We worked a very nice deal and here's the result. The range is closed today so it'll have to be Tues or Wed before I give it try.

I know I shouldn't have done that. The Rugers were nice enough for what I shoot, I might have scored a better deal on the interwebs, and that gun wasn't really cheap.....but the ease of the transaction and the deal was good enough PLUS it's a gun my descendants will be shooting sixty or a hundred years from now (just like I shoot my P08 or 1905 .38).

Here's a few pics

Attached Images

	1127171423.jpg (84.7 KB, 39 views)
	1127171425.jpg (57.9 KB, 38 views)
	1127171425c.jpg (93.4 KB, 31 views)

I have a 617 4" no dash.................. "nottin" better IMHO.........

The S&W's are clearly the best choice in your list but they probably won't come in under your budget. Both the High Standard and Ruger - especially the Single series - are solid guns. I've had good luck shooting both accurately. And all the ones I have shot have been old models but they have been tight and accurate anyway. Yes the triggers can be heavy compared to a good S&W but you don't get everything for the money you're spending. My only revolver is a Smith & Wesson if that tells you anything. I am a semi-auto guy for the most part. But my Smith has been a very nice gun.

As the old knight said to Indiana Jones in the movie..."you have chosen wisely" .

Range report please!

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Throw your loose change, (and a few bucks !! ) in a jar every week,,
soon you will have enough money for an optic!!

Luckily, my 10-holer 617 came with a scope,
and a discount, because the LGS could not find the rear sight that was removed!



I have some have some hanging steel targets, this is by far my favorite gun for shooting those targets.

A scope? Hmmmmmm.....never had a scope on a pistol. Interesting idea. Really interesting idea.

What this forum needs is a "Go Fund Me" section!

Wonder if this would work?

"I'm a poor retired guy living on my Social Security (and yeah, pension and investments) who have never had the opportunity to shoot a really, really good pistol with a good piece of glass on it. Poor me.

I'm clearly missing one of the sublime pleasures in life, and a small contribution on the part of many people (or a major donation on the part of a few) will fulfill my life's dream and this big hole in my range of experience.

Please help fund me so I can live my dream! (Cash, check, money order, Paypal, or specie accepted.)

In July, I purchased a 17-2, on G.B. for $550 "buy it now". My 1st S&W revolver. It is simply awesome. Looks very good, and shoots wonderful- accurate. Bob

I am new to the world of .22lr revolvers. I must say that they're a hoot to shoot and addicting. The cool thing with the Smiths is that they're identical in every way to all other Smith revolvers, in fact, at first glance I thought both of of my examples were 586s as they sat on display. Moreover, I was immediately attracted to the full lug, outstanding built quality and the deep, lustrous bluing of the 17-6. Here're my 4 and 6" 17-6s - both wearing original combats, a bonus. There's nothing wrong with your other options, but once you fondle a Smith, it's difficult to look further. All I need is a vintage 48.

Attached Images

IMG_2534.jpg (81.1 KB, 14 views)