Need advise on S&W .22LR Revolver

[JJEH]

Fellas,

I need your help. My father in law is looking for a .22LR Revolver for shooting, not collecting.

Now I'm not the big of a Revolver crack, so I kinda need your advise.

What is a good shooter in .22LR and how much does he have to spend?

I appreciate any help

 

[fred5876r]

I don't think he can go wrong with a 10 shot 617. Very accurate gun and the 10 shot means fewer reloads. I recommend the 4" over the 6" due to better balance.

 

[fyimo]

S&W revolvers have seen a major price increase over the past couple of years and today he can exect to pay from $500 for a worn looking shooter to $700 for a like new model 17 with 6 inch barrel or a model 18 with 4 inch barrel. Or he could buy a new Model 617 in with either a 4 or 6 inch barrel and pay the going price for a new one with an internal lock and with a warrany.

The all are a blast to shoot and the ammo is cheap so he could do a lot of shooting.

 

[Old cop]

I have a Model 63 5" (J Frame) and it is my favorite range gun. It runs about $700 new so a bit pricey, but if your dad is also looking for a good trail gun the M63 is light enough for that as well. I like the other models mentioned above, but went w/the M63 because all my J Frame grips and other stuff will work with it too.

 

[v-13]

Just bought a model 617-6, 10 shot, SS, with a 4" barrel at Williams Gunsight here in Michigan. They had some used ones but for about $30.00 more I bought a new one with warranty. Had them put on a fiber optic front sight for another 65.00. I traded in another gun I didn't shoot much to help off set the cost. I have probably put 500 rounds through it since I bought it back in December. Going price at Williams was $689.00 on the box it came in. I think it was listed at MSRP of $829.00 on the S&W website. Walmart has Federal bulk packs anywhere from $15.00-18.00 range for 550 rounds. I really enjoy mine.

 

[JJEH]

Thanks for all the advise fellas.

I will double check his budget and maybe there is one for sale on the board. Wanna make my daddy proud and help him out as good as I can

He lives in California. Souldn't be a problem to own one of the above listed Revolvers, right?!?

Edit: And after looking at the 617 I am getting interested in this model LOL

 

[fyimo]

California does have different gun laws and rules and there is something about an approved gun list so other forum members can chime in and fill you in on what's legal and what's not.

 

[RHINOWSO]

I have a Pre-model 18 Combat Masterpiece which fits my needs for a S&W 22. I'd prefer an older 4" 63, since I like stainless S&Ws better but it's a sweet shooter at 59 years old. Plus 63s tend to be more expensive, I got this one for @$475, IIRC.

 

[NE450No2]

I would recommend a 4 or 6 inch K frame, what ever length he likes best.

 

[RussellD]

I would suggest either a model 17 or 18. Finding a deal or setting a price is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I recently passed on a 4" model 18 that was a shooter for 375 for two consecutive gun shows to keep peace in the house. When I went back to get it...someone had beat me to it. LOL

Prices can go from mild to wild depending on model, condition, grips, original box, etc.

Quality is always worth the wait.

 

[Tyrod]

This Model 317 Kit Gun is mine. I have never liked a revolver as much as I like this one. Weighs nothing, like 12.5oz and very accurate. Costs about the same as other new S&Ws in 22lr.

 

[silentflyer]

Model 17 or a 617, hard to beat, when you miss it's not the gun..

 

[M3Stuart]

Not mentioned yet is the ole' Model 34. It's a J frame, it's lighter, holds 6 rounds. I got mine for about $450 - which is less than any new .22 revolver. Comes in 2" or 4" though the 2" models are harder to find.

My son just loves shooting the 34. Oh, and it's great practice for J and K models in larger calibers.

 

[SD357]

Its OK in California..got my 617 6 inch about 8 weeks ago and am loving it. Ammo is cheap so you can get a lot of shooting in for a small price.

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

17/617

If he likes guns more with a retro flair, go with the Model 17, if he leans towards stainless (new style) revolvers, then go with the 617, either 6 or 10 shooter.

IC

 

[CWH44300]

I've got 17's and 617's. I like'em all but I just got a 317 kit gun and I'm in love. When its not in my pants at 4:00 it in my hands busting empty shotgun hulls,soda cans or shooting groups off the bench. I'm having so much fun with it I plan to get another. Any smith would make him happy they are all great guns

 

[Stainz]

My collection of S&W .22LR revolvers include, top down below:
T No longer cataloged 5" 63 8-shot with HiViz & 60 Pro grips
M 4" 617 10 shot with HiViz & Ahrends retro target grips
B 3" 63 8 shot with 60 Pro grips (HiViz included)

As the bottom two are available new, I'll address their use. The 4" 617 is a heck of a range gun - bullseye or plinker. It's weight, some 50% more than the 3" 63, makes it a bit heavy to tote. It's larger K-frame lockwork translates to a potentially lighter DA trigger than the smaller J-frame 63.

The 3" 63 is a bit less expensive. Mine came - NIB - with a better trigger than I had achieved after cleaning/lubing, spring changes, and lots of shooting with the similar 5" 63. It's smaller & lighter - begs to be carried. It is nearly as good at both plinking and bullseye use as my 4" 617.

Which would I keep if I could only have one? It's really a toss-up between the 3" 63 & 4" 617. If range trips are indicative - the 4" 617 hasn't made the trip in a while... the 3" 63 gets 'frequent range bag rider' points, however. Tough call!

Stainz

 

[Bud11]

Just got a 63 from Bud's recently for about $605 I think it was. No tax or shipping.

 

[JJEH]

Thanks for all the input fellas.

I will tell him

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Just got a 63 from Bud's recently for about $605 I think it was. No tax or shipping.

!!!!!!!!! They ain't getting cheaper!