I really like this '52 Combat Masterpiece.Its far more accurate than I am and I've only used bulk ammo in it so far.
.22 Revolvers--Your Favorite/Most Accurate
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Wee Hooker
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I used to collect K frame rimfires /K22's. I pretty much had one of every model number and bbl length. In my experience, the older 17/18's were a thing of beauty . For that reason I always treated and used them very lightly. The 617's on the other hand, generally give the same accuracy without the worry of finish wear degrading their value. They are built like tanks. Given the relative rarity of the older 6 shot versions of the four inch 17's, 18's and even 617's, I'd coach you towards a modern 617 in 4 ". ( 6" being a close second.) Easy to find, not crazy money and they shoot better than most people can.
p.s. Don't get tempted by the Ruger's price tag, they just don't handle or shoot like a K frame. Been there-Done that too.
p.s. Don't get tempted by the Ruger's price tag, they just don't handle or shoot like a K frame. Been there-Done that too.
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.......I've owned several K-22/Model 17 revolvers. All of them were reliably very accurate. .............. I'd have to give the consistency edge to the K-22. But, of course, that could be as much about me as it is about the revolver!
Like JP@AK I've had the pleasure of shooting several S&W .22 revolvers including a single-line and 4-line K-22 Masterpiece, four iterations of the model 17, and two varieties, Models 34 and 63, of kit guns and they are "reliably very accurate." I am the limiting factor in the accuracy of any of them.
For me personally I best shoot a 17-2 with Magna grips (standard grips) and a Tyler T-grip because that combination best fits my hand. The model 63 fits my wife's hand better and she shoots that very well.
You cannot go wrong with any of them.
Murdock
Member
You will experience greater variations in accuracy due to ammunition brand and type than due to differing K frame models or barrel lengths. The guns tend to be uniformly superb in my experience.
I have never been able to decide between the 17 and the 18. I use them at thee range. I carry my M63 4-inch when bird hunting, using it to take standing or perched grouse. (I won't shoot a stationary grouse with a shotgun; not sporting with a scattergun buy plenty challenging with a .22 revolver).
Whatever you choose, enjoy it.
Oh, and Semper fi, BTW. I was a sailor but did 6 years in the FMF in 2d ANGLICO during my career.
I have never been able to decide between the 17 and the 18. I use them at thee range. I carry my M63 4-inch when bird hunting, using it to take standing or perched grouse. (I won't shoot a stationary grouse with a shotgun; not sporting with a scattergun buy plenty challenging with a .22 revolver).
Whatever you choose, enjoy it.
Oh, and Semper fi, BTW. I was a sailor but did 6 years in the FMF in 2d ANGLICO during my career.
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My most precise I believe to be this model 48.
It is still a .22.
It is still a .22.
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I own a few K-22's of various ages and barrel lengths, this one shoots as well as any of them 17-6 4"
fish hunter
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Only one I own is a Pre M-34,4". It came to me with original stocks and a Tyler T adapter. When going to the range or a walk in the woods I put on set of Uncle Mike's from a M60 .357 which fit my small hands nicely. It is more accurate than this shaky old man is.
Zebadiah
Member
I have a 6 inch barrel model 53-2 which is pretty slick and accurate with its 22 Long Rifle cylinder.
Unfortunately I sold my 4 inch model 18 (no dash) that I absolutely loved because of its really smooth action.
My Colt Officers Model Special (1950) is also very accurate with its six inch, non tapered, heavy, bull barrel. That is offset by a correspondingly smooth action.
The absolutely smoothest action in any of the several hundred guns that have passed through my hands was a 1940-ish Colt Official Police that I traded for a 1911 in the early 1960's....really dumb as it was super accurate even with its fixed sights.
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stykshooter
Member
I have owned at least a dozen Smith & Wesson .22's. I like the looks of the older K-22's. The most accurate .22 revolver I own is a model 17 full lug that I bought back in the 90's with a 6" barrel. The one I carry and use the most is a 4" 617 of new manufacture and my newest acquisition and favorite to just handle and shoot is a 18-3.
I have a Model 17 3T with a 6" barrel that I use in the rimfire stage of the 2700 matches. It is more accurate than I!
I have a M-617 and a M-63. Both are no dash 4" barrels.
The M-63 is by far my favorite and the M-617 usually lives in the back of the safe. I can agree with all the glowing complements for the K frames but for me they are just too big & heavy for a 22lr. My 617 weighs 41.4 ounces while the 63 is only 26.6 ounces. Just can't see carrying a 22lr that is the same weight as my M-686.
The M-63 is by far my favorite and the M-617 usually lives in the back of the safe. I can agree with all the glowing complements for the K frames but for me they are just too big & heavy for a 22lr. My 617 weighs 41.4 ounces while the 63 is only 26.6 ounces. Just can't see carrying a 22lr that is the same weight as my M-686.
but the most accurate by far is a 3rd model 1891 10 inch it's like shooting a rifle.
Mark we should Golf sometime
Mark we should Golf sometime
Paul I gots an H&R too. Love the ejector on those things.
Mark
Mark
but the most accurate by far is a 3rd model 1891 10 inch it's like shooting a rifle.
Mark we should Golf sometime
I have a pre war K22 and a model 63. Both are more accurate than I can shoot, but the 63 with target stocks is just plain trouble free fun to shoot.
Cooter Brown
Member
If you want a Smith what you describe in your initial post can only be a couple of things--a 22 CM/Model 18 or a 617. For a short period of time the Model 17 was available with a 4" barrel. The barrel profile was different than the Model 18 and I'm pretty sure it had a Patridge instead of a ramp front sight.
I've got three K22s--a one liner Masterpiece from '47, a 22 CM from '51, and a 17-3 from '73.
I've never "benched" them formally for accuracy so I really don't know which one would shoot tighter groups, but if I really need to put a 22 caliber hole in something I pick up the 22 CM. I just shoot it better.
Having said all that, I don't think you could go wrong with any Smith 22 revolver.
I've got three K22s--a one liner Masterpiece from '47, a 22 CM from '51, and a 17-3 from '73.
I've never "benched" them formally for accuracy so I really don't know which one would shoot tighter groups, but if I really need to put a 22 caliber hole in something I pick up the 22 CM. I just shoot it better.
Having said all that, I don't think you could go wrong with any Smith 22 revolver.
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Vintage M18! I like them so much I have two 
It depends on what box of ammo I am using. With the correct box of ammo, they will all shoot nearly the same. I'm really pleased with my 617-6, but I would hesitate to say it is any more accurate than the 17-4 or Outdoorsman, or 63 or 34 or pre18.
I've been looking around for a pair of stocks, finger groove S&W SB combat grips, (that don't cost a fortune). If anyone has a pair that may be a little challenged laying around, I'm open to doing a restoration job if you want to sell, (Or I have a nice pair of Fuzzy Farrant K Frame SB grips with thumb rest for trade).
I've been looking around for a pair of stocks, finger groove S&W SB combat grips, (that don't cost a fortune). If anyone has a pair that may be a little challenged laying around, I'm open to doing a restoration job if you want to sell, (Or I have a nice pair of Fuzzy Farrant K Frame SB grips with thumb rest for trade).
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