I have been thinking of picking up a high quality, top shooting, .22 revolver, vintage or new era.

Which S&W .22 revolver would fall in that category, for you and why?

Well, I can only speak from my own experience. I have four Smith .22s: an 18, a 17, a 63, and a 34. All things considered, the 18 is the best of the four.

Andy

I consider a pinned and recessed 4 inch model 18 perfection.

I'm kinda partial to my K-22.

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Quando omni flunkus moritati.

Vote #3 for the Model 18. I liked this one so much I bought it twice. Once in the early 1980s for $175, and again twenty years later from the friend who traded me out of it. This time it cost $450, which was my offer price.

Without a doubt, the Model 17/K-22.

It's the only .22 revolver I've ever owned, and probably the only one I ever will.

I think it may be THE finest revolver made by S&W of ANY caliber! (Of the "normal" revolvers any of us possibly stand a chance of getting, not including Registered Magnums and the like).

With the 17/K-22 Masterpiece, the Model 10, 27 and 29 I am not sure what else one would need.

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No school like the old school.

I have owned and used the 6" K-22, 4" Model 18, and 2" Model 34. All are excellent for different purposes. They have all been more accurate than my shooting is likely to be. As long as I do my part right these revolvers will do theirs.

If I wanted a .22 for target shooting or hunting I would lean toward the 6" K-22 or 4" Model 18. I love the Model 34 on hunting, fishing, and camping trips, and I've forgotten how many meals it has provided for me with grouse, cottontails, or snowshoe hares. Carries easily in a vest pocket, and a box of .22LR rides easily in another vest pocket, so I know I'll never have to starve to death in the woods.

I don't think S&W ever made any bad .22 revolvers. They're all great. Just depends on which model strikes your fancy.
Personally, I prefer the K-frames with the Model 18 being my favorite.

I would certainly vote for the K22 Masterpiece. The only question is what era gun you should own. I have read from many of our experts that the post-war/pre-model revolvers were the best guns ever made by S&W.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I don`t think this one is the best 22 cal.

This Combat Masterpiece has to be the best 22 cal.

Dick
Dick

I only have a model 17 and pre-model 17 in 22lr so only ones I can speak of. I like them real well and one always goes to the range with me.

I've got a 17-4, 617-6, Pre18 combat masterpiece, 34-1, and a 63-1. It's tough to say which one is best as they all shoot wonderful. If I was going to use it at the range only and shoot targets I would probably say the 17 or 617 is the best. Bur, I do like t woods roaming gun and then I would probably toss a coin between the Pre18 and the 63. If I was taking my grand kids to the range or woods I would grab the 63 and 34. My recommendation, buy the 18, the buy the 17, then pick up a 63 or 34, you can't have just one.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have owned 2" Model 34s, a couple of Model 18s, and currently have a Model 63, a late 40s K22, and a Model 651 .22 mag. I don't know which is best, but I have shot the Model 63 10X more than all the others put together. It might be my all-time favorite S&W revolver.

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Georgia On My Mind

I have bought, owned, shot and sold a number of S&W .22 LR revolvers. Of them all, it is my considered opinion that the Model 18 is just about the best of the best. I use mine for practicing SA and DA shooting at the range. I use it in the woods and fields for shooting targets of opportunity as well as small game. It is just about the superlative .22 LR revolver that any man could ever want. When circumstances required me to let some of my handguns go, the 18-3 that I own was one of the few that I refused to consider selling. If it came down to it, that little 18-3 would stay even if I had to let every other revolver and pistol go.

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<><

I have a 17, 18 and a 34. I thinkt the 18 is the best all around gun.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Around 1984 I was shooting my Model 18 posted here earlier and told the girl I was with I would break this bottle poking out of the weeds about forty yards away. She said I couldn't hit that, so we made a bet. I can't say here what the bet was without getting in trouble, but I HAD to make that shot. I sat down like Elmer Keith did in Sixguns and slowly squeezed the trigger. She said, "You missed!" I said "Bee Ess!!" and ran over to it. I know I saw it move. Then picked up the bottle and the bottom which was obscured by weeds was shattered. When I pick up that gun nowadays I think about that shot and that girl who was no welcher. That's the most accurate handgun I ever owned.

I've got a Model 18, two 17s, and a 34, but I don't think any of them will out shoot my 1939 vintage K-22 Outdoorsman.

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Eccentric old coot

Nice holster, wish I could see more of the gun!

I personally think it wise to listen to a man who use to bet his life everyday on what was on his hip. That takes gun "fancier" to a whole new level. My bet is too is that in most of his career if he had back-up within 30 to 45 minutes he would have felt like he had an army with him!

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No school like the old school.

Tough call, I make clover leafs and ragged holes with my K-22 Masterpiece (pre 17), I'm only up to good groupings with my K22 Combat Masterpiece (pre 18). Had them both out yesterday. I added a Tyler T to the CM today, we'll see if that helps my accuracy.





I don't think there's a finer .22 revolver than a S&W, they're all capable of better accuracy than I am.

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SWCA #2817

Just pick one to start.....the others will come soon after.

My 48 may be the most precise

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

I have a pre 17 made around 1952 that is very nice. It has a more
matte blue finish than a 17 I used to own and just seems to be better
fitted overall. I also have a model 18-4 with pinned barrel, TT and TH
that is beautiful.It would be hard to have to choose between the two
but for general use it's hard to beat the 4" barrel length. I also have a
34 and pre 34 that I like but they really seem more like cute toys
compared to the K frames.

I am partial to the model 18.

Here's one, johnny. I love the feel of these standard target grips on this gun.

My 2 cents worth. I have a hard time deciding between my 18-2 and 3 pre-17's, but one of my pre 17's is the most accurate, by just a little bit. Had a 4" 10 shot 617 and sold it after returning it to the factory. I've had a couple single 6's but they just could not out shoot that Target Masterpiece. One was close, but no cigar. Have fun deciding.

This one:

18-4

53....for whatever reason a 6" .22 Jet balances better for me than any other Smith .22 Revolver...and if you name the number I probably own it or have owned it.

I don't shoot Jet ammo any more after burning out the first barrel with 1000+ rounds of Jet and who know how many Long Rifles. Was lucky enough to find the correct barrel and after having it installed is just as accurate as it ever was.

Mine is a 1962 four screw that came with the axillary rimfire cylinder and was my only .22 revolver from 1974 till about 1991....so it got used some.

Bob

Different .22 revolvers have different purposes, but I thought that if there were one best S&W .22 revolver, it had to be the 17 or its predecessor. Then I found that I was wrong:

I only have one 22 revolver and it is a model 63. I haven't even thought about getting another I like it so much. Great adjustable rear sight, Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Red front sight, smooth trigger, comfortable to shoot, and not heavy at all. I shoot at least 300 rounds per week out of it and have never had a problem. And being stainless it's easy to clean.

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As the owner of three 17s (1948-59) an 18 and a 4" 617 and two 34s (round and square butts)........

These guns are .22lr.....

So unless we are talking Zombie Apocalypse/ Walking Dead ( if you can stick a 4" knife through a human skull a .22lr ought to penetrate and bounce around.... like a Massad assassin's bullet... fairly quietly vs a .357 Python ) ....... the "best in show" would be the 6" 17s.........

The "best of breed" .....ie. all around 22lr revolver......... would be the 18 closely followed by the heavier 617........... a little handier than a 6" gun but they do give up sight radius.......

"Best to haul around the field all day in case you need a .22" would be....... the original Kit Gun ..... the 4" Model 34

I really like all Smith .22's.

This 17 was my first Smith and it's the gun I've had the longest at this point. Bought it as a teenager.



Second, was this 63. I've had it almost as long.



But if I was nailed down and forced to make a choice, it would have to be one of these. These could very well be my favorite revolvers these days. I really think the 10 shot 617's are pretty special, and they're pretty much the only .22's I shoot nowadays!

Madmike- love that 617 pic every time you show it. I could never get tired of it. I don't own any S&W .22lr revolvers, but I hope to soon. The 4" 10 shot 617 is the first one I'm after, although I'm intrigued by the K-22 and the 63. Also, think I like the diminutive 317.

I have not shot them all yet.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

My preference is the Model 18, but only because I favor the "understudy," and the 18 is a very nice understudy for the 10, 13, 15, 64, 65, 66 or 67. The 18 also does double duty as an excellent target pistol, capable of true target grade match accuracy, and its accuracy makes it a very capable revolver for the hunting of small game, such as squirrels, etc., if you enjoy the challenge of handgun hunting. Oh, it is a great plinker also, even if plinking is a waste of its potential.

I really am kind of partial to these...





But, this is the one that would hold the position in question for me.
Enjoy,
bdGreen

Over the past 8 years I have owned numerous S&W 22 LR revolvers and you really can't go bad with any that you may buy. Some of the K22's suffer from tight cylinder chambers that can make extraction hard. I would go with a Model 17 and get one that is P&R and I also really like the Model 18 with the 4 inch barrel.

I also have a Model 617 with 4 inch barrel and it's a no dash with the 6 round cylinder. It is also a great shooter as was the 617 no dash I sold with a 6 inch barrel.

The 617 no dash


S&W 17-1


Model 18-4


17-4 with 8 3/8 barrel


K22 5 screw

I dispatched a poor button buck yesterday that was hobbling beside the road after being hit by a vehicle. One shot ear to ear with one of my 5-screw pre-17's that happened to be under my truck seat. No doubt about making a clean shot.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Another vote for M18 .

My first S&W , I used it to learn DA and holsyer work. But beyond the understudy role , it was a fine all around .22lr in its own right, more accurate than I could hold it.

My story isn't as racey as Wyaat Burp's. Shortly afrer moving into our house , the wife ran in a panic to where I was in the executive reading room , " Either that snakes goes or I do ! " As soon as feeling came back into my legs , I grabbed the trusty M18 , and went outside where we were having a new (replacement) septic line put in . There in the very deep end in the small puddle of ground water was a small snake swimming . Now I knew , and most of you knew it was harmless , and if ignored would have probably just gotten either scooped out , or burried under gravel. But Mrs Biggfoot ie very Irish in her attitude about snakes , so the only possable response was "Yes Dear" .

One shot , and hit the base of the skull , with head handing by a thread ( about a 10yd net distance ). Of course I was aiming for between the eyes , but I just acted like I meant to do that, and walked back into the house.

Any S&W 22's mentioned above will do the job. Myself, my old 22-32 has taken a lot of table fare for the camp & dispatched a few rattlers, also. S&W doesn't make this model anymore but the newer ones do just fine.

Well my vote would have to be my S&W Model 17 it's the only .22 revolver that I have ever owned!

Those pre-IL 4" 617s with 6 or 10 round cylinders are just great looking...in all my travels I have never seen one to buy and on the auction sites they get and arm and a leg.

Have a friend who has a 6" but it just doesn't balance for me...the 4" looks like it would just right.

Bob

...a few more to think about...

Top is a 34 with a 35 barrel...
Bottom is a 35 that has an extra 51 .22 Magnum cylinder fitted...







Model 18...w/ extra Model 48 .22 Magnum cylinder. Grips have been shortened and refinished.







63 with extra 651 .22 Magnum cylinder...



Best front sight on any J-frame Kit gun I have ever seen...





Twin cylinder Model 48...hard to miss with this one...





Round butt Model 18....







51 with extra Long Rifle cylinder...





Next to the 53 this is my favorite...4" 70s vintage Model 48 with extra Long Rifle cylinder, 50s vintage hammer, RR front sight blade and smooth Combat wide trigger with Diamond Walnut grips...

I'm surprised no one has brought this up yet...what is best for us may not be best for you and your situation (carry or range, muzzle light or heavy, 6/8/10 shot). Best to try out a few if you have a range or friends that have different types, and see which one(s) you get along with the best. Pretty much not a bad S & W .22 LR revolver in the family tree. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I own and shoot the Colt OMM, Lawman, Ruger SA conv., Smith's Models 34, 43, 48. But it is my Model 17-2 tuned by Dennis at the Sand Burr Ranch that will never leave home without me. To have the best twenty-two revolver in the world it "must have" a S&W K frame.

Years ago, I had a neat little Model 63. Then I got interested in revolvers with larger holes in their barrels and sold the 63. On a recent trip to the gun safe, I realized that I didn't own a .22 handgun of any make or size.
I remedied that when I came across a LNIB 6" 17-3. It's a beautiful piece and my favorite (only) .22 .

I have very little to add to what has already been said, but I'll share my opinion anyway.
First, I don't know that S&W ever made a .22 revolver that wasn't a good gun - at least before 1982 (I have no experience of S&W .22s made after that time).
Having said that, I would have to favor the K-22, especially the pre-1958 variants. The one-line address, five screw K-22 I used to own was right up there in the very short list of the best shooting, most accurate handguns I've ever owned or shot. It was simply amazing. The guy I sold it to a couple years back shoots it a lot and says he will never get rid of it.
My current pick of the litter is a K-22 from very early 1957. It is scary accurate!
On the other hand, my wife favors my .22/32 Kit Gun that shipped without a model number in January, 1958. It is a little bit too small for my hand, but it shoots very well and is my wife's favorite handgun to shoot.
I'm sure I would also like a .22 Combat Masterpiece, but I've never had the good fortune to own one. For whatever reason, when faced with the opportunity, I've always ended up buying another K-22 instead. Maybe one of these days . . .

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

For me it's no contest. My Dad brought home our K22 in 1963, I had yet to turn 10 years old. When he announced he had bought a pistol I had hoped it was a .45 Colt Single Action. I had never heard of "Smith & Wesson". When it turned out to be a .22 I was disappointed ... but not for long!

Over the past 50 plus years of shooting that darn thing is still going. We wore out the wood handles so I replaced them with ivory. Not only have I poured enough lead through it to fill a barge, this old revolver also survived all my early attempts at "gunsmithing". I wish I could shoot it more these days (ammo shortage) but when I do it never misses a beat.

Not only is the K22 one of the best .22 handguns ever made, IMO mine is the finest handgun ever made. Not because of craftsmanship, shootability, or the ivory handles, but because of the memories that are so much a part of it.

Man oh Man, you guys have really come up with tons of good info and pictures. I really love the pictures of those great guns. Unfortunately, none on my friends own any S&W .22 revolvers. Most that do own .22 handguns have semi autos.

I must say that I am intrigued by Iggy's 1939 K-22 Outdoorsman. I think I could easily jump on something like that. I plan on looking at some 17s, 18s and K-22s when I can find them.

I have owned several 17's of varying dashes and two 617, 6" 10 shots. all were very good shooters.
I am currently holding on to two Smith 22's.
A 34-1, 4" that shoots better than I can and a 17-6, 4". The 17-6 is to date, my favorite.
If you have access to other people's guns, shoot a variety of them. Some like the longer tubes, I prefer the 4" barrels.

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Have two, M63 and M18-3(unfired) with Kuracs