Pretty simple question. I think? Open to all frame sizes and models, and cylinder capacities, what do you think the best post 1980, regular production, DA revolver S&W ever made is?

I don't own an S&W 22LR wheelie, and I find the situation intolerable. I'm thinking something packable, 5" or less. What do you think?

IMHO:
The choice of any weapon is very personal.
And it also depends on what you want to use the gun for?

__________________
anton

I'll suggest the Model 18.

for packing, you can't beat the model 18. for fighting off "attack squirrels" i'd go with either a blue or stainless 17/617 10 shot. if you can't find an 18, the 4" full lug 17 is a well balanced revolver, just a few ounces heavier. lee

If by "packable" you mean easy to carry size- and weight-wise, I'd vote for a 4" model 63 stainless Kit Gun. If it has the small factory service stocks it will be a little more difficult to shoot than a K frame model 18, also an excellent choice, so aftermarket ones would probably be in order. Enjoy the search!

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Depends on which frame size you want and are comfortable with. If you like the small J frame to pack, the 4 inch Model 34 makes a great wooods guns. If you want something a little bigger the 4 inch Model 18 is the the way to go. I have both and they are both nice shooters.

I've never met a .22 I didn't like! So my vote goes to...all the above!

__________________
Misty

IMO, the 4" model 617 10 shot is a good all around choice. It's a little heavier than some, but is very accurate and has the same "feel" as bigger calibers since it is on an L frame.

It would be hard to go wrong with a Model 18.

However, I enjoy carrying my 2" Model 63 in the woods as a pocket gun. You hardly know it's there, which isn't necessarily a good thing for an uncommon revolver and these days an exorbitantly priced one. The little gun is suprisingly accurate with the right ammo, but is demanding of your technique to make it so.

__________________
" I said, good DAY! "

I agree with the post above: I never met a (quality) .22 I didn't like, and the older I get the more .22 rounds I put down range. I have (in hadguns) an 18, a long-barreled 17, and a model 41. I seldom go to the range without at least one of them and I enjoy them all equally.

+1-in RB,with steel cylinder.

__________________
WALSTIB

this one
my mini gatling gun

__________________
Sure you did

Those are all good but for something really PACKABLE, you just can't go wrong with a 3" model 317. So light you won't even know you're packing it, eight shots, accurate, (at least mine is), and fun, fun, fun!

Model 18. The perfect compromise between weight and shootability.

Either!



I love them both... maybe the 617 just a bit more!

Merry Christmas!

Stainz

I have K22 with 6 inch barrel, a 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel and two Model 41's and they are an outright blast at the range. I'd get a 617 if I were you but it's whichever S&W 22LR revolver sparks your interest.

Another vote for the 317...great for backpacking, fishing , biking,car gun, I have forgotten my regular CW before and just grabbed my 317 out of the gun box in my car, slid in my pocket and was good to go. So lightweight you forget it is their...another member on this forum stated that he has a lanyard on his and slips around his neck when he takes his nightime walk in sweats.
I use a Stinger round in mine..a little more get up and go.

__________________
You'll shoot your eye out kid

I had a 4" 63 then I bought a 17-3. The 17 is the by far the most accurate revolver I've ever owned and shot circles around the 63. Easily carried in a Bianchi Cyclone cross draw holster. IMO it's the best .22 S&W has ever made.

I would love to have a 4" prelock 617 and that fits your post 1980 date. They are beautiful revolvers and easy to carry. Wish S&W would come out with a 3" no lock version to add to my 3" collection!

So many choices, one "I'm sick of you buying guns" wife. She has me down to 1 S&W purchase a year. ): After putting up with my **** for 34 years I'm a lucky man and still happy I married her!

__________________
V/R
Roger / SG

I have 6" and 8 3/8" Model 17's, and a 4" 34, but far and away my favorite is my 617-4 4" 10 shot. It is one fine revolver.

John

No, it's still a K frame.Reinforced as the newer ones are,but a K frame.Ls have a bigger window for a larger cylinder,though the grips are the same size.

"Packable" and fairly accurate too.

How about a 650 3'inch? 22 mag..... Opinions??

I have 3 317's. The 3 ' is my #1 gun.
One is a bobbed hammer and the third is my wife's carry.
They need an action job with Wolff springs to get a smooth but still rather heavy trigger. Single action is great.
Have a great New Year.

Attached Images

317-3-s.jpg (110.1 KB, 76 views)

__________________
----Ol' M&P----

yes, a 2 or 3" 317 is the ticket!

Is that a 5" 317 on top? I've never seen one of those. Is the barrel a lightweight with a liner or a full steel barrel? Do they still make those?

Theres not a bad one in the bunch. I'm lucky enough to have 3 6" Model 17s, an 18 a 4" 617 and a 2" Model 34.
The one I really like to shoot the most is the Model 18, great balance and accuracy. I suppose after that would be the 6" 17.
Its all good, really, really good.

I have had a 6" 17 and a 4" 617. I wish I had not sold the 617.
The main problem I had was that I like to shoot predominately double action and despite holding the guns perfectly vertical to eject, the cylinders would begin to drag after about 60 rounds in the 17 and after about 150 in the 617. That was a real kill joy. I would need to brush the area out under the extractor on a regular basis to keep shooting.
Is there a fix for this? I would like to have another one....

Semi Auto
S&W Model 41

Revolver
S&W Model K22

The best of the breed is the S&W M-18. Everything else is just a variation of this theme. JMHO. Sincerely. Brucev.

__________________
<><

Same answer as; "Which is the best golf club to play 18 holes??"

There is no "best' only best suited to a particular task at a particular time and a particular person. Buy a whole set , you won't be disapointed??

__________________
Dave