I am looking for an alloy (AirLite) .22 revolver to use for inexpensive practice. I carry an AirWeight 442 in .38sp. Does anybody know if the Model 317 and the 43C models have any problem with "hyper-velocity" ammo (CCI Stinger i.e.) My 442 is an old dog that can't handle +P's so it makes me wondrer.
Thanks

I am not sure about the actual rating from the factory; however, I have owned a good number of J frame .22's, several High Standard Sentinels and it's clones, a few Charter Arms Pathfinders. Currently, I have S&W #63, #317, & #650. I have never found high speed ammo to be accurate in any of my guns. I have gotten best results with standard velocity ammo.

CockerPoodle please let me hijack a bit.
CB i am considering buying a 3" 63 or 317. The obvisous weight difference. Do you think the SS 63 will perform better as a range gun, and has or made to have a better trigger?

Welcome! I think any modern .22 S & W revolver is fine with any ammo, but accuracy will be variable based on an individual gun. If you buy a 317 or 43C, try several brands and types of .22s and see which yours likes. If the goal of the .22 is cheaper trigger time any round will do; if you're looking to duplicate .38 recoil for practice I don't think Stingers will quite do that.

Also, your 442 is fine for +P in limited quantities. It will accelerate wear, but the gun will not blow you or itself up. Practice with target or standard loads 98% of the time, then remind yourself how much the hot loads cost and recoil every so often.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for your comments. As Murphydog suggests, I was thinking that a hot load (Stinger) might simulate the feel of my 442. Mostly I practice with Winchester Super-X High Velocity in my 63. To Bowzette: let me know if you decide to go Kit Gun. I love mine-- accurate, pleasant to shoot. I will be selling it. (I believe that the early 63's are 4 in. barrel, new ones are 5 in.

It's hard to beat the S&W J frame 22.

S&W M-317


S&W M-34 blue steel 2" & M-43 light weight 3 1/2" & M-63 Stainless 4"

Some people have too much fun!

bowzette, I would not buy either of those models for a range gun. I bought my #317 as a pocket gun for hikes when my son and half the neighborhood was in BSA. Traded a Browning Stalker 7mm mag straight up for the #650 because I wanted it for carrying in the woods when I didn't feel like toting a N frame. I bought my #63 damaged, intending to have S&W fit the cylinder to my #650, but the factory repaired my #63 for a reasonable price and I am pleased with it.

If I wanted a range gun, I would buy a K frame revolver or one of the discontinued #422/622/2206 semi-auto pistols.

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The closest thing to a range gun in a .22 LR J Frame is the Model 63 five inch. It's an 8-shooter, fun, and accurate; just about K Frame level accuracy.

If you want to shoot a LOT of Stingers in a .22 J Frame, I'd not do it in a Model 317 and maybe not even in an old Model 43; get any Model 63 for that.

If you want at least a little recoil and 38 Special-level noise in a J Frame (as well as a fair trail gun) get a .22 Mag Model 651 four inch.

The model 317 is a sweet pocket gun (as opposed to a holster gun) and will handle all the high velocity ammo you can stuff in it. Stingers are Hyper velocity, but of course I'd carry them in a 317 during "just in case" situations.

I'm drooling! I sold my 63 about 7 years ago to buy Christmas presents for my kids...One day, I'll find another one that I can afford! Geez!