22LR revolver recommnedations?

[Dahak]

Anticipating the day when 22LR new is cheaper than 38 SPL rounds reloaded from supplies bought 2 years ago, I am thinking I want a 22 double action revolver to work on my trigger control, plus while revolvers may not be the most practical choice, I have an unreasonable love of them. Range use for me and introducing handguns to my kids and nephews and nieces will the primary roles.

Which models should I be on the look out for? Is a new 617 or 17 as good as the old ones, if not, how old should I be looking for. I am a buy-once, cry-once type of shopper. Even though I am on the SW forum, are there any other brands and models I should be considering?

[hkcavalier]

My girls like these two. I also have a prewar Colt OMT .22, but it's quite a bit larger and heavier than either of these (a prewar K-22 and a chromed 34-1).

I would get any 17 in good mechanical condition and with little to no evidence of dry firing. I'm not a big fan of the newer full lug guns myself, that design is fine for the bigger bores but with a .22 it means a very muzzle-heavy gun.

[chief38]

I'd recommend a VINTAGE M18, M17, M63. Their newer Revolvers (post mid 90's) do nothing for me! YMMV but you did ask.

[Telecaster]

If you don’t want to pay S&W prices, the Charter Pathfinder is surprisingly good. 2” or 4.2”, steel or aluminum. The trigger isn’t as heavy as most revolvers, it’s between a J and K frame in size and weight. And I’ve read reports of very good accuracy from the 4.2” models. My 2” Ultralite is fun, but groups like a shotgun with most ammo. Winchester Super X groups well in it.

[Dave Lively]

I have a new 617 with a 4 inch barrel and really like it. It is heavy but shoots very well. I did put a lighter rebound spring in it to reduce the trigger pull but it was not bad as it came from the factory. Having 10 rounds instead of 6 is nice but an older model without the underlug would also be nice. The newer ones are easier to find too.

Before buying the 617 I briefly owned a Ruger GP-100 in 22LR. The trigger was heavier and not as smooth. While the specs say there is not much difference in the weight the Ruger felt clunkier.

If you do decide to get a new 617 I would recommend one with the 4 inch barrel. They are better balanced IMHO.

[biblethumpincop]

Originally Posted by Telecaster

If you don’t want to pay S&W prices, the Charter Pathfinder is surprisingly good. 2” or 4.2”, steel or aluminum. The trigger isn’t as heavy as most revolvers, it’s between a J and K frame in size and weight. And I’ve read reports of very good accuracy from the 4.2” models. My 2” Ultralite is fun, but groups like a shotgun with most ammo. Winchester Super X groups well in it.

I have a 4" Pathfinder back for repairs at the factory. I bought it brand new a few months ago and it had a .020" barrel-cylinder gap. It misfires on multiple chambers with 5 different types of ammo. I returned it under warranty and when it came back, I was told the gap was within specs. They replaced the mainspring with a heavier spring and said it test fired fine. I continued to have issues so it went back. They are making a replacement barrel and I hope they will get it to fire reliably.

I like to company and have owned three of their .38's and two of their.44's. Hiccups happen. Unfortunately, my Pathfinder has spent more time at the factory than at my house.

My Diamondback on the other hand, always goes bang!

[KalamazooKid]

While I do have both 4” and 6” M617’s (and love them), nothing gets me pumped like a 1950’s era K-22 - specifically a 6” “pre 17”.

I have more than I need similar to this one from 1952 ….

[kamloops67]

My 617 is an older one with 6 shot cylinder , I shoot it better than any of my handguns
A buddy has a newer 10 shot 617 that has had probably 10000 rounds through it with zero issue
For revolvers I vote S&W …

[steelslaver]

If you sat a brand new 10 shot K22 down and a used model 17 or 18 down in front of me and said pick one, I would take the 18 every time and I already have several of each. You should be able to find one for less than a 617 too. Some holster wear means nothing if your going to be using it much.

[adwjc]

Best advice above is that given by Steelslaver.

I have had that journey, back in the '70s I had an Charter Pathfinder, nice trigger. But I had to have a S&W 63 so I sold it.

Regretted every time I used the 63, lousy trigger, and constant problems with spent shells sticking, even after have my gun smith buff out the chambers, regardless of what ammo I tried.

Found an older Model 18 - the best revolver I ever owned, nice double and single action trigger without ever working on it. I would say the Model 18 is perfect for your intended purpose.

I still miss that Pathfinder though.

[crazyphil]

I know Taurus has a bad rap for problems, but in my experience most of
the problems have been with their semi-automatics. As an instructor I
taught a lot of folks, men, women and youngsters how to shoot using the
Taurus Model 94 revolver shown below. After I retired from teaching, I
gave it to a grandson.

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I have been on a similar journey.

Problem is finding any!

I had a 6” 617 for years. I hated it. Way too big and clunky for what I wanted in a 22 revolver. I sold it off about a year or so ago.

I wanted to buy a S&W 63 but couldn’t afford one so bought a Ruger LCRX 3” 22. It was ok but didn’t do much for me.

I am still thinking about the S&W 63 or maybe even the Ruger SP101.

I am looking really hard at the new Taurus 942 though.

[GerSan69]

My Model 18 is by far my favorite 22. Close second is the Rossi 511, similar in size to a J-22 but in stainless. The Model 17 is nice, especially for target stuff. And the converted-to-2" Model 34 is the most convenient. A couple rifles, an EAA 6.75" full-size single action, a Norton TP-70 and a Ruger Charger round out the rimfires. Variety is the spice of life, as they say...

[peterdeb]

Nothing beats a K22 Masterpiece. However they are expensive. I have shot a Rossi Plinker 4" and it was a pretty smooth revolver. Good luck finding one though.

[Telecaster]

I tried a 63, just never bonded with it. Tried the GP100, it was too big and heavy for a .22, I felt. Tried an 18, awesomeness. I need to dab some Loktite on the ejector rod threads, but otherwise it’s amazing. But it’s heavy and I keep thinking a lighter .22 would be more fun, but I know I’m tilting at windmills.

[squidsix]

If you are open to a single action .22, I cannot recommend the Ruger Single Six highly enough. Tough to argue with 30,000 trouble free rounds over 20 years

[Green Frog]

My first handgun was a High Standard Sentinel Deluxe Snub. It had an aluminum alloy frame with steel barrel and steel nine shot cylinder. They also dressed the same receiver slightly differently to get a series of DA Western style revolvers. If I weren’t going to pay the freight on a Model 17 or 34, that’s what I would look for.

Froggie

[lihpster]

I just picked this 17-6 up for $700. I also have an 18-3. Both would be excellent choices. For little ones I think a 4" K size frame is best. No heavy long barrel to balance and big enough to get a good grip on. Another less expensive model is the Rock Island Armory AL22. I believe they are Czech made and last i checked were coming in at about $550.

[VictorLouis]

I'll be 'that guy' here, LOL. Don't turn up your nose at a nice Rossi or Taurus, so long as it is a 6-shot model. I've only encountered ONE 9-shot (Taurus) over the years that timed well on all nine. Taurus has also produced a K-frame sized blued 6-shot in the past, which is a model 96, IIRC. I have two Rossi 4" models that are J-sized with full underlugs. They get the job done nicely.

[joe44va]

A love of revolvers is not at all unreasonable!
17 or 617, whichever feels better to you. I have a 3" 63, a 6" 617, and a Ruger Government model (which I haven't shot lately because of my love of revolvers). Won't part with any of them.

[CH4]

I don’t have much to compare because I only know my 3 Smith rimfire revolvers, but they sure are well made and fun to shoot.
4” 17-6
6” 17-6
6” 648 no dash

[.38SuperMan]

You didn’t mention the ages. Age has a lot to do with your selection.

I and my wife own several 22’s that would be good.

My wife loves her 317 air weight 3”. It’s 8 shots, good adjustable fiber optic sights and very light, 13 oz. The downside is characteristic of J frame 22’s, heave double action trigger but single action is superb.

Next would be my model 34 4”. A little heavier than the 317 but still light, small and easy to handle. Again SA trigger is light but DA heavy.

Next is my K22 6”. Fabulous gun with excellent DA and SA trigger but bigger and heavier. For teenagers it would be fine.

Next up I’d recommend my 4” 617. Really fine in every way but heavy so best for older kids.

You didn’t mention single action guns. My wife has a Ruger Wrangler that would be easy for kids to shoot.

I have a Ruger Bearcat with adjustable sights and would be great for any age to shoot. It’s a really nice little gun.

Last I’d say a Ruger Single Six. I’ve had my stainless for about forty years or so. Accurate and easy to shoot. It’s no lightweight so I’d say it would be good for teens and older.

I don’t own amodel 18 but think that would be a good choice as well.

[THE PILGRIM]

You Can’t beat a K22.
They do cost a good amount, but the record shows they hold and increase in value.
And any of it’s kin, Mod 18, 617, etc.
Ruger Single Sixes are excellent Guns.
But a PITA to load - reload.

[Thin Man]

Although I own a 617-0, an 18-4, and a 34-1, as well as a Taurus Model 96, my favorite by a fair margin is a Dan Wesson Model 22 with a 4" heavy VR barrel.
Not the best double-action of the bunch, but excellent in single-action as well as being the most accurate. And the polished blue finish is exquisite!
Not exactly easy to find, but definitely worth the hunt!
FWIW!

[Delta Expatriate]

My only double-action .22 revolver is the Ruger LCRX with the 3" barrel (8 shot cylinder). I have had it for a little less than a year, and have been using it for to try practice double-action shooting at a local indoor range. It is easily my most used handgun since it was purchased. I am very pleased with it. It is very light, though.

[Qc Pistolero]

My second handgun was a model 17-3 bought new in 78 or so.I never kept records but I am quite conservative when I say it has way over 10K rounds spitted from its 6''bbl.Still waiting for its first hiccup.
A Ruger Single Six is another good option if you are more inclined towards SA guns.

[Zipdog]

H&R Model 999. Very accurate but horrible double action pull. Worked over these can be a charmer.

[AzShooter]

I love my 617. It will do anything you want a .22 revolver to do and you can modify it to your content. Trigger is nice from the factory but can be smoothed even more.

I have a number of DS-10 speed loaders for mine which really help when you want to get in a lot of practice.

[Jimmyjones]

Best investment I've made to improve my DA shooting is a 34-1. I carry a J-Frame, the 34 is cheaper to shoot and has less recoil than my .38's. Goes with me every range session along with my K-22.

[Tanners Owner]

I have a M63 and M617, 10 shot 4 “. Both super guns, though if I had to choose, I’d keep the 617. It’s simply a great shooting gun.

I’d like to find a M18, but they seem to be harder to find at a reasonable price……

[brucev]

Given the description of your anticipated uses, you would be very well served w/ a S&W Model 18 or 17. I have used both and long ago decided upon the Model 18 as the most useful. It is ideal for routine DA and SA practice serving as understudy to a K-frame .38 special or .357 Mag. Sincerely. bruce.

[jaguargolf]

I've been happy with a Model 34 4", a Model 63 5" , a Taurus 94 5" and a Ruger Single-Six 6".

Favorite is the 5" 63. I like it so much I'm on the lookout for fancy grips.

[Narragansett]

Anything in a K-22 say 1950( just to pick a date ) up to the model17 introduction. Any M !7 from a no dash to a P&R 17-4 and anything in a pre M18 up to and including any dash number that is P&R in a M18

[bananaman]

I have a 17-2 from 1964. When it it arrived at my FFL, it sure looked good. I couldn't believe how well it shot! Shown with different stock sets. Have a set on diamond magnas for it also.
Would like to have a 617 for falling plates at the gun club! Bob

[Bhfromme]

I have several 22 revolvers and my 63 is by far my favorite. Also love my Model 43. It's smaller and lighter but I'm still very accurate with it even given the lighter weight. Both are just awesome.

My 6" Pre-Model 17 is also very good. Had a Taurus 94 but didn't love the action so I sold it. About to add a 6" Model 48 from Smith's Classic lineup. I'm really interested to see how the action on the new Classic compares to my 1954 Pre-Model 17.

But to date nothing beats my 4" Model 63 from 1988!

[max503]

I have K and J frame S&W's. If I saw a deal on an H&R double action 22 I would jump on it. That, or a Taurus.
I require adjustable sights on my 22 revolvers.

[jaguargolf]

I forgot my 317. I don't shoot it well. 3" barrel and very lightweight. It's not a 25 yard pistol. I rarely shoot it anymore.

[GypsmJim]

Certainly a K22 / M17 is the standard by which all others are compared, but a Ruger GP-100 ain't too shabby. My 10-shot is "almost" as good as my 17-2.

[Nightowl]

It is really hard, if impossible, to beat a K22 from any year. Some experience sticky extraction, but they shoot great and the extraction issues can be mitigated or fixed. Smith made the chambers tight.

[Rocket3]

My Dan Wesson revolvers are crazy accurate, reliable and fun to shoot. Easy to swap barrel lengths but they are heavy.
Tried a 617 just because I love Smith revolvers but it really wasn't even close.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

What you are looking for is a 6" 4 screw K22 in about 98-99% condition with a set of Ropers with a serial number indicating 1956 manufacture.
Or a brand new SP101 8 shot that was returned to Ruger due to a hitch in the trigger pull and returned with the best trigger one could reasonable expect from a Ruger that was instantly put away by the owner and remains unfired.

[GT_80]

I would prefer a older one personally, I have a 617 and I had to send it back to get a new frame. I have heard a few others with the same issues so... if you wanted a more utilitarian and bulletproof gun, the SP101 or GP100 would be a better choice I think, for budget, charter arms pathfinder is a good choice. There are many others, but I have experience with those,

[Old cop]

My 4” Model 63 is one of my favorite range toys.

[GT_80]

Originally Posted by Jimmyjones

Best investment I've made to improve my DA shooting is a 34-1. I carry a J-Frame, the 34 is cheaper to shoot and has less recoil than me .38's. Goes with me every range session along with my K-22.

I want one of those bad

[357 shooter]

Picked up a 617-5 6" earlier this year at a local auction. One of my favorite 22s. I often shoot it better than my Model 41 target pistol. Though it would probably be too heavy for most young shooters.

[Rubone]

.22 revolvers, the nickel 34-1 I just picked up today although I bought it a few weeks ago. Hard to go wrong with any .22 revolver for sheer fun.
The others are a S&W Heavy Frame Target
A S&W model 17-8 10 shot
A S&W model 317 8 shot
A Colt Diamondback 4"
An H&R 923
And a Ruger Super Single Six Convertible 22 and 22WMR

[Biggfoot44]

My standard for comparison for DA .22lr was a Pre- M18 . I am currently contemplating a distressed pre M17 .

An M34 is an interesting idea , but haven't come across one ( yet) .

I did try a Taraus M94 , but the trigger was so bad as to be essentially unusable for intended purpose ( and tried lighter springs , but go misfires long before trigger improved sufficiently .

I know the OP said DA , but Single Six are excellent , especially with dual cylinders , and double especially a 3 Screw .

If your tastes run more C&R , some of the older H&R are surprisingly nice .

[model17]

Can't go wrong with a model 17, 34 or an 18

[BAM-BAM]

I've had Model 17,18,34 and 63s and 617.

17s are best for range and small game hunting...... sight radius.

34 is a good gun to start smaller stature shooters..... in single action shooting

63 (4") is best as a kit gun .... stainless vs the blue steel 34

617 is a great .22 understudy/training gun for the 686. Mine are both 4"

4" Model 18's are best all around IMO ....K-frame has a better double action trigger than the J-frame and a bit smaller/lighter and easier to carry than the 17 or 617.

[twodog max]

I have the Models 34 and 617 both 4 inchers. I like and enjoy them both. No significant issues with either one. I have owned the 34 for 40+ years bought it new. Carried and shot it a lot. At the time i bought it I could carry it every day working and did. Without question my favorite. IMO the perfect size for teaching kids. Small enough for them to easily handle. I would agree not as easy to shoot accurately but it will do. You can move up to bigger later on if their interest holds. The 34/63 are a joy to carry. You forget they are there.