Does anyone have info on the S&W 22 45 acp revolver. I saw one at a recent gun show and it was so ugly it looked pretty. The guy selling it wanted $1500 which seems very high to me but I really have nothing to compare it to. As I looked at it I thought if a guy would develop one load that shot to point of aim it would make a good self defense revolver but honestly that is only my perception after looking at it for a few mins. Seller would not let anyone handle it. So what are peoples thoughts on the revolver?
wp

Was it a Thunder Ranch? If so, that was way too high.

The ones I see on gunbroker look like they run the 850-1100 range, but that was before january. Lately it looks like everything took a slight jump in price.

629Shooter - Are the thunder ranch models less valuable? I know both the steel and scandium frame models are IL.

WP;
Were you looking at an original M22 or the newer M22-4 with IL and frame-mounted firing pin ? If the former, that was a good price, and you should contact that guy & buy it immediately. If the latter, way high by about double. I have a modern M22-4, and ignoring the IL and FMFP, it's all the fun my several M1917s were, and modern steels into the bargain.
Fun shooter, accurate and easy to load for (I use .45 AR). Who could ask for more?

Larry

Thanks to all of you. The revolver offered was the IL side mounted lock. I thought it was a bit high and you all confirmed this. It does sound like a fun revolver and so I think I'll keep my eyes open for one but now I have some knowledge as to what one is worth.
wp

The 21-4 (.44 Special) and 22-4 were made for a few years, then dropped from production. The last .45s available seemed to be nickel 5.5" versions, like a 1917 Army.

The 4" 22-4s have gone up in value since being discontinued, but not $1500 up.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Did it look like this? Model 22-4 of 1917

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I like revolvers that chamber the 45 ACP cartridge. When I was wearing a badge, I wanted one but the 4" skinny barreled version was not to be found so I converted a 28-2 to handle the task. The 22-4 would have been ideal for what I wanted. Fixed sights are not a problem for a revolver to be used for one purpose. Find a load that hits to the sights and stick with that load.

As much as I like the 22-4, that is a lot more than I would pay.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I'd agree, $1500 is WAY high.

If you bide your time, you can get one for MUCH less. I purchased one this fall via Gun Broker for less than half of $1500.

My local gun shows are always overpriced anymore. The last time I went, I found a Taurus pump 45 LC rifle I was slightly interested in. The seller wanted double MSRP. Yes, it was basically new, in box, but his justification for the price was: 1) "They don't make these anymore", and 2) "I looked the prices up on the auction sites and they were in the $600 range; by the time you pay transfer fees, taxes, and whatnot, you're close to my $800". I said no thanks and walked.

Bottom line, watch auctions and turn over rocks in local used shops, you may get lucky.

I have this one and absolutely love it, though I would not pay more than $800-$900 for one. Maybe $1k for a NIB example in one of the rarer styles.

20140915_101230 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

20140915_101444 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Windage is spot on and elevation varies with the load.

The TR varieties, especially with the logo on the frame, tend to sell for a bit less.

I looked at a new, old stock Model 21 Thunder Ranch last Friday. It was $749.95 plus tax. Thought about it but the gold inlay turned me off. That said $1500 seems a bit steep to me.

The S&W 22-4 I saw looked like the one Rick posted only it was blued and had the lock on it.
Bill

I agree, way too high. This sorta reminds me of my Harley dealer, any discontinued model he has is a overpriced "collectors" item. Both my Soft Tail Deuce and XR1200 are discontinued models and he wont give hardly anything for a trade!

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Stay safe people!

You should be able to snag one for well under $1000. I'd keep looking.

I think they're really COOL, especially the 22-4's that I bought used for a VERY fair price from a guy who was shooting USPSA with them.

What's not to like?
- 45ACP caliber
- Moon clip compatible for fast reloads
- tapered "mountain gun" style barrel
- nickel finish (on mine at least!)
- low-profile, snag-free fixed sights

These are my poor man's "mountain guns".



Yes, the factory grips are more attractive for photos than practical for shooting, but switch the grips out and you have a really great N-frame carry revolver!

Lou

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

I managed to get one each of the current production. All are really fun to shoot. They have a different feel than originals, but very fine revolvers. The stocks on the Models 22 are horrible, especially if you plan to shoot more than a couple of rounds. I use Ahrends on mine. The Ahrends on the Model 21 were standard, and they're pretty comfortable for shooting.

Here's mine... a well used Pre-22 / Model of 1950 45 Military shipped in August of 1954. These are kinda hard to find and a bit pricey for the condition. Model marked 22 no dashes are even scarcer. I guess 45acp wheel guns with fixed sights weren't real popular in the 50's and 60's.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I bought one of the new Model 22s, it came with stag type grips and a Tyler

T Grip. A Demonic tool was included and moon clips. The gun was in

unfired condition. I paid far less than they were going far as the ffl need

some cash for his employees for their holiday bonus, at least that was the

story. Nice gun, but for the dreaded lock.

Rule 303

I bought a thunder ranch a year or so ago for a smidge under $600.

Great gun but the lock bugs me. For a range/carry gun it really doesn't make a difference I guess.

I would definitely buy another one if the price was right.