.22 caliber revolvers

[Jim38M]

High Guys,
I currently own a M&P Shield pistol and Bodyguard 38 revolver.
I would like to acquire a .22 caliber revolver for target practice.
I have looked at the 43C and 317 S&W models, and I would like to have your opinions on these or any other model.
On a related issue, the S&W revolver manual states that any revolver specified for .22LR caliber ammo can also use the .22short and .22 long cartridges. Has anyone done this?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[woodsltc]

Look around for a good used K22....either a M17 or M18......you won't regret it. You will have one of the most accurate, and well made 22cal revolvers ever made.

As far as shooting shorts and longs ...... yes I've done it , but I don't shoot them very much as the shorts and longs are harder to find and usually cost as much or more than the long rifles.

Don

 

[Tenn2]

Look around for a good used K22....either a M17 or M18......you won't regret it. You will have one of the most accurate, and well made 22cal revolvers ever made.

As far as shooting shorts and longs ...... yes I've done it , but I don't shoot them very much as the shorts and longs are harder to find and usually cost as much or more than the long rifles.

Don

+1 Agree with Don, although you might want to invest in a few of the CBs if you need quiet practice.
Russ

 

[66Park]

Look around for a good used K22....either a M17 or M18......you won't regret it. You will have one of the most accurate, and well made 22cal revolvers ever made.

You bet! Also, you'll have a gun that will likely appreciate in value. I have a 1958 K22. I shoot it more than any other gun I own. It is supremely accurate and an heirloom quality gun. It would be tough to have any more fun at the range than you can have with a K22.

 

[CScott]

One advantage to having a revolver is that you can use a variety of ammo. I have taken many cottontails and squirrels with my Mod 17 over the last 35 years and believe me, that is some of the most fun you can have with a handgun. Also, in my experience, a 22 Short will sometimes knock a squirrel out of a tree that a 22 LR will simply shoot right through. I also use a Mod 63, 2" barrel while fishing mountain streams. Truly great revolvers; enjoy yours!

 

[mag318]

There are so many good S&W 22 calibre revolvers. The 43c is great if you plan to carry it as it weighs nothing. But for shooting pleasure I have to agree with the above posters, there is nothing like a K22 or a good Model 17.

 

[kudzu3]

I don't see the 34 or 63 mentioned, they're good also. I would definately look for a pre-lock S&W, model # don't much matter, they're all good. 22 short, long or long rifle but you will probably stick with the long rifle.

 

[MagnumForce44]

Based on the size of your two carry guns and the two prospects listed I can clearly see you are looking for a comparable sized plinker for practice. Though I have no firsthand experience with those two listed I agree with the previous responses....Either is a S&W revolver, I doubt you'll ever be disappointed with either. The 43C is obviously most similar to your bodyguard and therefore probably the best to help develop muscle memory for use with the bodyguard. Just my two cents...
For the record they will handle any of the aforementioned rounds with no issues, just depends on how much POP you want!
I've got a late model 17 with a 10 shot cylinder and I love it!

 

[Green Frog]

Another vote for the Model 17 or 18 or the stainless Model 617. These are all sturdy, well-built revolvers that shoot accurately and allow you to keep your practice level up at a relatively low cost. If you want a smaller gun that could be carried concealed and would be good practice for your other small guns, you might look at the blue Model 34 or the stainless Model 63 that are of equal quality to their larger brethren just in a smaller package. You probably won't shoot the smaller ones as accurately as the larger ones, but they might be what you want for your overall "master plan."

Froggie

 

[Triggernosis]

Also take a look at the Ruger SP101 4.2" - that should suit you well too.

 

[saemetric]

Or a Model 63

 

[Dale53]

I have a couple of .22's. One of the most useful field revolvers is the S&W Model 34. This one was my stepfather's. He was partial to pearl grips - I have left the revolver just like his preference:

I also have a 617 (10 shot) that is a FINE revolver.

However, after several disappointing results on small game with the .22 I decided I would be better served with center fire handguns on small game. Experience has proved me right, many times over.

It is NOT to be denied, however, that if you want to improve your shooting ability a good .22 is priceless. This is particularly true if you don't reload. Hopefully, this price madness will pass and we will return to decent prices on .22's (not to mention the availability).

Dale53

 

[Diablo982]

I have a little advice on switching between .22 long rifle, long and short. I would take only one type of ammo to a range session, or start with the long rifle, then work your way down with the longs or shorts. On my model 34 I noticed the crud builds up in the cylinder after firing a number of rounds. If I start with .22 short, the build up is obviously starting lower in the cylinder. If I try to switch to .22lr it can be difficult to seat the rounds, often taking a forceful push on the case head with my thumb. If you are at the range you can sweep out the cylinder with a bore brush, but its not so easy in the field.

 

[Jim38M]

Wow, what a great response! Much to think about. I will look into the K22 and the other models mentioned. Thanks to all for sharing your very helpful information.

 

[S&W357]

Look around for a good used K22....either a M17 or M18......you won't regret it. You will have one of the most accurate, and well made 22cal revolvers ever made.

As far as shooting shorts and longs ...... yes I've done it , but I don't shoot them very much as the shorts and longs are harder to find and usually cost as much or more than the long rifles.

Don[/QUOTE
Do they still make the K22 model 17 revolver?
I went on SW and can't find it.

 

[66Park]

Do they still make the K22 model 17 revolver?
I went on SW and can't find it.

Here you go: Product: Model 17 Masterpiece I'd prefer an old one, though.

 

[rodsvet]

What would a guy expect to pay for a 63 in very good to xlint shape? Are these rare or in good supply?