.22 Smith

[Officerblue]

My lovely wife just told me what she wants for Christmas, she wants a 22 caliber revolver made by Smith and Wesson. I've done the online search and found a few but I know nothing about how easy or hard the trigger is... have any of you guys or gals shot one own one or know more about the internet does about one?

 

[Macinaw]

K frame model 617 will have an easier trigger pull than a J frame model 63.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Is this for target shooting or carry? A M617 is a great gun, but a brick, all steel K-frame. One of the heaviest guns S&W makes. Heavier even than a .357 or .44 Mag with the same barrel length.

The little J-frame Smiths make great carry guns. Like the M317, which weights like 11 oz. It's made in a 3-inch and 2-inch configuration. And there's a M43C. These guns all have aluminum frames.

A compromise is the M63 which is an all stainless steel J-frame. Still pretty heavy. Made as a 3-inch only now days. The J-frames can have pretty stiff triggers. It's just the nature of rimfire ammo, no way to get around it. They do lighten up some with use.

The M617 is a good choice for a target only gun. Look to the J-frames for carry. All these guns mentioned are in current production and should be easy to obtain at retail.

 

[pappabear]

I second the 617.

 

[H Richard]

If she is a new shooter or just an occasional shooter and plans to use it for fun target shooting I recommend a J Frame, Model 63. Preferably an older one with a 4" barrel. It is large enough to get a good grip on, but light enough for a smaller person to become proficient with. I have a 63 4" and a 34 4" (both J frame 22's) and recently taught my granddaughters how to shoot, (age 15 and 20). The guns were just the right size.

 

[Squarebutt]

If you should run across a Model 34, it's the blue steel earlier rendition of the Model 63, and another excellent choice. The.22/.32 Target is an earlier small-frame S&W .22, and a real find in today's market.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I've owned a Model 17, which is a K-framed .22LR revolver, and a Model 34-1, which is a J-framed .22LR revolver. The Model 34-1 gets my vote, hands down. Mine came with the narrow, grooved trigger, and the tiny grips. I installed the larger, ungrooved, trigger and Herret Shooting Master grips. Unfortunately, I cannot get better photos to upload or you could see some representative target groups - she's a fine shooter. I'd love to buy a Model 63, but I just cannot seem to find one that's affordable.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[spdguns]

K frame model 617 will have an easier trigger pull than a J frame model 63.

You should see a doctor. You have a bad case of 617-itis.

 

[Officerblue]

We have a gun range on our property and we shoot every weekend unless it's over 110°… she'll be using it for target mainly but might carry it too.

 

[nedlate]

We have a gun range on our property and we shoot every weekend unless it's over 110°… she'll be using it for target mainly but might carry it too.

Well, with that information I would get a 4" 617 or an older blued model 17. I think a 617 would be much more fun target shooting than the smaller gun. She won't want it for a carry gun but look for a smaller gun to carry later.
Ed

 

[bbqbob51]

Ditto on the 617. Probably my favorite firearm.

 

[BigBill]

A s&w k22?

 

[murphydog]

For casual shooting and ease of carry, a 3" or 4" model 63 or an older model 34. A 4" model 18 for a little more heft and a 6" model 17 for more serious target work. Usually a rental gun range would be good for trying out several models but most of the above are out of production. Make sure she likes the gun!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

A 10-shot 4-inch M617 is 38.9 oz.

A 8-shot 3-inch M63 is 26 oz.

A 8-shot 3-inch M317 is 12.5 oz.

All are currently cataloged.

 

[Officerblue]

My wife currently carries a model 442 or a Beretta 25 ACP Bobcat. Depending on her purse being used that day. But she shot my Dan Wesson 22 LR and loved it. So now she wants one of her own. Just can't see myself spending $600+ dollars for Dan Wesson on Gunbroker... I can buy a brand new model 617 10 shot for $750... Plus I'm really attached to my Dan Wessons.

 

[PALADIN85020]

In my opinion, the best .22 revolvers ever built were the S&W K-22 series. Great heft, superbly accurate guns. Here is my .22 LR stable. The top two guns are Model 17s with 8 3/8" and 6" barrels. The bottom one is a Model 18, designed as an understudy for the K-frame .38 and .357 4"-barreled revolvers. I like this one the best for handiness.

These are no longer made, so they have to be sought out at gun shows/gun shops/the internet.

You will never do better than one of these. Hope this helps.

John

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The M442 weights 15 oz., and is a J-frame like the M63, M317, and M43C.

 

[BigBill]

A k22 the best build I'm torn between the colt officers target 22 revolver built on the 41 frame. Both are awesome revolvers that tests the craftsmanship of today against the old world craftsmanship of the last century. I wish s&w had a larger framed 22 revolver today.

I still suggest the k22 for her it's sweet.

But I wouldn't ccw the k22. I'd get a cheaper little h&r revolver for that.

 

[Jim1392]

I'm going to recommend the Model 63 3" since I own one. Nice trigger, accurate with great sights. Also easy to clean up after shooting 22's since it's stainless.

 

[raylan007]

Model 17,18,63

For the all around target, plinker, and certainly a very comfortable gun to those trying to get the feel of a 4" revolver the model 18-2,3,4. All of the other suggestions are certainly good ones and I can attest to the three I mentioned, also a Model 63 4"and a Model 17-4 6" as I own them all. There is something very special about the action of the M18's in single of double action that I think your wife should try before jumping into a M617, I also owned the 4" barrel for a period but later sold it. I would suggest unless you already have one in mind to go online and check them out, they are not cheap in 90% + condition. I wouldn't even consider one that the seller doesn't give good detailed photos of the cylinder face so you are able to check for dry firing abuse which unfortunately is quite common on older M17 and 18's.
If you like the newer SS revolvers the M63 .22 8 round 3" is a very nice piece of work, keep in mind it won't have the smooth action of a seasoned M18. I almost purchased one before I found this old M63 N/D 4".
At the end of the day I still like the M18 for its beauty, it is the perfect model to transition into a model 15 and 19.
If you happen to look at Rugers which in my opinion are fine guns watch out for SP101 .22 8 round with the 12 or 13 pound single action trigger. They are a fine .22 if you have hands of steel. I had to let mine go after finding you can't do much to lighten the action without experiencing miss fires, but still like all Rugers built to last.
Here is my 17, 18, 63. For inexpensive fun you can't beat a .22 l/r, wish I had a few more in fact.