.22 to complement M66-3 ?

[rmcnelly]

I love my M66-3 but would like a 4" K frame .22 to shoot double action and keep my skills up with less expensive ammo. I'm looking for a Model 18 as this seems to fit the bill. I haven't found one locally but a 4" Model 617-6 10 shot is available 90 miles from here. How different is the 10 shot double action trigger pull?

I won't be shooting competition so 10 shots would just be a convenience. Comparable double action trigger pull to the M66 is my goal.

Suggestions? There are M18's on Gunbroker but I don't know what to watch out for.

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

If the 4" 17-6 is at a reasonable price that is a very close match to your model 66, plus it is not a common gun. I doubt the trigger pull is much different but have no personal experience. The model 18 trigger should be nearly identical. Let us know what you decide after you buy that model 17 .

 

[rmcnelly]

I had the model number wrong, it is the 617-6 (I'll correct the original post). He's asking $600 and described it as LNIB. I'd really prefer a 6 shot as I think the trigger stroke is gonna be different with the 10.

 

[civil1977]

I haven't noticed a difference in the triggers between my 6-shot and 10-shot revolvers, but you should know that rimfire revolvers typically have heavier triggers than centerfire revolvers. This is due to the fact that rimfire ammunition requires heavier springs for reliable ignition. So, you may not find a .22 counterpart that has the same trigger pull. I would think a 4” 617 would be a good match for your 66.

 

[rmcnelly]

Thanks for the info about heavier trigger pull. My 66-3 has a trigger job and is set at about an 8lb DA pull with reliable primer strikes. It was 12lbs before the trigger work. I thought I read somewhere the 10 shot DA stroke was much shorter and stiffened up in a different way then the 6 shot .22.

 

[Florida Guy]

617

Sent pm with similar gun for sale on GB.

 

[rmcnelly]

There is a well worn 6" K22 within 3-4 hour drive from me for $450 but I'd prefer a 4" gun.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Model 63 is the Stainless J-frame .22lr. The current one is an 8-shot available in 3" and 5". The older ones can be found in 6-shot, 4".

 

[madmikeb]

I use a 625 or 610 for combat shoots and a 10-shot 617 for bowling pin shoots and don't notice any difference in the length of the trigger pull. I think that the 10 shot 617's are wonderful .22's.

 

[rmcnelly]

Thank everyone for the positive report on the 10 shot 617. I'll contact the seller and see if he can hold it 'till the hurricane is past. $600 sound good for a LNIB 617-6?

 

[stevieboy]

I have a 4" 6-shot 617-1 that is a perfect complement to my K- and N-frame centerfire revolvers. Best investment that I ever made.

 

[Smithboomer]

You can't go wrong with a Model 617, but keep in mind that a 6" Model 617 will weigh in at quite a bit more than a Model 66-3. The .22's underbarrel lug and the smaller holes account for several extra ounces.

That said, $600 is a decent price for a 617 with the original wood stocks.

 

[rmcnelly]

Thanks again guys. The one I'm looking at is a 617-6, 4", 10 shot. The hurricane is going to make this a difficult buy due to the traffic from those leaving the area.

 

[fyimo]

You can't go wrong with a Model 617, but keep in mind that a 6" Model 617 will weigh in at quite a bit more than a Model 66-3. The .22's underbarrel lug and the smaller holes account for several extra ounces.

That said, $600 is a decent price for a 617 with the original wood stocks.

$600 is a good price but a 617-6 will not have the S&W wood grips as it will come with rubber grips.The only 617's with the wood combat grips were the 617 no dash models.

 

[rmcnelly]

$600 is a good price but a 617-6 will not have the S&W wood grips as it will come with rubber grips.The only 617's with the wood combat grips were the 617 no dash models.

He's got the factory rubber grips and a set of wood grips but did not post pics so I don't know what they are. The seller has yet to reply and the hurricane is getting closer so this might not happen this weekend :-(

Again, thanks for everyone's input who have experience with these models.

 

[civil1977]

Here are a couple of 617-4s to tide you over until the hurricane leaves town and you can get your own.

 

[rmcnelly]

Thank you! The seller will hold the gun for me and may be in public service as he believes he will be busy 24/7 until this event is over. So I'm not going to ask him for pics and these help feed the addiction! ;-)

 

[rmcnelly]

Should be a nice companion to the 66-3:

 

[PALADIN85020]

If your object is really to try to duplicate the feel of your 4" model 66, then I would hold out and find a decent Model 18. Mine is probably my most-used revolver, and the handling, capacity, weight and feel make it perfect practice for a 66, 15 or 19 with a 4-inch barrel.

John

 

[rmcnelly]

I have a feeling I'll end up with both at some point ;-)