22LR Revolver

[Revolver M65]

I have recently spent to much money on shooting
(big surprise) But I a have also been looking into a 22 revolver due to the the price of ammo I am looking for a J or K Frame please I don't want anything over 4" or a single action does anyone have any suggestions.

 

[USBP SW]

You should look into the model 18, a 4" K frame and an excellent choice.

Steve

 

[jkc]

A 4" 617 --- among the penultimate firearms designs.

 

[Old cop]

I have a Model 63 5", great gun. You also may want to consider a Ruger Single Six, also a great gun.

 

[USBP SW]

You don't mention if you reload and cast your own bullets. Most of us have a budget limit on shooting, those of us who reload and cast simply get more shooting within that budget. I reload and cast my own bullets, I don't think my ammo is any more expensive than .22's and I just enjoy doing it.

Good luck,
Steve

 

[Revolver M65]

No I don't reload I have looked into it though. and it is something I would like to get into

Greg

 

[Shooting Padre]

I just got a Model 18 this spring, same size as my Model 15. I really enjoy shooting that gun more than any and it is cheap to shoot. It is nice when you have basically the same gun in different calibers.

 

[hittman77]

If your heart isn't set on a S&W ~ you might like something like this:

This is the older 6 shot SP and a dandy but, not for sale. I've also got a couple of (don't laugh) High Standard double action 22's that are fine guns. Many of those can be found in the under-$200 range! There's a lot of bang for your buck.

 

[fyimo]

Here a pictureof of my Model 18-3 with a set of Kurac K frame grips on it.

 

[Pisgah]

A 4" 617 --- among the penultimate firearms designs.

I really hope it is NOT one of the "penultimate gun designs", as the word means "next to the last."

 

[snubbiefan]

As for reloading...you can get into it a lot cheaper than you think. I also cast my own slugs, a pound of bullseye will load a bucket-full of ammo and I shoot 38-special for close to 6 to 7-sents a round.....depending on how hot I want to load them and the price of primers at the time. You do not have to be a rocket scientist, or own expensive progressive loading machinery....and it's fun too!

 

[PMRet]

If you are looking for a 4" K frame .22 revolver, a Model 18 like the one pictured by fyimo deserves strong consideration. If you prefer a full lug barrel and stainless steel construction, a Model 617 like the one pictured below would be a great choice.

 

[fyimo]

I also like the 617, Model 18, Model 17, and of course the Model K22. To me the Model 18 has slightly better balance because it's not quite so barrel heavy with the full under lugged barrel that the 617 has.


Model 617 no dash with 4 inch barrel

 

[TSQUARED]

I would recommend the 4 inch S&W Model 617. have more than 10,000 rounds through mine. The DA trigger on the J-framed Model 63 is not as smooth as that of the K-framed Model 617.

 

[mtgianni]

You don't mention if you reload and cast your own bullets. Most of us have a budget limit on shooting, those of us who reload and cast simply get more shooting within that budget. I reload and cast my own bullets, I don't think my ammo is any more expensive than .22's and I just enjoy doing it.

Good luck,
Steve

As an example, 1000 9mm w 120 gr cast is 15 lbs of lead @ $15 lb, Primers @ $30. powder 4 gr @ $20 lb =$12. Total cost of relaoding 1000 9mm less cases and reloading equipment is $57, per box of 50 that works out to $2.65. Scrounge your lead, buy primers in lots of 5000 and 8 lb kegs of powder and you can cut that to 2/3.

 

[Revolver M65]

That is really cool what would I need/where could I find it, The tolls to reload? and were would I buy the lead and primers (new to the subject of reloading)

 

[Stainz]

If you have to buy bullets, powder, and primers through the mail, you'll have lots of s/h on the lead and even $20 haz-mat fee for primers. Tools, incidentals, all add up quickly. 550 round Federal 36gr .22 LR packs from WallyWorld will cost <$18 with s/t. Hard to beat that. Here are some 'recent' .22 LR choices from S&W, top down: a 5" 63 (No longer available.); a 4" 617 SKU #160584; and a 3" 63 SKU #162634:

The 26 oz 3" 63 handles and points nicely - the 8-shot cylinder is nice. The x10 617, at 39 oz, is more of a dedicated range revolver. All of mine have aftermarket wood grips, the 5" 63 and 4" 617 also have aftermarket HiViz front sights (The 3" 63 comes with one.). Great aid for 'mature' eyes!

Stainz

 

[crofoot629]

A pre 18 would be the nicest of the revolvers that meets your stated specs and needs. It a 4" K Frame. They don't make them anymore and the value will go up. If you were kind to a 95-98% gun you could shoot tens of thousands of rounds with no noticeable wear.

The triggers on K Frames are much better than J frames.

For about $750 you could have a classic that would shoot great and make any S&W collector drool.

Emory

 

[deanodog]

A model 18-3 like this would be nice if you run on one for sale,

 

[snubbiefan]

No disagreement at all from here on the ownership of a 22 vs. reloading for plinking. It's just un-American not to own a 22, but it's also not necessary to purchase a $600-$700 masterpiece if OP just wants one for plinking and you can pick-up a good little shooter for a lot less. May not be a Smith, but it will serve the purpose.

As for reloading....if you don't cast your own slugs, of course the cost goes up closer to 15-cents a round and then there is the $50-$75 investment in a press and a set of dies to consider. But, the powder and primers can be had all over the place at shooting ranges and gun-shows easily enough and you dodge all the haz-mat shipping hassle. If you have to do it by mail....it will certainly always be more expensive.

OP...get a 22 anyway....EVERYBODY just has to have a 22!

 

[C.S.63]

Revolver M65

If you are going to buy a .22lr get a quality one and hang on to it they are a great life time investment.
Now reloading is also a little cost upfront but it is something if you hang on to it over the long run it will pay for it self tenfold.(great Hobby)
I was given a RCBS starter reloading kit for a XMAS present over 20 years ago and I could not even come close to count the number of rounds I have assembled, nothing like some .38spl WCs and SWCs at a 1/4 of what they cost in the stores.

Lets figure on the high side!!!!

1000 bullets shipped to the house 82.00 (.38SPL)
1000 primers at 40.00 a box
1Lb of powder 28.00
Total 150.00
divided by a 1000= .15each X 50 = 7.50

 

[snubbiefan]

If you're only dealing with 38-special....you can get the little "beat-n-bang" Lee loader and don't even need a press. Lee also makes that same little kit for several other calibers as well and they pop-up on places like e-bay for $25-$30 now-n-then.

 

[USBP SW]

If you want to experiment with the reloading angle and spend small money, I would suggest going with the Lee hand press. I use it even though I have a bench mounted press (I even used it in my work vehicle during down time), and you can even take it to the range. Try reloading and if you like it and I think you will, then invest more money and get a better and more complete set-up. Once you have made up your mind on loading then move on to bullet casting, it requires slightly more initial $ outlay. Midway USA is a good outlet for reloading equipment and you should be able to get started on little more than $100.00.

Midway product #'s:
Lee Hand Press #650614 ($39.99)
Lee .38/.357 Carbide Dies #418312 ($23.39)

Pick up components locally or better yet at a Gun Show.
Hard Cast Lead Bullets
Powder (you'll need to check the powders based on the scoop with the dies)
Primers

I would still suggest you get a good .22, I believe everyone should own at least one good .22.

If you need more info, feel free to ask, I or someone else will be happy to help you.

Good luck,
Steve