7" or 5.5"?

[russp1]

The wife and I want to get a S&W 22A for the range to save some ammo money and get a little better with accuracy. Since the farthest we'll be shooting is about 50', should we go with the 7" barrel or just the 5.5"? Our normal range guns are a 9mm Sigma with a 4" and a 1930 Model 1905 with a 5". Not really a competitive shooting situation but I thought you guys would have the best input.

 

[tomcatt51]

The barrel length won't affect the guns accuracy. Short barreled guns can be as accurate as longer ones, but the longer sight radius of the longer barrel makes the gun easier to shoot accurately.

 

[russp1]

The barrel length won't affect the guns accuracy. Short barreled guns can be as accurate as longer ones, but the longer sight radius of the longer barrel makes the gun easier to shoot accurately.

So it would actually make us better shooters to get good with the shorter barrel, never looked at it that way.

 

[tomcatt51]

So it would actually make us better shooters to get good with the shorter barrel, never looked at it that way.

You work harder to shoot a shorter gun accurately and shorter sounds more similar to the others you have.

 

[Nightowl]

Get one with both barrels. I have always had the longer barrel, but have toyed with buying the 5.5 heavy barrel. I think the short barrel is heavier and sits a bit better in the hand, but I have never had one. Its kinda what feels best to you. I'm sure they will both have great inherent accuracy

 

[russp1]

Get one with both barrels. I have always had the longer barrel, but have toyed with buying the 5.5 heavy barrel. I think the short barrel is heavier and sits a bit better in the hand, but I have never had one. Its kinda what feels best to you. I'm sure they will both have great inherent accuracy

Are the barrels interchangable or would I have to buy two guns?

 

[Nightowl]

Barrels are interchangeable, you can get the 5.5 either with or without sights. I don't remember about the 7". They are very easy to take down for cleaning and or changing barrels.

 

[4-Screw]

My father often shot a 2.5" Model 19 at 75 feet when he shot competition in the 70's. It was his off-duty weapon. He also shot a 6" K-38.

I agree...it is the sight radius.

 

[russp1]

Going with the 5.5" for starters, may look at the longer barrel as an option later. I'm ready to do a lot more shooting with a cheaper ammo than .38 and 9mm.

 

[tomcatt51]

Going with the 5.5" for starters, may look at the longer barrel as an option later. I'm ready to do a lot more shooting with a cheaper ammo than .38 and 9mm.

I shot .22 originally just for practice with cheap ammo and found I really like them. I have 3 17/617's now to go with my CF revolvers. I do the math for our NRA Basic Pistol students and the difference in the cost of ammo, .22LR vs any CF, will pay for a good .22 pretty quickly if you shoot very much.

 

[russp1]

The wife and I go to the range at least once a month and typically shoot 2 boxes of 9 and 2 of .38 sp. It's about $60 by time you add sales tax.

 

[wnr700]

Simple solution...

Get more than one, and vary the size and makes.

Unless funds are an issue get a Model 17,18, or 63.

I have a Model 17 that gets shot the most.

Master a DA S+W trigger and you can master any handgun.

Beretta 21a is a fun but picky range gun and a handful and blast to shoot.

Just picked up my wife a P22 Walther for her fun gun. Can't wait to test it out.

Ruger Mark 2 or 3 and the 22/45 are fantastic and durable... and a future addition.

A brick of .22 and range time can be had for less than a trip to the movie...

We have shot 300+ rounds easily on our trips to the range.

 

[russp1]

Well, we're all S&W so far and the .22 will be too but we are gathering up a variety.

 

[shotinthedark]

Curious

Barrels are interchangeable, you can get the 5.5 either with or without sights. I don't remember about the 7". They are very easy to take down for cleaning and or changing barrels.

I read that the Model 41 (S&W) has interchangeable barrels but the 22A doesn't state this capability. Is the 22A also interchangeable? Thanks, Mike