Best choice for .22lr revolver: Classic m63 or new Ruger SP101?

[Jerry in SC]

Stainz, the cylinder on the 651 is the same length as a same vintage 63. The new 63's are built on the Magnum J frame (longer). Nice revolvers...

 

[roaddog28]

I like Ruger revolvers almost as well as S&W revolvers. But if your trying to decide between the new Ruger SP101 and a S&W model 17 or 18 I would go with the S&W. The double action trigger is better. Most new owners of the SP101 I have read about have had to do trigger action work to make the double action trigger work better. If you are going to shoot single action only then the SP101. But at about $550 for a SP I would buy a Ruger single 10 or like me I own a Ruger single 6. To me Ruger makes as good a single action revolver as a person can find for a reasonable price.
Good luck with your decision.
Howard

 

[MakeMyNight]

When I needed a good accurate 4" barreled 22lr all weather revolver, my S&W 617 no dash filled the bill very nicely, and still does that.

It's a bit on the heavy side to carry when wandering creeks and trout fishing, so I opted for the model 651, for coyote & wild dog protection.

The 651 WMRF is the cat's arse (imo) when it comes to a fishing companion revolver, though I wouldn't feel under-gunned carrying a model 63 filled with stinger 22 lr rounds either.

Plus, with a S&W 651, you can have an accessory 22lr cylinder fitted and have the best of both worlds!

 

[Bearcat]

Your investment in a Model 63 will hold value or increase. No so much with the Ruger.....

 

[rodsmith357]

So,was really never said,but what about the NEW 63 S&W compared to the Ruger SP101 22?

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Your investment in a Model 63 will hold value or increase. No so much with the Ruger.....

Apparently, you haven't followed the prices of Rugers much. They will both increase in value if cared for. The 63 MIGHT increase more. But that is certainly not a garantee. You should also be able to get into a new Ruger for about a $100 less.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I have handled the new 3" M63 and like it a lot. It has a nice weight and balance, and I even liked the fiber optic front sight. The presence of the IL made me put it down but that was a few years ago and I might not be so choosy now.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

So,was really never said,but what about the NEW 63 S&W compared to the Ruger SP101 22?

I have both new models 63 8 shot and the SP101 8 shot. The quality and accuracy is good on both models. Both have fiber optic front sights, red on 63, green on the SP101. The trigger was tough on both when new, but replacing the return spring can fix that. The one thing I don't hear any discussion about is the difference in grips, trigger and frame design. Comparing out of the box on both 8 shots, I find the 63 fits me the best. The SP101's grip is too small for my hand and the different frame design (wider frame/thin trigger) causes my trigger finger to hit the frame when firing. A larger grip may help the SP101.

I like the Ruger but it does not fit my hand well with the stock grip, I haven't tried any other grips yet.

 

[nossew]

I got my M63 a couple years ago. I didn't care for the lock but, have since forgot about it. I wouldn't want the lock on a defensive gun but, on a .22 who cares? It is a quality made firearm.
I never go to the range without it. Minute of Baseball @ 25 yards with bulk ammo.

I got the "M60 Pro" grips on the advice3 of Stainz, they are perfect.

 

[Tom C]

I have examples of a number of .22 revos: a very nice 1958 vintage Model 17, and 617s with 4", 5" and 6" barrels. I consider them terrific range guns, but a bit heavy to carry. I also have 3" and 5" Model 63s and one of the new 4" SP101s. In my case the 5" 63 is a bit more accurate than the 3" and the 101 is equal to the 5" 63. The 101 had a rougher trigger, but I smoothed it internally and played with springs and now it is very similar to the 63s. If I were to carry one in the field, it would be a 5" 63 or the 101. They both weigh 30 oz. Any choice would be based on personal preference.

 

[deanodog]

I have never owned a Ruger 101 but I sure like the 63 no dashs.

 

[mod34]

I own several SW .22s all Js with one exceptin and love them all for different reasons. I handled the Ruger and just couldn't get past the size and weight. If it is being sold as a "kit gun" its size is a deal breaker (for me). Then again, if Ruger offered it up in a 2" version I would certainly be way more interested in plunking down the coin for one. Otherwise, I'll just stick with my little SW J-frame kit guns and if I need something a bit larger, just grab my Pre-18.

 

[mod34]

I own several SW .22s all Js with one exceptin and love them all for different reasons. I handled the Ruger and just couldn't get past the size and weight. If it is being sold as a "kit gun" its size is a deal breaker (for me). Then again, if Ruger offered it up in a 2" version I would certainly be way more interested in plunking down the coin for one. Otherwise, I'll just stick with my little SW J-frame kit guns and if I need something a bit larger, just grab my Pre-18.

 

[M3Stuart]

I have the 34-1 in 4" and would recommend it or the 63. Let me throw out something from my experience.

In all the .22 revolvers I've ever owned, 6 shots is actually BETTER than 8 and here is why: The .22 brass expands a bit when you shoot it. After 100 or so rounds through the gun, ejection tends to get 'sticky', i.e. it's hard to eject the spent cases. Ok, bear with me here, this, IMHO, is due to the friction. More rounds = more friction - harder ejection. Again, IMHO, all the Ruger SP101s, Taurus 94s (9 shots), etc, were all harder to eject the spent cases than my 34.

In fact, I recently (albeit briefly) switched to the Ruger SAs - like the single six - because I wanted the ejector rod. Well, I am not a fan of the Single Six anymore so I bought the brand new Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper.

Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper Stainless 22 LR

Well, I really like the Shopkeeper buuuttt (didn't somebody say something about Ruger QA?) out of the box it wouldn't fire on 3 cylinders, sent it back, a month later I get it back and it has horrible timing and lockup issues, not to mention the cylinder gap throws stuff EVERYwhere GRRRRRRR. So, back to Ruger it went today. I haven't even had an opportunity to take a picture. Here's a stock photo.

Edit: I've been promising to do a review on the Shopkeeper but haven't been able to yet. FYI: posters on other forums have reported nothing like my experience with the SK, so don't let my experience sway your opinion. I gotta say; it is one really, really cool little gun.

 

[Stainz]

So,was really never said,but what about the NEW 63 S&W compared to the Ruger SP101 22?

Read my earlier post - #9 - I compare them - first hand experience.

Stainz

 

[finesse_r]

.22LR is one caliber I prefer Ruger to Smith

Although I'm also a Ruger fan, I'm considering between either a classic S&W early, model 63(No dash)4" .22lr revolver or the newly introduced Ruger SP101 4.2" .22lr revolver?

I considered both and went with the SP-101 and I absolutely love it. Admittedly it has a heavy trigger pull, which will take some work to lighten up. Otherwise it is just about perfect. I love the high visibility sights and the solid feel of it. Shoots great and the 8 round cylinder is not aluminum as the M617, but heavy stainless steel and should last several life times.

Also no Internal Lock to fuss with and since I own other SP-101s it is a great practice gun. The balance and feel of the gun is excellent.

My only regret is that two were available at the great price of $510, and I only picked up one.

 

[Macinaw]

Shoots great and the 8 round cylinder is not aluminum as the M617 (finesse r )



Most 617's have a SS cylinder.

 

[mod34]

My only regret is that two were available at the great price of $510, and I only picked up one.[/QUOTE]

What has the world come to when $510 for a .22 revolver is considered a "great price"? Clearly my age is catching up with me!

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

double post

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

What has the world come to when $510 for a .22 revolver is considered a "great price"? Clearly my age is catching up with me!

Then you don't want to know what a new 617 goes for! I still think it's worth it.

DS 10 speed: In regards to the stock grips on the sp101, I hate them too. But for about $20, Hogue makes some very nice replacements that I find very comfortable.

 

[Tom C]

Then you don't want to know what a new 617 goes for! I still think it's worth it.

DS 10 speed: In regards to the stock grips on the sp101, I hate them too. But for about $20, Hogue makes some very nice replacements that I find very comfortable.

The SP101 grips are much too small for my large hands. I put Trausch grips on mine. (See #40)

 

[Jaffo]

Picked up a SP-101 today (my first Rugur) and absolutely love it. I Admit it has a heavy trigger pull, which I hope will lighten up. Otherwise, I'll look into getting a 10# wolf spring. I love the high visibility sights and accuracy. Feels good and balanced in my hand.

Still plan on picking up a model 63 if one comes available to compare.

 

[Redlegvzv]

I picked up an SP101 .22LR and I am pretty happy with it. The trigger pull is pretty darned stiff, but on my copy it is also very smooth, and I am able to shoot very well with it either DA or SA. In fact this is a revolver that cries out to be fired in DA and I enjoy doing that.

The fit and finish on my copy is just fine. Heirloom quality and this gun will last generations.



I like the 617 but it is just too big for a 22 revolver IMO. It is a fine handgun.

 

[BigBill]

My only regret is that two were available at the great price of $510, and I only picked up one.

What has the world come to when $510 for a .22 revolver is considered a "great price"? Clearly my age is catching up with me![/QUOTE]

One of my LGS has a new s&w 22 revolver for $850.

When looking for any gun we need to look how it feels in our hands first. I have a colt positive police 22 revolver that doesn't feel right in my hand, while the s&w k22 feels perfect. The colt officers target revolver is the same size as the 38 special but it's built on the 41 frame it's heavy but it's a practice revolver for the 38 special duty revolver. I did notice the newer s&w revolvers are offered in 22 lr and In 22 WMR for the same $$ and there pretty much the same size.

There is a reason why we don't really see any used s&w, ruger and colt revolvers in the used gun case. Everyone is hanging on to them because there good quality guns. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[n2cycles]

kit gun choice

Had a friend with a 63 as and it was awesome. Wish I could find one reasonable. For years I carried a Beretta 70 in 22lr until it got stolen from my car. Now using either my 22 mag NAA mini revolver or SR22. After I finish testing my PMR30 it might take over. The NAA mini master with 4 inch barrel might be just the trick.

 

[radar1972]

My wife recently bought the SP101 4". She loves it as is, right out of the box.