Best K-22?

[aterry33]

This debate came up on the range today. I feel that that best K-22 is the 6" version (keeping in mind weights/balance have changed since the Outdoorsman). Mine is a 1949 Model. I learned to shoot on it, i.e. a post-war pre-17.

My friend today prefers the .22 combat masterpiece, i.e. model 18. I agree that the 18 is "handier" in the field but I feel that the 6" K-22 balances for me. There are so many different variations and there is no right or wrong answer, but what do you prefer?

 

[DCWilson]

No vote from me, but...

The K-22 I shot best the first time I had it at the range was a Pre-18. I couldn't believe that a four-inch gun gave me groups tighter than any produced by the six-inch models I had shot previously.

That said, I prefer the six-inch prewar guns for their long actions, ribless barrels and overall style. I acknowledge that is a judgment based on appearance, not function.

Among the postwar Pre-17s, I like the narrow-rib standard barrel revolvers more than the wide rib heavy barrel units.

I have no experience with model-marked guns. I have never shot a K-frame .22 made after 1953.

The ones I have experience with are all fine revolvers, and I bet that a dozen different shooters with their different shooting styles would sort your list in a number of different ways based on the accuracy each achieves in testing the list.

 

[silentflyer]

Like to take my 17 8 3/8" to the range and toss out a bunch of golf balls 25 yards out and start knocking them around...

 

[semperfi71]

I own only the following: 1958 K-22 6 inch, 1983 M17-4 6 inch, and a 1950ish K-22 Combat Masterpiece 4 inch.

The K-22 6 inch will group into 1 1/4 inches for 5 shots at 25 yards with the correct ammunition and me holding well. It may do better in the hands of a truly expert pistolero.

My other two will give me 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 inch groups only.

I do not own a Pre-War K22 so I cannot speak of them.

 

[TAROMAN]

Four - Six - Eight, they're ALL great!
Had to vote for 8-3/8", however, as it was my little silhouette slammer back in the day:

 

[pilgrim6a]

OK. I voted. Just to prove it was an informed decision, here.
I have a model 17-3 and a '48 K22. The 17 shoots great but the action is just not up to the K22.

 

[samwood]

I have a '48 K22, a '56 K22, and a '61 18-2. While I think the '56 K22 is the most inherently accurate, I shoot best with the 18-2.

 

[alaskavett]

I think the"best" are the ones you own and enjoy. Especially when taking the grandchildren out and teaching them how to use and respect them. Kyle

 

[fyimo]

As far as accuracy is concerned my 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel is the most accurate with my 617 no dash 4 inch second.