does a man really need a .22 caliber revolver?

[robctwo]

I like my .22 revolvers. Bought a M18-3. Then bought a 4" 617. Recently bought the 6" M17-3.

It's a great training tool. Getting the muscle memory of the sight picture of the .22 at ignition carries over to the center fire guns. It's hard to not flinch, it's easier to get muscle memory of not flinching.

 

[glenncal1]

I have 14 (12 smiths and 2 colts) so I guess you know my answer to the question. I like collecting and shooting them. I keep a 28 in the house for home defense and carry anything from a .380 to a .44 depending on situation. But I like the .22s the best. To each his own.

 

[Swabby]

I live in Pennsylvania, where the gun laws are fairly reasonable for an east coast state. However, you cannot legally hunt with a semi-automatic firearm. So, if I wanted to do a little small game hunting with a handgun, I needed something other than my 2206. I found a really nice M63 at a dealer's shop within 30 miles of home. He did have a pretty hefty price tag on it, but I traded him a ratty SIG P226 police trade-in I had plus $50, and came home with a very nice S&W .22 revolver. The very next day, I also found a set of J-Frame, square butt combats, which were also rather expensive. But, now that I have it all togther, I wouldn't trade it for any other .22 that I can think of off hand. That's my story. Whether or not you need a .22 revolver, that's up to you. I can tell you they are fun, accurate and also very cheap to shoot.

 

[redbos]

I am not that old, but do have a fair amount of gun. The past few years, I find myself buying more .22 revolvers( just my preference) and .22 bolt guns than anything else. They are fun, good investments and are just so much fun to shoot! I have a lot fo centerfire stuff, but I have noticed the only centerfire gun I shoot is my carry gun to stay comfy, I just love shooting my .22's and it lets you save more money to buy more guns, crazy ammo prices!

 

[m657]

Without a decent 22 revolver, all is darkness and chaos.

 

[dipperdave]

Good honest question and the answer is YES, for all the reasons others have already stated. A few months ago I got back into shooting and Smith and Wesson revolvers after about a ten year absence that also saw me sell all my Smith revolvers except a Model 66 no dash, which I bought the first year they came out. That ten years was the first time I had been without a Model 17 since I was in my 20's. One of the first three Smiths I bought to start rebuilding my collection of shooters was a 99% Model 17-3.

If I could have only three revolvers they would be the Model 66, my new (old) Model 17 and my Performance Center 625-8, which was also used but LNIB.

Besides a good quality .22, most anyone can also hone their shooting skills with an air pistol. The best handgun shooting I ever did with a centerfire pistol was when I shot a Beeman HW 70 air pistol 50 shots each day after work, right off my back deck or in the garage. The skill I learned with that air pistol absolutely did transfer to my centerfire pistols at the range.

 

[thomashoward]

Now that's funny right there
Someone on the Smith Forum asking about need

Answer: of course

 

[gr8smiles]

I have 47 .22 handguns....this thread is disturbing me, do I need to start a new collection?

 

[WNC Seabee]

Of the 8 revolvers in my modest collection, ranging from .22 to .44 Mag, the 17-1 gets the most range time.

 

[J-FRAME]

I started out on a 18-3 and will end up on a 617-4. With ammo prices and tender old wrists its fast becoming my choice to take to the range.

 

[TACC1]

I can't answer for other people, but for me, I always feel better after fishing, hunting, or time spent at the range. If I could get on my
motorcycle that would qualify, too. After each of these activities,
I am renewed insofar as to feel I have at least Some control over my
life. When daily life gets to be a weight on my soul, I need a break.
Can't afford to shoot the big guys all the time, but I can afford a
.22, and it keeps my skills sharp, better than dryfiring or snapping-in.
If you can't afford a S&W, try a NAA firearm.
TACC1

 

[RidgwayCO]

I've got a couple of .22LR revolvers, but when it comes to going to the range, I've got to admit that my semi-autos make the trip much more often than the revolvers. Reloading the magazines is a snap, and the semi-autos are just as accurate (or more) than the revolvers. It's also a lot easier to clean a semi-auto than a revolver, especially if it's a ten-shot revolver...

 

[NFrameFred]

Does one need sugar in his coffee ? Does one need leather seats in his automobile ? Does one need anything better than a cheap Timex wristwatch ?

There are many things in life that we don't necessarily need that make our all too brief existence here more enjoyable and tolerable. When you get right down to it, after the basic necessities of life we don't need much else, but it's nice to have more. As with anything, that can be and often is carried to extremes, but for me life is a balance of being able to meet my responsibilities, share some of what I have with others less fortunate, and afford myself a few of the things in life that I don't actually need, but enjoy having. One of these days everything I have will belong to someone else. At that point, I plan on having better than I've ever had in this life .

 

[gmiller0737]

Yes! I have 5 .22 Revolvers + 4 .22 Autos My .22's get shot more than all the centerfires.

 

[Dain Bramage]

I've rented 617's. While fine revolvers, I always thought the full lug was over the top, unless used to practice for a similarly equiped 686. They were also rather pricey.

Instead, a few years ago, I bought a nice 17-4 for $350. Great balance, and it operates like a Swiss watch. I'm teaching all my kids to shoot with it. I tell them it's probably the finest revolver they will ever try, they just don't know it yet.

 

[CajunBass]

I can't imagine needing "a" 22 revolver.

But then I've got let's see...eight or nine of them? Only one is a Smith & Wesson, but they're all fun to shoot.

A Model 18 is on my "look for" list.

 

[perrazi]

if the criteria for buying a gun is need, you will have a very small collection.

 

[travo]

I have been mulling this very topic myself. I just bought my first revolver, a S&W 686. To make a long story short, I suck with it, and need a lot of practice. It was suggested that I get a .22 for practicing, so I am not overspending while I get used to a revolver.

My issue is with $$$. I work for a living, and money is very tight. I would LOVE a S&W model 17, or 18... but the cost is far too prohibitive for me. A .22 would be a good purchase, it would be something I could shoot the riflings out of, as well as my wife and kids.

What low cost revolver would you guys direct me to? I was considering the Charter Arms Target Pathfinder as a possibility. I know CA isnt a "tier 1" gun co, but there is no way I can afford a tier 1 pricetag, so soon after getting my 686.

Look forward to reading suggestions!

 

[tripledipper]

Can't add to what has already been said. A 34 & 317 in snubs. A 63 and 18 in 4" and a DW in 6"(really wanted a 17 but got the DW much cheaper). Also 3 rifles, bolt, pump and lever. Am I finished? The 43c may get me yet.

 

[stantheman86]

Any shooter who doesn't own a double action .22 LR revolver,preferably a S&W is missing one of the prime essentials of any gun collection. The other being a good, solid .22 rifle.

I have a K-22 and a 617-6 and if I had to choose 10 firearms from my collection to keep, these two would stay.