on the hunt for a .22 LR J-frame, should I be looking for a M-63?

[kbak67]

my daughter is currently shooting a Glock 19 frame with a AA conversion in .22, but I'm really wanting to pick up a revolver to work with as well...
and it needs to be a S&W (Taurus..that's a cow right? )

so in going through the forums...I guess I'm looking at something along the lines of a M 63 or M 317?

was thinking something J-frame, 3" barrel?
she's 8 years old and can handle the G19 frame fine, as well as a Walther P22 and a S&W 22A.
We just need a wheelie....(my ex-wife's idea since she shoots MY old 625 and 64 lol)
thanks for any suggestions...also..in what price range should I expect for a clean, used one that will be shot quite a bit

thank you
KB

 

[tekarra]

I am not aware of a 3" J frame, but I believe a 4" M63 would suit her.

 

[2storm6bird2]

I just sold a 317-2 3" S&W. It is the 12 ounce model. Trigger pull is kind of stout, so I not sure how well your girl would do accuracy wise with a light gun/ heavy trigger combo. My 2 cents

 

[murphydog]

There is the current 3" model 63 ($550-600), and the discontinued model 43 Airweight Kit Gun with a 3.5" barrel ($400ish). There is also a modern model 43C 2" that is DAO.

 

[mike4570]

22 Revolvers

I just sold off my Model 63 because even with changing springs, I could not get a decent trigger pull.
If your daughter can handle the grip size of the Glock 19, I would try her out on a K-frame. In my area the K-frame 22's (Models 17, 18, 617) run the same as the J-frame 22's price wise.

 

[H Richard]

Mike 4570 is correct, most J Frame .22's are nearly as expensive as K Frames. It would be easier to find a Mod. 63 than to find a Mod 18, and both would be 4" barrels. I can say that my 63 does shoot darn near as well as my Mod 17. And the triggers aren't much different.

 

[Rangerpat]

I bought a Model 63-5 (it has a 3" bbl) back in August 2010 for $650. new... it is a J-frame. I really like it a lot, it has a very smooth trigger pull in single action and good in double action. I'm sure you can easily find grips that will fit your daughter's hand. I put on larger grips when I bought the revolver so maybe the factory grips will be fine for her.

 

[cjw3]

Mike 4570 is correct, most J Frame .22's are nearly as expensive as K Frames. It would be easier to find a Mod. 63 than to find a Mod 18, and both would be 4" barrels. I can say that my 63 does shoot darn near as well as my Mod 17. And the triggers aren't much different.

That's my experience as well. I have an early '90's M63 and a K-.22. Single action on each is pretty nice, although the K-.22 does have the edge (naturally). Double action is a different story, I suppose attributable to the coil vs. leaf spring; you just have to concentrate a little more with the J frame to do well in double action. The 63 does seem to have nearly the practical field accuracy of the K frame gun, although it is a lighter and harder to hold as steady.

The smaller frame will fit her hands better for now and larger grips can be installed later as she grows into it.

Model 18's are as scarce as hen's teeth in our neck of the woods, and priced accordingly; I saw one last year at a gun shop listed for $800...out of line, for sure, but I would not expect to see one for less than $600. If so, it is going with me.

M63's are seen now and then, but I wouldn't exactly call them plentiful either; they are typically only seen at gun shows with jacked up prices. I bought mine at a LGS last year for $425; it was picked up from an estate and had been used very, very little.

 

[Camster]

Don't rule out a 34 either.

 

[deanodog]

Here is a M63(old) with aftermarket stocks. It is a good size for small hands. I personally can shoot a K frame better but it may be big for small children.