S&W 17 vs. Ruger ll, which is more fun ?

[Texan]

Some of you may own both a S&W model 17 and a Ruger ll.
Which do you like shooting more and the one you consider the most fun ?

I used to like the Ruger and it's still fun, but I just enjoy the simple
advantages of a revolver - such as no safety, don't pickin' up brass, and
no FTF/FTE. The only thing I would change on my model 17's are -
a 5 inch barrel and stainless steel.
A 5 inch would be just about perfect for this model IMO.

I am getting where at my age revolvers just make more sense, at least to me. Bottom feeders just require to much thinkin' etc...

What say you............?
Texan

 

[Mickey D]

I shoot my MkII more often. Just a hoot to shoot. It was my first gun I bought back in '82.

 

[Bat Guano]

I've been shooting my M18 (fundamentally the same as a M17) steadily for 40 years now; it's hands down the most used gun I own--and likely to stay that way.

Also have a Ruger 514 that is a safe queen and a very accurate, very "experienced" standard auto. I use that for rough duty.

 

[sipowicz]

Certain guns are conversation starters. When I pull the 17 out at the range, it always attracts the old school guys over 60, like those who shoot M1As and 03 Springfields....and I find them much more interesting than the 20 something black rifle crowd...If I pulled out a Ruger ll, I'd be talking to myself the whole time.

 

[Beaver]

I agree with Sip

Anybody can own a Ruger II, but it takes a certain cool to pull out the Mdl 17. Most people don't know anything about them. All the teenagers in our church's youth group that I questionably supervise can shoot both, but the 17 is the coolest.

 

[wickerbill]

Had both the 17 and the Mk 2 and of the two, I like the 17. The only two 22 handguns I take out of the safe anymore are my 41 and an old model Simgle Six.
Bill

 

[Rule3]

Apples and Oranges

The Ruger is more "fun" to me just as a AR is more "fun" than my bolt action Savage tack driver.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Owning both-It really all depends on which way the wind is a blowing. If I'm in a gunny mood, I'll shoot the 17. If I just want to go through a lot of ammo, I'll take the MkII-plus it being stainless and all. Problem down here is the humidity-you look at a blued gun the wrong way and it will rust. I got tired of checking all my guns every two or three weeks and worrying about them in the meantime rusting. When your possessions own you-it's time to get rid of them. I sold all of my 27's and my 520 for that very reason (all to members of this board). Now the only non stainless handguns I own are a three screw single six and the 17.

 

[RonJ]

Yep, the 17 is the attention getter, but no matter what ammo I use I have to clean the chambers after a few rounds.

The MKII will shoot all day long with any ammo I care to feed it and it's very accurate even with the cheap stuff. My favorire .22.


[IMG]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g92/RonJ_2006/003.jpg

 

[mc5aw]

Kind of like asking if you want to drive a '65 Mustang convertible or a '68 hardtop Fastback.

I'll take the 17, although a Ruger Amphibian is lots of fun ...

 

[dachshund]

I've got a 17-2 and MKlll Stainless Hunter (with a Sam Lam bushing that eliminates the magazine disc) and a Single-Six Convertible. All three are great fun and I shoot them all with about the same frequency. I find I shoot 22s more often lately than all my centerfires. They're great fun, ammo is cheap, and the older I get the less I enjoy reloading, kinda seems like a factory piece-work job after all these years and I'd like to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. Same goes for rifles.

 

[Texas Star]

Ruger stainless bull-barrel MK II. I had a M-34 and had to POUND the extractor rod to get empty cases out. I'll never again own a .22 revolver.

If I carried a K-22 in the woods, for that bulk and weight, I could use a six-inch M-19/66 and have a lot more power, plus an effective small game gun, with .38 ammo.

The auto also gives higher velocity and is easier to shoot really well. Skeeter Skelton once chronographed a Walther PP or PPK .22 and it gave higher velocity than his K-22. Was a lot handier to carry around, too.

 

[brucev]

I've owned several standard and bull barreled Mk. II's and a Govt. Target Model. I've owned a number of S&W 17's and 18's. I sold the last Mk. II I had and kept a Model 18-3. Why? Because over the years it is simply the one .22 LR handgun that I have most enjoyed. I may one day again buy a 17. If I see a nice 18, I will buy it. Why? Because I'd like to have one for each hand!

 

[Marshwheeling]

I am just getting to the point where I can hit what I aim at with my Single Six. In contrast, my MK III Standard gave instant gratification right out of the box. Lots and lots of reasonably well-placed shots: I'm gonna have to say that's more fun.

 

[Foodfuzz]

I do have both,but, when I go to the range I take the Mod.17 with me more often than the Ruger. I really enjoy both,but, the Smith gets the nod.

 

[Brian41]

I have both and the S&Ws get more use mainly because I carry a revolver (Model 37 mainly) and I like the 22lr practice.
I'm finding the older I get and the increased cost of ammo I shoot 22 the most. Since I built a dedicated 22lr AR I find I shoot that the most too.

 

[wbraswell]

Kind of like asking if you want to drive a '65 Mustang convertible or a '68 hardtop Fastback.

I'll take the 17, although a Ruger Amphibian is lots of fun ...

Well I love my K22, but I want a target Ruger to scope. As far as the Mustangs, I'll take the 68 Fastback....with 428CJ & 4 speed, please.

 

[BubbaBlades]

A Ruger Standard was my first gun. I used it in the woods and for bullseye competition (including Master) until I replaced it with a Ruger MKII (Chief AJ modified.) I still have both guns as well as a second Ruger Standard and a Mark I Target.
I got my first S&W Model 17 around 20 years ago. It replaced a Colt .22 Officers Model Match that I never warmed up to. It is a great shooting gun and it feels much better in my hand than the Colt did, however, when it comes to "fun", I would have to pick my S&W Pre-Model 43 airweight .22 or my 3" S&W Model 317.

Mark

 

[gertieharry]

Don't have a 17 or 18, mine is a 63, love it. On my second Mark II, and have a Mark III standard. Something about the sights, I can shoot the Ruger's more accurately at longer distances, but 20yds. or less it's a toss up. Mark II bull barrel is heavy though, and I just bought a S&W black, basketweave,Jordan/Threeperson[?] style holster that looks great with that 63 in it, so the Ruger's are staying home a lot.

 

[Bearcat]

Yep, the 17 is the attention getter, but no matter what ammo I use I have to clean the cylinder after a few rounds.

The MKII will shoot all day long with any ammo I care to feed it and it's very accurate even with the cheap stuff. My favorire .22.


[IMG]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g92/RonJ_2006/003.jpg

+1 on that!