S&W .22 in a k-frame? what's out there?

[tomshilling]

Decided I'd like to have a S&W plinker gun, for the trail and occasional day-hiking up in the NC mountains, but I'd prefer at least a k-frame sized revolver...

I know S&W made a Model 45, k-frame .22, but apparently it is a "holy grail" gun and is priced WAY beyond a trail gun, and well into a museum or collector piece.

What is out there that I am missing? I don't want a tiny j-frame, and really would rather not go to Single-Action cowboy-style revolver...can someone steer me in the right direction? Never been a Taurus fan, but it seems they have several models available, and it would seem S&W would have something affordable that is not a collector-piece, but I need some help!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[civil1977]

How about a Model 617? They are all stainless and you can find versions in 4" or 6" barrel, 6 or 10 shot. A 4" barrel, 10 shot would be real nice.

Another option would be a Model 18, blued, 4" barrel, 6 shot.

 

[bogman]

I recently bought a S&W # 18-2, for $425. It was made in 1961. it is the most accurate .22 revolver I have ever owned.

 

[fdnyretired]

Not sure what you have against j frames, but a Mod. 63 with a set of Pachmayr grips fits a large hand well. If that was your issue.

 

[Dragon88]

Ruger now makes the SP101 in an 8-shot 22lr model. I handled one in a store on Saturday, it's a nice gun and I'm considering getting one.

Ruger® SP101® Double-Action Revolver Models

 

[celticfisherman]

Not sure what you have against j frames, but a Mod. 63 with a set of Pachmayr grips fits a large hand well. If that was your issue.

Most times it's so they can shoot the same frame same feel all the time. That's exactly why I want one. One of my main carry guns is a 19. I'd love to pick up a K frame 22 here soon. Plus they just feel good.

 

[glenncal1]

In the K frame .22lr

Model 17, blue available in 6" and 8 3/8 barrel lengths. With the -5 and -6 variations the got a full under lug and also came in a 4" barrel length.

Model 18 blue in 4" barrel length

Both of these styles of revolvers were also made in before 1957 so come with no model number.

K-22 Outdoorsman-pre wwII 6" barrel, blue plain barrel no ribbing

617- SS, made in 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrel lengths. Most have the full under lug. Some have 10 shot cylinders

There are variations of all these. But these are the basics. Go to Gunbroker or one of those sites and you can see examples of all of the above.

 

[tomshilling]

Good suggestions!

Thanks for the tips!

I don't have anything "against" the J-frame, in fact one of my carry rotations is a Model 37 airweight.

But for carry in the field and brush, and for plinking, I just prefer the mid-size K-frames. They fit my hand best, and are a good complement to my Model 13 and 10's.

 

[scooter123]

For field and brush I think a 4 inch 617 would be the best choice. Less worry about corrosion because it's stainless steel. One minor warning though, it will be heavier than your present K frames. I have a 6 inch 617 six shooter and at 49 ounces it's a bit of a tank. That's one issue with the 22 caliber K frames, smaller bores mean that they weigh more than the larger calibers. It's why several have suggested the model 63 or Rugers new 22 caliber SP-101.

 

[stevieboy]

There is no revolver out there in .22lr that is more accurate or that has a better double action trigger than the K-22 series of guns (Models 17, 18, and 617). It's that simple. I've owned my 617-1 (1993 d.o.b.) for about 5 years and put at least 30,000 rounds through it during that time. I have no idea how many rounds its former owner or owners fired with this gun. Throughout, it has retained laser-like accuracy and perfect operation.

As to the issue of weight, it probably weighs about as much as an equivalent sized L frame revolver such as a 686. That means somewhere just north of 40 ounces. The older Models 17 and 18 generally weigh less because, with the exception of the last iteration of the 17, all of these guns are half-lugged whereas the 617 comes with a full underlug.

Here's mine.

 

[Hondo44]

The older Models 17 and 18 generally weigh less because, with the exception of the last iteration of the 17, all of these guns are half-lugged whereas the 617 comes with a full underlug.

Here's mine.

They are actually lug-less; no shroud at all vs. full shroud.

BTW, there's a Model 45 on GunsAmerica right now for only $1899....

 

[model17]

model 17 if you don't mind a little extra weight over the model 18. I think because of the longer site radius & dif. front sight, I shoot my 17 a little better than my 18

 

[Beemer-mark]

I love my 18. And I don't think it's possible to wear out any .22 rf gun.

 

[GF1]

I'd sure recommend a 60s or 70s vintage K22, Model 17 (P&R, pinned bbl). I've had mine, a '67 model, for 35 years (bought from an elderly gentleman who got it new, put it in a drawer unfired). It is more worn now, has filled the role you describe in wonderful fashion. These guns are easy to shoot, very accurate, a real joy.

I also like my Model 63, but it's in no way an equal to the K22 for accuracy. You should be able to find a used K22 for $500 or so.

 

[chief38]

You simply CAN'T go wrong with a vintage M18 or M17 in excellent condition. There are still plenty available (although a bit pricey now days) and they will last a lifetime. I know this is just my personal opinion, but the new offerings are just not the same (YES.... I am a Traditionalist).

Chief38

 

[Sealevel]

I agree completely with GF1 and some others about the model 17. I have a 1971 K22 that I love to shoot, and do so every range session - start with it and move on to "K" frame .38s and then .357 and finish with the model 17.

 

[PMRet]

Another vote for a model 17/18/K-22. The absolute perfect field gun would be a 4" model 617 without the full lug barrel, but only a few of those were made, and folks ain't sellin'...

 

[Shooting Padre]

I have the good fortune of having a Model 18-0 that is identical to my Model 15. Except for the recoil, they are the same to shoot. The 18 is very accurate and just a lot of fun to shoot. The 18 weighs a little more, but not enough to make a difference. I suspect that a smaller bore = more steel.

 

[glenncal1]

BTW, there's a Model 45 on GunsAmerica right now for only $1899....[/QUOTE]

Not anymore......

 

[CajunBass]

Another vote for the Model 17/18, depending on which barrel length you prefer. My Model 17-3 makes even me look like I know how to shoot.

As a traing aid for a 4" K-frame, it's hard to beat a K-22. I've got both K-22 and K-38 Combat Masterpieces from the early 50's. It's hard to tell them apart without opening the cylinder.

They both shoot great.

BTW. Yes, I know you can look at them and tell which is which..