S&W Model 22 of 1917

[BigHink66]

So, I've been looking for a revolver for some time. My criteria has been something that is cheaper to shoot, fun to shoot, light weight, and capable of taking deer at reasonable ranges(50-75 yards), while not ringing my head too much.

I can find a couple of my criteria, but have to make a sacrifice as I can't seem to find them all in the same package. I was looking into a Mountain Gun, but think I prefer the light contour 5.5" barrel better of the 22. Not to mention the cheaper 45 ACP ammo.

I have been looking at the model 22 with the 5.5" barrel. My plan is to add a wondersight so that it can be used for hunting as well. Does anyone out there mill a permanant rear sight. I do reload, but other than hunting loads, will shoot factory ACP ammo in moon clips. Probably load 45 AR cases for hunting.

My question is, what can this gun handle without pushing it too hard? Is it as strong as the 625JM?

I would like to push a 250 grain hardcast at 950 t0 1050 fps, assuming the accuracy is there. I just would like to know if anyone here is doing that, or maybe suggest an alternative. Maybe someon with experience with a 200 gr hardcast at around the same velocity and their experience with using that on deer.

Looking at the ballistics the 45 AR and 44 special are close in performance on the reloading sites. I think they can both be pushed a little, but I am not looking to turn the M22 into a Ruger Redhawk 45.

 

[Old Fashioned Six Shooter]

Buffalo Bore makes a .45 AR 255 gr. Hard Cast at 1000 fps. They also load that bullet in .45 ACP at 925 fps. Their website states "These are very stout loads, but will not harm modern 45 ACP revolvers, nor will these loads harm any post war 45 ACP revolvers. Feel free to safely shoot these loads in any post war 45 ACP revolver that is in normal good operating condition."

 

[Macinaw]

I have both the Model 22 of 1917 and the 625 JM.

You are talking about taking a "classic" revolver and changing the front sight and also milling the rear sight?

I would thing that for hunting deer with a 45acp you would be better off with the 625 JM over the "classic" 1917.

The angle of the grip on the 1917 gives more pain in the hand than the 625 JM. And the "half moon" front sight on the 1917 isn't accurate.

The 1917 is very FUN the shoot. It's a Classic!

 

[BigHink66]

Can the front sight be changed? I thought it was just pinned in.

I will probably go with a wondersight, and forego the costs of milling the top strap for a sight.

What are my options for a 45 ACP with a non full lug barrel that is at least 5".

Would I just be better off trying to find a Heritage series 24 with the adjustable rear sight? And forget the 45 ACP.

Another question is, can I take a 45 Colt mountain gun and get the cylinder milled for moon clips? Then just use 45 Colt to hunt and ACP for fun.

 

[JoeHatley]

can I take a 45 Colt mountain gun and get the cylinder milled for moon clips? Then just use 45 Colt to hunt and ACP for fun.

You would end up with something similar to a S&W Governor with out the .410 capability. Pinnacle-Guns.com: Pinnacle High Performance Custom Gunsmithing should be able to fix you up.

 

[Tyrod]

Me thinks you're putting the cart before the horse. Rather than identify the model and determining if it suits your needs, identify your needs and get the model that best suits it.

 

[Old Fashioned Six Shooter]

Me thinks you're putting the cart before the horse. Rather than identify the model and determining if it suits your needs, identify your needs and get the model that best suits it.

I tend to agree. While the .45 ACP revolver is a superb all-around gun, it would not be my first choice for hunting.

 

[smokey04]

JoeHatley, Thank you for posting the above about Pinnacle. You may have just solved a long time problem for me.
Big Hink, if you want to hunt deer with a .45 ACP you can get anything out of that round that you can with a .45 Colt.... If you hand load.If not,then you might want to limit yourself to commercial .45 Colt loads.250 to 255 grain Keith semi wadcutters over a decent powder charge[ do a search or consult reloading manuals]will give you all you could ask for near low end .44 Mag.Remember,the 45 Colt case was designed for black powder, the shorter ACP,& Auto Rim cases are more efficient with modern smokeless powders and will give as much or more than a .45 Colt.Just remember to work up slowly if you hand load. You will be surprised at the ballistics that can be developed! Nick