S&W revolvers which .22s top of your list

[AveragEd]

I think a lot of us can agree that the no-dash Model 617 is high on our list. I'm fortunate enough to have two, a four-inch and six-inch, and folks who see them really like them - until they encounter the prices they demand today.

Ed

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've really decided for every day I prefer 4 inch barrels when it comes to K-Frames. So, without question for me it is my K22 Combat Masterpiece. When I go shooting it always goes with me.

My "Post Office " pre Model 45 is a close second. The fixed sight K-22 should have been a regular cataloged item.

aaahhh.......The mdl 45.......I was hopin some of ya'll here had some.

 

[M29since14]

I’m with dsk. If you want to hit what you’re aiming at, it’s hard to beat a K22/Model 17. Of course the .22 CM/Model 18 is right in there too, in terms of accuracy and being shooter friendly.

For woods loafing it is hard to beat a Model 34. They’re harder to shoot well than the K-frames but they’re so handy that their small size and light weight makes the extra effort needed worthwhile. I find the 63s (and 631s and 651s) a notable exception because they are cursed with the silly red ramp. Precision shooting with these little guns really calls for black sights, IMO.

If I had to choose one, between a 4-inch Model 34 and a 6-inch Model 17, it would be a tough decision.

 

[Drm50]

I still have my K22 that I got new about 1964. It was definitely a game changer for me as well as several others. I have been a gun trading fanatic since young teenager. My old man always said if I had anything 3 weeks it had reached antique status. In 1964 there wasn’t that many willing to spend near $100 on a 22 pistol.
Most had a nice shotgun and maybe a varmit rifle. No local competition shooting so a 22 pistol was a toy, 22 rifle was the squirrel piece. My K22 has taken a truck load of small game and varmits. I’ve either got or had just about all the top shelf 22s, made in USA. I can shoot some of the target autos better range type shooting but the K22 is best for moving targets. The type shots encountered hunting small game. They just seem to point naturally for me.

 

[Green Frog]

It doesn’t actually fit into this forum but the 22 revolver I keep returning to is my 1948 vintage K22. I’ve had others, but come back to this one and I’m keeping it as long as I can shoot. Any K22 that lives up to the reputation of these early ones would probably be alright, but this one is mine.
Froggie

 

[RKmesa]

Any K-22, starting with the Outdoorsman, then the pre-war K-22 Masterpiece, then all the post war K-Frame ones as well.

I recently took these photos of one of my pre-war K-22 Masterpieces (K-22-40). It is one of my favorites...







... it shipped in a K-22 Outdoorsman box with "(K-22-40)" stamped on the SN lable on the bottom of the box...

 

[cruiserdan]

I like the Model 48, preferably a no-dash, with a LR cylinder to go with it.

 

[Smithjj]

Really appreciate all the responses and the history of some beautiful revolvers you all posted...have learned quite a bit just off your post(s).

I just purchased my first S&W .22...it's a Model 51 in .22 mag. Being new to purchasing / collecting / shooting S&Ws, it's apparent I have a lot to learn...this forum, the S&W Catalogue #5 have been very helpful...Anyone willing to help a newbie develop a plan...I could use all the experience and knowledge you are willing to share...

Thanks for your time and willingness to share....hopefully, we will see more additions to this thread

 

[Pine_Worker]

Model 17, then Model 18. I shoot my 17 much better than my 18, go figure.

 

[mtgianni]

My only Smith is a 17 no dash. I would love to say Model 35 just to be a little different but I have never seen one when I had enough money in my pocket.

 

[RKmesa]

The K-22's make a pretty good canvas for talented engravers -

Phil Quigley engraved pre-war Outdoorsman:









Winston Churchill engraved post-war K-22 Masterpiece

 

[44wheelman]

So basically it boils down to bbl length, blue or stainless, sq vs rnd butt, or lr vs mag.

Small & handy, something more target oriented, classic or modern….Hard to argue.

I find the 53 the most interesting; it can put on its big boy pants when needed/wanted.

 

[Aukula1062]

For me nothing beats .22 revolver and pistol shooting! Run of the mill 2206 and 34-1. I'm planning on picking up a Model 18 as well.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

For jacket, pants pocket carry- hard to beat one of these.
Shorty 63 on the Left.

 

[tjpopkin]

I likely had most of the S&W models.....in .22lr.
No one here mentioned the .22 Jet Model 53 with .22lr cylinder adaptors. With the optional fitted .22lr cylinder, it is a very accurate revolver.
I had an Outdoorsman early gun that was fabulous....a Pre-17 Masterpiece, a Model 17 Heritage, Models 17,18,34,45,63 and even a Beakhart and later 22-32HFT..the list goes on. This all started with my mother's 1939 Colt Police Positive Target and I had to get a matching S&W...then came the Single shots and ultimately ended with the most accurate .22 I had ever shot....the Pardini Match gun....
Of the S&Ws, I love me Heritage Model 17 the most....accurate and beautiful in Case colored steel...

 

[tjpopkin]

Here is the Pardini......
along with my mom's Colt, my new 10-shot Colt, a very rare light weight PPK-L in .22 (and incredibly accurate) and my unfired factory engraved Diamondback .22....

 

[Jcon72]

Define "favorite"? My S&W rimfires include a 48-0, a Pre-17 K22, a 17-2, a 617-1 and a 43-0.
I love them all, but....
Most classic - Pre-17 K22, followed by the 17-2.
Most unique - 48-0, a one-year production model. This one was badly neglected, abused and cosmetically destroyed by a previous owner via rust/pitting/parkerizing. Hard chrome was the only option.
Most practical - 617-1.
Cutest - 43-0.

 

[dobegrant]

I have 3 Smith .22 revolvers, a 63 4” and 2 17’s one is a 6” and the other is 8 3/8”

 

[Capt. F.]

K-22 for me. Smooth, accurate. Easy to carry while woods stomping.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I have already selected my "must-have" .22LR revolvers. From top to bottom, two model 17s and a model 18. The model 18 gets the most use as a practice stand-in for any K-frame 4-incher. The 17s are superbly accurate not only for target use, but for small game. I also have a Model 48 in .22 WMR for longer range precision shooting.

John