Smith & Wesson Model 22-4

David LaPell

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I am spending the next couple of months waiting for my tax returns which hopefully has some money in it for a new handgun trying to decide what I want. I know it will be a revolver and one I happened to take a shine to was a buddy's Model 22 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP (except for the Thunder Ranch thing on the side, I could do without that). Anyone else have one of these? I have never owned a .45 ACP revolver, have had a .45 Colt Mountain Gun and I liked that but maybe its time for something a little different. Brass is easy to come by and I happen to have a .45 mold for Lymans #452423 which would give me a nice 230 grain or so SWC so I am considering something in the .45 ACP realm. Did they ever make the Model 22's without that Thunder Ranch thing on the side, kind of tacky for my liking. Post some photos if you have them please, would kind of give me something to drool over while I wait.
 
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David, S&W did produce that gun without the logo. I still kick myself for passing up one at a good price, but I already had the Model 22 of 1917, the 5.5" bbl gun. Can talk to you about this one, if you like...
 
Although I prefer the pre lock guns, I must admit my model 22 is a great shooter. I enjoy shooting it. It took me a while to get the action to feel like I wanted, but I got it done. My gun does not have the Thunder Ranch logo.
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The Thunder Ranch 22-4 only has the TR logo on the stock grips. The 21-4 in 44 Special is the gun with the gold logo on the sideplate. I own both models.

My 22-4 would be one of the last guns I would ever consider letting get away. Puts 200 to 230 grain bullets into a nice tight cluster every time I shoot it. I highly recommend the 22-4/22-4 Thunder Ranch!
 
Here is a 22-4 model of 1917 just for fun.



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I am spending the next couple of months waiting for my tax returns which hopefully has some money in it for a new handgun trying to decide what I want. I know it will be a revolver and one I happened to take a shine to was a buddy's Model 22 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP (except for the Thunder Ranch thing on the side, I could do without that). Anyone else have one of these? I have never owned a .45 ACP revolver, have had a .45 Colt Mountain Gun and I liked that but maybe its time for something a little different. Brass is easy to come by and I happen to have a .45 mold for Lymans #452423 which would give me a nice 230 grain or so SWC so I am considering something in the .45 ACP realm. Did they ever make the Model 22's without that Thunder Ranch thing on the side, kind of tacky for my liking. Post some photos if you have them please, would kind of give me something to drool over while I wait.
Dave,
I do not recall seeing ANY of the 45ACP, model 22, Thunder Ranch Revolvers with the big logo on the side. That was on the 44 Special model 21, Thunder Ranch Revolver that had the large gold logo on the side plate.

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My revolver is an early one. I have a thing for serial numbers so I was thrilled to be able to acquire my model 22 Thunder Ranch Revolver with serial number TRR0022.

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Dave ... I had the Thunder Ranch 325 and it was an excellent shooter. I sold it to a friend as the $1K was more necessary at the time than a .45ACP revolver. I hope to pick up a 22-4 sooner than later, though the 1917 model is also a possibility. I prefer the fixed site and trimmer profile of the 22 than the new Miculek .45s.
 
I passed up a really nice looking Nickel 22 New Classic a while back. Probably a mistake. Real nice looker.

But my 625JM is a great revolver also. You might look at that too.

I like 45ACP in both revolvers and automatics. Accurate round, low cost factory ammo, mild recoil.

Dave
 
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But my 625JM is a great revolver also. You might look at that too.

I like 45ACP in both revolvers and automatics. Accurate round, low cost factory ammo, mild recoil.

Dave

I like the 625's also. I had a JM, but traded it in on an earlier 625 with a 5" barrel. Both are great revolvers. I just like the heavier front end of the 5" a bit better.
 
The 4" versions come in nickel, too. I sure do like mine!

The wooden grip looks cool, but it's way too small for my hands. I have some Hogue and Pachmayr grips that I keep on it for use in the field and at the range.

Lou

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