Thinking about a .22 revolver

[Clovishound]

I have been thinking about a rimfire revolver for a little while. My daughter recently got into shooting this year, and has basically taken over my Mark I target.

I've been shooting the heck out of my model 10. She has been spending some quality with it as well, and has gotten pretty good with it. She seems to enjoy the .22 the most, and is getting impressive groups with it.

I was thinking about a .22 revolver that might be fun and cheap for both of us to shoot. It would also be a way to get rid of the 1500 rounds of .22lr I managed to pick up earlier this year that won't run worth a flip through either the Mark, or my dads old Colt. Seriously, There are always .22s that won't run through some semis.

Anyway, I was looking at the LGS the other day, and I really liked the stainless 617 I saw in the case. Wow, sticker shock!!!!!!

I haven't seen much in the way of .22 revolvers in the used market, other than the odd Single Six. I think my daughter would not care for anything but a swing out cylinder.

Any suggestions? Should I just bite the bullet and prepare the spend the big bucks on a 617?

I suspect I would prefer the medium frame, rather than a small J frame, or sp101 size. I really like S&W revolvers, but am not married to the brand.

 

[Smoke52]

A 4" 617 was the first of 6 Smiths in the stable. It is a fabulous firearm! Accurate, smooth shooting in both single and double action and quite beautiful. Expensive? Certainly, but what other choices are there really?

 

[GreyRider]

IMO: you can buy 2 of the "other brands" for the cost of a 617. And, if you had all three you wouldn't hesitate to trade the "other" 2 to get a second 617. I have a 4" with a trijicon red dot on it and it shoots like a laser beam. You will not be disappointed.

 

[MTPioneer]

If you can find a used Model 18, you won't be sorry.

 

[mg357]

I suggest the S&W Model 617 .22 caliber revolver with a 4 inch barrel and a 10 shot cylinder, yes it is expensive but it is a really good .22 caliber revolver.

 

[g8rb8]

It sounds like this would be mostly for plinking or target shooting. I think you couldn't go wrong with any of these S&W's:
Model 617
K-22 Masterpiece (i.e. Pre-Model 17)
Model 17
Model 18 or Pre-Model 18
Model 34 or Pre-Model 34 with 4" barrel
Model 63
Model 317

You did not define "cheap" but of all the above you might be most likely to find a nice model 17 for the "cheapest", maybe around $500.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training

 

[gm272gs]

It's hard not to like a Ruger (4") SP101 , or a Ruger Single Ten.

The sticker shock will still be there, however.

 

[Cpo1944]

Any S&W K frame will do , but expect to pay $500 + , but it will last several lifetimes and never disappoint you.

 

[Nessmuck]

Yep....a K 22 masterpiece....but get ready to pony up 750.00. You won't be disappointed .

 

[steamloco76]

The least expensive really good .22 revolvers are the single action, load one at a time Ruger Single-Six series revolvers. Once you decide to go double action, swing-out cylinder there really aren't any good choices in the under $400 price range. I have to agree with earlier posters, the S&W 617 with the four inch barrel and ten shot cylinder is tough to beat. Next would be any used, good condition model 17 or 617. I have a fair collection of S&W 22's and they are all fantastic shooters. My Model 17-8 ten shot and 617-6 ten shot get the most range time.

Here is the 617-6 four inch, ten shot.

 

[Bob1943]

If your LGS has a 617 in-stock, I would sure jump on that before it is gone. I have been trying to find one of those for over 6 months, both locally & online - none available.

Get your wallet out and get down there before it is too late.

If you do not want it, give me the name of the dealer and I will call and have them ship it to Arizona.

 

[Clovishound]

If your LGS has a 617 in-stock, I would sure jump on that before it is gone. I have been trying to find one of those for over 6 months, both locally & online - none available.

Get your wallet out and get down there before it is too late.

If you do not want it, give me the name of the dealer and I will call and have them ship it to Arizona.

They have three of them in the case. Not sure if they are new or used. Look up ATP gun shop Summervile SC.

I'm not in a position to lay out 8 bills right now.

 

[Bob1943]

Thanks, I will give them a call.

 

[ky wonder]

while I have not shot one the CHARTER PATHFINDER 22 with a 4 in barrel feels nice in my hand, these come in a brushed stainless with 8 round capacity about the size of a j frame gun

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/437618000/437618538/pix389486577.jpg

or you can try to find a H&R 940 target these are nice shooting guns but don't have the elegance of the smiths. or look at some early high standard revolvers, like the sentinels for a modern looking gun or the 99 series that have a old west look with swing out cylinder

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/439126000/439126725/pix415485275.jpg

but if you can wait until you can afford the smiths you will never regret the purchase

 

[2rott]

I shoot a lot of .38's for various comps. every week & thought It would be nice to practice with .22's & save some money & time reloading. I recently purchased a 4" 617 & the trigger was so bad, probably at least 14lbs, I sent it in for a trigger job. Most of my other revolvers have had trigger work & I quess I'm spoiled. Can't wait for it to come back to me so I can have some fun with it & cheap practice at the same time.

 

[Big Cholla]

You pay for quality just once. Grit your teeth, rob Mama's sugar bowl, sell those old bicycles you don't ride anymore, do what ever and buy that S&W M 617. If it is a 6 shot it can be converted someday down the line to a 10 shot. As stated, you will not regret buying the M 617. ............... Big Cholla

 

[BigBill]

I would look for a nice little affordable H&R revolver for her.

 

[shouldazagged]

If you aren't absolutely wedded to Smiths, an H&R 999 or 929, preferably the 999, would serve you well. And though this is considered heresy on this forum, everyone I've known who owned an older Taurus 94 was well satisfied with it.

 

[Jaywalker]

I had a nice M18 back in 1980 or so, but was dissatisfied because it was "too big for a .22" and sold it. I replaced it with an M34 (J-frame) nickle-plated.

The M34 was just never right. I could never get a good sight picture, even after blackening the front sight - maybe the rear sight gap was too small. Also, with regular strength 22 LR ammunition the cases always stuck in the chamber and had to be hammered out starting with my palm and progressing to a 2x4.

I kicked myself for selling that M18 and continue to do so.

 

[RV4driver]

If you don't have to have a Smith, or a Ruger, try Heritage Arms (Cimmaron, or something like that, I really don't follow them) or a couple of the other cheap .22 revolvers. A friend has one and it's been flawless. Now, I love my Ruger Single Six, and I'd have a Smith .22, if I could justify the cost. I have a Ruger, and a Smith 686+ in .357, so I don't need to spend too much for a Smith .22 Revo. I'd like one, but not enough, apparently.