Thinking about a .22 revolver

[onemanwolfpack]

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

+1

My M18 always finds it way into my range bag.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

617 now and you won't be sorry later.

 

[Jim1392]

You won't be sorry with a Model 63. I really like mine and shoot it most every week.

 

[Macinaw]

If you buy the 617 you won't be sorry! Worth every penny.

 

[eveled]

I have six .22 revolvers, and by far the most popular in my family is my Ruger single six, I've always loved it, my son loves it, everybody loves this gun. The double action .22's are not the easiest to shoot, even in single action, they are harder to shoot than the single six. Plus if you get a convertible model, you will have the option of using the .22mag cylinder.

 

[raylan007]

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

The sticker shock will still be there, however.

The Ruger SP101 is a fine option if you can adapt to a 12 LB. single action trigger pull. I couldn't wait to buy one and was so disappointed with the single action it led me down a very expensive path. I now own S&W's M17, M18, and a M614 4". If you are purchasing this with your daughter in mind I would suggest any of the above mentioned, especially the M18's .

 

[gm272gs]

The Ruger SP101 is a fine option if you can adapt to a 12 LB. single action trigger pull...

It's 5 pounds. Maybe you're thinking double-action? The double-action is more than 8 pounds, but saying that it's 12 isn't really fair.

 

[wesson1911]

I would suggest a Dan Wesson 22 or a SW Model 18. I got lucky this year and picked them both up for a great deal. It took me months to find a DW 22 but I finally found one for $400. I wasn't even looking for a model 18 but found one for $425. They are both excellent and at least one makes a range visit weekly.

 

[ky wonder]

if you really want some sticker shock look up a colt diamondback in 22

 

[RobertJ.]

Just remember: the extra money you spend for quality will be forgotten long before the PITA of buying something cheap!

The least expensive I'd buy would be a Ruger Single Six.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Don't know how old your daughter is but 617 are relatively heavy....

I'd recommend a 4" 18 for all around use and a 6" 17 for the range.

I have a 1948 pre-17 that is on it's 3rd owner and is still good to go.........

So don't worry about price..... your daughter and grand______ will still be shooting either one in the year 2081...... so figure $7.50-10/year. Not a better deal out there.!!!!!

 

[Brian41]

As said already the money spent on a good gun today is forgotten tomorrow.
I take my model 17 or pre-17 to the range every time I go. Good practice for my K frame centerfire guns and fun to shoot. They'll shoot about any ammunition too.
I bought my guns years ago but thought them expensive then for 22s. Now I'd love to find some at those prices.

 

[NJM15]

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.

Im trying to get a model 17 off a friend of mine but if I cant I have been looking at a Ruger 22lr/22mag combo, or possibly a Taurus

 

[steamloco76]

The biggest factor in choosing a .22 revolver for a new/young shooter should be trigger quality. You want a shooter to be able to shoot well, therefore you want to get a revolver with a good enough trigger to support accurate, repeatable shooting.

 

[John357]

Got me a 617!

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.

THANK YOU Clovishound! I've been looking for a 617 with a 4" barrel for some time. I called this afternoon and bought one of the two NIB remaining. Hopefully Bob1943 got his already, or will get the last one.

 

[John357]

Nice 617

Just wanted to add that I have taken to renting the 617 at my range. It's a good inexpensive way to practice, and the 617 feels very much like my 686. But it's a LOT cheaper to shoot, even at reload prices!

My 686 has a relieved lug so it's a bit lighter than the 617. But the trigger is comparable, so I feel it's good practice. Even goes in my IDPA holster just fine. Guess I'll have to get a ten-round speedloader or two.

 

[DR505]

I like the old-school blue of the 17 myself. Found these two last year for about $700 each give or take.
17-4 and 17-6

 

[bbqbob51]

Another two thumbs up for the Great Smith and Wesson 617. I have one with a 6" barrel which I would heartily recommend. As others have mentioned the trigger is terrific and it is a fine example of revolver technology. Save your money and hope you get lucky and can find one, it took me 7 months get mine once I made up my mind to buy one. Get some speed loaders, a loading block and a case and you are setting yourself up for an afternoon of fun, fun fun!

 

[drkuhar]

I have a ruger single six for myself and i bought a taurus 94 for my son to use. He likes it better than the ruger and never had a problem with it. He's a crack shot with it for a ten year old. But a blue s&w would be mine if it crossed my path

 

[loeman]

You won't be sorry with a Model 63. I really like mine and shoot it most every week.

Yes, another vote for the Md 63 or perhaps Md 34. I know in your original post that you weren't looking too hard at the J frame .22s but I consider it my ultimate plinker/hiking/snake gun. Plus it is very accurate and fun to shoot at the range too. It would likely be quite comfortable in your daughter's hand. It's small, but not too small with the 4 inch barrel. Also, I must add that I own and shoot a Model 17, Md 18, and Md 34 not to mention a bunch of semi auto .22s but the Md 63 just seems to be the right choice for so many different applications.