UPDATED - New S&W 22 Thunder Ranch!

[Groo01]

I have 12K rounds through mine and couldn’t be happier. I filed the front sight so it shoots at point of aim with 452423. I've tried light bullets (200 gr), and they shoot slightly low. But, they are close enough that you can still hit the target with a minor aiming correction.

Only two small gripes:
1. Glare off the front sight
2. Inconsistent ignition unless Auto Rim cases or moon clips are used. Not using 452423 for this issue.

Groo here
As the sight is pined in a change may be in order.
My friend has one with a gold bead "old school"
that is very fast.
As for FTF's get the long firing pin from C&C.

 

[HarrishMasher]

OP HERE WITH AN UPDATE


I ran another 20 rounds through my 22 Thunder Ranch today. I didn't have much time and had a few guns I needed to shoot. I figured the best way to shoot 20 rounds was to give Rastoff's Challenge a shot with the 22 TR. I shot the Challenge cold. Two cylinders yesterday and 20 rounds today.

I am super impressed with this gun. Well, actually, I am in love with this gun. Again the balance is amazing, really feels like the gun just belongs in your hand. Like it is part of your hand. The 22TR is the lightest 37oz gun I have ever held. Because of the excellent balance, it just feels much lighter than it actually is.

Just like my 625 JM, this is one accurate piece. I am just amazed at how the rounds just keep going in the same spot shot after shot. After I pull the trigger and see where the shot went, I think to myself "wow, really?". I am also very thankful that the fixed sights are dead on. I would not adjust the sights even if I could. Nothing makes me smile like a pistol with fixed sights that are spot on. Especially a revolver with a gutter sight, because there is little you can do to change it.

Though heavy, the trigger is very nice. It is even smoother than I thought. I would say the DA pull is somewhere between 12 to 14 lbs. Not sure about the SA pull, I never shoot SA.

While manageable, the recoil is definitely stout. You know you are shooting a big bore round. This is true for my 625 JM as well. It is not brutal by any means, and getting the sights back on target for a follow up shot is not too bad. But it is definitely not a little pop gun.

It is also a very good looking gun to my eye. For me there's nothing like a classic looking mirror blue S&W with some nice wood.

There is something about 45acp S&W wheelguns, they are very accurate and I shoot them very well. I will never part with the two I have and will probably accumulate a couple of more. Maybe a 45lc and have the cylinder cut for moons so I can shoot 45acp.

In case you are not familiar with Rastoff's Challenge, it is a competition on a another section in this forum. You shoot 4 rounds at 3 yards, 6 rounds at 5 yards, 6 rounds at 7 yards, and 4 rounds at 10 yards at a target like the one below and try to shoot the smallest group possible. Here is a link:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/420746-rastoffs-challenge-dropping-gauntlet.html

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice shooting!

I know you probably would want a DA like the model 25 but the .45 Colt screams for a SA like a Blackhawk with both a .45 Colt and a .45 ACP cylinder. (my favorite. ) or a Colt SAA (or clone.)

And to help stir the pot....
Linebaugh's Custom Sixguns - The .45 Colt - Dissolving the Myth, Discovering the Legend

 

[R.J. in Phoenix]

I have 2 .45ca. wheel guns that I have had for many years and still enjoy shooting them. The newer one is a S&W model 25-5 in .45 colt caliber. Carried it for a duty gun for a couple of years. The other is a Colt 1917 Army. I shoot .45 acp useing moon clips. It was made in 1929 I believe. I bring it to the range every so often to shoot it because it is fun and still shoots well. If any of the youngsters see it they always ask "what is that".

Take care, R.J in Phoenix.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Very nice shooting!

I know you probably would want a DA like the model 25 but the .45 Colt screams for a SA like a Blackhawk with both a .45 Colt and a .45 ACP cylinder. (my favorite. ) or a Colt SAA (or clone.)

And to help stir the pot....
Linebaugh's Custom Sixguns - The .45 Colt - Dissolving the Myth, Discovering the Legend

I actually bought used like new Ruger Blackhawk 45acp/45lc about four years ago for $325. I put a few boxes of 45lc through it. I didn't appreciate it at the time. I gave it to my Dad as a Birthday gift. He still has it. Assuming I outlive him, I will get it back one of these days, but I am in no hurry for that to happen.

I am just not that into the whole Cowboy gun thing at the moment. You never know though. Had someone told me 5 years ago I would be buying S&W revolvers like a crazy person I would never have believed it. But here I am.