What 22LR Revolver Do I Want?

[quickdraw03]

I want a 22 revolver to add to my collection. It will mostly see range use, but would be nice to carry in the woods.

I used to have a light Taurus revolver. I couldn’t shoot it well and didn’t think it was nice. I think it was about the same form factor and weight as a S&W317.

I’m trying to decide between a 63 and 617. I know the easy answer is both, so maybe I will ask which first.

My grandfather had a 10 shot 617 with a 6” barrel. I thought the gun was really heavy as a young shooter.

Everyone seems to love a 617, and maybe the 4” one would be a great choice. Is it still too heavy?

The 63 is much lighter and would be easier to pack. It would be easier for young shooters to grip given being a j-frame. I don’t see as many comments on the all-reliable internet. It’s similar in weight as a Glock 19.

I would appreciate thoughts from any, especially those that own both.

Thanks,
QD

 

[22hipower]

I'd go with the 617 4 inch first. Reliable, accurate, great at the range and easy to carry too. The 63s are fine too although more difficult to shoot accurately; at least in my experience. Can't go wrong with either one. Only real question I'd consider would be do I want an older one, say a 617 no dash or even an older 18 with some "collectibility" or just one to shoot. If the latter, a new 617 will be perfect. With this kind of question there is no wrong answer.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[malph]

Yeah, it comes down to shooting mostly or carrying mostly. For shooting, the new 617s seem very good. All that weight makes for a very stable platform.

If i was carrying it in the woods on hikes, I think I'd rather have the 63. Small, light and easy to carry.

If full disclosure i do not have a 63. I do though have a 3" Model 60 that should have similar shooting characteristics.

It's not that the J frames can't be shot well. It just might take a little more work to get there.

 

[THEmodelof1989]

I'm a huge fan of both the 63 and the 617.

It seems like the weight of the 617 is your main concern. It's not a self defense gun that you'd pack around all day. It's a range/varmint revolver that is second to none, including the 63, in those respective categories. I'd buy it to cut my teeth. That way, when you step up to a full size .357 or .44 magnum (trust me, once the bug bites, you'll want to own at least one of all the different flavors) you'll be prepared for the weight, and that weight will help tame the recoil from the pure unadulterated power that IS a magnum cartridge.

 

[bulletslap]

My advice based on my accumulation of S&W .22s would be a pre-lock Model 18.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I have both and changed the grip on the 63 to a round to square butt conversion grip because it was too small for me. It shoots well but like what was said above it's not as easy to hit targets as the 617. IMO the 4 inch 617 has the best balance of all my .22 revolvers.

 

[clang444]

K frame for sure. I prefer the old 17 and 18 without the barrel lug, but a 4" 617 will do the trick too.

 

[Rpg]

The j frame is much superior for any field use compared to a K frame 22.

The J frame is superbly accurate and very easy to shoot. It’s also the gun you want to actually carry in the field.

My M34 is the favorite revolver among my students. They’re much less favorable toward the larger, heavier K’s.

 

[quickdraw03]

These are all great responses and food for thought. Please keep them coming.

One of the things I love about this board is the great photographers!

For disclosure, I have been bitten the the bug and have a 342, 625 (4”), and 629 (5”). I also have 41 that’s almost a laser gun.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had a 63, a 15, and a 17 for a long time. All are capable of very good accuracy with good ammo. I shoot a lot but have always found J-frame revolvers considerably more difficult to shoot well in comparison with a K-frame gun. For most people, the added weight and size of a K-frame is more forgiving of shooter shortcomings than is a J-frame revolver regardless of chambering.

I don't keep up with dashes or lack of dashes and lock vs. no lock. They're a big deal to some and that's fine, but I wouldn't put too much emphasis on this. Unless you can find a bonafide comparison study (not YouTube), dashes and locks or no dashes and no locks have nothing to do with how well a gun shoots.

 

[CH4]

When looking at rimfire revolvers S&W K frame models are the only option I was interested in; however, I have recently developed a curiosity for a 2” 63/34. I am also still interested in finding a 4” 18-3.

648 .22 mag
17-6 4”
17-6 6”

 

[Burley]

I just found that my Ruger single 6 is a .22 magnum with .22 L.R. capability. Maybe that's why I never shot it as well as I thought I should.

Of course, the vintage snub 63 packs and shoots pretty good.

 

[Jessie]

That’s a great combo Burley, but how does just the cylinder change the accuracy?
Mine is very accurate with both rounds.

 

[Babysitr]

If you can stand to carry a K frame, M18 for sure....I woods carry a M34...light and accurate....but my 317 would also be an excellent choice...There's 3 you will need, then the 63 is also a great.....well, never mind

 

[Burley]

That’s a great combo Burley, but how does just the cylinder change the accuracy?
Mine is very accurate with both rounds.

I'll admit it's an excuse but I still want to try both .

I've had a single 6 with extra cylinder most of my life and never shot mags out of 'em. Then, I found it's a .22 mag all along

 

[saemetric]

First choice is the 63. Target use the 17.

 

[Buick]

The M48 6" is the one i want. Should never ever have sold my old one. What a superb revolver.

 

[TMan51]

I'm a big fan of the J Frames, and their portability, but they are not the best choice if you want to show of your shooting talent, or need the accuracy past 15-20 yards.

If you live where carrying a handgun around the woods is OK, even the 6"/617 isn't much of a problem.

If you are not likely to own both, the 4" 617 might be the best of both worlds. It's not heavy or even bulky in a decent holster. That bit of extra weight and barrel length makes it a pretty accurate tool.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My advice based on my accumulation of S&W .22s would be a pre-lock Model 18.

Saved me some typing.... if you can have only one!!!!!

I have a 4" 617 no dash and a 4" 63...... as well as some Model 17s (6"), 34s (4") and 18s (4")

The K frame has a better double action in my opinion than than the J-frame .22s

 

[ScottN]

I think it really comes down to how you will use it or who will use it. I recently sold my 617 6” and picked up a nice preowned 63. The 617 shot great but was too heavy for long plinking sessions, and way too heavy for my sons. I probably shot the 617 a little better but there’s plenty of accuracy in the 63. I’m not going for tiny groups...just shooting paper or steel targets out to 25 yards and beyond. I love seeing my sons face when he rings a 8” target from 50+ yards.