What 22LR Revolver Do I Want?

[HOUSTON RICK]

I want a certain S&W Masterpiece 22 revolver in St. Mary's Parish Louisiana, but when I have the cash, I can't go get it and vice versa. if I do not get laid off in this Covid thing, I am going to drive over some Saturday and buy it if it is still there.

 

[mod34]

Dear OP, I know where there is a really nice Mod.17-9

 

[Gamecock]

This thread prompts me to take my H&R 999 to a gunsmith to get it to work again.

 

[colt_saa]

As a Smith & Wesson guy, I would say go with the 3" Model 63 first, then add your way up to a 617. I own both and like both for different reasons

One of my first 22s was a 4" Model 63

I also have some of the model 34s.


However as a guy called Colt_SAA to a guy called quickdraw03 I would be wanting to see you carry one of the USFA Modle 12/22 revolvers.

Yes a 12 shot 22 revolver built the way an SAA should be built.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer stopped making them and they are getting crazy money on the auction sites

 

[quickdraw03]

If only USFA was still around. I'm a double action guy, but those were nice guns!

Great thoughts by all and lots to consider.

I always struggle with new pinned in (i.e. replaceable) sights vs. older no-locks.

 

[joe44va]

My 617 is amazing!

 

[H Richard]

In your case I would suggest you look around for a little older Mod 18. The same as a 4" Mod 17, (with no lug barrel). Great on the range, and light enough to pack in the woods. Best all around.

 

[quickdraw03]

I don't have a no lock, so the thought of an M18 is interesting.

 

[rkittine]

+1 for a 4" 617 - Especially if you intend to carry it in the woods.

Bob

 

[KalamazooKid]

While the 617 is an awesome shooter (I have both 4" and 6" models), it's too heavy IMHO to carry around. I'd recommend the 4" M63 or M18 - one a J and one a K.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I have both a m63 and a m617- both 4". Of the two, the 617 is my preference- simply works better for me, smoother trigger, accurate, balanced.

 

[reccpd101]

I have owned a model 617. I currently own a Model 34, 63, 317, 2 Model 18s, and my grandfather's H&R Sportsman. I could not shoot the 617 any better than the others. Further, I couldn't find a hitch that would hook the model 617 to either my truck or my tractor.

H Richard gave you the best advice. The 18s are great shooters and easy packing.

 

[Pine_Worker]

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

My thoughts exactly!

 

[fishcreekrim]

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

17-3 6" would also be a good choice.

 

[Mehutch]

My choice was easy, S&W 617-4 pre-lock 6" barrel with all the accoutrement you see here. Easy.

Get what you want, spear no expense.

 

[Dave Lively]

I am trying to make the same decision. What I really want is a brand new 8 shot 63 with a 4 inch barrel and an orange ramp sight. Problem is the 63 only comes with a 3 inch barrel and fiber front sight these days.

I keep scanning the local trading board but it seems like most 63s I see are the older pre-lock 6 shot models and the sellers want a premium for the older guns. I want a shooter, not a collectible so I would rather have the extra 2 rounds and the lock doesn't bother me enough to pay for a pre lock version.

 

[sparkyvega]

I've always been disappointed at my inability to offhand shoot my M63 J-frame and my son's M34 accurately. I'm relieved to read that many others posted here have experienced the same. The M63 is an excellent firearm with which I'll never part, and I'll keep working on my J-frame technique.

 

[rockquarry]

I've always been disappointed at my inability to offhand shoot my M63 J-frame and my son's M34 accurately. I'm relieved to read that many others posted here have experienced the same. The M63 is an excellent firearm with which I'll never part, and I'll keep working on my J-frame technique.

I do my handgun shooting at 25 yards, bullseye-style using one hand. The 63 is capable, but I'm usually not. Still, I find this to be good practice and it helps me to improve my shooting technique. I had a Model 34 4" many years ago and traded it off because I could never shoot it well. There was nothing wrong with the gun; the shooter's lack of skill was the problem.

These are small, light guns and consistency of hold and consistency of everything else is more difficult than with a larger, heavier revolver.

 

[chief38]

It's truly hard to beat a vintage M18. The M17's are nice too if you like a 6" barrel. For woods carry in Squirrel Country or small pests, a M63 comes in handy too.