Which new .22 to get?

[442js]

I am looking into buying a new .22, and my local gun store is selling a new Model 18 Combat Masterpiece for $728. It comes with a .400 serrated target trigger and a 500 target hammer though I am not too sure what improvements those items bring. They are also selling a model 17 for $840 and a model 617 for $728. They can also get a M63 for $672, and a model 22A for around $245 depending on the model.

I was thinking about the model 18, but not sure which one to get. This gun would definitely be a range gun. I have read about problems people are having here with new 617 models so I am a little concerned. Which model do you guys recommend?

 

[rboineau]

Why don't you wait for a gun show near you, or consult ads, and look for an older K22, mint or excellent used--better gun for less money. An older 4" (18) would be harder to find, if availability in your area is similar to mine.

 

[Old cop]

While I don't know about the others, I've had a Model 63 5" for over a year and absolutely love it.

 

[The Big Ox]

I have the 617 & 63, and both are fun. The current Model 63 with 3 inch barrel and fiber optic sight will give you the packability of a plinker that can also be used as a nice range gun. The 617 offers ten round capacity and a longer barrel for better accuracy.

Get both!

 

[442js]

Why don't you wait for a gun show near you, or consult ads, and look for an older K22, mint or excellent used--better gun for less money. An older 4" (18) would be harder to find, if availability in your area is similar to mine.

I have been to a few gun shows here, and they are usually full of people with overpriced guns in not great condition. I found one really nice .22 from the 1950s I picked up a few weeks ago, but don't want to put a large number of rounds through it (I picked up some nice .22 ammo that was recommended, but want a gun I use more often with the really cheap stuff). I look on gun broker from time to time on a k22, but don't see too much. Plus the price is high as well.

 

[PMRet]

I would opt for an older K22 as a shooter. Gunbroker usually has several listed, many of which are in nice condition (especially for a shooter) and can be had in the $500-$550 (or sometimes less) range.

I have a variery of favorite .22's: a 1948 K22, a 617 no dash, and a 2206 auto. IMO you can't go wrong with any of these.

 

[bennettfam]

I have an old 18 and have nothing but good to say about it. Not sure how the new ones are. Can you test-fire any of them?

 

[sw44spl]

I would say get a older k22 or a nice kit gun

 

[fyimo]

I bought an 18-3 and an 18-4 two weeks a part last year at two different gun shows and they were both in excellent condition so they can be found.

This Model 18-4 for $500 at a gun show last year

Model 18-3

 

[Jeff45]

My 17 sees plenty of range time and is accurate with about any ammo. The 6" barrel provides a nice sight plane and balance, but it is not as good as the 4" 18 for carrying.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Go with the 18, you will enjoy it. Makes a good trail gun to, a little bird shot will go a long way (5 to 10 feet). Or the 617, have him check the cylinder with a 22 round and see if they are tight or not.

 

[calapooia]

617

Had one about 2 years. Never a problem. Very accurate. Get the 617

 

[Bud11]

Someone on another recent thread said Cabela's had them for $199.

 

[scooter123]

I'd second Bullseye's recomendation for the model 18. Truth is that it'll have the best balance of any of the 22's that S&W offers and it will be an absolutely superb training gun for new shooters. I also think that 728 is an excellent price for a new one, in my area they run about 800 bucks or a bit more when they show up.

BTW, I have a 617 no dash with a 6 inch barrel I purchased used and love it. However, as I have discovered it's just too muzzle heavy for the women in my family. I've also learned that suggesting wrist exercizes isn't a good idea. One of these day's I'll pick up a 3 inch model 63 for the "wimmin" folk.

 

[Stainz]

Here are my recent .22 acquisitions, starting with the 4" 617 new 9/08 to the newest, the 3" 63 new 11/10. The 5" 63 was barely used and bought from a friend's estate. The 617 has the best trigger, with the 3" 63 close behind.

They all sport wood grips and HiViz sights (The 3" comes with a HiViz!). I love the 617 - but I could be happy with just the 3" 63 as it is a good plinker and is more easily toted. It's trigger was fine right out of the box.

Stainz

 

[gasaman]

Hey Stainz I'll take the middle one off your hands if your interested???
:=)

 

[The Big Ox]

Hey Stainz...here's a picture of my Model 63 3", Great Minds Think Alike! (or at least use the same grips on their guns...):

 

[psquarejr]

All are great choices, but the 617 might be a little heavy for some, my 13 yr old daughter prefers the 63's because they are lighter.

Here are my 22's. top to bottom, 617-3, 63-4, 63 (no dash)

 

[442js]

I would opt for an older K22 as a shooter. Gunbroker usually has several listed, many of which are in nice condition (especially for a shooter) and can be had in the $500-$550 (or sometimes less) range.

I have a variery of favorite .22's: a 1948 K22, a 617 no dash, and a 2206 auto. IMO you can't go wrong with any of these.

I have been looking on gunbroker, but the k22s I see are pretty expensive. There haven't been a lot on there lately.

 

[442js]

I have an old 18 and have nothing but good to say about it. Not sure how the new ones are. Can you test-fire any of them?

None of them are in stock. I would prefer an older model 18, but don't see anything on gunbroker. I can't test fire any of the new guns since they are at the distributor. Once I pay for the gun, it will take a few days to come in. Then it is mine once the background check come in, and there aren't usually returns on these guns.