Which new .22 to get?

[442js]

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

I am looking for an older k22, but can't find one at a reasonable price. I do have a nice kit gun, but it looks like it was in the safe for most of its life. I am getting some nicer .22 ammo, but I am looking for a reasonably priced gun that is in good condition but also used as a target gun so I don't have to worry about putting the really cheap ammo through it.

 

[442js]

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

Those are some really nice model 18s. They have guns shows every few months where I am, but never saw anything I liked. I was mostly looking for new guns where the prices were crazy. Maybe the older guns are better priced.

 

[442js]

My 17 sees plenty of range time and is accurate with about any ammo. The 6" barrel provides a nice sight plane and balance.

I have a friend with a 1970s model 17 which he loves. He rarely uses it (NJ has a few issues with people legally owning guns), but he really enjoys it when he does go to the range. He also has an early 80s model 14 which is quite nice.

 

[442js]

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.

I am leaning toward the model 18, but trying to figure out if I want to buy the new model or wait to see if I could find a good older model 18. The sale price ends on April 30, and the price is due to go up by $200. No gun shows between now and then so I could lose the price. Of course, an older model 18 doesn't have the ridiculous lock.

 

[442js]

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.

I have been shooting for a few years, but I appear to go backwards as I am now looking for cheaper ammo to shoot. I started with a 5.7, which I still have and love, bought a 442 which is great, and then bought an almost brand new .22 kit gun. 5.7 ammo isn't too bad (a little under $20 a box of 50), 38 special is okay, but 22 is obviously better. Just can't put cheap stuff through that kit gun. I do want to shoot more though so a good 22 where I don't have to worry as much as the price of the ammo is right what the doctor ordered.

 

[PMRet]

I am leaning toward the model 18, but trying to figure out if I want to buy the new model or wait to see if I could find a good older model 18. The sale price ends on April 30, and the price is due to go up by $200. No gun shows between now and then so I could lose the price. Of course, an older model 18 doesn't have the ridiculous lock.

So the price on the new 18 when it goes up will be $928??? I guarantee you can find a nice older 18 for far less than that, including shipping and transfer fees. For that matter, less than the "sale" price of $728. And, you will have a much better gun.

 

[GLL]

Take a look at the older 4" 617 ! It makes a great carry gun for crashing around in the woods or desert and easy to maintain. I have a couple nice older 17s but the finish on the 617 takes a lot of holster time without damage to the finish.

Jerry

 

[loutent]

I found this nice 18-4 online at Cabelas last Sept for $499 - came in at $569 with shipping & tranfer fee:

I'd like to find a nice 17 sometime.

 

[442js]

So the price on the new 18 when it goes up will be $928??? I guarantee you can find a nice older 18 for far less than that, including shipping and transfer fees. For that matter, less than the "sale" price of $728. And, you will have a much better gun.

A new model 18 isn't worth over $900. It could be worth $728.

I have found a model 18-4 on an auction. It appears to be in reasonably good condition. I don't have a serial number yet to date it, but working on it.

What should a 18-4 in reasonable good condition go for?

 

[442js]

I found this nice 18-4 online at Cabelas last Sept for $499 - came in at $569 with shipping & tranfer fee:

I'd like to find a nice 17 sometime.

I found a nice 18-4 going for about $500. Probably cost another $50 to ship and transfer it to me. Trying to figure out whether I want to bid on it.

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

18-3

I found a 99% 18-3 with box for about $600 on Gunbroker. Really nice one with Th & TT, which is what I was looking for. That said, if I had to pick my favorite, it would be a 6" 17-2,3,4. I have a couple 17-3's and they just are fantastic. I like a longer barrel generally speaking for the extra sight radius. 18 or 17, both are great guns.

IC

 

[617X10]

I love my 10 shooter. I keep hearing about the heaviness of the 617, but 10 shots and stainless steel make a great rimfire shooter.