Please school me on single action 22LR revolver options

A

alpining

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Morning folks - I've never been a revolver guy, but I'm thinking about trying something in this class. I really don't know anything about them, so any input is welcome.

It would be used for casual plinking. Just something different for myself, my wife, and guests to try.

I don't know how much variety there is in size and weight with this type of firearm, but we'd prefer something lighter and with a smaller grip as my wife has small hands. We have no use for 22WMR, if that matters.

I've come across what seems like good deals on the Ruger and Chiappa pot metal options, as well as the nicer Pietta and Ruger ones. I'd prefer those that look and feel a little more authentic. I don't mind tinkering, but definitely want something that will last. Budget is always an issue, but I don't necessarily mind spending if it is going to hold its value well.

Thanks in advance!
 
Another vote for Ruger single six. Even though you don't want the 22 mag, it's good to get the convertible for resale. Either the 5.5 or 6.5 inch give best accuracy. I'd avoid Pietta. Waited for years to get a SAA artillery 357 in 5.5 ". Beautiful gun to look at, but the barrel wasn't turned on the whole way! Couldn't hit a dinner plate at 7 yards. It went back. My Chiappa m92 357 trapper was also a POS. But pretty. Maybe Chiappa has upped their QC now. Another cool little single action you see used is the Herbert Schmidt. German made. Worth a look if in good shape.
 
okcorral1881 said:
Sometimes Colt Frontier Scout and New Frontier come up on EE...nice little plinkers and small enough for your wife and kids.
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One of these is available at an offline shop I know of. $600 with leather, seems like a great deal for Colt, no?

But they are a standard sized SAA frame, right? The single six is scaled down, in comparison?
 
alpining said:
One of these is available at an offline shop I know of. $600 with leather, seems like a great deal for Colt, no?

But they are a standard sized SAA frame, right? The single six is scaled down, in comparison?
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No they are scaled down from a SAA (7/8), the price is good depending on the condition of course. Which model is it, they made some with adjustable sights in the 70's also (New Frontier).

The Ruger is a fantastic, solid gun but it doesn't feel and look authentic like a Colt.

OK
 
I picked up a Ruger Wrangler from Rangeview Sports when they were $249. At that price you cant really go wrong. I have shot about 500 rounds and have had no issues. I threw some nice wood grips on it and it scratches the cowboy gun itch. For something like this I have no interest in paying more than $500 for what is essentially a plinker that will never be run hard.
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okcorral1881 said:
No they are scaled down from a SAA (7/8), the price is good depending on the condition of course. Which model is it, they made some with adjustable sights in the 70's also (New Frontier).

The Ruger is a fantastic, solid gun but it doesn't feel and look authentic like a Colt.

OK
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Got it, thanks. It's a Frontier Scout. I haven't seen it in person.
 
I recommend avoiding the Chiappa in this category, def. the cheapest of the lot. Best overall value is the Ruger Wranglers, but I like that old school authentic click' when the cylinder spins/sound, loading etc. Pietta/Heritage in my opinion is best Bang for your buck, balance of Quality, features & price.
 
I've owned Ruger Single Six (new) and Heritage. Both were decent revolvers, but with Ruger, I didn't like that cylinder was free spinning and on Heritage safety was just not needed.
I ended up with an older Ruger Single Six (3 screws) - 4 clicks on cocking and cylinder has clicks/stops when loading/unloading.
If I would choose between modern Ruger Wrangler and Heritage, as Single Six is in a different price range... Ruger is made better, but Heritage feels more authentic.
I would avoid Chiappa for the reasons discussed multiple times.
 
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If you want to go single action I'd go with Ruger single six or maybe try one of the Wranglers. I found that my wife didn't like reloading mine so went with a double action with swing out cylinder.
 
Ruger Wrangler is likely the best of the Pot-metal guns; Chiappa, Heritage, Schmidt are about the worst. All Garbage IMO.

Ruger Single Six is as good as it gets; smaller framed, scaled down guns are OK for children or small hands. A good used single six will outlive you and your kids.
 
Thanks everyone for the input - I managed to snag a Ruger Bearcat.

I'll still have a close look at the Colt Frontier Scout if it's still at the shop by the time I make it there.
 
Look into Pietta, or Uburti. Both Italian, both make reproduction of black powder and old single action revolvers. They can be a bit rough around the edges ( My pietta will cut you if your not careful). But it almost ads to the old school charm of the Colt single action revolver design.

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