S&W Model 63 .22 OR?

[Rallan]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum and have a question. A decade ago I had an FAC and an extensive collection of all sorts of firearms which I (stupidly) sold after C-68 came in.

Now I have a son, and I want to teach him shooting.

I challenged and passed my restricted and non tests a couple of days ago, and mailed everything off.

I'm planning on picking up a good .22 handgun when my permit arrives.

I have decided on a revolver, because I can load shorts, CB caps or LR rounds without cycling problems, and because... I just like revolvers. A lot

The guys down at the local gun shop said I should look into the Smith & Wesson model 63.

Does anyone have any feedback on that? Would you all recommend that purchase, or are there others I should be looking at?

Thank you!

Rallan

 

[Master-G]

The Model 63 is built on the small-sized J frame. Depending on when you want to start with your son it might fit his hands better than a bigger revolver. However, a revolver built on the slightly larger K frame, such as a Model 17 or 617, will have a better trigger pull, especially in double action. To me, the classic .22 S&W is the Model 17.

 

[Talljoe]

Years ago I had a J frame 2 inch S&W with adjustable sights. A very sweet little revolver.

For small hands, or smaller lighter people, the 63 would be a great first choice. A K-22 (mod 17) may be a little on the large and heavy side for a younger person. Good choice though if the person can handle it comfortably.

Smith revolvers ? You can't really go wrong.

TJ

 

[dan belisle]

The only draw back is that J frame trigger pulls aren't usually very good. They can be made much better, but as they come from the factory, they are no where near as nice as a K frame or N frame. I will agree though that they are a good size for children. I started both my kids on a 22 Colt Frontier Scout, one of the alloy frame versions for light weight. I also used a Beretta 71 to get them used to semi autos and the safety drills required. That was when they were 5 or so. As they got older I introduced different guns into the regimen, upsizing until we reached the limits of what they are comfortable with. - dan

 

[41 Colt]

However, a revolver built on the slightly larger K frame, such as a Model 17 or 617, will have a better trigger pull, especially in double action. To me, the classic .22 S&W is the Model 17.

This sound like a great choice, I just bought a K-22 in the EE, there is also a 17-3 in the EE. Great guns at great prices. K frames are nice sizes.

 

[NAA]

The S&W Model 63 stainless .22 wheelgun usually came with a 4" barrel which currently makes it a 12(6) prohibited handgun. If you have your 12(6) designation on your PAL then it makes a good choice for what you are looking for. I have one & I find it very accurate and a very nice plinker.

NAA.

 

[Rallan]

Wow... thanks for the responses!

The Model 63 is apparently now different - comes with a 5" barrel. I lost my 'prohibited' rating when I sold all my short handguns after C-68, so this is going to have to have a barrel over 4.1"

I'll look into that model 17 - thanks!

Rallan