Cheap, but reliable .22 revolver?

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djmay71

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Howdy. In the past month, I've had a wierd...fascination for revolvers. I'm looking to get a pair of cheap, but reliable .22 revolvers for some slow paced, but exciting none-the-less action shooting at the range with my sister.
Any reccys?
 
Only cheap DA .22lr revolvers worth buying are older HR's IMHO. The problem there is finding a good one, and even then if anything happens your stuck finding parts, etc.

I have been looking at .22 revolvers for some time now, and the only new man. ones in a reasonable price range are Taurus, and Charter Arms, and from my research I am not taking the gamble on either of them.

It would seem that in a double action S&W is the only thing worth looking at until we see the Ruger SP101 make its way into Canada in any numbers. Those S&W's are pricey though, and I got 2 quality Rugers for the same money a new S&W 617 would cost.

I ended up with a Ruger single 10, and a Ruger MKIII Hunter to satisfy my .22lr fetish. ;)
 
What do you consider cheap should be the question...

There are the odd H&R revolvers that go up on the EE for 'cheap' but cannot speak for reliability

The Ruger SP101 is cheap compared to the S&W 617, the odd S&W 17 goes up on the EE but they still fetch a pretty penny but it's the Smith name and quality. I love my Smith but you're talking $800-950
 
I got a Ruger Single Ten for the wife. I wouldn't call it cheap though. It's nice and pretty fun, as long as you don't mind the slow loading process.
 
I bought a Herbert Schmidt (single action) on EE for around 200 and I am very pleased with it.
It has 2 cylinders for 22lr and 22mag.
I took it out the other day for the second time and was happy that I was able to hit paper at 50 yards with 22lr bulk ammo. My brother inlaw hit a bulls eye at 50 yards using 22 mag (his second time shooting a revolver)
 
That would have been my choice, but the wife and I differ on matters of style and practicality. I will say, it was the best gun I have bought merely because it changed her mind on guns.

To the OP: in that range, I would think used is the way to go. Also, I hope you meant $400-500 each...
 
djmay71 said:
Howdy. In the past month, I've had a wierd...fascination for revolvers. I'm looking to get a pair of cheap, but reliable .22 revolvers for some slow paced, but exciting none-the-less action shooting at the range with my sister.
Any reccys?
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Try EPPS above, they have a good selection of new and used!
 
The Ruger Single Ten is beautiful and fun to shoot. Of all the guns my shooting friends own, it's the one I borrow at the range the most by far. A great revolver. I ended up getting a S&W Model 17, but only by chance. It was sitting in the consignment case the day I was going to buy the Single Ten. I still plan to pick one up.
 
I picked up a lightly used Bearcat on the EE for ~$400. It's a great little SA. It's small size is very appropriate for the 22lr round and makes it a hoot to shoot!
It takes up little space in the bag so it always tags along to the range.
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If it wasn't for that painted. Ejector housing I would have bought a Bearcat as well. Really cool pistol, but the Single 10 has obvious benefits, and all stainless gives me a little more confidence. ;)

I just ordered a Ruger MKIII Hunter today to go with the Single 10. Best of both worlds FTW. ;)
 
mlehtovaara said:
If it wasn't for that painted. Ejector housing I would have bought a Bearcat as well. Really cool pistol, but the Single 10 has obvious benefits, and all stainless gives me a little more confidence. ;)

I just ordered a Ruger MKIII Hunter today to go with the Single 10. Best of both worlds FTW. ;)
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It's not painted, it's aluminum. Bearcats are great! I love mine!
 
djmay71 said:
Anywhere between $400-$500.
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Patience may be rewarded with a used S&W model 17 in good serviceable condition for $500. A $400 dollar example will have to be degraded somewhat or the seller is ignorant of the market or desperate. It's a very nice gun.
 
You have not said which style of revolver you want. Namely single action (cowboy style) or double action (S&W style).

For double action I tried a few options before I tripped over a deal on a S&W model 17. There really isn't any replacement or equivalent for good accurate shooting to the S&W other than an even more expensive older Colt. The H&R's and others aren't bad but they pale when compared to the S&W for both accuracy and trigger pull quality. But you're going to pay big time for a S&W. You'd need horseshoes up your backside to find one in good condition for much under $600 these days it seems.

If you want a couple of cowboy style single actions and the cost of the Rugers puts you off I'd say that Heritage Rough Riders might be a good option. Folks with them seem to be doing OK with them. Although the fit and finish are way down from the Ruger Single series.

If you're into reloading your ammo to hold costs down what about just jump right into a couple of revolvers in .38/.357? For SA Marstar sells Pietta Millenium revolvers for $400. And loaded with .38Spl wadcutter or reduced round nose loads feel not much more "bumpy" than a .22. And these are darn nice guns for the money.

The dull matt finish used on the Millenium models puts me off though. I've seen them and while the gun shoots just as well they look dull and "tacticool" with the matt dark grey. For my money I'd say it's worth going with the colour case and gloss blued finish or polished nickel.

Avoid the Chaparral line. Very cheezy feeling triggers and the fit and finish is far down from the Pietta.
 
WRH said:
That would have been my choice, but the wife and I differ on matters of style and practicality. I will say, it was the best gun I have bought merely because it changed her mind on guns.

To the OP: in that range, I would think used is the way to go. Also, I hope you meant $400-500 each...[/QUOTE]

Yes, that is what I meant. I would defintely refrain from buying used if I can
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