.22 Revolver Recommendations

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kingdarb

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Hey Folks,

The wife wants to get a .22 revolver, and I don't know too much about them so I am looking for a recommendation or two.

She is looking for something that can shoot single and double action, and has a swing-out cylinder for loading and unloading...
 
My first choice is a second hand S&W Model 17 (aka K-22). You can pick one up for much less than a new 617 and they aren't as front-heavy, as they don't have a lugged barrel.

The other good options are a S&W Model 63 with 5" barrel or a new Ruger SP-101 (which may be difficult to find) with a 4.2" barrel.
 
The choices for GOOD double action revolvers is very limited. And the good ones are not cheap.

The Colt and S&W are at the top of the heap both in terms of trigger quality and price. Don't expect either for under $500. And prices range up to $600 or so.

The rest are a bit of a pig in a poke. Most will have literally TERRIBLE DA trigger pulls. Others will lack in terms of durability or accuracy. Two of the better used second line choices are HI Standard and Harrington and Richardson (H&R). But even with those some have terrible DA triggers and will need some custom playing to get them to be tolerable. But once tuned up they shoot quite nicely and are decently durable.

The bright star on the horizon is the new Ruger SP101-22 8 shot revolver which will be coming to Canada in the next few months. No idea of final price or when.

Taurus makes the 94 as well. But it seems from all reports that they are an up and down sort of option. If they are good then you're laughing and the gun will be reliable for years. If they are bad with poor build tolerances then the gun will lack a quality feel which is tough to do anything about. Those that have good ones offer glowing reports. THose that got bad ones equally "glowing" condemnations. It's sort of like going to Vegas I guess... :D

If you do go for one of the S&W .22 revolvers you'll pay a bundle. But the long term quality, accuracy and enjoyment of ownership is definetly there. If you see it in that way then the price isn't tough to take.

I have or have had three different lesser .22DA revolvers. I've also been lucky enough to get a S&W M17. The 17 isn't going anywhere as long as I'm able to shoot. THe others are great fun to dabble with and tinker with to try to make them as nice as possible. But even when tuned they still pale in comparison to the S&W 17.
 
I second, third, fourth, what ever we're up to now, the S&W M-17. I have a 17-4, 8 3/8 barrel, triple T (target trigger, hammer, and sights), and it's accurate, and smooth, both SA and DA.
My other one is a 1948 Webley Mk IV target .22, equally fine and good shooting revolver, but a bit harder to find on the market.
I don't know how a new 617 compares, they are available as new.

Brian
 
I have a H&R model 999 (DA/SA break open .22LR with 6" barrel) that I bought in as new condition locally, kind of on impulse. I like it a lot. The trigger is nice in single action but the double action pull is pretty heavy, though with practice I can still shoot a nice grouping with it.

I've also fired a S&W K-frame (model 17? it's over 25 years old, blued with a 6" barrel, that's about all I know about it) which has had trigger work, and it's nicer to shoot, but IMO it's hard to justify the cost. I wouldn't expect to find a S&W like that for under $550-600, and every now and then you see the H&R 999's on the EE for $200-300.

Having a nicer gun is all fine and well, but remember, it's a .22 revolver. If I were spending $600+ on a range toy, I'd be looking at something with a little more kaboom.

Adam
 
I have a S&W Model 17-2 which I bought used from someone on this site. It certainly fits the bill. If you can find one in good condition and it fits your budget, it is very likely to please her.

Can't remember exactly how much I paid but it was certainly more than $400 and under $600. That's not a small amount of money for me but I wasn't sorry when it showed up. It's in nice condition, works very well, and will last me the rest of my life.
 
Last July, I found a S&W Pre-Model 35 (1953 22/32 Target) for my wife. Its a 6-shot, SA/DA, swing-out cyl, modified I-frame, just slightly different than the later J-frames. She found my S&W Model 17 way too heavy and awkward to shoot. The Pre-35 is only 25 oz and is a perfect fit and weight for her. Based on our experience, I'd recommend that you try and find her a S&W 22/32 Heavy Frame Target, 1953 22/32 Target, or Model 35, which are all similar in size and weight. We paid $695.00 for the one we have (in Exc condition). PM me for a photo comparing it with the Model 17.
 
All of the above, if she really wants a double action with swing out cylinder. However, take a look at the Ruger Single Six, as a single action. They are a nice size and easy to shoot. The one I have has a reasonable trigger pull as well.
 
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