Looking for recommendations for .22LR Revolver

Fusilier

Fusilier

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
78   0   0
Location
Halifax, NS
Time for a new gun or two in the safe. I'm thinking a .22LR revolver for a number of reasons. I'm looking for something close to 4" barrel (i.e. longer than 4.1" so it's only Restricted) and SA/DA, not a cowboy SA pistol (that'll probably come some time in the future).

The one I want is a S&W Model 617 but a. a new one is both expensive and hard to find, and b. unless I'm mistaken the shortest barrel available would be 6".

The Ruger SP101 fits the bill except for price. It is available for just under $1,000 at Tenda Canada for example in 4-1/5" barrel. I like the stainless look, the two tone grips and the adjustable sights. A couple of hundred cheaper would be very nice but so far it is still on the list.

The Alpha Project .22 LR revolver looks nice too. I like the vented barrel rib (looks a little like my Python), the black or stainless would work, barrel length is 4-1/2" and the price is even closer to what I'm hoping for (but not really expecting). There's a used one listed here for sale on CGN but the poster seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth since April.

Taurus makes a 5" barrel .22LR revolver that doesn't look too bad. A shorter barrel would be nicer and finding one in stock might be a challenge in Canada.

Anyway, looking for suggestions/recommendations for a .22LR SA/DA revolver to add to the safe. Any thoughts or suggestions on which one (or another) to buy or to avoid?

Thanks in advance.
 
I recently went through an identical thought process, and realized there is no perfect option. In the end, I bought a S&W 617 beacause of glowing reviews and its 10 round capacity, even though I prefer a shorter barrel. After shooting close to 1000 rounds, I am happy with my decision.
 
I got my S&W 17-3 used and am well pleased with it. The price difference compared to a new stainless one will pay for a lot of shooting. Are you buying it to shoot or to look at?
 
Last edited:
I have a S&W 17. I had a couple Alfa Proj. The biggest issue with the AP is the small grip and the optional grips from them are not much bigger.

Unfortunately all these guns including the S&W 17 and new 617 suffer from a common problem. They tend to have quite the resistance to ejection. Somewhat painful to get the ejector rod hit with the palm of the hand hard enough to move the cases. I see this problem with all the DA revolvers in 22 I have tried to date.

Although you don't want a SA, you should consider them for the ease of ejecting one case at a time. The inexpensive Ruger Wrangler is a good bet. In the mean time I will bring a stick to hit the ejector on my S&W 17 next time I'm out to see if that works. It's what a buddy with a S&W 617 and another buddy with a Ruger SP 101 do.

Cheers
Moe
 
I picked up a Ruger SP101 for a good price used and I couldn't even tell it was shot. Like other ruger revolvers it's solid and locks up nice. Only complaint is the grip is a bit small other than that I love the gun and I think you can upgrade the grip. DA is a bit heavy but not surprising for a .22. No regrets and I would buy again.
 
Moe said:
I have a S&W 17. I had a couple Alfa Proj. The biggest issue with the AP is the small grip and the optional grips from them are not much bigger.

Unfortunately all these guns including the S&W 17 and new 617 suffer from a common problem. They tend to have quite the resistance to ejection. Somewhat painful to get the ejector rod hit with the palm of the hand hard enough to move the cases. I see this problem with all the DA revolvers in 22 I have tried to date.

Although you don't want a SA, you should consider them for the ease of ejecting one case at a time. The inexpensive Ruger Wrangler is a good bet. In the mean time I will bring a stick to hit the ejector on my S&W 17 next time I'm out to see if that works. It's what a buddy with a S&W 617 and another buddy with a Ruger SP 101 do.

Cheers
Moe
Click to expand...
I highly suspect your issue is ammo related. Some .22 sticks in my revolvers, and most don't. Try a few different brands. Should never have to bang on the ejector rod.
 
Look for a used Smith & Wesson 17. There was 3-4 for sale here on CGN a short time ago. I found the stock grip a little small for my hands but after market grips are easy to find.
 
ryan said:
I highly suspect your issue is ammo related. Some .22 sticks in my revolvers, and most don't. Try a few different brands. Should never have to bang on the ejector rod.
Click to expand...

I have tried American Eagle, CCi and Winchester, they all stick in my new 617. Ejecting empties is not an enjoyable experience.
 
Definitely had the ejector rod unscrewing event. Now a little blue locktite ended that problem. As for brands of ammo. I and my buddies have tested everything we could get out hands on. While CCI minimag had less resistance in my buddies S&W 617, My S&W 17 and the other buddies Ruger SP 101 did not have that luck. All guns are cleaned properly. We all are long serving CF members and have thorough cleaning habits. The only ammo I did find eject easy is the CCI CB Shorts and CB Longs that I tried in small quantities. One guy at the club told me his S&W 17 did the same and another member told me he had the chambers worked by a smith bit I can't remember is it was a 17 or 617.

In short I give up and the gun just collects dust in the safe.

Cheers
Moe
 
I realize this might be unrealistic for most, but my S&W M18 is just about everything I could ask for in a .22 revolver. Fits me well, good sights, good trigger in both hammer and trigger cocking. It doesn't like most cheap ammo, but it loads and ejects the Federal 525 bulk pack stuff just fine, and that works out just fine for me. It looks and feels virtually identical to my M15 .38 Special, so it is a great practice piece.

z-M18.jpg


But yeah, it's 12(6) prohibited due to the 4" barrel length. I'm not sure what their current options are for a K-frame .22.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom