Ruger GP100 22LR or Smith and Wesson 617?

Beauvais98

Beauvais98

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I'm on the cusp of buying my first rimfire (22LR) DA/SA revolver.

What are you guys' thoughts on the Smith & Wesson 617 and the Ruger GP100 22LR?

Intended use is just casual plinking at the range. No competition.
 
Smith’s are known for their sweet triggers. Rugers are known for strength, which is moot for a 22. You won’t go wrong with either.
 
Another vote for the S&W - nicer trigger. I think the Ruger is a bit less expensive, but the few bucks saved, would not be enough for me to pass up the trigger.
 
Both Ruger and S&W make great revolvers, but I strongly recommend seeing and handling them both (if you can) prior to purchasing. I was looking for my first .357 revolver recently and researched and read reviews ad nauseam and I thought I was totally sold on a Ruger GP100 until I handled one alongside a S&W model with very similar specs and pricepoint. I bought the S&W, it just felt better in hand. No regrets. But honestly, you likely will not be one bit sorry with either one!
 
I would be VERY careful buying a new smith. Their QC is not what it used to be. The sleeved barrels and over/under torqueing that goes along with it is both remarkably common and annoying to fix. If the model you're after has glare lines along to the top strap and barrel, make sure they line up BEFORE you buy the gun. The ruger does not suffer from the same issues however the hammer spring is often absurdly strong for its purpose. A friend had one with a double action pull worse than a refurb nagant or swiss 1929 revolver. If forced to buy sight unseen, a Ruger with a same day order of a mcarbo spring kit would be the best option.
 
If you are OK with used, I'd look at an older SW Model 17. If it has been cared for it will be much better quality in terms of workmanship and fitting than anything new from either S&W or ruger. The 17s are K frames designed for .38 Special pressures so in .22LR, if cared for will last forever.

And the triggers are incredible.

Upper right, S&W 17-3.

8GhCfZYl.jpg


And it won't have a Hillary Hole.
 
I am looking at buying new, ideally. Gotta raise those numbers!

I previously had a GP100 in 357 (4.2" stainless) and was overall satisfied with the feel of the Ruger.

I am not partial to Ruger or any brand for that matter. The only reason I went for Ruger back then was that Smith & Wesson 686 with a 4.2" barrels were all but impossible to find.
 
Buy neither. Both are quality revolvers, but if you are just plinking & having fun, why spend upwards of $1000.00 on a platform that most semi-autos easily beat.
Buy the Ruger Wrangler 22 revolver for C$300.00. Sure, its slower to load & unload, but fast reloads for 22’s in competition is dominated by semi-autos.
 
What feels good to you, I would prefer the 10 shot, But like the old model 17, blue, and I don't like the full underlug on a 6 in gun.
I havn't had a new Ruger, But the triggers can be done up.
The new 617's are the same as the old 617's , unless they have changed in last bit, other than the stupid lock thingmagiggy, which would be O.K. if it is a " legal" trigger lock in Ca.
I don't know, I think it is, but the govn't has never listened to me.
 
hatman1793 said:
Buy neither. Both are quality revolvers, but if you are just plinking & having fun, why spend upwards of $1000.00 on a platform that most semi-autos easily beat.
Buy the Ruger Wrangler 22 revolver for C$300.00. Sure, its slower to load & unload, but fast reloads for 22’s in competition is dominated by semi-autos.
Click to expand...

A single action will eventually find its way into my safe but this is not what I am looking for at this time.
 
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