[Marcus84]

to help me get my shooting form and technique down. I'm looking for something that can take a lot of abuse at a reasonable price ($400 tops ideally). I'm not a fan of Taurus/Rossi. What would you guys suggest?

[MaterDei]

Single or Double action?

By abuse do you mean you will shoot it a lot? Or do you mean you will be throwing it under the seat of your truck on the metal floorboard?

If the former then I recommend a Ruger Single Six which can be bought new for under $400 and the Ruger Bearcat can be found used for under $400 too. Both of these are single actions and very fine quality.

If the later you might want to consider the Heritage. It is $170 new and single action.

I'm not real familiar with the double action 22 revolvers. Sorry.

[ejfalvo]

I have a Browning Buckmark (I know a bottom-feeder) and have taught both kids and my wife to shoot with this firearm. Its a good, dependable training firearm.

[BrokenButterfly]

I'm not real familiar with the double action 22 revolvers. Wait! Is there such a thing? Who makes 'em? I need one!

[Marcus84]

I'd prefer a DA/SA if available. By abuse I meant shoot it a lot. Thanks fellas.

[sm]

OLDer
Smith & Wesson Model 17, 18, etc.
Colt Postives and others .

These are still out there to be found, though pricey.

Nobody gets rid of these guns to speak of.

Now the Older H&R, and High Standard revolvers are less monies, and work fine.

Oh I know what I want, but I ain't saying. Heck, I have want list of revolvers, semi auto handguns, along with rifles and shotguns, ...etc. I ain't sharing...all of my wants are old stuff.
One of these days... when I get some monies, I will have some of these again.
I have some folks like me, and we keep this stuff secret.

I still contend, if one learns to shoot a revolver double action, they will be a better shooter, no matter what platform they transition to.

[MaterDei]

I'd prefer a DA/SA if available.
All of the DA revolvers that I'm aware of also shoot in SA mode.

Wait! Is there such a thing? Who makes 'em? I need one!

Sure! Smith and Wesson makes several. I've recently shot two of them but can't remember the models. One was BIG (for a 22) and the other was smaller (just slightly larger than my Bearcat). Charter Arms makes them too (as does Taurus but you don't want a Taurus.)

[PT1911]

smith and wesson 617 is a 10 round capacity .22 revolver... pretty comfortable shooter as well...

why not a ruger mark III? I know its not a revolver but.....
if you miss, it is your fault!:what:

[wankerjake]

Quote:
I'm not real familiar with the double action 22 revolvers.

Wait! Is there such a thing? Who makes 'em? I need one!

H&R makes them, my sister has one. It is pretty sweet, looks like a little S&W police .38 special, it is accurate even with fixed sights, and my dad bought it for like $90. It does misfire more often than my single six (which fires every time) but it is a sweet plinker, especially for the money.

A used Ruger single six can be had for around $300 and I really believe everybody should own one. Very reliable, accurate, ergonomic, and aesthetic. I got one new for $350 OTD (stainless) but it seems to be a fluke, I have never seen one that cheap here in AZ other than the one I bought. On sale thru davidson's. The used ones should be just as good, they are built to last. Another good on eis the Ruger MKII. My buddy got one for $230 OTD and they are also accurate and very functional, but they dont look or feel too nice. They are good for learning about semi-autos though. Id you go with a single six I recommend the 5.5 inch barrel over the 6.5 inch barrel. I have a 6.5 inch and my brother has a 5.5 inch. Accuracy is the same and the 5.5 inch barrel is a little less awkward to pack around. They are both sweet though. Anyway those are my recommendations. I have heard the Walther p22's are more finicky with ammo and jam more than the Rugers, but they do look better.

[wankerjake]

Quote:
I'm not real familiar with the double action 22 revolvers.

Wait! Is there such a thing? Who makes 'em? I need one!

H&R makes them, my sister has one. It is pretty sweet, looks like a little S&W police .38 special, it is accurate even with fixed sights, and my dad bought it for like $90. It does misfire more often than my single six (which fires every time) but it is a sweet plinker, especially for the money.

A used Ruger single six can be had for around $300 and I really believe everybody should own one. Very reliable, accurate, ergonomic, and aesthetic. I got one new for $350 OTD (stainless) but it seems to be a fluke, I have never seen one that cheap here in AZ other than the one I bought. On sale thru davidson's. The used ones should be just as good, they are built to last. Another good one is the Ruger MKII. My buddy got one for $230 OTD and they are also accurate and very functional, but they dont look or feel too nice. They are good for learning about semi-autos though. The MkIII's are also sweet, and look better. If you go with a single six I recommend the 5.5 inch barrel over the 6.5 inch barrel. I have a 6.5 inch and my brother has a 5.5 inch. Accuracy is the same and the 5.5 inch barrel is a little less awkward to pack around. They are both sweet though. Anyway those are my recommendations. I have heard the Walther p22's are more finicky with ammo and jam more than the Rugers, but they do look better.

[Marcus84]

My main gun is a Ruger P95 but I anticipate the recoil so I wanna learn on a 22. I have a CZ 25 acp but haven't gotten a chance to clean it since my family doesn't know I have them and wouldn't approve. I'm looking at a 22 for low recoil and ammo price and revolver for variety.

[Big Bill]

DA .22 revolvers... Are ya'll serious. Just about everybody makes them. Taurus, S&W, Charter, etc., etc. I've got a S&W 317 Ultra Lite...

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/160222_large.jpg

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14743&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y

And a Ruger 22/45 Mark III - I paid about $250 for this one - NEW. It's a great gun for the $s.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/263L.jpg

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=10107&return=Y

[Big Bill]

You should be able to buy this DA Charter for under $400.

http://www.charterfirearms.com/images/products/prod_pgs/72240.gif

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pathfinder_72240.html

[Marcus84]

I see Heritage guns are cheap? Is it safe to assume the quality is the same?

[Marcus84]

Also how are Charter? Never heard of them either. Are they better than Taurus?

[BCRider]

I'd suggest you shop around for a used Model 34 kit gun with 4 inch barrel. I've shot one and it's a total delight. The J frame is light enough that you feel like you're shooting a "real" gun because it kicks a bit and there's a variety of larger wood grips to suit regular hands.

The modern equivalent is the 617 of course but they are pretty pricey.

The nice thing about .22 is that the kick is so light that you really don't need to worry about the gun harming itself. So even if you come across a Taurus or other option that you don't trust for parts availability chances are that you'll never need them provided you do a yearly clean and lube to the internals of the trigger mechanism. So if you come across such a beast and it fits your hand well and the price is right I'd say go ahead.

[Ruodo]

Taurus has a 9 shot .22 snub nosed revolver. Got to play around with one recently and it handled nicely. I would look into those.

Edit
Didn't see that you weren't a Taurus fan. Those cheap Heritage revolvers can have a lot of problems after a few thousand rounds. I have heard of people having no problems with them, while others have theirs start messing up right out of the box. If you want a SA look at a Ruger Single Six instead of Heritage, its only a little more expensive but its worlds away in quality.

[danjet500]

Here's my Ruger SP101 in .22 lr. Not made any longer but you can still find them. Kind of pricey though.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/DansCobra/ColtCon032.jpg

[22-rimfire]

My advice is that you look at the Ruger Single Six for a single action 22 revolver; OR

Save a bit more money and buy a Smith & Wesson. The Model 617 is a fine revolver. Have not shot a Model 63 as it is new, but would not be a bad choice with the 5" barrel. It runs about $100 less than the 617 new.


After you learn what is and was available, attend gun shows and keep your eyes open for a Smith or Colt revolver in 22LR.

[brin747]

I have a Ruger MK1 semi auto and an H&R 929 revolver. Both are great training guns and the H&R is indeed a double action 9 shot revolver. It's a fun little plinking gun and with it's long barrel it's very accurate.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h116/brin747/Guns/DSCN7898.jpg

[danefraz]

Everyone needs one, may be two or more if you've got space in the 'garage'.

I just came back from the range with a new 'old' smith ...

I just love their actions. They don't fit the $400 price tag, unless you whack someone with the butt-end to give it to you for that price...

FYI the S&W 617 is the new model. It's like $625 MSRP or something. I'm not a fan of the 'full lug' it sports, but it does have a good action.

Also, S&W 17 'classic' is available if you have deep pockets. It's MSRP is about $1000. I'd save a few weeks more and buy one of these before I'd get the 617...

But like trucks, Ford, Dodge, GMC, Chevy (and those foreign things), as well as ball caps, they must fit your budget, personality and personal likes...

My attached picture says it for me...
I've only had her for a couple weeks and haven't had time to put more than 100 rounds through her. Haven't messed with her sights yet. I've just given her care and feeding with solvent, RemOil and decent ammo.

Using the '325 round Federal Target bulk' ammo:
http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/bang/2009_03_10_S&W_17_Targ_01_f.jpg

[twoclones]

smith and wesson 617 is a 10 round capacity .22 revolver

Great gun for your parameters but would require a partner who also has $400..

[Marcus84]

Perhaps I'm being a snob when it comes to Taurus it's just I haven't heard the best things about them however I don't plan on making my .22 a self defense gun so maybe it's worth it.

[Ruodo]

Well if you are going to look into Taurus as well check out the Model 94. Like I said earlier I got to handle one recently, and was pretty impressed.

[22-rimfire]

One of the best 22 revolvers for just shooting is the old Smith Model 18 which is the K-22 with a 4" barrel. They are a little hard to find and you pay for them. But you forget about the price and you have a great DA 22 revolver for life.

There of coure is the old Model 17's which usually sport a 6" barrel. They are fine revolvers.

If you like Colts, the cheapest is the Trooper Mark III. Another very good old revolver that is findable. Many find them a little heavy as they think a 22 revolver should be light.

In that case, we're back to the Smith 317 or new Model 63 mentioned earlier which are smaller framed 22 revolvers. Old Model 34's are good too if you find one.

I won't even mention my favorite, the Colt Diamondback (oops did anyway). They are just so expensive now. I saw a new one offered for $1600 over on the Colt forum. Too rich for me now even though I love them and I'm glad I bought mine when they were under $500 in as new condition.

[raveneap]

The Ruger Single action is a time tested, well made, nice shooting gun. And you can get it with both the 22LR and 22 Mag cylinders. If you're looking for a semi-auto, the Ruger Mark III is excellent. And both are Rugers; they're built like tanks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/raveneap/DSC00345-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/raveneap/DSC00980a.jpg

[sidheshooter]

Here's my Ruger SP101 in .22 lr. Not made any longer but you can still find them. Kind of pricey though.

But will it stand up to a steady diet of hyper-velocity .22 long rifle rounds?



;)

Marcus, you mention that you are not a fan of Taurus, and I can understand where you are coming from. That said, you might consider making an exception for the above-mentioned 9-shot 94. That is a very good shoot-until-you're-bored revolver, IMHO. That's what I'd get. In fact I did get one once...

[danjet500]

Sidheshooter, you must be kidding, right? These guns were designed to shoot .357 magnums. I don't think you can hurt it shooting .22s.

[panrobercik]

Like someone said : not many people get rid of good 22's. That being said, I got me a S&W 617 for my 40th birthday and this is a keeper.Everyone wants to shoot it. I can put 500 rounds every session through it and no leading. I have spent around $700 but this thing is not leaving my house . Considering, every time I buy junk gun and later trade it off I loose $50 to $100 on it. Getting best there is , there will be no loses since it's a keeper.
The SA is the sweetest of all the guns I own. DA leaves a lot to desire - it's long and quite heavy. The gun looks so scary that I holster it when I go to open the door in the middle of the night and trust me, just the look of it convinces intruders to turn around.

[Stainz]

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but here are a few of the current S&W .22 LRs and their MSRP:

63 5" $845
317 HiViz 3" Kit $830
617 10-shot 4"/6" $916

Not only did they go up in price ~$79 New Year's Day, but the $50 rebate ended the night before. A fair price from a dealer would reflect ~20% off normally, but most dealer's are still experiencing plenty of 'panic' gun sales - and have become aloof - or, at least, independent.

All of that doesn't change the reality. I have bought many firearms in my sixty years. I doubt I have bought a more fun firearm than the new 4" 617 10-shooter that followed me home last September. Sure, it meant saying good-bye to my then ten year old Ruger MKII, but it was worth it. My regret is simple... I should have bought it years ago... I could have foregone a lot of unnecessary purchases and sales - and enjoyed it for years already.

What puts one off from a new 617 is the price. Sure - at the $609 +s/t I paid, it was $40 more than my 6" 629 (.44M) cost a couple of summers previous. Despite my heavy use of my homebrew .44 Russians, Specials, & wimpy Magnums in said 629, more rounds have gone downrange from that 4" 617 since I got it... it really is fun. We are just jaded - we think a lesser caliber should have a lesser price - but that .22LR K-frame is just as difficult to make as a 4" .38, like a 67 - MSRP $822 - until you get to the finer barrel and 10-hole cylinder - easier to see the higher price. That 6" 629 is MSRP $1,035 now.

Now my best advice: You can't spend too much on a good firearm. In this case, save longer - buy the best revolver you can. That way, you'll only buy it once!

http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0619.jpg

A 617 10-shooter, perhaps some decent wood stocks, and a box of el-cheapo plinkers - a day of fun!

Stainz

PS I know several folks who have bought Taurus revolvers and are content with them. They don't shoot much or very often.

[panrobercik]

Taurus was my second choice, but since I wanted the best of the best ,I went with the 617 - 6 inch - 10 shot. Taurus was quite a bit cheaper, but I don't regret getting the 617.