[PhiloebeddoUSA]

I have been putting off this purchase for a while now, and I have made it a priority to pick up a quality .22lr revolver. 6"

A diamondback is out of the question (market price) and all of the K 22's that I see are fairly pricey as well. (Everything is nowadays)

So here is my question, would you pay $400+ (that number is way low for a quality K 22) or would you just buy a new SW 617 for $650? It is their stainless 10 shot offering.

I know that there is a collectability factor with the Diamondbacks and the older K frames, but I am getting to the point where it just doesn't add up value wise.
All opinions will be appreciated and respected.

TIA--Philoe

[ArmedBear]

Do you have a line on a 400 buck K 22 or is that just hypothetical?:)

[Ala Dan]

If I'm willing too pay $500 (or over), then I'm going too look for a prisitne
4" Smith & Wesson model 18; long since discontinued. Last one I saw,
oh so slightly used carried a price tag of $509 + applicable taxes; but
it was well worth it. Problem was, my hobby account balance was less
than $100~! :( :uhoh: :eek:

[CDH]

So here is my question, would you pay $400+ (that number is way low for a quality K 22) or would you just buy a new SW 617 for $650? It is their stainless 10 shot offering.

While I am rabidly against the S&W revolvers with internal locks, that mostly applies to guns that "might" be used for self defense.

But a .22 revolver is a range/target gun, so just get a brand new 10 shot 617 and be done with it. It will last you a lifetime and one of your kids will be happy to have it when it's time to pass it on... if he can find the key. :uhoh:

[JWJacobVT]

If you can find a k 22 (m18/17) for $XXX or less get it. If you can find a pre lock 617 6 or 10 shot for $XXX, than buy that. What no prices you say,well the way the market is now the prices will be invalid tommorrow. Sort of like buying the top of the line laptop and a month later it is a dinasour. I got lucky and found a pre k 22 5 screw 6 inch locally for $225. I asked the sales clerk twice to verify the cost. Now if I could get my brother in law to trade me back the M 18 for the M 36 I would be really happy. good luck.

[don95sml]

This one is easy. If you are anally anti-lock like me, look for a good used one. But if you don't care one way or another about the lock, buy the 10-shot 617, which really won't cost you much more.:D

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

I'd go with CDH in post #4 and others who recommend the 617.

Get the 10-shot 617. The internal lock should not be a big issue for a range gun. 10 shots out of a revolver is sweet!

[earplug]

As we don't reload 22lr, and a semi is more accurate most of the time and easy to shoot, Why get the 22 in a wheel gun?

[wanderinwalker]

Keep an eye out for used 617s, they can be had without lock. Still more like $500 than $400 or less though.

I bought an M-18 in January for $500, and didn't even haggle. Second-best handgun deal I've gotten; best was the M-19 that joined it last month (lower price).

Actually, I know where there is a used, pre-lock 6-shot 617 with 6" full-lug barrel for sale. But I doubt it's up for phone sales.

[General Geoff]

As we don't reload 22lr, and a semi is more accurate most of the time and easy to shoot, Why get the 22 in a wheel gun?

Since when are semis more accurate? :p

[Confederate]

Buy one you like. I was just on another forum where some guy wanted to know if he should buy a Sebenza (knife) for $500. If I could buy a revolver, why would I want a knife that was not going to give me any performance increase over a $50 knife?

I can think of a million revolvers I'd rather have. And I'd love to have a K-22 with a rich, blue finish. I also wouldn't mind having one of those stainless 10-shots. I had a Smith 63 that was stolen years ago and every time I see a good photo of one, my blood pressure still rises. Some punk stole it from my apartment and probably traded it for drugs.

AAAAAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrrggghh!

So get what you want and don't skimp.

Better than a knife....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh198/jriler/Rossi511b.jpg

This is my Rossi .22LR 511. Nice little stainless
revolver, but it's not a S&W 63.

[PT1911]

I would definitely opt for the 617...

[PhiloebeddoUSA]

Thanks for all the opinions. It's definitely going to be a shooter. I'm leaning to the 617, but wanted some other thoughts.

My pricing on a older K frame is based on recent gun shows and online prices. Maybe I'll luck into one at an estate sale, but until then I'll probably just go stainless and new.

[22-rimfire]

You will be happy with either a current 617 or the older Model 17. I really like the 4" Model 617 myself. It is on my buy list when I have the funds.

If you hit gun shows, keep your eyes open for a Colt Trooper Mark III in 22LR. Very fine revolver and just as good (perhaps better) than the Smith Model 17.

[BCRider]

For my own .22 pistol shooting one aspect that I prefer is a lighter pistol so that I can enjoy more of the feel of the little .22's going off. For me that means I prefer the lighter guns.

I've personally shot a very sweet S&W model 34 kit gun with a 4 inch barrel. It was a superb little shooter with tight groups when I would get serious. They come with rather small grips but a cure for that is only some woodworking or shopping away.

Another one that I think I'd like and that I'm on the lookout for is a model 63. I base this on the fact that it is only 29 oz which matches one of my semi auto .22 pistols which I like the feel of when shooting. The 34 is actually a hair lighter and it shows but obviously being a .22 it's not going to bruise your hand or tear itself out of your grip... :D

I've handled a K-22 and while I have no doubt that it's as accurate a shooting implement as everyone says I sadly won't bother chasing my own down. The weight of it is far too much and I know that for me it would take away too much from the shooting experience. Similarly the 617 at a whopping 45 oz would suck up almost all the kick you'd feel from the poor little .22LR.

Again, none of this in any way suggests that the 617 or the K38 or K22 are anything less than great hole punchers. But for me the experience isn't just about where the hole in the paper is. Up here we shoot handguns purely for sport since they are against the law to shoot other than at approved ranges. So if I'm doing this for fun I want to darn well feel that little cartridge when I pull the trigger. Your own priorities may vary on this but it's worth thinking about at least.

[CDH]

As long as someone brought up the idea of a S&W Model 63 Kit-gun... :D

That's another really good option.
The reason the 617 is an obvious choice is because it's a large, heavy revolver that would give a person the same feel as a Model 66 or perhaps a 686. If a person has one of those larger .357's, they could do some serious practice time with a 617.

However, that Model 63 is one fun .22 revolver. Mine is a 4" and is so damn cute and fun to shoot that it makes me smile when I shoot it.

[ArmedBear]

Since when are semis more accurate?

Much as I do like revolvers, semiautos dominate .22 accuracy shooting for a reason. .22 semiautos for that purpose are generally built with VERY solid frame-barrel attachment, bull barrels, etc.

These are different animals from centerfire semiautos.

[flat top]

I picked up a model 18-3 (4") like new...99%+....very low, if any on the round count, It was 489.00 out the door...that included shipping, FFL, etc. A K-22 (model 17) with a 6" barrel can be had for a bit over that. I only own one new Smith. It has been at Smith for almost 2 months, and now they tell me they are going to replace the gun with new, because they couldnt fix the problem!!! I would suggest that you seek out an older Smith in good condition. I think you will find, compared to new, the old ones are real "jewels"!!!! That is only "my" opinion!!!

[Phydeaux642]

Used S&Ws are out there. Maybe not very often in your area (mine either) but if you look around and are patient you may get lucky.I picked up a model 17-8 not too long ago for $399.

[Olympus]

Smith 41s are amazing guns! You also pay for it. The 617 is also a wonderful gun! If you're looking to stay within a budget, I would definitely go for the 617. I almost bought a gorgeous older model with the wood stocks at a gun show this past weekend for $575.

If you can afford the 41 then you should get it. If not, go for the 617. You won't be disappointed.

[wep45]

So here is my question, would you pay $400+ (that number is way low for a quality K 22) or would you just buy a new SW 617 for $650?

neither.............get an older model S&W 617, used in excellant condition on the internet gun auctions

[Olympus]

Here's a pretty good deal one:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=435121

[Bellevance]

...get an older model S&W 617, used in excellent condition on the Internet gun auctions

Or on GunBroker. I agree.

They're out there for around $500. If you want to buy new, I'd suggest Bud's Gun Shop (online). That's where I bought my 10-shot a few years back. Best retail price you're likely to find because they sell in volume, and they're easy to deal with.

[Brian Dale]

As we don't reload 22lr, and a semi is more accurate most of the time and easy to shoot, Why get the 22 in a wheel gun?Mastering trigger control with a fine .22LR revolver will make anyone a better shooter.

The Model 41 that you mentioned is a fine piece, though.

[Stainz]

Flat Top brought up a good point... a defective new S&W will get service - maybe even replacement. That great used buy, if defective - and no matter if it looks 95% or not - may be on your dime for repairs.

My choice was a new 4" 617 10-shooter last September. Boy do I regret that purchase so late in my life - I could have been enjoying it for years now instead of months! Seriously, when I took the plunge, I didn't have the moola. I bought it - then sold another Ruger to make up the difference between it's cost and my meager mad-money. Try to get what you want.

Stainz

[PhiloebeddoUSA]

Great point about the service issue should there be a problem. I had purchased a Sigma that had a feeding issue. Customer service was great. New slide and it works great.

The internal lock does not bother me too much. I've got a couple of 637 Airweights and haven't had a bit of trouble.

I'm going to pull the trigger on a new 617. I will always keep an eye out for an older K frame if the deal comes around. Thanks for everyone's input.

[bflobill_69]

They just re-released the model 17 "classic" in 6", but that will be alot more than $400.00

Prolly $850-900 depending upon where you live

Bflobill69

[welldoya]

Since you mentioned the Diamondback, don't overlook the Colt Trooper MKlll.
It's a bit heavy but a fine shooting .22. You should be able to get one for around $400.
I bought my S&W 17 in 1975 new for $145. Had to decide between a Diamondback or the 17. Both were the same price.

[dispatch]

I guess because I have one and love it- the Model 18 is a sweet revolver. Its a great warm up for before shooting my other K Frames.

[Jon Coppenbarger]

The smith 22,s are really nice revolvers. I sold my 34, 48, 63 and a 1954 pre 17 over the last few months. Still have a 17-3 and a new 1947 pre 17.

nice pistols.

[Alimony Bob]

I've got a K22 6" and a model 317-3. Shot both of them yesterday. I had always wanted a K22 for range shooting mainly because I'm getting a little old and getting beat up by the 357s, 41s and 44s isn't near as much fun as it used to be. In any event I had a 317-3 AirLite, which was only introduced a few years ago, and it really is a very nice shooting pistol and is as accurate as anything I have. One thing that you'll like about the 317 is that it is an 8 shot gun. Not as much stopping to reload as the 6 shot K22. But the K model is one of the most popular guns Smith ever made. And if you wanted to make up a set of a K22 and a K38 it would be neat. Mine is also very easy to shoot but not as easy as the AirLite. My K model is probably a 90% gun and I paid 450 for it. And 400 for the AirLite which was NIB. Probably paid 50 too much for the K but I'd wanted one for so long it didn't matter. If I couldn't have but one of them I'd probably keep the K mainly for nostalgia sake even though overall the 317-3 is a better shooter. Both also have adjustable sights and the 317 has a HV (High Visability) front sight. I don't see how you go wrong with either of them. From an investment standpoint the K will probably appreciate in value more over time particularly if you get a pre 1982 model with a pinned barrell. Have fun. - Bob

[wraco]

K-frames are hard to beat

Regards:
Rod

1946 K-22 Target Masterpiece
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc183/wraco/K-22s031.jpg

early 1950's K-22 T/M
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc183/wraco/K-22s033.jpg

early 1970's Model 18 - bought this one new
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc183/wraco/18-3006.jpg

[20nickels]

Get a .375 nylon brush to clean the chambers with. It is necessary. .22 ammo is very dirty. I run one through my 617 and M-17 every 20 to 50 rds depending on ammo.

[CajunBass]

I'm a fan of the old blue guns, mostly because I like old blue guns. I got a 17-3 last year, for $495.00 IIRC. It's a sweet-shooting number, and easy on the eyes.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/004-1.jpg

One to look for in the $400.00 range you mentioned is a Dan Wesson 22. Bigger and heavier than the K-22, they or at least mine, are great shooters. I don't have a better picture, but this shows the size next to a Ruger Single-Six, and a Bearcat.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/002-1.jpg

[Stainz]

Last year, I sold off my Rugers to fund a few new S&Ws I wanted. It permitted me to purchase, finally, a new 617 (... and the 627 Pro below, too.). Oddly, I only thought of one of the missing Rugers yesterday - - the last DA I had - a 4" .32M SP-101. I like .38s a lot more, so it's absence really isn't that apparent.

http://s171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_3330.jpg

I mention my method of firearm funding to illustrate the fact that you can fund a new purchase even on retirement income - it's all a matter of what you really 'want'.

Stainz

[jaholder1971]

I'm not too much for a 10 shot piece personally. If I can find a 6 shot K22 or Model 17 for the price of a 10 shot 617 I'm leaning toward the 6 shooter.

[tenbears]

Which-ever .22 handgun you get, try to find clean burning ammo for it. Some will cause buld-up in the cylinders that will make reloading and ejection very hard. I lean towards CCI Mini-Mags, plus my revolver likes them, very accurate and clean for rimfire that is.