[Big Bill]

I'd like to find a good 22 magnum revolver with a 3" barrel. I've looked at Charter and Taurus but most offerings are either 1" or 4". Is there anything out there for under $400 that fits my criteria? If not, I'll probably get either the 2" or 4" Charter.

[tinygnat219]

With your price point, you are pretty much stuck with the Charter Arms.

[Radagast]

S&W produced the Model 651 in .22 magnum, six shots with fixed sights on the round butt J frame from 1983 to 1988. A three inch version was cataloged. Product code was 103802. The Standard Catalog of S&W in 2006 gave a value of $350 in very good condition, $450 in excellent condition.
I would check the online auction sites looking for one of these before I would purchase a Taurus or Charters product. </gun snobbery>

[doc2rn]

^ I have one and I highly recommend the 651 but they are getting pricey like all pre-lock S&W models.

[Confederate]

This is a bit off topic, but how effective would a .22 mag be from a 3-inch or less barrel? I know that some ammo has been optimized for use out of shorter barrels these days, but 3-inch barrels? How different would the ballistcs be between .22LR and .22WMR?

[rcmodel]

4" test barrel .22 LR:
http://www.naaminis.com/mmlrvel.html

4" test barrel .22 WRM:
http://www.naaminis.com/mmmagvel.html

Even shorter barrels:
http://www.naaminis.com/naaveloc.html

rc

[Radagast]

An error in my post above. The three inch barrel fixed sight gun is the model 650. The 4 inch barrel adjustable sight gun is the model 651.

[Big Bill]

Radagast - I'm in no hurry, so I'll do some looking before I buy. I appreciate the tip. Thanks everyone for all the information. Confererate, I was thinking that myself. Thanks for the info rc.

[David E]

Charter made a 3" barreled .22 magnum in the late 70's, early 80's called the "Pathfinder." That one, tho, had a solid barrel, not a sleeved one like the current ones seem to be.

They also made it in .22 LR.

[Big Bill]

Thanks David! I'll look for one of those too.

[hardluk1]

I have a old blue taurus 22 with a 3" barrel that was my old practice gun for a old ccw revolver. Great gun . Had a wolf spring in it with a 7lb DA pull and a 3lb SA pull .Also 100% reliable. New is in your at ot under 400 dollar price at a 10% over cost dealer. around 350 here.

[wcwhitey]

I just went to Gunbroker and they have a very nice Model 950 3" .22 Mag. Guess the price, $950 buy it now. Wow that is pricey. Bill

[MikeJackmin]

Just noticed this one today:

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9948272&oh=216543

[soloban]

I had a Taurus 941. I wouldn't recommend it.

[Big Bill]

Thanks Mike! I sure appreciate all the recommendations. Thanks everyone...

[wnycollector]

Don't overlook H&R's or NEF's revolvers. Here is an nickel NEF R22 w/ 4" barrel for $225 at gunbroker http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=193236530

H&R made the model 826 w/ a 3" barrel and square butt. They are VERY hard to find. Here is a link to a closed gunsamerica listing just so you can see what they look like http://www.gunsamerica.com/938632866/Guns/Pistols/Harrington-Richardson-Pistols/H_R_Model_826.htm

I have had the 22lr version of the R22 revolver for years. It has chewed through bricks of 22lr ammo and keeps on ticking. H&R/NEF were not elegantly finished nor did they have triggers like Colt or S&W. They made up for those shortcomings by being inexpensive and tough as nail's.