22 revolver to enjoy for life

[Hoffy]

I've looked through the threads on this forum and I still need some guidance.

I bought my first handgun a little over two years ago, and my signature indicates how my collection has expanded. I love a good inexpensive handgun, but I'm glad I didn't skimp on my .22 pistol and got a buckmark. In fact, sometimes I wish I had sprung for the S&W 41, but the buckmark meets my needs: plinking at my dads and my friends farm, going to the indoor range, and competing at a bowling pin match once in awhile. I'll never shoot bullseye or try to shoot tic-tacs off a fencepost at 50 yards.

I'm in the market for a 22 revolver, mainly because I want something that I can plink with that will eat anything that I'll put through it. I've narrowed it down to the following:

1) Ruger Single Six or Bearcat: Shooting single action is not a problem. I do worry about the tedious loading/unloading (everything I know first hand about revolvers is what I learned shooting S&W longs out of my Nagant, so this might not be as onerous as I imagine). A less expensive option that has the reputation of not wearing out for generations (and the Single Six can shoot 22 mags).
2) 3" S&W 317: Eight shots in each swing out cylinder would make it more convienient to go thorugh more Wal-Mart bulk ammo. It would also be a better kit gun.
3) S&W 617: Seems like quite a 22 caliber range hose and more fun per reload. However, it seems like it might be a little heavy to lug around.

Right now I'm leaning toward the kit gun option of the 317 or the bearcat.

Any advice? Am I missing some other revolver that is perfect mix of portability, durability, and value?

 

[Radagast]

I would go with the Single Six. I traded a Single Six to help pay for a 617 for my dad. The trigger and balance were better on the Single Six and accuracy was pretty much the same - both more accurate than I can shoot. I still miss my Single Six.

 

[.41Dave]

The Ruger Single Six is an excellent choice, but if you are willing to consider used guns, I would recommend you consider the S&W model 17 (6" barrel) or model 18 (4" barrel).

My model 18-2 is one of my favorite revolvers.

 

[yeti]

The 63, well the older one I have, is a 'nifty' little .22.

 

[gary vale]

S&W mod 18-3...it's also very accurate

 

[gary vale]

.41 Dave...looks like it was the grips that changed between the mod 18-2 and 18-3...what do you think?

 

[black_powder_Rob]

go with the single six, it is a nice ability to go back and forth from 22lr to 22 mag, more versatility.

also have you checked out the Heritage revolvers, good gun for the money.

 

[wrs840]

Any advice? Am I missing some other revolver that is perfect mix of portability, durability, and value?

Take it for what it's worth, but I have a Smith model 63 and a Taurus model 94 4" bbl in 22lr.

I like them both, but the Taurus is my favorite, even though the hammer is a bit stiff when shooting SA.

Les

 

[shotgunjoel]

Smith and Wesson Model 317.

 

[QuietEarp]

I think you are my kind of .22 revolver shooter, looking for a life partner. I like my 5.5" Single Six very much and love the fact that I will probably not be able to wear it out ever. Reloading a single action gets quicker with practice. It is so fun to shoot a .22 revolver that I would not hesitate to get another gun in that caliber. My Single Six needs a buddy! Any of the guns you are looking at seem like good choices. Let us know what you decide and happy shooting!

 

[General Geoff]

As a few others have mentioned, don't discount a S&W model 63. J-frame, 8 shot cylinder (at least for the new 63-3; the older 63s have 6 shot cylinders), and a sweet double action trigger.

 

[Stainz]

I had a Ruger 6.88" Govt Comp MKII for years. It just seemed unfriendly - actually too big - for a fun plinker. I had a 50th Anniversary Single Six - beautiful, but it's fixed sight made plinking miserable. I quickly sold it - the first of my collection of SAs to go.

I decided last fall, after selling my other Ruger handguns to fund more S&Ws, that I needed a .22 revolver. I considered the 4" 617, 5" 63, and 3" 317 Kit gun - all current production. The 4" 617 won out. I have but one regret... why did I wait so long? The MKII went to help pay for the 617, too.



The rubber grips had to go. I borrowed the above grips from another K/L frame, but eventually bought it a set of Ahrends Retro Targets. I also replaced the springs, using a 13# trigger return and a standard Wolff hammer leaf, and strain screw. Post break-in, it doesn't have the Federal-primer-only DA pull of my centerfire S&Ws, but it is close enough - and gives reliable ignition with all of the rimfire ammo I've tried.

My reaction after seven months is the same as after the first day I owned and shot my 4" 617 when it was brand new and unaltered: I deeply regret the purchase! Okay, I'll finish the sentence... I deeply regret the purchase so late in my life - I should have bought it years ago! Look them over - get the one you like - just get it soon as they are great plinkers.

It hasn't stopped me from wondering about the 317 & 63. After shooting both, I am happy to have my 4" 617. Of course, gun lust continues - I also want the others!

Stainz

 

[dgb553]

My vote would be for a 4 inch S&W 617 and speed loaders from ds10speed !!

ds10speed's LINK

Here's a the LINK for the S&W 17/617 club too!

I've shot Rugers before, never liked them enough to buy one. My first .22 handgun was a pistol, a Belgium made Browning Challenger. It has an adjustable trigger and very accurate. I now have 2 of them! When it's time to go to the range, I reach for the 617. It's so much fun to shoot! I've also added a Wolff spring kit to improve the trigger.

Here's another 617 LINK.

 

[flat top]

I have a Smith Model 18 (-3) as well. It is a great little gun, has a smooth trigger in both single and double action, is extremely accurate, and is small and light enough to carry comfortably all day long. I have always wanted a Single Six, and If and when I go shopping for another 22 revolver, the Single Six will be my choice.

 

[ClemY]

There are a number of good candidates for your revolver. The Single Six is a full sized gun. Very nice if you like single action. The Bearcat is a bit of a specialized gun. It is considerably smaller than the Single Six and more difficult for adults with big hands to shoot well.

The S&W 317 is a great gun, but I feel it is a bit of a specialized gun as well. With an aluminum frame and cylinder, I just don’t believe it has the durability of the 617 or 63. I have one; it is a great carry gun, not a gun I would put thousands of rounds through.

The 63 has the same J frame, but in stainless. They seem durable as h**l. The 617s are great full sized guns. Great for the range, but a little heavy to carry.

 

[Virginian]

A Colt or a Smith of your choice in double action. Single action, a Ruger Super Single Six.

 

[surfinUSA]

The S&W 18 is a great gun especially if you have a four inch S&W 19/66 to go with it.

 

[007BondJamesBond007]

I got a Single Six with two cylinders.
I had it ver 20 years and wil never part with it. I never had a misfire in all that time. I fired .22 shorts, .22 long, .22 long rifle and .22 Mag.

 

[woad_yurt]

The usually neglected options....

All of the suggestions above are very good but I like having the best of both worlds, namely, double action and .22 LR/.22 WMR convertibility. Anyway, I'm a giant fan of H&R & High Standard convertibles for that reason.

I have one H&R convertible (and have owned 2 others) and it's just as accurate and, IMO, a bit more robust, than those mentioned by everyone above. The finish level isn't as high as it is on a S&W but I don't want my heart in my throat while I shoot, worrying about a scratch. The downside is that the H&Rs only hold 6 rounds. I have an old Single Six and my H&R 676 is just as accurate. The Ruger is prettier than the H&R but it lacks DA capability. Here's an H&R that'll probably go for a reasonable price:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=126135471

Now, if you want to look around for a while on Gunbroker et al, you can find a a convertible Double Nine. Those suckers are DA and hold nine rounds. They look pretty cool, too, just like a Colt SAA.

Below are my two babies.

H&R 676:


Double Nine:
​

 

[RJM]

If I was in the market for a new .22 revolver today I would buy the USFA 12/22

http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/12-22.asp

 

[wanderinwalker]

surfinUSA: The S&W 18 is a great gun especially if you have a four inch S&W 19/66 to go with it.

Agreed! And I just love to post this picture:



But I would willingly track down another M-18 myself. It's got nice balance, mine has a good trigger and how can you not love blued steel and a set of walnut or cocobolo stocks?

IMO the half-lug/skinny barrels balance far better than a heavy, full-lugged gun. The Single-Six is nice, but if I had to choose between my 5.5" Single Six and my 4" M-18, the Single-Six would be sent packing first.

 

[Guillermo]

I know what you mean about the model 41. I have an old one and it is sweet. Have a couple of Buckmarks too. Great guns and will do everything the Smith will, except feel as good.

My Smith 41 has the very best target trigger I have ever felt.

Of the guns you mention, I would go w the Ruger Bearcat. Nice handy little gun that will last forever.

Given another option, I would save and find a used Smith model 17 or 18.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

As a lighter alternative to the M617, consider an older used M17 on the same frame but without the underlugged barrel.

Colt made some target-grade .22 revolvers in the past, e.g., the Diamondback ($$$!), Trooper MK III and Officer's Model Match. They will be harder to get service and parts for, but .22 is very gentle on guns and is unlikely to cause timing problems.

 

[Zonker]

My .22 wheel gun is a Colt Diamondback. Great gun if you can find one at a decent price.

 

[don95sml]

You sort of hinted at the fact that a single-action might not be the best. I agree wholeheartedly - life's too short to feed .22 cartridges into the loading gate. I'd save single-actions for the larger calibers. I'd go for a S&W, and preferably the K-frame 617 10-shot. A J-frame is OK (especially if you have small hands), but the trigger won't be as smooth.