BCRider
Member
After reading a number of threads about "which .22 revolver" I've come to my own conclusion that what the world needs is a better .22 revolver that is not cheap but is at least affordable and a good performer.
Before I go further let me list the .22 revolvers that I've owned or gotten to shoot so you know where I'm coming from.
S&W 617 10 shot, S&W 17 and S&W 63
H&R Sportsman 9 shot top break
Hi Standard Double Nine
3 screw Ruger Single Six
Out of this list I own or owned them all except the 610 and 63 which belonged to different buddy's that let me try them out.
Things I've found;
So this brings me to my feature list for my concept of the Ideal .22 Revolver;
What have I missed or what don't you folks like about this dream .22 wheelgun concept?
Before I go further let me list the .22 revolvers that I've owned or gotten to shoot so you know where I'm coming from.
S&W 617 10 shot, S&W 17 and S&W 63
H&R Sportsman 9 shot top break
Hi Standard Double Nine
3 screw Ruger Single Six
Out of this list I own or owned them all except the 610 and 63 which belonged to different buddy's that let me try them out.
Things I've found;
- The top break and swing out cylinders are the nicest method for reloading. The top break is nice but I suspect that it's fairly fragile and likely would cost more to produce these days than a swing out cylinder setup.
- When shooting .22LR six shots is just not enough. The nod of approval goes to those guns with 8 or more shots.
- Typical single action ejecting and loading one at a time gets old really fast. It's bad enough with 6 rounds but would likely drive me to drink if there were 9 or 10 rounds in there.
- All the guns had nice or at least acceptable triggers in SA.
- The DA triggers on all but my 17 and the buddy's 610 are/were horrible to the point where they might as well only be SA guns since that's how I shoot them all the time.
- Some of us like the higher grip of a DA revolver while others like the traditional "plow handle" feel of the classic SA guns as found with the Ruger Single Six.
So this brings me to my feature list for my concept of the Ideal .22 Revolver;
- Swing out "hand ejector" cylinder with 9 rounds. Staying with 8 or 9 vs 10 allows the gun to be a little smaller than the rather bulky, for a .22 gun, K frame S&W's.
- Switchable grips that give the option of a plow handle SA grip or a filled in upper backstrap area DA style grip. The hammer being shaped to work acceptably with either grip style.
- Single action only since it seems to be the best way to achieve a nice trigger pull with the least cost courtesy of the simplicity of the insides and the need for a firm hammer strike for reliable ignition.
- Size wise it should be around the same size and weight as the Ruger Single Six and come in a few barrel lengths ranging from 4.2 inch to 7 or 8 inch. The 4.2 inch option is a nod towards us folks here in Canada and a couple of the US states that can't own the "evil" 4 inch barrel revolvers...
- Provisions should be made at the factory for dovetail or screw holes on the frame to allow easy fitting of a sight rail or direct scope mounting for hunting or longer range precision shooting.
- Adjustable sights of course. Perhaps a spring blade style of rear sight where the sight is removed to expose the recess and the holes for mounting a rail that snugs down in this recess groove for positive position locking.
What have I missed or what don't you folks like about this dream .22 wheelgun concept?
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