Let’s see and hear about your favorite Rimfire handgun.

Tough to pick a fave, but probably the M17.

My DW22 is a close second, but even with the 8" barrel its not quite as accurate as the S&W.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Oooooohhhh, ahhhhhhhh!!!! How cool would it be if Colt simply made a .22 on the new Python frame and called it the new Diamondback? Sign me up!

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I've heard rumors that may happen, but right now they're not even meeting demand for the .357 Python.

Sometimes you see an item, walk away.....but can't get it out of your mind. That's what happened the first time I saw the removal of a S&W Model 41 barrel. Upon more research I found it had a good reputation with bullseye competitors and highly respected for being accurate and quality.

So many variations and possibilities, found myself trying to collect all the accessories and pieces....hence ended up with more than one.

SW351C said:

My Ruger MKI 6 7/8” heavy tapered barrel Target. Filled it full of Volquartsen goodies and it’s just an easy and fun gun to shoot well.

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Ruger MkII Target with very comfortable walnut target grips, closely followed by the Single Six.

A smorgasbord....

Pardini Free pistol
:
The story....I had been shooting Bullseye matches for a while. I met a fellow who shot International matches. I was aware of the precision matches shot in Olympic competitions (since the first of the modern Olympics). I developed a yen for one of these exotic firearms. When this one, an older model became available, I bought it.
Learning to shoot it requires considerable attention. Mastering the less than two ounce trigger is the key.

A month ago I would have said my S&W 317, but lately it's my new KelTec P17. It's got 3 x 16 round mags of pure fun!

When I consider which rimfire handguns I have shot most often in the last dozen years, my Hämmerli 212 Jägerschaftspistole and a 24series Korth win hands down, despite tough competition.




Some of the competitors:

Paul7 said:

I've heard rumors that may happen, but right now they're not even meeting demand for the .357 Python.

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Actually Paul, that already has happened. The 1981 Colt Catalog depicted an 8-inch barreled Royal Blue Python in .22 rimfire caliber. I had the $$$ squirreled away to get one as soon as they hit the distributors inventory. But, alas, it didn't happen and only 3 actual revolvers were made in that caliber and Colt executives snatched those up. Can you just imagine what those three would be worth if they hit one of the auction sites these days? :

I don't even own a .22 rimfire revolver any longer. All the .22 rimfire handguns I have now are Ruger Mark semi-autos, from the first one my Dad needed to sign for to the presently offered Ruger Mark IV:

A pair of them...Diamondback and S&W Model 18...the Smith's a better revolver in every way. YMMv Rod

SGW Gunsmith said:

Actually Paul, that already has happened. The 1981 Colt Catalog depicted an 8-inch barreled Royal Blue Python in .22 rimfire caliber. I had the $$$ squirreled away to get one as soon as they hit the distributors inventory. But, alas, it didn't happen and only 3 actual revolvers were made in that caliber and Colt executives snatched those up. Can you just imagine what those three would be worth if they hit one of the auction sites these days? :

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It could be a trick of the light, but it appears that the .22 Python depicted is on the smaller "D" frame compared to the "I" frame .357 above it, which would have made it nothing more than a rebadged Diamondback.

On second glance, it looks like it may have been an "I" frame with a shorter cylinder window. Hmmmmmm......

I suppose they could build a new rimfire Diamondback on the current King Cobra Target frame. Give it a fully lugged barrel and a nice polish job, Voila!

First handgun bought for myself new in 1959. Untold thousands of rounds through it in 61 years and the action is still smooth & tight, although most of the finish has worn off the grip frame.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

It could be a trick of the light, but it appears that the .22 Python depicted is on the smaller "D" frame compared to the "I" frame .357 above it, which would have made it nothing more than a rebadged Diamondback.

On second glance, it looks like it may have been an "I" frame with a shorter cylinder window. Hmmmmmm......

I suppose they could build a new rimfire Diamondback on the current King Cobra Target frame. Give it a fully lugged barrel and a nice polish job, Voila!

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Well, if so, then the verbiage printed on that page would have been false. It states that the "8-inch Python is now available in .357 Magnum AND .22 Caliber". Keep in mind that this is a 1981 catalog, and unless Colt has plans to offer a .22 rimfire caliber Python, very soon, all hope is dashed.

I'm not much of a revolver guy. I did buy a Taurus 942 last week for my fiancé to go with her Taurus 85. I wanted something very similar for her to get more practice with. I was pleasantly surprised with the 942 when I shot it. It's not bad with the factory trigger pull and short 2" barrel. It will make a good trainer for her and also a good gun to take to the woods or fishing.

Rodfac said:

A pair of them...Diamondback and S&W Model 18...the Smith's a better revolver in every way. YMMv Rod

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I have a 4” Colt Diamondback in 38 special. I bought it used in the mid 80s. Don’t remember what I paid for it, but it was no where near what they are selling for now. I also have a 1958 S&W model 18, no dash. I consider it to be one of the finest rimfire revolvers ever made. I have always wanted a Diamondback .22, but they are priced too high right now. I never thought about how one would compare to a model 18. Mine Is a very well fitted and finished revolver. The blue is right up there with Colt. Well polished and deep. I have always thought the bluing Colt did, back then was the best. This little S&W makes me reconsider that. I just always liked the way the Diamondback looked, and thought one would be nice in .22, but your post made me realize, I would not have anything, any better, than I have in my model 18. I still may get one, if I ever cross paths with one that is nice and priced right. It would be hard to keep house, without a few fine rimfire, anything around. Below is a couple pictures of my model 18, with Culina English walnut grips, I had made for it, a few months back.

I just got back from the range. I took my S&W 22A, Taurus 942, Glock G44, and my 4.5" AR pistol. I had loads of fun hitting clay pigeons at 25 and 50 yards with all of them. The Taurus with 2" barrel sometimes took 2-3 shots to hit the clay birds at 50 yards but still fun fun fun.

This is one of my favorite 617's, it has better balance than my 6" models.

Got Speed-Loaders? Nice revolver.

I had a Ruger Slabside and now have a Colt Woodsman. The Woodsman is much more accurate for me.

Was just at the range yesterday, and have been shooting all my 22.cal. This little gun is not allowed in the Country Clubs of fine guns, but it seems to not care, it just runs like a top.

I have 2 walther ppk/s ( one in blue and one in chrome ) that i really like

The chrome one is more of a safe queen like all my silver colored handguns

I also like my new glock 44

Always wanted a s&w 617 with 4” barrel

I have a S&W M&P 22 that I love, even if it doesn't have the classiness of my Ruger MK1. I like it because it is "close enough" in characteristics to my Glock 17. I use it weekly with holster and pro-timer and fire about 100 rounds through it doing various presentation drills. At home, it wears a suppressor and a M3 light so that it is ready to deal with the numerous possums that infest my property.

My current favorite