.22 LR caliber pistol: Ruger Mark II, or a S&W 617?

[takhtakaal]

It's been advised to me that I obtain a .22 LR caliber pistol as part of my physical therapy routine. I won't get into details, but I've been pretty much left-handed since surgery in October, and I need to begin serious rehab on the right.

Locally, I've found a S&W 617 10-shot 6" for $525, on consignment. I'm not sure if it comes with the box and all, but I'm told (love gun-shop stories!) that it was a "demo" gun, and supposedly had about a box of ammo put through it. I dry-fired it -- it's a typical post-lock S&W, not the smoothest action in the world, but I'm not terribly concerned at this point with that. I figure that I'll be dumping a few value packs of range fodder through it, which should smooth it out some.

Do I drop that much on rehab, or do I go at least a C note lighter and pick up the Chinese-puzzle-to-reassemble Ruger Mark II? I only have one S&W large-frame pistol at this point, and I'm looking at a small collection of pistols that may or may not stick around, depending upon my ability to use them effectively. I figure the 617 might help me get back to the other S&W, which is going to have to go in for cylinder surgery to put in a cut for a moon clip, as well as a barrel shortening, among other things.

Opinions?

 

[Sheldon]

The revolver will "work" you more than the MKII since it is a double action. Both are fine. I would go with whichever suites your therapy philosophy better.

 

[WeedWhacker]

I've been very pleased with my .22LR Browning Buckmark - it's one of the basic models, but with the slab-sided barrel, for reference. It's fairly painless to disassemble and reassemble, though I've been spoiled by Glocks and CZs in that it irks me that I need an Allen wrench to clean the Buckmark.

 

[bhk]

Get the Smith. Lots of 'pride of ownership,' as well as superior function and excellent accuracy. You also have the ability to use a wide variety of ammo, from CB caps to Stingers, with no functioning problems.

 

[DesertDawg]

I agree with BHK, but will add that you can dry-fire with the revolver a lot easier than with a pistol. That would enhance your "therapy" a bit more, especially when you are unable to go to the range.

When I go shooting, it's in remote desert areas where I can shoot just about any firearm that I want. I won't go over the list of firearms that I own, but most of them aren't taken along all of the time. I only have 2 firearms that are ALWAYS along....a S&W 617 and a S&W 41 (the S&W 41 is my favorite, but the 617 comes in a very close second place!). I use the .22 handguns to "warm up" for shooting the center-fire handguns AND rifles! The .22's are also used for casual plinking fun as well, since the ammo is relatively inexpensive.

Lastly, with the .22 pistol you have to contend with the magazines, and since you're rehabbing your right hand, that means that you might have a problem with loading the mags. Add to that, if you drop a mag in the dirt, it'll need to be cleaned (or repaired?). With the revolver, if you drop a round on the ground, it's only ONE round that would need to be wiped off (or properly disposed of).

 

[CB900F]

Tac;

My answer, like Weed's, is neither. I recently went through the decision process for a .22 handgun & bought a Beretta NEOS. They don't get any easier in take-down & cleanability.

In large part I based by choice on my friend's gun. His is both accurate and non-fussy about ammo. Magazines are cheap too. Ten bucks a copy at CDNN.

900F

 

[Blackbeard]

+1 on the Buckmark. I got one two weeks ago (a SS camper), and it's a pleasure to shoot. Put 200 rounds through it the first trip to the range with zero failures. Paid $375 new.

 

[theNoid]

Do I drop that much on rehab, or do I go at least a C note lighter and pick up the Chinese-puzzle-to-reassemble Ruger Mark II? I only have one S&W large-frame pistol at this point, and I'm looking at a small collection of pistols that may or may not stick around, depending upon my ability to use them effectively. I figure the 617 might help me get back to the other S&W, which is going to have to go in for cylinder surgery to put in a cut for a moon clip, as well as a barrel shortening, among other things.

Well, given that you may be keeping the larger caliber S&W for future shooting, it makes all the sense in the world to go with the 617 for practice/rehab. Also, don't consider this purchase simply as a rehab purchase, once you start shooting that 617 and it smooths out a bit, you will absolutely love plinking around with it. Not to mention, as long as you keep it in good shape, it will probably always be worth at least as much as you have paid for it, even though I am betting you won't ever get rid of it once you become one with it. That's the way I look at mine.

Noidster

 

[jad0110]

Locally, I've found a S&W 617 10-shot 6" for $525, on consignment. I'm not sure if it comes with the box and all, but I'm told (love gun-shop stories!) that it was a "demo" gun, and supposedly had about a box of ammo put through it. I dry-fired it -- it's a typical post-lock S&W, not the smoothest action in the world, but I'm not terribly concerned at this point with that.

Keep your eyes open for an older Model 17 or 18, the S&W K-22s. A classic, mint condition 5 screw pre-17 can be located for the same price as the 617 you referenced, and maybe a bit less. And the DA trigger is sweeter. A new 17 in decent condition can still be found for $300-ish, but they seem to be getting harder to find at those prices. My 1959 4-screw 17-0 set me back $430 last year, a pretty good price when you consider the going rate of new 617s.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

another vote for the browning buckmark - mine has never jammed and probably has 2000ish rounds of federal bulk pack through it. Also far more accurate than I am.

 

[Ichiro]

For physical therapy, I'd go with the double-action revolver. Dry-firing is something you can do every single day at home, and it's just not the same with a semiauto.

 

[tallpaul]

The ruger is not bad when ya learn the tricks and do take down reassembly a few times. Pointing it up as ya relatch is a biggie etc. Post if ya have issues and someone will walk ya through it.

I have several .22 autos and a couple revolvers. If I could only have one the semi in a ruger or smith wins - for me. I grabbed the smith 17 and a single six just because and for woods use but find a ruger mark II is fine for woods use also.

I would hate to have to let the smith or ruger revolver go to another home though

I guess it depends on the therapy ya need. If its just the raising and holding your arm and you can load magazines- I'd grab a ruger or smith auto and have a trigger job done and have one of the most fun guns a man can own.

 

[1911NM]

I agree with others, that it is your personal choice, depending on your needs, but but my own biased opinion, in that I have a 22/45 Ruger, and don't have a Smith .22 would obviously be to go for the Smith. One .22 Ruger is always nice, but you can never have too many S&W's. Kinda like 1911's.

 

[takhtakaal]

Get the Smith. Lots of 'pride of ownership,' as well as superior function and excellent accuracy. You also have the ability to use a wide variety of ammo, from CB caps to Stingers, with no functioning problems.

I try not to get too ego-wrapped in my acquisitions. When I was younger, there were a few times in my life that I had to part with them, and I've come to understand that the truly fearsome opponent is the one with one tool who knows its function intimately. However, your point about function and accuracy is well taken, as is the fact that a big-frame revolver will eat anything, whereas a semi-auto might not.

For physical therapy, I'd go with the double-action revolver. Dry-firing is something you can do every single day at home, and it's just not the same with a semiauto.

Agreed. What is more important here is time on trigger, snap cap or live round. Revolvers allow you to endlessly cycle the cylinder, and yes, DA is definitely more of a workout. My aim is to bring my right hand back to the best shape possible, something that can still be measured by the nearness of the little holes at the other end of the range. A semi-auto would be cheating, as it were, and offers nothing useful to me but live-fire.

Statistically, they're talking about 50 to 70% of former utility, which means that I'm going to be left-handed for defensive purposes from now on. Like everyone, I understand that my weaker hand has its uses, but I'm starting off from somewhat less than zero, despite the muscle memory and the greater dexterity that I still have with it, compared to the left.

Most likely, I'll be getting the Smith. My left needs practice, too, and it does replicate the weight and feel of what may come to be a primary firearm.

Thanks to everyone for the responses and advice.

 

[doc2rn]

I bought a used MkII from a guy who had never broken his down to clean ever. When I took it down for cleaning, it just had little gunk. What he did was buy those $3 cans of cleaner and spray it clear after every range session. His session would go through a couple of bulk packs. Still running like a champ, and I started buying those $3 spray cans.

 

[Shrinkmd]

+1 for the 617. Just make sure you have some snap caps or something in the chambers, to avoid damage.

If you like the 617 it is a good excuse to get a 686 with the same length barrel. They weigh the same...

 

[bakert]

Although the MKII is one of my favorite handguns I wouldn't even consider as an option for rehab. If you're really serious about the rehab, any fair priced DA .22 would be a better choice. I don't know much about current prices but there are quite a few very nice used .22 revolvers out there.

 

[kle]

as I own both a 6" S&W 617 10-shot and a Ruger Mk. II Standard 4 3/4"

my 617 has a far better SA trigger (to the point that it needs maybe 1-lb to 1.5-lbs of pressure to release the hammer) and can be "cycled" with one hand, whereas the Mk. II needs two hands. Plus, with a set of Eagle "Heritage" grips, it fills my hands quite nicely, whereas the Mk. II's stock plastic grips and grip-angle still feels a little funny.

On the other hand, the Mk. II, with its 4 3/4" tapered barrel, is not as barrel-heavy, and so doesn't cause fatigue as easily as the 617.

Hmm...a 617 is about twice as expensive as a Mk.II...

As to your situation...a 617 could be the "understudy" to your other S&W.

So I'd recommend the 617.

 

[Fishman777]

Interesting question...

I asked myself the same question about six months ago. I was selling my Buckmark and my intention was to replace it with another .22. I was considering the Ruger Mark III and the 617. I was convinced that the 617 was the way to go until I shot it.

I was using the cheap Remington ammo and I am not exaggerating when I say that the 617 failed to ignite between 30 and 40 rounds out of the 100 that I shot. My first thought was that the box of ammo was bad. When I shot the Ruger, I had maybe 4 light strikes out of 100 rounds, using ammo from the same box. The 617 looks nice, and shoots well, but in my opinion, it needs heavier springs. I decided on a Ruger single six. I like the gun, but would prefer a Ruger DA .22. If Ruger ever sell the sp101 in .22 lr, again, I will buy it.

 

[kle]

I was using the cheap Remington ammo and I am not exaggerating when I say that the 617 failed to ignite between 30 and 40 rounds out of the 100 that I shot.

I've had similar experiences with that Remington "Thunderbolt" ammo (I'll never buy that ammo again) and my 617, until I turned in the mainspring tension screw as far as it would go, and it brought the light-strike rate down to 1 or 2 out of 100 rounds, and those 1 or 2 could be fired on the second try.

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for getting a decent DA .22 revolver.

 

[ArmedBear]

The Mark II is out of production.

I have a 22/45 and, while it is like a puzzle if you don't look at the manual, if you follow the directions to the letter, it's not difficult.

I love the thing. It doesn't need cleaning very often, and you can just wipe out the chamber with a rag and a little solvent, lube it and pull a boresnake through it without disassembling it, and make it go for longer still.

Mine went 2000 rounds without any cleaning, and still fed and fired 100% reliably, though accuracy began to degrade slightly from the caked fouling on the chamber face. Works with cheap ammo, too.

That doesn't mean I think there's a thing wrong with the S&W, if you don't mind dropping the cash on it.

 

[mjrodney]

My bride has been shooting a Ruger 22/45 Hunter model for about a year or so now.

A month or so ago, I bought her a 617 to give her some options.

She likes them both very much and plans on keeping, and shooting, both of them.

I don't think you would go wrong with either of them.

 

[ArmedBear]

For your application, I'd consider the nature of the rehab in the choice of guns, BTW.

Perhaps you can elaborate just a bit on what sort of rehab you're doing?

 

[crebralfix]

DO NOT DRY FIRE A 22! Do NOT even do it with the 617!!!