My wife wants a 4 inch barrel, .22 revolver to compliment her .38 Spl S&W for practice and informal target shooting. The Taurus Tracker looks good, but its only offered in a 6 inch barrel. The Taurus 94 is an option. Ruger no longer makes the SP101 in .22, but they can be found used. Of the bunch the S&W 617 seems like the best, but also the most expensive at around $500. I think she'd be fine with a Taurus 94, but I'm a big fan of buying quality. Thoughts?
.22 Revolver S&W, Ruger, Taurus?
- Thread starter Pilot
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Harbinger
Member
Nothing compliments a S&W better than a S&W. 
Some years ago I purchased a new Taurus .22 revolver. I don't remember the model number--it was an ultra-lite of some type. Horrible, horrible in every way. I sold it and now it is just a bad memory.
Buy quality, it is cheaper and less aggravating in the long run.
Buy quality, it is cheaper and less aggravating in the long run.
MCgunner
Member
All three are quality guns. I'd not hesitate to buy whatever hangs your hooter. I have a Rossi M511 (no longer made) and love it, great little stainless kit gun and super accurate! As much as I like the Rossi, I'd probably go with a S&W kit gun if I could afford it. However, I love Rugers. And, don't forget the Ruger bearcat and single six for fun single actions. Having a single action with a matching magnum cylinder is desirable to some folks. Not enough difference in ballistics to get me excited, gotta admit.
My Uncle had a K22 Masterpiece when I was a kid that I loved. That thing was accurate and awesome fun to shoot. But, the kit guns are accurate and handier to carry afield. I really like the kit gun concept (J frame adjustable 4").
My Uncle had a K22 Masterpiece when I was a kid that I loved. That thing was accurate and awesome fun to shoot. But, the kit guns are accurate and handier to carry afield. I really like the kit gun concept (J frame adjustable 4").
Starter52
Member
I'm a big fan of the S&W Model 34 with a 4" barrel, but as the others stated, it's a pricey gun. It is almost impossible to find one under $300. The stainless Mod 63 is even higher in price.
I also have a 6" 617 with a full lug. It's a bit heavy for fun shooting, but it's deadly accurate. Zero recoil with target loads.
A good .22 revolver is an investment. Me, I would swallow the price and get a J-frame S&W.
I also have a 6" 617 with a full lug. It's a bit heavy for fun shooting, but it's deadly accurate. Zero recoil with target loads.
A good .22 revolver is an investment. Me, I would swallow the price and get a J-frame S&W.
eastwood44mag
Member
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I like the feel of a Single Six.
But then again, I'm a Ruger-nut.
But then again, I'm a Ruger-nut.
She wants to stay with a double action revolver or I'd get here a Single Six or Bearcat in a heartbeat. She already has a S&W 642 and wants to maintain the DA for practice.
Is the 4 inch barreled S&W 617 a heavy gun? I don't want her to fatigue as she wants to put lots of rounds through it at range sessions.
Is the 4 inch barreled S&W 617 a heavy gun? I don't want her to fatigue as she wants to put lots of rounds through it at range sessions.
Sistema1927
Member
I have never had any problems with Single-Six revolvers. I would dearly love to have a S&W kit gun. Even though I have had very good luck with most Taurus products, I had a 94 that wouldn't reliably fire on one of the nine cylinders.
pauli
Member
i bought a k22 to complement my model 13.
WhiskeyMike
Member
I bought my wife a Model 18-4 to go with her 15-4. She loves 'em!
WM
WM
MCgunner
Member
Here's my little Rossi. You can pick 'em up at gun shows used and they're usually under $200. Danged nice little revolver, great shape, all stainless. I like it a lot and shoot it a lot.
MCgunner
Member
Why?
marklbucla
Member
Why?
Bigger capacity = Bigger fun!
My Fiancee just got a 617 almost a year ago. It's a great revolver and in our opinion is better than the offerings from Ruger and Taurus.
Someone here said: Buy what you want the first time. That way, you only have to cry once.
Bigger capacity = Bigger fun!
My Fiancee just got a 617 almost a year ago. It's a great revolver and in our opinion is better than the offerings from Ruger and Taurus.
Someone here said: Buy what you want the first time. That way, you only have to cry once.
MCgunner
Member
Mmm, well, my fun is putting 'em in the X ring, single shot or repeater. I have autoloaders for firepower, but I still like to strive for the X ring. Only thing I can see in a 9 or 10 shot revolver is more time to reload.
But, if you want a 20 shot revolver.....
But, if you want a 20 shot revolver.....
Jeff Timm
Member
Ruger .22 SP 101?
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5745&return=Y
Still listed on the website for $505 MSRP.
Geoff
Who got his for less 10+ years ago.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5745&return=Y
Still listed on the website for $505 MSRP.
Geoff
Who got his for less 10+ years ago.
Eskimo Jim
Member
Pilot,
I have a S&W 17-2 or whatever, made in 1962 that I picked up for less than a new 4" S&W model 617. You might try the used market. THe problem is that the S&W model 17 and model 18 can be tough to find because they are so nice.
I like the 17 and 18 because they are K frames just like your wife's 38 special. Ruger and Smith offer smaller framed 22lr revolvers. I don't think that Rossi or Taurus offer a medium framed 22lr.
Good luck.
Jim
I have a S&W 17-2 or whatever, made in 1962 that I picked up for less than a new 4" S&W model 617. You might try the used market. THe problem is that the S&W model 17 and model 18 can be tough to find because they are so nice.
I like the 17 and 18 because they are K frames just like your wife's 38 special. Ruger and Smith offer smaller framed 22lr revolvers. I don't think that Rossi or Taurus offer a medium framed 22lr.
Good luck.
Jim
Sheldon
Member
I was in a similar dilema some years back and broke down and got the S&W 617 in the 4" 10 shot version. I think I paid about $425 or so for it used.....no regrets here. I went with S&W since I have all S&W wheelguns already. Great to do cheap wheelgun practice with.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
+1 for a Smith N' Wesson model 18~! if you can find one?
if you can find one?BozemanMT
Member
i agree, find a used S&W
We got a model 17 for like $350 and it shoots great.
I have no idea on the year.
if you really want to drop cash, go get a Colt Diamondback.
We got a model 17 for like $350 and it shoots great.
I have no idea on the year.
if you really want to drop cash, go get a Colt Diamondback.
the 22 junkie
Member
S & W Model 63 or 34. Can't go wrong. Just got mine today, handles like a dream, and shot a friends a couple of weeks ago. Absolutley beautiful. Too bad my mom paid a ridicuosly high price for it, but it was the only one there, another guy was looking at it, and the last three they had disapeared from the shelves the day they came. 
The only problem I've had is that there is a little too much room between the trigger gaurd and the grip for my hands, which gives it a wierd feel when I'm holding it.
The only problem I've had is that there is a little too much room between the trigger gaurd and the grip for my hands, which gives it a wierd feel when I'm holding it.- Status
