.22 revolver

[cat_IT_guy]

What are some good models of .22 revolver for practice? I am interested in a full size pistol (something that doesnt feel like a toy). I believe I saw an S&W and a Taurus. Any experience with either? I am looking for a cheap to shoot gun that will help me improve my pistol shooting and will hopefully feel at least a little like my .44 S&W 629 (obviously without the recoil).

 

[Lazuris]

Ruger single six

 

[MrBorland]

I am looking for a cheap to shoot gun that will help me improve my pistol shooting and will hopefully feel at least a little like my .44 S&W 629

For what you want, I'd obviously stick with a DA revolver. I think the closest to what you're looking for is the S&W 617 or an older K-22/Model17. The 629 is built on a large frame, though, whereas the 617/K-22/17 is built on the medium K frame. Still, set up the sights and grips the same, and you'll be pretty close. New 617s aren't cheap, but you might be able to find a used one. Used K-22s are fantastic revolvers, and you can still find them for less than a new 617. And they'll hold their value.

 

[jad0110]

For what you want, I'd obviously stick with a DA revolver. I think the closest to what you're looking for is the S&W 617 or an older K-22/Model17. The 629 is built on a large frame, though, whereas the 617/K-22/17 is built on the medium K frame. Still, set up the sights and grips the same, and you'll be pretty close. New 617s aren't cheap, but you might be able to find a used one. Used K-22s are fantastic revolvers, and you can still find them for less than a new 617. And they'll hold their value.

I'll second Mr. Borlands thoughts. A K Frame may not be quite as big as your N Frame 629, but it should be close enough to allow for meaningful, affordable trigger control practice. And it won't feel like a toy.

The best all around deal IMO is a used S&W Model 17/K-22 Masterpiece or Model 18/K-22 Combat Masterpiece. The Model 18 was only offered in a 4" barrel, whereas the 17s mainly come in 6" flavor, though some 8 3/8" and later 4" models can be found. Some people consider K-22s to be pricey, but $400 will by you a very nice example, which is about $200 less than the cost of a new 617 (and many, including myself, consider the older 17s and 18s to be even nicer than the already sweet 617).

And as Mr. Borland indicated, a K-22 is going to hold its value, or maybe even appreciate.

My K-22 / Model 17-0 (1959):

 

[Shawnee]

Ruger Single Six

 

[Chindo18Z]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=87756129

Dan Wesson V22. Full-sized .357 frame (comparable to K/L Frame Smiths); various barrel lengths available; very accurate.

$250-$325 used (depending upon condition).

 

[22-rimfire]

Since you leaning toward Smiths, I'd suggest the Model 17 or 18 (or the current Model 617). I prefer the blued ones without the lock. Real nice guns!!

 

[gunnerh]

Any 22 wheel gun is a great skill builder after all the more a person shoots the better they handle all guns. I have a S&W 22/32 kit gun from the 50's that I use to tune up my handgun shooting. The S&W J or K frames guns are the best around now that the Colt D-Backs are no longer made.

 

[logical]

OK, it's a little on the toy side but a Smith 63 is a classic.

 

[22-rimfire]

I am also thinking about a new Model 63 since I don't own one. They are a bit hard to find these days. Smith must be selling them as fast as they make them.

 

[Neophyte1]

Ruger

Single Action Ruger Single Six. Different barrel lengths; blue and stainless
Adjustable sights. or fixed. Adjustable is better

 

[gunfish]

Here is Colt Official Police prewar in 22. Size is between Smith K and L frame.


This is a Colt Officers Model Match, same as above but post war with adjustable sights.

 

[Pilot]

I like that S&W Model 63. Is that a 4 inch barrel? Is it a current production gun? My wife carries a S&W 642, I'd like to get her a .22 revolver for practice. Something with a 4 inch barrel.

 

[justinbaby]

Try a 617 S&W 10 shot in 6". That's not a toy. Very accurate!

justinbaby

 

[Lucky Strike]

I just bought a 6.5" barreled taurus tracker in .22

Unfortunately the shop is having difficulty locating one from their distributers so what should have been in my hands last week now probably won't get here till after the new year

 

[theNoid]

I shoot a S&W 617 and have to say it's one of the sweetest shooting 22lr pistols I have ever shot. Get the matching barrel length in the 617 as your 629 and you should have quite the practice piece for sure. Besides, adding another S&W to the collection is NEVER a bad thing.

Noidster

 

[Hardtarget]

I have a Colt Diamondback in .22. Take a look at one of these...you might like what you see.

Mark.

 

[Chem Geek]

I have a Taurus 94-4 that I bought for my fiance. It's her favorite gun, and quite accurate. Trigger pull was pretty bad at first, but it's worked out to be quite smooth now. I enjoy shooting it as well.

 

[GunTech]

Get a K frame S&W.

It will have the same lockwork as your N frame. The Colt cylinder release is backwards for a S&W shooter, and the cylinder turn the opposite direction.

If you like S&Ws, you'll probably be disappointed in the fit and finish of the Taurus.

I like them with 5 screws.