I am looking at a good affordable .22 revolver. I really like the SP 101, but it is more than I want to pay for a .22. I do like the 8 shot cylinder though. What are your suggestions?
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.22 Revolver
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The SP101 is probably the best value in a DA .22 revolver. A comparable S&W will cost quite a bit more. The only other real options are a Charter or Taurus, both get mixed reviews- with more bad reports than good.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Why? A good .22 is the one you will do the most shooting with, carry the most, use the most, have the most fun with and enjoy the most. Why should it not also be of good quality?
Why are some folks afraid to spend good money on "just a .22"???
There has been a lot posted about .22 revolvers in the last week or two. I'd do a search for old threads to get more of the story.
That being said there aren't a lot of cheap .22 revolvers out there anymore. The Taurus 94 is cheap but IMHO not worth it. The trigger is just too horrible and it can't be cleaned up.
My favorite is an old H&R Sportsman 999. It holds 9 rounds, it top break, has a nice trigger and is pretty darn accurate. You can find them used for $400 or so.
That being said there aren't a lot of cheap .22 revolvers out there anymore. The Taurus 94 is cheap but IMHO not worth it. The trigger is just too horrible and it can't be cleaned up.
My favorite is an old H&R Sportsman 999. It holds 9 rounds, it top break, has a nice trigger and is pretty darn accurate. You can find them used for $400 or so.
Hunter,
SP101 is a much beloved gun.
I cannot think of a quality gun that is less expensive.
With tools or guns I have rarely paid too much. (once that I can think of)
I have paid too little.
SP101 is a much beloved gun.
I cannot think of a quality gun that is less expensive.
With tools or guns I have rarely paid too much. (once that I can think of)
I have paid too little.
jotjackson
Member
A quality .22 will be your friend for a lifetime. Save your money and buy the best, you won't regret it in the long run. My son will enjoy my Model 617, and his kids probably will too.
Danjet, I was thinking 8, typed 10. Maybe wishful thinking. OP edited.
Thanks for all the input guys. I guess I was thinking there would be cheaper good quality options, but it's sounding more like the SP 101 might be the way to go.
The reason I was thinking cheaper is just so I can get one quicker. I have other wants as well, cheaper ones seem to work their way to the top for some reason. I will likely be saving up for other guns before this one, so there may be other options available when the time comes as well.
Thanks for all the input guys. I guess I was thinking there would be cheaper good quality options, but it's sounding more like the SP 101 might be the way to go.
The reason I was thinking cheaper is just so I can get one quicker. I have other wants as well, cheaper ones seem to work their way to the top for some reason. I will likely be saving up for other guns before this one, so there may be other options available when the time comes as well.
I really like my Ruger LCR. 8 shots and it cost a little more than $400. I'm thinking it will last a lifetime and Ruger's CS has an excellent reputation. Good luck!
If you are OK with a Single-Action revolver ("Cowboy Gun"), Ruger Single-Six. Want 10 shots per cylinder load? Ruger Single-TEN.
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A good 22 revolver will be with you for life. Save the money up til you can afford a nice one. There are numerous ones available but my preference is the S&W 617.
Other than the new Ruger SP-101, your only currently manufactured choices are Taurus and Charter Arms. Both have poor triggers with mixed reviews.
One of the less expensive 22 revolvers that are available used are the H&R models. They generally are okay, but have poor triggers. I think you are just as well off getting a new Taurus M94 or Charter Arms Pathfinder. If you do, check them out real well at the gun shop and ask if there are problems, would they send the revolvers back to the manufacturer and handle that aspect on your behalf.
One of the less expensive 22 revolvers that are available used are the H&R models. They generally are okay, but have poor triggers. I think you are just as well off getting a new Taurus M94 or Charter Arms Pathfinder. If you do, check them out real well at the gun shop and ask if there are problems, would they send the revolvers back to the manufacturer and handle that aspect on your behalf.
Get an H&R 999, darned nice revolver. Adj. sights, 9 shot break open, shoots damned good too. I've got one my Pop left me, really nice weapon! Not a Colt, but it wasn't meant to be!
Does it have to be double-action? If not, you might could find a nice Ruger Single-Six laying around somewhere..
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Heritage is a cowboy action gun. Some are under $200 with a 22LR and a 22wmr cylinder. Ruger forum members compared the heritage to the single six it got good remarks. It has to be decent for the ruger lovers to give it a second glance. Buds gun shop has a nice selection and decent prices.
If you want to find the ruger forum discussion just google single six heritage comparison or heritage reviews. It will be on the first page of results.
If you want to find the ruger forum discussion just google single six heritage comparison or heritage reviews. It will be on the first page of results.
+1 to this.
Look at it from a lifetime investment point of view.
The higher up-front cost will quickly be recouped in ammo cost savings alone.
And that you are very likely to put more rounds through it in a year then from a centerfire magnum or something.
Buy the best now, and you won't regret it later when you find you can't shoot it enough to wear it out.
rc
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
It is a single action revolver. Believe it or not, not everybody who shoots one shoots in CAS.
I've been on RugerForum for over 10yrs and can't imagine there being much positive said about the Rough Rider over there. Most agree that they are bordering on junk. I wouldn't take a free one.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I like the S&W M17, S&W M18 and S&W M63 in a DA .22 revolver. I used M17 or M18 is a much better buy than anything new on the market today IMO.
If you're talking about a very light and small .22 revolver the S&W M317 or M43 C would also be something to look at.
If you're talking about a very light and small .22 revolver the S&W M317 or M43 C would also be something to look at.
+1 in terms of going with quality if at all possible
Given how the costs of so many things are going up - including guns, youre not likely to lose much in your purchase. I'm amazed at the prices listed for many of the guns I currently own.
You can improve your shooting skills and do it cheaply with a good .22.
Given how the costs of so many things are going up - including guns, youre not likely to lose much in your purchase. I'm amazed at the prices listed for many of the guns I currently own.
You can improve your shooting skills and do it cheaply with a good .22.
I don't know why the hate for Taruas. I've got a I think, a 941. small frame 22 mag. Eight shot, the LR is 9. I put a Wolf trigger return spring in it, I couldn't replace the mainspring & get reliable ignition, cleaned up the triger surfaces & have a beutiful shooting gun. BTW, I replace both the trigger return & the mainspring in an 85 in 38 sp. & get great reliable ignition. So it's not the gun, it's the cartridge.
I'd like to second the Single Six recommendation. I never thought I would get "into" a SA cowboy-style .22, but this is a well-made gun that will last a couple of lifetimes with reasonable use and care.
If you're not in a rush, this should be in the running.
Only had mine a couple of weeks; everyone I have shown it to says "This is an old-time/Wild West gun!" with a little smile on their face...
If you're not in a rush, this should be in the running.
Only had mine a couple of weeks; everyone I have shown it to says "This is an old-time/Wild West gun!" with a little smile on their face...
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