.22 Revolvers - Comments on S&W and Ruger?

[KentuckyBlue]

I am seriously looking at the Ruger Single Six and then I ran across some S&W's. Ruger seems to be the overwhelming favorite in this line of handguns from all that I have researched, but I am interested in any information about the S&W models. The models I saw are 317, 351PD (.22 Mag), and the 617.
Thanks.

 

[theNoid]

To completely different animals if you were to ask me. The Ruger SS is a SA cowby style gun. Usually can be had as convertible with 22mag cylinder as well. Rough, rugged reliable gun that will last 3 lifetimes if taken care of. Accuracy and trigger are pretty darn good usually. On the Other hand, the S&W 617 is a DA/SA modern style revolver. The 617 is more accurate and has a better trigger, and fit and finish normally than the SS, but you pay for this as well.

Either or are great guns that will last you lifetimes if taken care of, you just need to figure out what you are wanting...cowboy style SA or a more modern styled DA/SA gun.

Personally, I own a 617 now and have shot many Ruger SS in both 22lr and mag. I will eventually have another Ruger. It willl likely be my 22mag gun. Pick one for now, then buy the other later down the road, you won't regret owning one of each I can assure you.

Just would like to remind everyone that my statements above are strictly personal opinions based on personal experiences.

Noidster

 

[kle]

My 617 6" 10-shot is quite accurate, earning me 526 points out of 600 in my last bullseye pistol match with open sights (I shoot the Metro Pistol League in Fairfax, VA, at the NRA Headquarters Range on Mondays). It's a little annoying to reload between the timed- and rapid-fire strings, but with my newly-purchased DS-10-SPEED loader that shouldn't be a problem next Monday.

I've found that my 617 doesn't like Remington Thunderbolt .22 ammo so much (very dirty, actually binds the cylinder on the breechface, preventing the cylinder from turning), but the other stuff seems to work pretty well.

Back when I was stupid about .22s, I would dryfire my 617--the firing pin was designed such that it wouldn't strike the chamber face if it was accidentally dryfired on an empty chamber. But that didn't prevent it from breaking after dryfiring too often--I should have just used spent casings like I do now for dryfire practice.

My 6" version is a bit muzzle-heavy, but that's a desirable quality to me. If I were to buy one again I might go for the 4" version.

---

Can't comment on the Single Six, but I do want one. Loading a single-action revolver like that will probably prove to be even more of a pain, since there won't be any speedloaders available. I do know that Ruger says that the SS is safe to dryfire (and S&W says the 617 isn't safe to dryfire)...

 

[cpirtle]

The other posters pretty much covered it, but I will add - if you got the impression that the Ruger is the overwhelming favorite it is mainly because there are WAY more of them out there. Many people cannot justify spending "a lot" on a .22 and the Ruger is a fine gun.

If you want something a little more refined in a DA .22 than the Smith is the way to go.

There is very little in the way of viable competition in the .22 revolver market and you've hit on the clear leaders.

It's also worth noting that the little Ruger SA'a have skyrocketed in price in the past few years IMO. If you are planning to buy new it may make the Smith easier to justify.

I gave $600 for my 4" 617 back in the fall and would do it again in a heartbeat. We also have the little 351PD in .22 mag that was pricey but worth every penny. Since my wife was diagnosed with RA it's about her only option in a SD gun until she gets better.

 

[Gator]

I've had two Single Sixes and one Super Single Six and sold all of them. They are great guns, but it gets tiresome loading and ejecting the cases one at a time over and over. That's a lot of work for every six shots! Maybe I'm just lazy, but with the S&W's I get to shoot a lot more.

 

[moewadle]

1+ on what Gator just said

right before me. I was going to the end of the thread to say something like that and Gator had said it. You know I have three single action revolvers and love them, 22 Colt Peacemaker, 38 Special Navy Arms, and Ruger New Vaquero in 45 Colt. But, damn, when I take out my Smith Model 10 and can dump the 6 empties in a heartbeat and reload with swing out cylinder it makes me sure that in the future I see I nice little Smith Double Action as my .22 go-to-the -range-gun. I really like the looks of those little SW Model 34s from the past. There is one locally for sale that is nickel plated and pristine but they want $700 bucks for it and I don't have that kind of money. I have seen one like it on Guns America for about $500 I think. Anyway, I am rambling. Get a double-action.

 

[Murdock]

I picked the Smith

Before I bought my first handgun, I was a great admirer of the Ruger Single Six. I thought the ability to switch cylinders from .22LR to .22 WRM was a fantastic option.

On a camping trip with college buddies I had a chance to shoot a Single Six side-by-side with a S&W K-22. After that experience, I wound up buying a Smith at the first opportunity. That was 40 years ago and I've never looked back. My current K-frame .22 is an S&W M48 with an extra cylinder in .22LR. I love it.

 

[welldoya]

I've got a '73 vintage Single Six and a '75 vintage Smith 17. I like 'em both.
I think the 17 is the better of the two but I can't help feel like Roy Rogers when I'm shooting the Single Six.

 

[SeanSw]

The S&W 617 is my most used, most entertaining firearm. Mine is a 6" 6-shot version and although I would prefer a shorter variant I have no intention of ever getting rid of it. The single six is nice but the .22 excels as a plinker and training gun in double action.

 

[loose cannon]

you may want to check out a ruger bearcat unless you need to headshoot squarels at 50+feet.

for a all purpose fungun its hard to beat them.

 

[NGIB]

It's true that the current crop of DA .22 revolvers basically consists of S&W and the "economy" Taurus 94 and Charter Pathfinder. I have a T94 that is reliable and shoots well; however, it's not in the same league as the S&W.

It's a shame that Ruger quit making a DA .22 as I'm sure they'd sell like hotcakes. Their "cowboy" guns are great but I'm not a fan of shooting them and much prefer a standard swingout cylinder, DA revolver.

Another option to consider is a Dan Wesson. I gave up looking for a reasonably priced K22 or M18 and I found a pair of DWs that really fill the bill for a quality DA .22 revolver. I bought this pair, with an extra barrel and grips for just a bit more than a S&W 617 and I have no doubt it's just as accurate and as well built. Just my 2 cents on the issue...

 

[owlhoot]

Well, you've been given the straight skinny by the other posters, and I really can't add much.

I have both a S&W M18, a M34, and a Ruger Single Six (old model). They are all great guns.

The Ruger is fun shooting from the hip and just plinking around. The m34 is just plain elegant, slips into a pocket for a walk in the woods, and it is very accurate. The M18 is the choice if you want to squirrel hunt, precision shoot, or use as an understudy for a K or L frame revolver.

You really can't go wrong with whatever choice you make. BTW, I have personally never found any use whatever for the .22 mag.

 

[Matt-man]

My favorite is the 6" 10-shot 617. I like more weight in the muzzle and the 6" version has it, and I like having 10 rounds over 6. Mine has a good DA trigger pull and it's as accurate as any .22 pistol I've owned.

I had a 317, the 3" version with the fiber optic front sight. The biggest problem I had with it was that the sights just didn't give me a very precise sight picture. I would have liked it a lot more with the standard sights like my 617 has. The action wasn't nearly as slick as my 617's, even though they were made around the same timeframe. Finally, it was so light that it was hard for me to hold steady.

Unless you have a need for an ultralight revolver, I'd pass on the 317 and go for the 617.

 

[mnw42]

The real shame is that Colt hasn't made a 22 anything for over 10 years.

 

[CajunBass]

I'm a big fan of Ruger 22's both semi and revolvers. Sure the Single Six and the Bearcat are slow to load and unload, but what's the rush? You're not likely to be in a firefight with them. Take your time, relax, and have fun. A box of ammo seems to last longer too. It would be nice if they made a D/A however.

And I will second NGIB's recomendation of the Dan Wesson 22, if you can find one. Great revolver, but it is BIG and HEAVY.

 

[Pilot]

I would LOVE either a 4 inch Colt Diamondback .22 or an S&W 617. I've got a 4 inch Diamondback in .38 Spl, but i'm still jonesing for a DA .22 revolver.

 

[22-rimfire]

Ruger Single Six's are over-rated. They are well made, but aren't particularly accurate. If you want a single action 22 revolver, look for a Colt.

Smith & Wesson makes or made some fine double action 22 revolvers. I would choose a double action Smith over a Ruger any day of the week if I could afford it. Loading and unloading a double action cylinder is much easier and quicker than a single action. They are also safer as you can check to see if they are loaded more easily. As was mentioned, the current K-22 is the Model 617. Great revolver. I prefer the 4" as I think it balances better than the 6". If you prefer a blued steel one, look for a older Model 17.

Another Smith is the Model 63 which I have not seen yet. They are being released with a 5" barrel. This is a stainless steel J-frame and is smaller than the 617. I would look at one before I bought.

Con't forget Colts. Fantastic revolvers.


A good 22 revolver is a lifetime investment in shooting pleasrue. You might find that you want more than one.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

I have the Mod 17 S&W 6" and the Ruger SA Hunter 71/2: both are fine choices. I also have the S&W 613 3", for walks in the woods its a great back pocked gun.

 

[YodaVader]

I have been a big Smith revolver fan for years , first handgun was a Smith and owned many since then. The 617 was one I had put off buying but finally walked out of a gun show with one about 10 years ago.

Unfortunately the worst new Smith revolver I ever owned. Mediocre accuracy. Cylinder binding. I sent it back to Smith and they fixed the cylinder binding but the accuracy was still dismal. I promptly traded it off.

Later bought a Single Six and have been more than pleased since then. The accuracy is quite good. Did not take much to get an exceptional trigger - the best of any of my repeating handguns.

I will admit that my 617 was a lemon , but it was enough of a bad experience for me. I still would like to pick up an older Model 17 or 18.

 

[BlindJustice]

K frame S&W .22 rimfires

I have a 617 6" Bbl. 10 shot cyllinder - I bought it at the same time
I bought a 625 5" Bbl. in .45 ACP - they are close to the saem sight radius
and both are 45 oz. The 617 is a great gun by itsel, as well as a great
practice DA Double Taps. THe 617 also comes in a 4" Bbl. and either Bbl.
len. can be had with a 6 shot or 10 shot cylilnder

S&W has made a 648 in the past it's like a 617 but in .22 Mag.

Carbon Steel Blued K-frame .22s of the past
K-22s all 6 shot cylinders & Square butt frame
Model 18 Combat Masterpiece 4" Bbl.
standard hammer and trigger
with plain ramp front and adj. rear sight
Model 17 Target Masterpiece 6" or 8 3/8" Bbl. len.
with patridge front sight and adj. rear sight.
Target trigger, Target hammer
Model 48 - like a 17 but .22 Mag.


Current J-Frames
Model 317 3" Bbl. 8 shot cyl. 11 oz
Aluminum alloy frame/Cylinder
Model 351PD 2" ? Bbl. 7 shot cyl. in .22 Mag.
Scandium frame and Titanium cylinder 10.8 oz.
Model 63 "Kit Gun" 5" Bbl. 8 shot cyl. 28.5 oz.
Stainless Steel frame & Cylinder

Past J-frames 6 shooters except maybe the 651?
Model 651 3 1/2" Bbl. & 5" Bbl. Lengths 6 shot cyl
Similiar to 63 but .22 Mag
Model 34 Carbon Steel/BLued Bbl Len. ?
Model 63 "Kit" gun 5" Bbl. and I think a shorter Bbl. version as well.
Model 51? .22 Mag version


WHat I want is the new 63 "Kit Gun" but with a more easy to carry
3" Bbl.and if S&W doesn't come out with it I'll get a 5: Bbl.
and have it cut to 3" in length. It will be matched with my Model 60
.357 Mag with 3" Bbl.

And I think a 3" Bbl. 63 will be a good one to teach my grandkids about
handguns - 1rst grand daughter is 13 months & my grand son is due at the
end of July.

SO I've got a decade to get them both a matched 60/63 3" Bbl. 'Set" they can have them when their parents say so or when they turn 21, right?

FYI - my first handgun was a model 18 it served me well in my teens on
the farm, my buddies had Singel Action or H&R Top break or Hi Standard
DUra-matics - that 18 out shot the lot of them.

Come to think of it my 617 by only $4 but of my 4 S&W Revolvers it was the
most expensive, and worth every penny,

The 625 has Guy HOgue N-frame full profile w/finger grooves & checkered Rosewood Grips, the 617 has Guy Hogue K/L frame full profile but no FG/checkering in Coco Bolo wood with a white spacer for the cherry?
wood butt cap. Most who look at the 617 use the phrase "It's a Beauty"

 

[Bongo45]

The Ruger is certainly the way to go in a single action. S&W makes a great double action. Although quite expensive either new or used.
Taurus makes a couple of very nice .22 revolvers. Not the best of triggers, but well worth the money.

 

[Ala Dan]

Unlike my ole' bud 22-rimfire, I don't think the Ruger Single Six is
over rated at all. Its been a workhorse of a gun for many, many years;
used on farms to dispatch small criitters, by small game hunters, many
plinkers (tin can shooters), and even on some firing ranges. Many folks
like the "feel of the old days"; even at the cost of time consuming and
pain staking reloads, and the single-action rate of fire. Heck, I recently
bought a stainless 6.5" barrel Ruger Single-Six Convertible myself; for
those exact reasons that I mentioned above.

But, If you want a double-action .22LR revolver; its awfully hard too
beat the S&W model 17, 18, 34, or 43~!

 

[22-rimfire]

Maybe over-rated is a bit strong... . Maybe not.... they are still good little revolvers. But I think the Colt New Frontier or Peacemaker is a better single action 22 revolver. I have been considering buying one of the longer barreled Single Six's to try out again. So, I still like them, just prefer the Colts. I really prefer double action 22 revolvers in general.

The only Ruger double action 22 revolver was the SP101. I have picked up so many of these and always check the trigger and was disappointed. They aren't made any more, but the are a good servicable double action 22 revolver.

 

[popeye]

My personal preference is S&W. I have a 6" K22, a 4" 17, a 4" pre 18, and a 2" 63. I'm really looking for a 4" 48 now. I'd have to trade for it though. (sorry to go off topic) I've also got a Ruger Single Six 6.5". All fine guns KentuckyBlue: I've been buying Smiths for 40 years. I don't think I'd buy a current production gun, at least one with a lock in it.

 

[rgs1975]

Get yourself a S&W K22 Masterpiece. Finest .22 revolver ever made, you'll not be dissapointed. S&W didn't jokingly call it a masterpiece.

The bottom gun in this pic is a K22 Masterpiece (made in 1949).