.22 revolvers similar to S&W 317

[Kat144]

The only .22 revolver I've tried out thus far is the S&W 317. I like it okay but obviously would prefer not to make a decision based on the first gun I try. I like the size of it fine for my hands; for DA I find it's easier to use the crease of my finger to pull the trigger which requires me to modify my grip a bit, so I wouldn't want anything bigger but maybe could go a skosh smaller. Otherwise the grip was comfy, esp. on SA.

As alternatives, I'm wondering which other revolvers I should try. I've heard good things about the Taurus 94 and Ruger SP101. Haven't had a chance to try them out yet as I haven't found a place that rents them yet (read: my usual range doesn't and I haven't called anywhere else yet ). Any other suggestions I should track down? I'm definitely looking for DA, not SA, and something that wouldn't break the bank used.

TIA.

 

[aw82]

well ruger sp 101 .22 was discontinued some time ago and is rather hard to find, and i've gone through three taurus revolvers, all three broke down. two of which were m94's. less than 3k rounds the hammer pivot pin fell off the frame. 8 months later my replacement came and the cylinder didn lock up.

i suggest a k frame smith, trigger pull is a hundred times better than a j frame sized gun and i have never had a s&w break down. I have put over 10k rounds through my model 18 and it's just fine.

taurus's may be a good deal but im not the only person that stays away from their junk

 

[ArchAngelCD]

S&W also makes a Model 63 which is a 5" J frame. It has the same grip frame as the M317 but with the longer barrel the sight picture is longer aiding in accuracy. The adjustable sights are nice too. It's a very nice revolver. I shot a friends and I'm saving to get one for myself.

 

[Shear_stress]

You might also keep your eyes peeled for a used S&W Model 34 (carbone steel frame), 43 (aluminum frame), or 63 (stainless steel) "kit gun". Some of my favorite guns.

 

[wbwanzer]

I know this is a revolver forum, but you might want to consider a semi-auto in .22. A Browning Buck Mark is so fun to shoot, it's almost a crime. And after the first shot you're shooting single action all the time.

I have a 317 and am not too fond of it. The more I use it the less I like it. Mine is not real accurate and the fired cases are hard to extract. Mainly got it for my wife and girls to use because of the weight. My wife tried the Browning one time and really liked it. But it is heavier than the 317. See if you can rent one at a range if you're interested. The other plus for the Buck Mark is that they can be had new for a lot less than a 317 new.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Kat144]

i suggest a k frame smith,

Is the size not too much bigger than the J?

you might want to consider a semi-auto in .22

I love the Walther P22 but I think I want the reliability of a revolver.


Also, I am pretty sure I want a 3" barrel. The .22 is going to be my learning/practice gun, and then I'll save up for something bigger for defense later, but while I'm doing that I might carry the .22 sometimes, both to get used to carrying and because something is better than nothing.

("nothing" is all that's in the budget right now so really I'm just conducting research for future acquisitions, but at least that means I have a lot of time to think about it, right?)

 

[aw82]

not much, mostly in grip size. the taurus 94 i had held 9 rounds in the cylinder, as does s&w k frame .22 (new ones at least)
also i had a canvas flap holster for the m94, i can fit the k frame into it (though the grip makes it snug)

 

[DMZ]

My 4" Taurus M94, has good balance and very good accuracy. The heavy trigger takes some getting use to, but I shoot mine DA only all the time.

It has been a great practice/plinker/kit gun and shoots everything from CB's to Stingers. I it shoots all flavors of cheap bulk ammo well but, likes CCI Mini-Mags best.

 

[aw82]

that was one plus of having the heavy DA trigger on the m94, when i went back to shoot my s&w m66 the DA trigger was SUPER nice.