.22LR Revolver for the range

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Ian's Dad

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Here's the situation. I'm shooting a couple of times a week and really enjoying saving money and shooting the .22 Browning Buck Mark. Overall, I prefer shooting revolvers and am wanting a .22 revolver that i can put a red dot scope on. please give me your recommendations based on the below factors:

1) honestly have no preference DA/SA. I'll shoot SA most of the time.

2) will have a scope mounted, so the sights aren't a big issue

3) would like to stay under $500... under $400 is even better. (would obviously take used great condition)

4) while i'm not the best shot, i'm really working on my abilities and want a gun that will be a lot more accurate than me.

Thoughts? open to any recommendations.. really interested in a "sleeper" that is great but not everyone has. :)
 
Most of the revolvers I recommend run close to your budgetary limit. All are double action revolves. Colt Trooper Mark III, Colt Officers Model Match, Smith & Wesson Model 17. Since the use is dominantly target shooting, I'd stick with a 6" barrel.

Others include Thompson Center Contender (single shot handgun) or Ruger Single Six (SA revolver). A Dan Wesson (used of course) may be a very good choice as well.
 
Ian's Dad, Got a 1958 Colt Officers Model Match .22lr 6", Left Handed Herritt Thumbrest Grips, 99% NRA, Tefloned. Fantastic Shooter For Sale. Bought 2 Buckmarks myself. PM me.
 
What are your centerfire revolvers?

A used S&W model 617 might be perfect, 'K' frame (takes a scope mount), 10 rounds, stainless, that sweet S&W trigger, great accuracy.

I would shop gunbroker and find a good used revolver, a good new one is over the budget. You don't want a cheap new one.
 
I am in the market for a .22 revolver as well. I have narrowed it down to either the s&w 617 or the taurus tracker. The smithy is obviously better in overall quality but I'm not sure if I want to shell out that kind of money for a non-SD firearm. The taurus seems pretty nice, I hear mixed reviews though. I hear and read nothing but positive about the smithy 617.

I believe that going with a DA/SA and shooting DA will give you much better trigger pull training than going with SAO or cocking back the hammer every time like a sissy. Therefore I would stick with DA/SA.
 
The smithy is obviously better in overall quality but I'm not sure if I want to shell out that kind of money for a non-SD firearm.
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Here's how I see it: My 10-shot 617 is my most-shot gun, by far. I use it as my "understudy" to my 686. About 3 years ago, I paid about $600 for each. The 617 easily has 30k rounds through it by now. The 686, several fold less than that. IMO, from a "return on investment" perspective, the 617 was far and away the better purchase.
 
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Get yourself a used Dan Wesson. These can be had pretty reasonable and they are built like tanks. Great accuracy also.
 
A Heritage Rough Rider can be had for less than $200.00. I have one and I like it. It is as accurate as I can shoot it but the finish is wearing fast on it. Overall I am happy with it.
 
Here's how I see it: My 10-shot 617 is my most-shot gun, by far. I use it as my "understudy" to my 686. About 3 years ago, I paid about $600 for each. The 617 easily has 30k rounds through it by now. The 686, several fold less than that. IMO, from a "return on investment" perspective, the 617 was far and away the better purchase.
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Amen this. I'll bet I shoot a 22 100 times or more for every round of centerfire ammo I shoot.

You might balk at the price of a good 22 now (I've got both a Dan Wesson, and a Smith & Wesson 17) but once you've got one the price will be forgotten.
 
My budget at this time wouldn't allow me to purchase a S&W 617 10 round. I got a Taurus 990 Tracker 9 round for under $400 out the door. The trigger is a little heavy, but it's been reliable and accurate and can be fitted with a red dot sight.
 
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Have you checked out a Ruger Single Six HUNTER? It may be a little above your price point but it includes rings and there's no need to buy a scope mount... it's built in (as well as being one of the best scope mounting systems ever devised). Those items alone would save you $100, plus it comes with with a .22 Mag cylinder, if you ever want to step it up a bit. Like two guns in one.
 
Just don't fall into the trap of buying cheap; too many folks look at the prices of S&W's Colts, or Rugers, think they "only want a .22" and opt for something like an RG10, total junk. A good .22 revolver will cost about as much as a good .357 revolver; the guns are the same except for the size of the holes in the barrel and cylinder.

Jim
 
When I was looking to get a 22 revolver I looked for the S&W 617. Managed to get a 6 shooter for $400 and then a 10 shooter for $425 later.....this was way before the current ammo craze. I am so glad I got them when I did and shoot the heck out of the 10 shot one.
 
i would go with a smith 617 but u will have to look to find one for less then $500 even used but u can still find deals
 
I missed a Model 48 Smith 4" by 2 minutes Sunday. Twas like new . The winner stole it at $401. It would have needed a 22lr cyl. available used. I am still sick over that one getting away
 
I missed a Model 48 Smith 4" by 2 minutes Sunday. Twas like new . The winner stole it at $401. It would have needed a 22lr cyl. available used. I am still sick over that one getting away
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Is swapping the cylinder fairly easy/common? Where would one find a .22LR cylinder for a 48? Local gunstore has one in real nice condition asking $500. I need more discretionary $$$$. LOL.
 
A lot of people don't like shooting a Ruger Single Six because they dislike the loading/unloading. I think it's a blast. But...
A Smith K-22, 17, 617 is going to be a little more accurate in my experience because Ruger sizes things for the 22 Magnum.
If you can find a Colt Officer's Model Match to steal that would be a fantastic choice.
For single action and accuracy find a steel framed Colt Peacemaker or New Frontier.
For 99.9% of a Smith's ability, get a Taurus, BUT plan on getting a set of Wolff springs, and taking it apart and cleaning it good and smoothing some rough edges first. What do you expect, time does equal money.
 
I know I don't always make the best choices in fire arms, I just buy the one I like, then learn how to shoot them the best I can.

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The Ruger Bearcat was the first handgun I bought, more years ago now than I care to remember. I have four of them now and still take one to the range on most every trip I make. I never get tired of the Bearcat; it's a pure joy to handle and shoot.
 
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