I would like to buy a .22LR revolver purely for training to improve my marksmanship skills. S&W make some nice .22LR revolvers but at well over $1,000, more expensive than most of their defensive caliber revolvers. What else is available at more reasonable price that would still be accurate enough to be suitable for training?
.22lR revolver suggestions
- Thread starter duns
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Spec ops Grunt
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Ruger single six seem to be pretty popular.
War Squirrel
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No reason to pay that much for a .22, unless you dig blowing money. Grunt is right, grab a Single Six. They're a ton of fun.
CajunBass
Member
A Single-Six isn't going to be much help with "training" to use a revolver unless you happen to be training for the OK corral.
Smith & Wesson revolvers cost as much as their centerfire counterparts, because it takes just as much material and labor to make a 22 revolver as it does to make a .357 for example. The only difference is the size of the hole in the cylinders and the barrel.
Having said that the $1,000 price you mentioned is usually a MSRP price. Price at the dealer is usually less, and if you shop the used market you might find one for less there even.
There are other manufacturers. Colt and Dan Wesson come to mind, but they're both out of production and must be searched out on the used market. What you find is what you get and they are as much or more than a Smith & Wesson (Colt especially) to almost as much (Dan Wesson).
The various Taurus, Harrington & Richardson, Charter Arms and such are usually servicable guns but they're not in the top tier of 22 revolvers.
If you bite the bullet one time and get something like a Smith & Wesson 617, 17, or 18 you can shoot it for the rest of your life. Because the ammo is inexpensive it will probably be the gun you end up shooting the most. Get a good one and be done with it.
Smith & Wesson revolvers cost as much as their centerfire counterparts, because it takes just as much material and labor to make a 22 revolver as it does to make a .357 for example. The only difference is the size of the hole in the cylinders and the barrel.
Having said that the $1,000 price you mentioned is usually a MSRP price. Price at the dealer is usually less, and if you shop the used market you might find one for less there even.
There are other manufacturers. Colt and Dan Wesson come to mind, but they're both out of production and must be searched out on the used market. What you find is what you get and they are as much or more than a Smith & Wesson (Colt especially) to almost as much (Dan Wesson).
The various Taurus, Harrington & Richardson, Charter Arms and such are usually servicable guns but they're not in the top tier of 22 revolvers.
If you bite the bullet one time and get something like a Smith & Wesson 617, 17, or 18 you can shoot it for the rest of your life. Because the ammo is inexpensive it will probably be the gun you end up shooting the most. Get a good one and be done with it.
CajunBass has a very valid point. A single action is hardly the first choice to train with if self defense is the goal. But if your carry pistol that you are training for is a semi-auto, a revolver, no matter which action, is going to be of much help. If you are looking to find a pistol just for the sake of shooting, a single six would fill the bill. A few months ago I picked up a Herritage arms Rough Rider, .22lr/.22WMR six shot single action for $150 NIB at a local farmers supply store. It is the fixed sight model, but adjustable sights are available if that is a concern. It was cheap, but the pistol shoots straight, and in the short time I have had it, more than one first time shooter has enjoyed it. From a friend that is 50 years old, and has been pretty anti-gun most of his life, to a buddys 12 year old daughter.
oldfool
Member
any will do for casual plinking, but if serious about training and marksmanship, the k-frame S&Ws as mentioned above are worth the price
and the price for a k-17, k-18, 617 is likely to be $500-$600, if you look and are patient (not $1000)
consider - if you shoot a lot of 22 rimfire, it's not at all difficult to shoot up a brick a week, and that alone can push $1000 over the course of one year, so the investment in gun is really nowhere as extreme as it may at 1st appear
(no way can you shoot volume like that in anything but rimfire, at similar ammo cost)
and buying one that is well worth it beats buying 3 that are maybe not, continually in pursuit of one "good e'nuff"
the total cost of ownership, any gun that is truly shot a lot, is more about ammo than firearm cost.. unless you are just looking for safe queens
if not sure you are serious enough to shoot high round counts, sure the Single Six (or even the Heritage) single actions are fun guns
and Taurus will probably do in DA, even though the trigger is nothing to brag on
you could do that first and find out if it really is your thing
but if it is your thing, count on doing more shopping soon
and the price for a k-17, k-18, 617 is likely to be $500-$600, if you look and are patient (not $1000)
consider - if you shoot a lot of 22 rimfire, it's not at all difficult to shoot up a brick a week, and that alone can push $1000 over the course of one year, so the investment in gun is really nowhere as extreme as it may at 1st appear
(no way can you shoot volume like that in anything but rimfire, at similar ammo cost)
and buying one that is well worth it beats buying 3 that are maybe not, continually in pursuit of one "good e'nuff"
the total cost of ownership, any gun that is truly shot a lot, is more about ammo than firearm cost.. unless you are just looking for safe queens
if not sure you are serious enough to shoot high round counts, sure the Single Six (or even the Heritage) single actions are fun guns
and Taurus will probably do in DA, even though the trigger is nothing to brag on
you could do that first and find out if it really is your thing
but if it is your thing, count on doing more shopping soon
22-rimfire
Member
The Smith Model 617 is a great revolver and does not run $1000 in stores. Good 22 rimfire revolvers have always been expensive. You get what you pay for pretty much as I started out with Tier II and III guns (H&R, Ruger at that time, High Standard, Charter Arms, etc.) and within a few years moved to Tier I (S&W & Colt) manufactures almost exclusively. Taurus and Charter Arms make double action 22 revolvers, but I would suggest you do an honest comparison between a Smith and one of these before you make up your mind. Check out the NEW revolver just like you would a used revolvers as Taurus has a history of problems that require you to ship the gun back for repairs. In my case, a couple years go by and you end up paying even a higher price for the better revolver.
You can find Smith Model 17 and 18's at shows for sale in the $500-$650 price range. They sell pretty easily. So when you find one, you buy it and you have a quality lifetime shooter. The Colt double action 22 revolvers are very good too. The least expensive is the Trooper Mark III which can be found on the auction sites as well as shows and gun shops as used guns. Price is about the same as I mentioned. Colt Diamondbacks and Officers Model Match and others are a bit more expensive, but quality handguns.
Of the single actions, the best currently made is the Ruger Single Six. Colt made some very good ones in the past (Peacemaker and New Frontier). The Heritage Rough Rider is about the least expensive 22 SA revolver available new. They have their supporters and detractors. But for the money and if you don't shoot thousands of rounds through them monthly, they should last a while but probably not a lifetime.
You can find Smith Model 17 and 18's at shows for sale in the $500-$650 price range. They sell pretty easily. So when you find one, you buy it and you have a quality lifetime shooter. The Colt double action 22 revolvers are very good too. The least expensive is the Trooper Mark III which can be found on the auction sites as well as shows and gun shops as used guns. Price is about the same as I mentioned. Colt Diamondbacks and Officers Model Match and others are a bit more expensive, but quality handguns.
Of the single actions, the best currently made is the Ruger Single Six. Colt made some very good ones in the past (Peacemaker and New Frontier). The Heritage Rough Rider is about the least expensive 22 SA revolver available new. They have their supporters and detractors. But for the money and if you don't shoot thousands of rounds through them monthly, they should last a while but probably not a lifetime.
It appears to me that the only current manufacturers of the .22 revolvers are Charter Arms, North American (mini-mini revovlers), Ruger and others (making single actions), Smith and Wesson and Taurus.
If your looking for a double action your choice is Charter Arms, S&W and Taurus.
In the line of discontinued revolvers I've owned and wish I still did own a High Standard. They are really a decent economical revolver.
I still do own this and will forever. A superbly accurate Charter Arm "Off Duty" in .22 lr.
I think with current prices of firearms the Charter Arms is about the cheapest revolver on the market today. I cant find any flies on these revolvers. They're just not as handsome as the Smiths.
If your looking for a double action your choice is Charter Arms, S&W and Taurus.
In the line of discontinued revolvers I've owned and wish I still did own a High Standard. They are really a decent economical revolver.
I still do own this and will forever. A superbly accurate Charter Arm "Off Duty" in .22 lr.
I think with current prices of firearms the Charter Arms is about the cheapest revolver on the market today. I cant find any flies on these revolvers. They're just not as handsome as the Smiths.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
My preference runs towards Old Model Single Sixes and older K-22's. Single Sixes are particularly plentiful and affordable on the used market. Expect to pay $500-$600 for the same K-22's I paid $200 and $265 for ten years ago.
Stainz
Member
I've had the then top model Ruger KMK-678GC (MKII), Single Six, etc. The 617, mine is a 4" x10 bought new 9/08, replaced them all. You will forget the cost in short order - and regret not buying one earlier - I certainly do.
Oh - the 4"/6" 617, SKU # 160584/160578, have a current MSRP of $940 - street price: $700-$750. By comparison, the single action SS Ruger Single Six, Catalog KNR-5/6/7H, currently range, MSRP, from $601-$754 - with both the .22& .22 Magnum cylinders.
Stainz
Oh - the 4"/6" 617, SKU # 160584/160578, have a current MSRP of $940 - street price: $700-$750. By comparison, the single action SS Ruger Single Six, Catalog KNR-5/6/7H, currently range, MSRP, from $601-$754 - with both the .22& .22 Magnum cylinders.
Stainz
RidgwayCO
Member
In .22 revolvers, I've owned four S&W (M617 4", M617 6", M63, and M651), one Ruger (Super Single Six), and two Tauri (a 94 and a 941). All of them have been sold off except for the S&Ws (and oldest daughter has claimed the M651).
I would have kept the Ruger (with its .22LR and .22 WMR cylinders) for versatility's sake, but I just hate having to eject each individual case from a single action .22. It doesn't bother me in the least for the .44 Special or .45 Colt, but in .22 it just seems a huge waste of time (go figure...).
My recommendation is to find a used S&W M617 4" ten-shot, and then shoot the snot out of it. Great balance, great feel, and terrific accuracy. For reliable/accurate ammo, it's tough to beat the Federal 375 round value packs at WallyWorld for $11.47.
A 4" M617 also serves well as an "inexpensive practice gun" to a 4" S&W M681 or M686 (even though the M617 is a K-frame and the 681/686s are L-frames). This is probably because they weigh almost the same (my 4" M617 weighs 39 oz, while my 4" M686+ weighs 40 oz).
YMMV.
I would have kept the Ruger (with its .22LR and .22 WMR cylinders) for versatility's sake, but I just hate having to eject each individual case from a single action .22. It doesn't bother me in the least for the .44 Special or .45 Colt, but in .22 it just seems a huge waste of time (go figure...).
My recommendation is to find a used S&W M617 4" ten-shot, and then shoot the snot out of it. Great balance, great feel, and terrific accuracy. For reliable/accurate ammo, it's tough to beat the Federal 375 round value packs at WallyWorld for $11.47.
A 4" M617 also serves well as an "inexpensive practice gun" to a 4" S&W M681 or M686 (even though the M617 is a K-frame and the 681/686s are L-frames). This is probably because they weigh almost the same (my 4" M617 weighs 39 oz, while my 4" M686+ weighs 40 oz).
YMMV.
Thanks for the great advice. So far, I'm swaying towards a S&W Model 17, 18, or 617 based on what you all said.
I like the 17/18 with its traditional look, blued finish, and wood grips. On the other hand, I like the idea of the 10-round cylinder in the 617 and the stainless finish would make it very durable. It's $100 cheaper too. I don't like the synthetic grips on the 617 but could change them out for cocobolo for $74 (though that cancels out the price saving). So I guess it comes down to blued w/ 6 rounds or stainless w/ 10 rounds. Decisions!
There's also the question of barrel length. I could go with the 17 with its 6" barrel, the 18 with 4" barrel, or the 617 with either a 4" or 6" barrel. For the purpose of improving my marksmanship skills, would I be better off with a 4" or a 6".
I like the 17/18 with its traditional look, blued finish, and wood grips. On the other hand, I like the idea of the 10-round cylinder in the 617 and the stainless finish would make it very durable. It's $100 cheaper too. I don't like the synthetic grips on the 617 but could change them out for cocobolo for $74 (though that cancels out the price saving). So I guess it comes down to blued w/ 6 rounds or stainless w/ 10 rounds. Decisions!
There's also the question of barrel length. I could go with the 17 with its 6" barrel, the 18 with 4" barrel, or the 617 with either a 4" or 6" barrel. For the purpose of improving my marksmanship skills, would I be better off with a 4" or a 6".
I'm personally not a fan of the aluminum cylinder 10 shot S&W, but an all stainless 10 shot 22 would be way up on my list if I didn't like 5-Screws so much. The all steel 22 tend to hold their resale because people hang onto them. An all steel 22 revolver should last several generations and many many thousands of rounds.
My K-22 was made in 1947 and has been shot quite a bit over the years. I expect my grandchildren will be shooting and enjoying it in 2047. Even if you spend $700, spread over 50 years or so that's a very cheap investment.
My K-22 was made in 1947 and has been shot quite a bit over the years. I expect my grandchildren will be shooting and enjoying it in 2047. Even if you spend $700, spread over 50 years or so that's a very cheap investment.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
That's the high end Hunter model. The basic stainless Single Six can be had around $450.
I reckon since we're talking about new $750 S&W's, we might as well talk about the $700 USFA 12/22. One beautiful 12-shooter, built with more precision and better fit & finish than S&W has produced since before WWII.
For value, it's hard to be a good used Single Six, this one going for all of $200, with fancy claro walnut that cost more than the sixgun did.
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I have both - a 1951 6" K-22 and a new-ish 4" 10-shot 617. Between them, the 617 has the better balance of versatility, accuracy, capacity and ease of maintenance, so if I had to choose one, I'd choose the 617.
The 4" barrel is more versatile - it's not only a great plinker/range/teaching gun, it serves as my understudy to my IDPA 4" 686, too. I've also used in rimfire steel matches, and gives up little in practical accuracy, so I wouldn't hesitate to use it in bullseye. If the local laws allow it, it'd make a fine small game gun, too.
My 6" K-22 and 4" 617 balance well, but a 6" 617 is too muzzle heavy for my taste. If you're as accurate with a 4" as a most are with their 6", by definition, you've learned to do a better job establishing and executing a proper sight picture.
I like the classic look of a blued gun, but I shoot my 617 so much, it has to get cleaned often, and stainless is easier to clean & maintain.
I also prefer the 10-shot capacity over the 6-shot. It also makes it easier (or even possible) to shoot in rimfire steel matches with it (there's that versatility thing again). And cleaning 10 chambers doesn't take much more time than cleaning 6.
ljnowell
Member
Its hard to beat a Ruger Single Six. Its easily the best 22lr revolver I have ever owned, and possibly ever shot. Mine is accurate with the cheapest of the bulk packs too.
BCRider
Member
That's a BUCKET load of money but as you've found the cost of them isn't coming down anytime soon so consider it as an entertaining investment....
Now get some different weight and velocity ammo for it and see which works best.
Now get some different weight and velocity ammo for it and see which works best.
You're right, it is a bucket load of money but by practicing a lot with 22LR I will be able to cut down on the shooting I do with bigger calibers like 38 Spl, 9mm, and 45 ACP, so I should recover the cost of the new gun pretty quickly through savings on ammo. If in a few years I want to sell it, I should get a decent amount back since good guns don't depreciate much. (That's how I'll explain it when I tell my girlfriend I've bought another gun...That's a BUCKET load of money but as you've found the cost of them isn't coming down anytime soon so consider it as an entertaining investment....
)22-rimfire
Member
You did good on the Smith in terms of choice. Give it some time, I think you'll forget about the money part and enjoy the new revolver, a quality one at that. You're getting a much better trigger in the Smith than your DA alternatives. I have both the Model 17 and 18, and all the Colts I mentioned earlier. I shoot the Smiths more now due to the collectability issue on the Colts. It wasn't very many years ago that you could buy Colt Trooper Mark III's for $300. Collector interest has finally caught up with this one and prices have just about matched the Smith Model 17's. The old Troopers could be bought for less than this. Not today.
788Ham
Member
Try the old tried and true H&R 999 .22 revolver. If your just using it for marksmanship training, couldn't get more easy than this one. Probably about $175 - 200, most anyplace good will have one. Save your money for shells!
Spec ops Grunt
Member
+1 on the High Standard, other than its terribad trigger pull.
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