Advice on .22 revolver

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It's pretty hard to beat a Smith & Wesson .22 double action revolver. A model 17 or model 18 would be super. The 617 is the stainless steel version. A smaller framed gun is the model 63.

A far distant second would be a Ruger SP101.

I am not fond of the Taurus line of .22's.

Clemson
 
I will also recommend the K frame S&W in Model 17, 18, 617 configurations. The heavier weight helps to steady the gun. On the other hand if it will be carried more than shot the Model 34 or 63 in the smaller J frame has something to recommend it. The actions on the K frames can really be tuned to a T.

Other than that in double action there is the Ruger SP-101 which is a bit heavy for its size and the Colt Diamondback which sort of splits the weight between the J frame and K frame S&W. Finally, there is the Dan Wesson in Model 22/722 which also is a medium frame like the S&W K frames.
 
I just got a S&W 35 and it is great, 6" barrel on a J frame. It is real accurate and solid. Good luck finding one tho. Get a nice K22 or 617. lightweight 63 or 34 are fun also....

Single sixes are fun but slower than a S&W hand ejector...
 
Dan Wesson 22's are dirt cheap and very reliable. I saw a nice Monson blued 22 at Collectorsfirearms for $295. Pretty cheap considering it is the same frame they use for the 357 magnum.

I sure like my 722.
 
I like my S&W 617 a lot. If you plan on shooting double action a lot, I think you can't do much better than a k-22 or 617. I also have a Dan Wesson 22 that I like, but its double action trigger is not as smooth as the S&W.
 
I have the Taurus 94 snub. It’s been a dependable addition to my revolver collection. 9 shot capacity is also a plus. :cool:
 
my .22lr battery consist of a 4" colt diamondback (sold the 6", looking for a 2.5") and a 6" smith m-17. i lean more toward the diamondback for DA work and carry on the trail and would sell the m-17 if it weren't such a classic (plus i only paid $175 for it and had it tuned by bob chow for another $35)

the most accurate .22lr wheelgun i've ever handled was the dan wesson, but i can seem to coordinate locateing one and having money at the same time :(
 
If I was limited too just one choice, it would be
the Smith & Wesson 4" barrel model 18. I have
sent literally thousands of rounds downrange
with a 1971 edition; which I regret selling!

WARNING: Prices have risen on this model if
found in LNIB, or NIB condition! Last one that I
saw on a dealers shelf was LNIB, and priced at
$509.95! :uhoh: :cool: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
What are differences between 17 and 18? I've got a 4 in. 5 screw K22 from 1950 and a 6in. mod 17. I don't think I've ever seen an 18. Another vote for DW mod 22. I've got one with 6 and 4 in. barrels. Finally found small factory grip that works well with 4 in.. But as mentioned DW DA is nothing like S&W DA. I bought a 2 in. 34 the other day but I'm not gonna "throw it in the tackle box".
 
An M17 is the K-22 with a six-inch barrel and the Patridge front sight. The M18 is the K-22 with a four-inch barrel and the Baughman ramp front sight. At least, that was how it used to be. In the 1980's and 1990's, the M18 was cancelled, and the M17 was released with a four-inch heavy barrel.
 
I just picked up a S&W 18 for $300 and couldn't be happier. Great all around .22 revolver. You could also try picking up a long barrelled SAA, they're very versatile.
 
I rather like my Taurus 94 blued w/4" barrel. It makes a fine plinker. No one would mistake it for a really nice S&W but it's affordable and quite functional.

H_94B4.jpg
 
I plan to add the S&W 617, 6" barrel, 6 shot cylinder to my collection of wheel guns by the end of this summer. I don't like Dan Wesson revolvers, and really don't have an opinion on Taurus. Colt no longer produces a .22Lr, and if they did, it would probably cost too much anyway......
 
Thanks for the feedback guys! I looked at a Smith and Wesson 617 and it is SWEET. Right now that is the way I'm leaning.

Not going to do anything right away so if anyone else has ideas of something I should look at keep posting.

Thanks again.:)
 
I don't know why it always gets overlooked but I have a SP101 that I really like. It is built like a tank and shoots where its aimed.
 
being built "like a tank" isn't always a good thing when refering to a .22lr wheelgun. the trick is a balance between enough size to handle the "pounding" and remaining light enough for easy carrying.

the sp101 has just always struck me as too "hefty" for the .22lr cartridge...maybe the balance is just too far back in the hand :confused:
 
I have a S&W S/S kit gun and a model 18. both are sweet guns. Also have a Taurus 94 thats pretty good S/A but leaves a whole lot to be desired D/A. If you could do something with the D/A it would be a pretty nice little gun.
 
I'd probably get the SP101 just so all my revolvers are from the same family.

I don't particularly prefer the Rugers, but I do find that whenever I look for specs I want, I end up with a Ruger..

Still prefer " built like a tank".
 
If you want tough & absolutely reliable, go Ruger.

If you want grace & butterslick smooth trigger, go Colt Diamondback. Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey and out of production.

If you want affordable but durable (just check the screws for tightness every now and then), go S&W 22 in any of its incarnations.

I have one 4" Diamondback, one Ruger SP-101 and two S&W revolvers (8 shot and a M18) in 22 LR.

Given the choice between a S&W and a Taurus, I'd go S&W. Better quality. Don't believe me? Grab a handgun disassembly book and study the internals. More guts, better engineering in a S&W.
 
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