Best .22 Revolver?

[roaddog28]

Whole generations of PPC and Bianchi Cup shooters...who held tight groups at 50 yards...might disagree with you

I won't argue with what you are saying. I don't see much PPC or Bianchi Cup in my area. All I know is most average shooters not shooting in competition will probably shoot single action past 25 yds. In fact most people I see at the local shooting range shoot single action with DA/SA revolver with the exception of IPDA club matchs.
Regards,
Howard

 

[22-rimfire]

With 22 revolvers, I predominantly see people shooting single action unless they are just tying to pepper a can full of holes or just plinking. The serious double action shooting is primarily done by shooters that are "training" for defensive situations whether it be with the 22 revolver that has a similar feel as the center fire revolver or they intend to have the 22 revolver available if needed for defensive purposes. But they normally will not shoot at a squirrel double action.

 

[Guillermo]

I predominantly see people shooting single action unless they are just tying to pepper a can full of holes or just plinking.

Not only do I rarely shoot single action...I teach a lot of kids to shoot (In my spare time I coach basketball and teach women's self defense...so they know me and trust me to teach them about guns).

I NEVER start w single action.

Ever

 

[duns]

I bought a S&W K22 Masterpiece with 6" barrel for target shooting (just for improving my shooting skills, not for competition). It's very well made and shoots well, and should last several lifetimes with TLC. However, it was $780 (new from Davidson's) including taxes and fees. I sometimes wonder if it was better than I really needed. But it is a fine revolver.

 

[9mmepiphany]

most people I see at the local shooting range shoot single action with DA/SA revolver with the exception of IPDA club matchs.

But they normally will not shoot at a squirrel double action.

That people you see at the local range either lack the training or the skill to shoot accurately in DA should not be a valid reason to doubt that it is regularly done by a host of better trained shooters...or at least ones trying to become better shooters.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got several 22 revolvers. They're all good. Of course I do go out of my way to buy known "good ones." Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Ruger. I've owned a couple of H&R's that I liked, and I've been tempted a couple of times to get a Taurus 96 (sort of a Model 17 clone...not exactly but close...also not made anymore). The Taurus 94 is one of the few that has never impressed me.

My favorite? Probably the Smith & Wesson 22 Combat Masterpiece, and the Colt New Frontier 22. Rugers Single-Six and Bearcat aren't far behind.

You see my delima. Which one to shoot?

 

[oldfool]

the reason so many shoot SA only at local range, IMO, is just because they never actually tried shooting DA unless it was fooling around with pop cans up close

likewise, IMO, the reason so many at local range shoot handguns only at 10 yards or less, is because they just never really tried at 25, 50, 75, 100

Once they see it, they are 1st surprised; then they try it, and they find out it really isn't all that hard, and it is fun. 22s should be fun.

A lot of casual weekend handgunners just really don't know how accurate open sight revolvers in either SA or DA really can be... especially those old k-17s

 

[roaddog28]

That people you see at the local range either lack the training or the skill to shoot accurately in DA should not be a valid reason to doubt that it is regularly done by a host of better trained shooters...or at least ones trying to become better shooters.

Yes that is true. Most people at the local range have not had much training in learning DA. But most people probably won't spend the time and money learning to shoot a SA/DA revolver. That is because I don't see many revolvers at the ranges I go to. I believe learning to shoot a DA/SA revolver well takes practice and the few I see that are good are well trained and compete in competition. 9mm maybe in Northern California you have a good number of well trained shooters that can handle a revolver but were I live I am one of the few that even brings revolvers to the range. Most people bring semi-autos and the brand is Glock.

Back to the OP question. If I had the money I would look for a S&W model 17. I rented one at the range and put probably 300 rounds through it. Very accurate either single action or double action. If I could ever find one that does not cost me my life savings I would buy it.
Regards,
Howard

 

[22-rimfire]

Guillermo said...

That makes $500 for an early K22 look cheap since the barrel is one piece, no MIM parts, no hillary hole and the workmanship is outstanding.

You may not have priced them lately. $500 IS cheap now for one in good shape. You see prices up to $750 these days on the pre-lock Smiths. I noticed a very nice Colt Trooper Mark III (6") 22 for sale at an asking price of $800. That is a serious ouch! 20 years ago dealers had trouble even selling them because the Diamondback was not significantly higher priced in my opinion.

Not only do I rarely shoot single action...I teach a lot of kids to shoot (In my spare time I coach basketball and teach women's self defense...so they know me and trust me to teach them about guns).

I NEVER start w single action.

Ever

Guillermo, good for you. I think it is probably safer to teach inexperienced shooters to shoot double action with a DA revolver as the trigger is often pretty light in single action on your better DA 22 revolvers. The EVER part troubles me, but you are free to teach people as you see fit.

Clearly learning to shoot in DA is preferrable to always shooting DA revolvers in single action. Certainly for defensive purposes, one needs to be comfortable with shooting DA. If you always shoot single action, habit will likely make you prone to want to thumb the hammer back when you should be shooting in a critical defensive situation.

I have made my suggestions on the 22 revolver front. I like the Smith's, but I love my little 4" Colt Diamondback 22's. I would certainly take a look at the new Ruger SP-101 when considering to buy a new DA 22 revolver today if you can find one. You need to judge for yourself if you like the feel of the revolver and if the trigger is good for you. Of course, I suspect you could install lighter springs on the SP if you want to. I tend to shoot them they way they come from the factory.

Looked at a Ruger Single 10 the other day. Wow. What a nice revolver! It was a bit pricey relative to the Single 6, but it's only money.

 

[Guillermo]

rimfire,

I probably mis-communicated.

After a kid has done well with a dbl action trigger pull we get to single action.

I want them to learn all gun functions.

 

[Guillermo]

This thread is going to cost me money.

I only have one nice 22. New revolvers are boring and generally crap.

I am a bargain hunter and do not need a gun to look pristine.

I have to say the 1953 K-22 just might be the best buy I have made (290 +15 shipping, 10ffl)


But now you guys have me surfing the auction sites, looking for another.

DAMN YOU!!!

 

[Cougar]

This thread is going to cost me money.

I only have one nice 22. New revolvers are boring and generally crap.

I am a bargain hunter and do not need a gun to look pristine.

I have to say the 1953 K-22 just might be the best buy I have made (290 +15 shipping, 10ffl)


But now you guys have me surfing the auction sites, looking for another.

DAMN YOU!!!

But look at all of the money you'll be saving in the long run for ammo! If you go to the range just once a month and cap off 100rnds/session, you'll probably reach your break-even point within a year, LOL!

 

[oldfool]

now don't be snarfing up all the Diamondback 22s, G
some us k-fanboys are out there, still looking for our 1st Diamondback you know !

 

[Guillermo]

now don't be snarfing up all the Diamondback 22s

Actually I don't have a .22 Diamondback.

The only good .22 revolver I have is the K-22.

That is such a sweet revolver, as are the Colt .22s (Officer's Target and Officer's Match), it is gonna be hard for for me to spend DB money. One can buy one of each for the price of a DB.

BTW
I made some good purchases this year (one BAD one.) But the best might have been the k-22. It might have better than the $466 DB (4inch 38, near perfect finish).

I just love that K-22!!!

Great trigger, insanely accurate.

a truly great handgun

 

[PzGren]

Saving the best for last

Colt OMM rimfire



S&W K-22 from 1952



1969 Korth



Get the one that you like the best, which fits your hand and your budget. After all, they all only make holes in paper and all of the above do an excellent job at that.

But I would rather sell a dozen of my guns before the K22 would go, and a few more to keep the Korth.

 

[oldfool]

now there's three Aces in anybody's game, PzGren !
(a premium grade Dan Wesson would fill out that poker hand very nicely, you know)

 

[PzGren]

"now there's three Aces in anybody's game, PzGren !
(a premium grade Dan Wesson would fill out that poker hand very nicely, you know)
__________________"

The Korth is worth more than the other aces to me! It is the Joker in the game.

The Dan Wessons have a loyal following and they are very sturdy shooting irons.

 

[Mr. Happy]

A current production 10 shot S&W 617, either 4" or 6", will run you nearly seven of those Ben Franklins new. That's a bundle. But - it will bring countless hours of range/field fun, entertainment, competition, and even a few small animals for the pot, if so desired. Add some decent wood grips, an SW617 HiViz front sight, and a DS-10 speedloader & base plate - and some WallyWorld Federal 550 packs or 325 AutoMatch - and voila - FUN!



Do I regret my purchase? You bet - I wish I hadn't waited so long to buy it! Fun per buck, it's a bargain. Just consider buying what you want once... not 'settling' for something you might be able to 'get by' with. I sold my ten plus year old Ruger KMK-678GC, eight mags, and scope to fund my revolver - I don't miss the case tosser at all. I'd be lost without my 617. But - we are all different.

Stainz

I have the same DS speedloader set-up (8-round version) for the Airweight S&W 317 3.5" Kit Gun, which comes with the Hi-Viz sight. Not a target revolver, but this is the easiest gun to use with newbies at the range (along with my Beretta Jaguar for a semi-auto).

 

[NelsErik]

So what is the consensus?

I have been saving for a Freedom Arms Model 97 in .22LR with a second Magnum cylinder, I am now also considering the USFA Model 12/22. I'm looking for the most accurate .22 revolver i can get. What are the other options? Which would you suggest, I plan to give this gun to my son someday.

 

[Austin97]

Get a heritage rough rider. 6.5 barrel, 22lr and mag. 140-180 bucks, great pistol for price.

 

[oldfool]

NelsErick
"So what is the consensus?"

Well, the 'consensus' is that there is no one "best", never was, no big surprise.
There are a lot of great choices named in thread, many of them repetitively.
But, also no surprise, most are out of current production, older classics, with a long proven track record for quality and accuracy. Most named are DA/SAs, also no big surprise.

But if you are focused on 'new' vs 'used', or leastways still in current production (which we did not understand to be the case), and you do not have enthusiasm for DA target shooting, you just named two of the very 'best candidates' there are in SA revolvers; you cannot go wrong with either.

Follow your instincts !
I don't personally know any revolver shooter who would show disrespect for either FA or USFA.... and I really just don't see a Heritage Rough Rider in your future
(I would probably hold out for the FA, if it was me.. but it ain't me)

PS
as to whether or not you will truly achieve "best attainable accuracy" with any dual cylinder 22LR/WMR gun or not, that's a whole other debate you know.
But I leave that to comments by others

 

[MrBorland]

So what is the consensus?

FWIW, I shot this today with my bone-stock 4" S&W 617. Sure, it was the best of the day, but 2" @ 25 yards unsupported is about average.

BTW, this is a newer gun, with MIM parts & The Lock. Neither matter one whit. The newer guns may not have the fit and finish of the older blued ones, but they shoot fine.

Whether a 17/617 is "the best" remains, as oldfool suggest, subjective, but I'd put it in one of the "great choices" category.

While I don't shoot SA revolvers often (don't even currently own one), I'd love to pick up a Freedom Arms one day.


5 rounds, 25 yards, unsupported, double action:

 

[oldfool]

mighty fine shooting MrB !
(no surprise)

I may not like some trends the new S&W is on, even if I can 'understand' the why of it
But I do not doubt what those 617s can do in the hands of a skilled shooter
This side of Korth (way out of my income limits), I honestly don't myself believe that anybody else still consistently turns out a factory DA rimfire revolver that can beat it. I would have one myself, if I didn't already have them old K's on hand/in hand.
(Did look at one mighty close a couple of years ago, but my heart was tuned to the J-rimfire channel at the time.)