Best .22 revolver?

[el Godfather]

Dear THR:
Which is the best .22 revolver the money can buy. Primary use targets and fun- BUT has to carry collection value to max.

Thank you.

 

[Tophernj]

Get another Korth??

C

 

[j1]

Smith and Wesson.

 

[bannockburn]

For my money, and not necessarily the most expensive, it would be a vintage S&W K22 like new in the box.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt Diamondback

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

That's easy. S&W Model 17 (formerly known as the K-22). This one cost $125 when it was brand spanky new in 1975.





If you look hard enough, you can find a nice classic K-22 like this one. I found this one a couple of years ago. Made in 1932. And it did not cost an arm and a leg. It was quite reasonable compared to what new guns are going for.






You can always go with a new 10 shot Stainless 617 like at the bottom of this photo. Frankly, for my money the old blued guns are better made. And I paid less for that classic K-22 than I would have for a brand new 617. I bought this one used. It does not get shot much, the older guns get shot much more often.

 

[Iggy]

Another vote of the K-22/Model 17 Smith and Wesson.

 

[frankiestoys]

I agree it would be the Colt or a Smith with the Rugers being close I personally have a Hard time spending a lot on any .22 cal I've been through several semi autos and recently went through this only deciding to pass on them I would have considered the new SP 101 but I have two already ,It really comes down to what you want to spend on a .22

 

[farm23]

I am not sure how to define "best" but Freedom Arms might fit the bill. I have a Single Six 22lr/22wmr and it is best for what I want. The K-22 is a fine revolver and I would but one if I could find one.

 

[Easygoing]

Probably no "best", as it's really what you like, but the S&W 617 is gorgeous. Fit and feel nearly identical to the S&W 686 .357 and holds 10 rounds of .22 . All stainless and just beautiful.

I'm biased, as I'm a 686 owner...

 

[harvester]

Colt Officers Model Target or Officers Model Match.

 

[Smith357]

BUT has to carry collection value to max.

Pre-War S&W Kit Gun.

 

[CraigC]

The "best" quality .22 revolvers made are those by Freedom Arms. With the large frame 252 being the most accurate. Even a pre-war S&W can't compete. I would place the USFA .22's higher up the food chain than any S&W as well.

 

[BigG]

Colt Diamondback or S&W K22. Colt would bring collection up more given equal conditions.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

A high condition pre-war K-22 with original grips, box, etc will meet your standard. They are $1500+ now and should continue to increase in value.

 

[hrvatska1]

What is Colt Diamondback worth nowadays with 6 inch barrel.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 4

 

[22-rimfire]

The "best" is relative. For me the best is probably the Colt Officers Model Match, but my favorite is the Colt Diamondback.

S&W M17's and 18's are good too and will maintain value if kept in good condition.

Freedom Arms makes a fine single action 22 revolver and it will likely maintain its value.

Value of a 6" Colt Diamondback... finish? Caliber? Condition? Original Box available?

 

[Eb1]

I guess I'll be the black sheep here, and say that $170 for a Heritage that has had thousand s of rounds through it, and is rabbit accurate to 30 yards would be my best bang for the buck suggestion.
Sure it isn't a S&W, but I don't know that a S&W would shoot any better. But they would cost a lot more and look better.

 

[22-rimfire]

The OP only said "best" and one that will retain its value... He didn't say, cost effective?

 

[el Godfather]

Colt Diamondback

I wish I could find one NEW!

 

[Eb1]

More money means "best"? Eitherway. Good luck with the $1000 .22 LR revolver.

 

[Steve C]

Go to http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=diamondback+.22. There are several from around $1,200 and up with a few described as NIB.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I recently turned down a 98% blue 6", boxless, original gripped Diamondback offered at $1100....Probably shoulda bought it.

 

[tubeshooter]

Yeah - the only real indication I see is best at costing the mostest and retaining (or even exceeding) said cost over time.

I would say one of the older Colts in great condition, or else one of the "exotics" that are out of the range of most working-class people.


A K-frame Smith, especially an older thin barreled model in excellent condition, might qualify but the impression I get is that it would be a bit too pedestrian for the OP. I do believe it's safe to say it would increase in value, though.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

BUT has to carry collection value to max.

Howdy again

If we want to talk collectable, this little 22/32 Heavy Frame target was made in 1923. It is the little gun at the bottom of the photo. It is pictured with my 1932 era K-22. They were called 'Heavy Frame' because prior to the introduction of the K-22, these little 22s were the only 22 target revolvers that S&W made, and they were larger than the tiny Ladysmiths.