Best .22 revovler?

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Eightball

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So.....lately, I've been thinking that this Christmas, I'll pick myself up a nice .22 revolver. I've been waffling with trying to find a used Ruger Single Six (though they're impossible to find), an Uberti Stallion (seem well made, but not a Single Six), or a used S&W 17 or 18. The more I think, the more confused I become. I generally want a good-quality .22 revolver, but not some 8, 10, or 12-shot monstrosity. And I'm not sure if I should put more of my efforts into trying to find a decent double-action model, try to find a good stainless Single Six, or just go for the Uberti (which seems spiffy, and is certainly in my price range).

Thoughts/opinions?
 
I think the S&W 17 is the best. Not the cheapest, but by far the best. Try the trigger on one.
 
Since you seem interested in single actions look at US Firearms. They have a couple of nice single action .22's. I think their website is www.usfirearms.com.

Brazos
 
I've got a Smith & Wesson 17, and a Ruger Single Six. Of the two the Model 17 is the better shooter. I like the Single Six, but it's while not quite apples and oranges, it's pretty close. (I will admit that my Single Six is a fixed sight model which probably hampers it somewhat. Adjustable sights might make it more of a even match, but I think the 17 still wins.)

Another to think about if you can find one is the Dan Wesson 22. It a pretty even match with my 17 for shooting. The Dan Wesson is a bit bigger and heavier than the Model 17, and the Model 17 has target sights, the DW has an adjustable red insert, ramp sight, giving a very slight edge to the 17 IMHO. The 17 fits my hand better too, but that's an individual thing. The DW might fit you better.

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I agree with you. Revolvers should be be six shots. ;) :D
 
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The Freedom Arms single action is one of the very best in 22 rimfire. Expensive.

I don't own a Single Six, but I by far prefer a double action revolver in 22 rimfire. They are easier to load and unload. If you want a 6-shot DA, I would suggest the Smith Model 17 or 18. Colt Diamondbacks and the Officers Model Match are excellent as well. The perfect new acquisition would be a 95-96% Smith or Colt. At that condition, you'd never be afraid to shoot them due to some shadow of being a collector which tends to be focused on the 98-100% guns.
 
At that condition, you'd never be afraid to shoot them due to some shadow of being a collector which tends to be focused on the 98-100% guns.
Click to expand...
Trust me--unless it's some super-rare, pristine, one-of-a-kind (of the type that I could never afford to, much less desire to own), I shoot everything I own. ;)
 
I have a liking for the Ruger Single Six. I sold mine to finance the purchase of a S&W 617 for my dad and regretted it for 5 years. I recently bought a second hand S&W Model 18. It's obvious that it isn't as durable as the Single Six (required a tune up from the local S&W distributor) and the accuracy so far is not quite as good (but that may just be me), but If I was restricted to owning just one the Model 18 would win. I still want a single six one day, but other toys and other bills take priority. FWIW I do not like the 617. Accurate like a laser beam but the balance with the heavy underlug is wrong in my hands and the wide trigger and hammer just aren't 'right' for me.
 
"Best revolver" kind've focuses your choices to one manufacturer. The best revolver - quality, materials, accuracy - without dispute is either Freedom Arms' M83 in 22 LR or Freedom's M97 in 22 LR. Your choices become those of frame size, revolver weight, and accouterments wanted.

The downside is "best revolver" costs - well, just like it's the best.

Hope this helps.
 
Several "Best" come to mind. "Best" for what? Your call.

Colt Diamondback, Trooper MkIII, Frontier Scout, Officers Target

S&W K22, 17, 18, 34, 63 (buy an older model when and if possible)

DW

Ruger Single Six

Never owned or shot a Freedom Arms, but hear they're... nice.
 
Colt Officers Model. That was my choice when it came time for a .22 Revolver. This one is from 1943

IMG_0328.jpg
 
Around $2000 will buy you a Freedom Arms Model 97 that will shoot like a dream, locks up like a bank vault, gives you the joy of ejecting .22 brass one-at-a-time (and then loading them the same way), and will outlast your great grandchildren.

For less than half the price of the Model 97, you can get a 617 10-shot (with or without the IL) that shoots tiny groups in targets with boring regularity, ejects and loads 10 rounds at a time, will let you practice your double-action trigger pull, and will outlast your grandchildren (at least).

Isn't choice great?
 
How do you compare the Colt Officer's target with the S&W K-22 Masterpiece or Outdoor?

I'm considering acquiring a fine specimen from the grand days of American manufacturing for target shooting and field/plinking carry.

Thanks!
 
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