Best value in a single-action .22?

[DougB]

I have a friend who is shopping for a single-action .22 revolver - ideally with both a .22LR and .22Mag cylinders. The options I've seen are:

(1) Heritage - lowest cost, seem okay, but may be lacking in quality/workmanship.

(2) EAA "Bounty Hunter" - Roughly $40 more than the Heritage. I don't remember ever handling one - no idea about the quality.

(3) Ruger - Roughly $100 more than the EAA. I've owned one for many years. No concerns about quality, but is it worth the extra money?

My friend isn't looking to spend more than necessary to get a reliable plinking revolver. The ideal situation would probably be to find a good deal on a used Ruger, but barring that, what are the pros and cons of these guns? Are there others he should consider? Any advice and experiences you can share will be much appreciated.

Doug

 

[Lloyd Smale]

definitly go with the single six your buying a gun for life and a few extra bucks is cheap for the difference in quality.

 

[ruger357]

I agree. The Ruger single six is the way to go.

 

[Master Blaster]

Super single six, I love mine, and you can shoot the .22 magnum round in the second cylinder, if you need to do a little varmint hunting.

I bought mine used LNIB probably hardly fired, for $250 if I recall correctly.

 

[aug e. dog]

I have the Ruger Single Six and the Heritage. Both have the .22lr and .22mag cylinders.

While the Ruger is superior, if all your friend really wants is a reliable plinking revolver, I'd get the Heritage. You can find them NIB for about $125-$135, and I have found mine to be reliable and pretty accurate.

 

[Quantrill]

Go with the Ruger. Worth the extra dough! Quantrill

 

[JMLV]

Yet another vote for the ruger

Its just a better all around gun that will last a lifetime.

 

[jjmorgan64]

Obviously the Ruger is the best choice,

that being said I really like my Heritage, it took a little breaking in, dry firing, and just plain shooting, but for the money it is a very nice little gun.

No experience with the Bounty Hunters

 

[Tropical Z]

The Ruger is obviously a good choice but so is the EAA bounty hunter.The Heritage isnt built quite as good as id like for a gun that might be shot a LOT! For occasional use itd be fine but id spend a little more for something that can go the long haul.

 

[DougB]

Thanks to all for your replies. I don't doubt that the Ruger would be a high-quality safe choice. I probably should't have asked if it is "worth the extra money" - I'm sure it is.

I guess what I'd really like to know (on behalf of my friend) is what Tropical Z addressed - how does the EAA Bounty Hunter compare. I've handled the Heritage pistols and agree that they are decent, low cost guns, but clearly a couple of notches below the Ruger in quality. Since my friend is cost concious on this purchase (he has other high-quality pistols, but wants this just for a fun plinker), how does the Bounty Hunter compare? If its about the same as the Heritage, then there's no reason to pay extra for it, but if it is nicer, the price isn't much more. I doubt my friend will spring for the Ruger.

Doug

 

[Jim March]

Single Six.

And yes, for a slightnote1 bump in cost, at least two gunsmiths out there are converting them to 8-shot with a custom cylinder and goodies such as an aftermarket barrel.

$800 bucks

 

[Tropical Z]

The bounty hunter is a fine gun.In .22lr its available in nickel and blue.It would serve your friend well.Below is nickel pic.

 

[JohnBT]

Here's my thinking on it, part of it anyway...

Option number:

1)Keep the gun for long time - why not have the best.

2)Shoot it a little, then sell or trade - I'll get more for the Ruger.

Whatever works for him.

John

P.S. - Yes, I want the $800 or $1200 or whatever it was .22 or .22 Mag. conversion. Stainless, new cylinder, loooong barrel. I've seen the ad, obviously, even if I can't remember it.