DA .22LR Revolver Recommendations?

[CajunBass]

CajunBass

I remember seeing those "colored" High Standard Sentinels when I was a kid. I think they came in turquoise and gold colors too. Don't know how accurate they were but they sure were something to look at.

I've seen pictures of the turquoise and gold ones. That's some serious "bling."

I've owned a couple of 4" Sentinels over the years. I don't think there has ever been a better bum around the woods gun. They're light as a feather and plenty accurate enough for pine cones or tin cans and such. I don't think I've ever fired one at a range at an actual target.

Just to add one more to the OP's "check out list." If you happen to see a Taurus Model 96, it's well worth a look. I've only seen a couple so they may not have sold many, but it's a six shot, mid "K-frame" sized gun, that can be thought of as Taurus' version of the Model 17. The one I had, was a very nice gun.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Outstanding post, Driftwood Johnson. Thank you for taking the time.

A question, if you don't mind: How would you compare the Model 63 and the 17 / 18 for casual shooting fun?

Howdy Again

Since you asked, personally I will choose a K frame over a J frame every time. I probably shoot that old worn looking K-22 more than any other 22 revolver I own, mostly because it is so accurate and the trigger is so terrific. For me, the convenience of the smaller J frame does not amount to much, since I do all my casual shooting at my club's out door range. So being able to slip a J frame into my pocket while strolling through the woods does not hold much attraction for me.

I have put a bazillion rounds through that old K-22. I have owned that Model 63 for over ten years, but I have probably only put a couple of boxes through it since I owned it. For me, the larger K frame is easier to shoot, it eats up recoil better, and it is more accurate.

For what it's worth, I can shoot this K-22 Combat Masterpiece (Pre-Model 18), made in 1953, with its four inch barrel much more accurately than I can shoot that Model 63 with its four inch barrel. For me, accuracy is all about the size and weight of the frame. I love plinking at tin cans at the 25 yard berm with a K frame 22.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Biblethumpncop

I'm another big fan of Ron Mahovsky's Metalife hard chrome finish. Like the way it looks on your Colt Diamondback.

Thanks bannockburner! I agree, the finish is great! I wish my 999 Sportsman had worn bluing instead of the rare nickel, because I would send it off to get a Metalife hard chrome finish. Great stuff!

 

[dawei]

Toying with the idea of purchasing a .22LR revolver sooner rather than later. I think I'd like an older S&W, but I'm open to all suggestions. Kind of looking for the Marlin 39 of revolvers (classic, quality, and accurate, though I'd sacrifice classic for reduced price).

I'm also a little confused with all the various S&W models, variations, years/owners, pre-model vs model, etc. I realize this could get a little complex, but is there a website with a basic outline? Is the S&W K22 the same thing as the K17; is this the premier .22 revolver? Aren't there some older, cheaper kit guns; how do these compare?

I'm also open to something from H&R, Taurus, Colt, Charter, Ruger, Rossi, etc. if they are quality and accurate. I no longer have much patience for guns that don't work or make it difficult to shoot decent groups. I'd prefer a 4'' blued gun, but I'm definitely willing to go with something else.

Also, how does the 617 compare to the older S&W guns? They have MIM parts, aren't hand-fitted, and don't have that deep blue, correct?

Take a look at this as I got one in 2013. Very well made and highly accurate; plus it has an interchangeable 22 MAG cylinder...
Taurus® Mdl 992B4

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

I have a Model 17-3 (6" K=frame) and a Model 63-5 (3" J-frame).

The K-frame is easy to shoot well. The triggers is worlds better, the sights are excellent, the longer sight picture and heavier weight both help with accuracy. Really hard to find a better .22 DA revolver than the K-22 family. That includes the K-22, Models 17, 18, and 617. I prefer the older blued models with no underlug.

 

[PabloJ]

I would pick Alfa Proj nine-shot revolver with six inch barrel for $300 plus shipping and transfer fees. You're not likely to find quality new gun for less. Alternative would be S&W K-frame clone from Taurus. I have heard good things about them.

 

[larryh1108]

I find great pleasure in this Astra Cadix circa $260.
Accurate, 9 shot and fun.

 

[aarondhgraham]

There are at least two less expensive aternatives than S&W.

Charter Arms Pathfinder.

I own this gun and it's a J-frame equivalent 4" revolver,,,
I had to paint the stainless sight to see it well,,,
But it shoots okay and was just over $325.

Rossi R98.

It comes in 2", 4", and 6" versions,,,
I bought the 4" version for $278 new at Buds.

I like the little J-frame equivalent quite a bit,,,
The action was a bit stiff but is smoothing out with use.

Most of us will agree that S&W or Colt are the best,,,
I own S&W Models 34, 63, and 18,,,
But they were a bit pricey.

I just wanted to post the two 2nd tier guns I have that shoot well.

Aarond

.

 

[tubeshooter]

I can appreciate at least the acknowledgement of the second tier revolvers. It is a benefit to all of us to have the option.



Not everybody can afford to spend five or six hundred dollars just to get a serviceable DA .22 revolver. And for something that fun and versatile - it shouldn't cost that much to get into the game.

 

[zb338]

Buy a K frame Smith & Wesson .22 revolver in
either 6 or 4 inch whichever you prefer and don't
look back. You won't find anything better.

Zeke

 

[4v50 Gary]

Please stay away from Taurus. They can keep their "lifetime" warranty as their revolvers can be very problematic. The transfer bars break all the time and I just hand made a replacement out of tool steel.