Going to buy a SW .22...Advice

[PhiloebeddoUSA]

Great point about the service issue should there be a problem. I had purchased a Sigma that had a feeding issue. Customer service was great. New slide and it works great.

The internal lock does not bother me too much. I've got a couple of 637 Airweights and haven't had a bit of trouble.

I'm going to pull the trigger on a new 617. I will always keep an eye out for an older K frame if the deal comes around. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[bflobill_69]

They just re-released the model 17 "classic" in 6", but that will be alot more than $400.00

Prolly $850-900 depending upon where you live

Bflobill69

 

[welldoya]

Since you mentioned the Diamondback, don't overlook the Colt Trooper MKlll.
It's a bit heavy but a fine shooting .22. You should be able to get one for around $400.
I bought my S&W 17 in 1975 new for $145. Had to decide between a Diamondback or the 17. Both were the same price.

 

[dispatch]

I guess because I have one and love it- the Model 18 is a sweet revolver. Its a great warm up for before shooting my other K Frames.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

The smith 22,s are really nice revolvers. I sold my 34, 48, 63 and a 1954 pre 17 over the last few months. Still have a 17-3 and a new 1947 pre 17.

nice pistols.

 

[Alimony Bob]

K22 or 317

I've got a K22 6" and a model 317-3. Shot both of them yesterday. I had always wanted a K22 for range shooting mainly because I'm getting a little old and getting beat up by the 357s, 41s and 44s isn't near as much fun as it used to be. In any event I had a 317-3 AirLite, which was only introduced a few years ago, and it really is a very nice shooting pistol and is as accurate as anything I have. One thing that you'll like about the 317 is that it is an 8 shot gun. Not as much stopping to reload as the 6 shot K22. But the K model is one of the most popular guns Smith ever made. And if you wanted to make up a set of a K22 and a K38 it would be neat. Mine is also very easy to shoot but not as easy as the AirLite. My K model is probably a 90% gun and I paid 450 for it. And 400 for the AirLite which was NIB. Probably paid 50 too much for the K but I'd wanted one for so long it didn't matter. If I couldn't have but one of them I'd probably keep the K mainly for nostalgia sake even though overall the 317-3 is a better shooter. Both also have adjustable sights and the 317 has a HV (High Visability) front sight. I don't see how you go wrong with either of them. From an investment standpoint the K will probably appreciate in value more over time particularly if you get a pre 1982 model with a pinned barrell. Have fun. - Bob

 

[wraco]

K-frames are hard to beat

Regards:
Rod

1946 K-22 Target Masterpiece


early 1950's K-22 T/M


early 1970's Model 18 - bought this one new

 

[20nickels]

Whatever you get.....

Get a .375 nylon brush to clean the chambers with. It is necessary. .22 ammo is very dirty. I run one through my 617 and M-17 every 20 to 50 rds depending on ammo.

 

[CajunBass]

I'm a fan of the old blue guns, mostly because I like old blue guns. I got a 17-3 last year, for $495.00 IIRC. It's a sweet-shooting number, and easy on the eyes.



One to look for in the $400.00 range you mentioned is a Dan Wesson 22. Bigger and heavier than the K-22, they or at least mine, are great shooters. I don't have a better picture, but this shows the size next to a Ruger Single-Six, and a Bearcat.

 

[Stainz]

Last year, I sold off my Rugers to fund a few new S&Ws I wanted. It permitted me to purchase, finally, a new 617 (... and the 627 Pro below, too.). Oddly, I only thought of one of the missing Rugers yesterday - - the last DA I had - a 4" .32M SP-101. I like .38s a lot more, so it's absence really isn't that apparent.



I mention my method of firearm funding to illustrate the fact that you can fund a new purchase even on retirement income - it's all a matter of what you really 'want'.

Stainz

 

[jaholder1971]

I'm not too much for a 10 shot piece personally. If I can find a 6 shot K22 or Model 17 for the price of a 10 shot 617 I'm leaning toward the 6 shooter.

 

[tenbears]

Which-ever .22 handgun you get, try to find clean burning ammo for it. Some will cause buld-up in the cylinders that will make reloading and ejection very hard. I lean towards CCI Mini-Mags, plus my revolver likes them, very accurate and clean for rimfire that is.