Help me pick a good .22 revo

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Jax

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All,

I am looking for a decent .22lr revolver that I can use when introducing newbies to the sport and general plinking.

I am thinking about something in the 4" to 6" range with good sights, good action, good accuracy and a great trigger. The bbl length is not critical.

Which manufacturers and models should I be looking at?

I'm not going to say that price is no object - but unless it's a Korth or something similar :what:, a hundred bucks here or there aren't going to make much of a difference. I've been using a S&W 41 for my semi-auto intro - I'd like to find something comparable in a revo.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Jax
 
Revolvers comparable to a Model 41 would be any of K-22 family.

Model 17's like this can be found pretty much everywhere in the $300 --> $400 range.

17_4_l.jpg

If you prefer stainlees, a new 617 would make a dandy choice.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
I like the 617 enough to now have two of them-

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Mine are both ten shots and have functioned flawlessly.
But-
An older revolver like a K22 or a Colt Officers Model (if you can find one) will almost surely have a lighter trigger pull and may well be slightly more accurate.
As much as I like my 617's, I am still on the lookout for an older S&W or Colt.
:)
 
The others have it right. I've probably had every flavor (Ruger, Taurus, S&W, etc.) and it's a Smith for sure.

Only (IMHO) possible exception would be a Colt, but they are veryy hard to find around here.
 
While a .22 is a fun gun in it's own right, it is also a great trainer/companion for a larger boomer, and that's the main reason I got mine.

I have and am very happy with my S&W 617. (to go with the .357 686)
But the K frame is too big for any of my women.

So I just bought a 317-3 -- a smaller J-frame w/3" barrel. Turns out to be a super-lightweight with light-gathering front signt, adjustable rear, and a perfect companion to the model 60 J-frame .357.

I LOVE IT!!!!
Fits all, it's Beautiful, nestles in your hand and can be used anywhere for anything.
(You DID say +/- $100 didn't matter, right? Cuz it's a bit pricey.)
 
First off, thanks to everyone for your input.

With all the S&W choices that have been made, I went to the gun show this morning and purchased "The Standard Catalog of S&W" to see if I can figger out what all these model numbers mean.

This is what I've seen so far:

Model 17 - aka K-22 Masterpiece / K Frame / 4", 6", 8" barrel
Model 617 - aka K-22 Masterpiece Stainless / K Frame / 4", 6", 8" barrel / stainless
Model 18 - aka K-22 Combat Masterpiece / K Frame / 4" barrel
Model 317 - aka .22 Airlite / J Frame / 2", 3" barrel

The grip size is a concern as I'll likely have smaller hands to deal with. Thanks for bringing it up.

I'll try to find some info / handle on the Ruger and Colt Officer's Model.

I've also seen the Colt Diamondback and Freedom Arms 97 mentioned in other threads on .22 revolvers. Any additional comments on those?

Thanks again.

Jax
 
I really enjoy .22 revolvers and own several:
I have a S&W 617 with a six inch barrel (6 shot). I own two S&W Model 17s both with 6 inch barrels. A Ruger Single Six in stainless with a 4" barrel. And a Ruger Single Six Bisley with I belive a 6 1/2" barrel, a Ruger Bearcat and probably at least one or two more that escape my mind right now.
I think that if I could only own one, it would be the Ruger Bisley.
 
Might I suggest....

My very first handgun...many years ago. A Colt .22 Diamondback. Really a good trigger and that particular Colt frame is superb for smaller hands. You shoudl be able to find a good user for around $350+ or so. And, it has the class and looks of a Python. I have a S&W Mod 18 also...and a PPK/S in .22. I like all quality .22's. But there is just something about the feel and balance of the Diamondback....
 
No arguements or unwanted interactions meant here. I sold a .22 Diamondback for $600 about 5 months ago. Even .22 Troopers are high. All apparently low production high collector value items. Colt orig. grips are tough to find, so if you pay high bucks for a Colt, put the grips away and get some shooter replacements. I wish I could have kept the Diamondback as it was very pretty. But I used it to finance 2 other S&W .22's
 
Nice thing about the K or J frame S&Ws is the vast amount of aftermarket grips available. My ex wife (5 foot, 110 lbs) really likes the round butt K frame.
 
I sold a .22 Diamondback for $600 about 5 months ago....

YOWW!!! Ok, didn't know they had gone that high!!
 
One other option is the Smith "J" frame M-34 "Kit Gun" and its later ss version of which I don't know the model number. They are 4" J frames that weigh about 25 ounces and are as accurate as the K frames. Kit guns are well proportioned for kids and ladies hands along with being a great woods loafing gun when you take a walk.
 
One other option is the Smith "J" frame M-34 "Kit Gun" and its later ss version of which I don't know the model number. They are 4" J frames
Click to expand...

SS was M-63, they made 2" and 4" barrels. They are long out of production (feel old yet? I do...). Everyone agrees they had great trigger pulls. The question is, how bad are the 317-3 trigger pulls? Has anyone measured theirs? It doesn't do much good to make a training gun for small hands and give it a 20-pound trigger pull! Otherwise, it looks like a great idea... 8 shots, hi-viz sight...
 
I'm going to sell my Neos U22 and.....

Get a Ruger single six in SS for me and the grand kids. I handled one recently at my favorite gun store and can see the grip size and the single action would be ideal for starting youngsters out the right way in the shooting arts.

I would also think that a single action only would be a little safer for new shooters (?)
 
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