Invest in quality .22?

[Thlax]

For my 21st (another thread) I think I'm going with a 357 of sorts in some SW when that comes around..

However after selling off some extra gadgets I've come into some money and want to get a quality SW .22 in the mean time. Does anyone have any comments to which one they have or prefer? Pictures are greatly appreciated!

If you have something else you'd put above a SW, please share as well!

Thanks,
D

 

[orionengnr]

M18 if you like 4" K-frames.
M17 if you prefer a 6" barrel.

I have owned one of each, and still have the M18, only because all of my revolvers are 4" (I carry them).

 

[WNC Seabee]

There is no finer .22 revolver available than a K22/Model 17. Find a good older one, hold your breath and pay the $5-600 that it will set you back. You will not be disappointed.

My 17-1

 

[Rembrandt]

Dittos to the S&W K22

 

[S&Wfan]

Ditto on a K-22 or a slightly newer Model 17. If you can't find one, a pre-2002 six shot Model 617 would be my distant third choice.

 

[RidgwayCO]

Even though the M617 is a K frame and the M686 is an L frame, I find that my M617-4 4" (39 oz, ten shots) is an excellent "cheap practice" stand-in for my 4" M686-5 Plus (40 oz, seven shots). YMMV.

 

[CajunBass]

Well, I'm another Model 17 fan (I don't have an 18...yet), but if you want an alternative that is CLOSE...real close, it's a Dan Wesson 22. It loses out only because it's bigger and heavier than a Model 17.



Usually less expensive than a S&W, also.

 

[ArkieVol]

Another vote for a classic K22 / model 17

Mint 1953 K22 and a 1958 Model 17 shooter...



...or a more modern 617. However, I had to send it back to S&W before I fired the first shot. Brand new, locked up right out of the box. FWIW...

 

[owlhoot]

As noted the models 17 and 18 are wonderful revolvers, but the model 34 with a 4" barrel is akso a real sweetie if you fancy something a little smaller than a K frame.

 

[rainbowbob]

It is becoming redundant - but I'll put in one more vote for the model 17. I recently acquired my fiirst one and it couldn't be sweeter. A real pleasure in fit and finish and feel.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Where's that horse, I wanna beat it too.
The 17 & 18 Smith & Wesson's are wonderful shooters.
I was looking for a short barrel 617 when this model 18 came into the shop.
I settled for this model 18 (or so I thought). This little guy is a dream to shoot and I'm glad I got it. I enjoy it more than my 17.



Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[dnovo]

Without denigrating the S&W (and I own several wonderful vintage Smith 22s) a Colt Diamondback in 22 is a superb choice as well. Bank vault build quality, great action and trigger. Often overlooked by collectors, but the finest post WW2 22 they made. Dave

 

[MrBorland]

I've come into some money and want to get a quality SW .22 in the mean time. Does anyone have any comments to which one they have or prefer? Pictures are greatly appreciated!

I have a 4" 10-shot S&W 617 and a vintage 6" K-22 and can recommend them both. As far as their "quality", the nod for fit and finish goes to the K-22, but with a 4" barrel, 10 shots and accuracy at least as good as the K-22, the nod for overall versatility to the 617.

617 accuracy; 10 yards, double action, unsupported


617 accuracy; 15 yards, double action, unsupported

If you have something else you'd put above a SW, please share as well!

Freedom Arms. It's one of the few guns I'd consider buying even though I don't have much need for it. If they ever make a DA revolver, I'd be first in line.

Or how 'bout a tuned & customized S&W .22LR? As good as they are, few S&Ws can't be improved with some tuning, and there are a number of excellent revolver gunsmiths who can bring out their potential. And there are even a few who's documented work could also increase it's long-term value. Bowen comes to mind first.

 

[WNC Seabee]

As noted the models 17 and 18 are wonderful revolvers, but the model 34 with a 4" barrel is akso a real sweetie if you fancy something a little smaller than a K frame.

Yes! While I posted a pic of my M17 earlier in the thread, I do love my M34 as well!

I really need to take a better picture...

 

[Ala Dan]

Tackle Box Gun

I will put a plug in for the Smith & Wesson model 34 as well; but with a
square butt, and 2" barrel. Works wonders on snakes and other critters~!

 

[22-rimfire]

You used the word "invest", so I would interpret that you want something that is both a sound purchase and will hold its value and a great 22 revolver. You didn't say if you intend to shoot it, but I will assume that you plan to.

I think the best choice for a high quality 22 revolver TODAY that you intend to shoot and want to keep would be the Smith & Wesson Model 18 (4") or Model 17 (6"). There are some M17's that are 4" guns that were made after the M18 was discontinued.

Nothing wrong with the Model 34"s.

For pure investment purposes (aka not for shooting), a nickel Colt Diamondback in 22 would be my choice. For a more speculative investment I would choose a nickel Colt Trooper Mark III. Essentially you go for low production variations of popular Colt 22 revolvers.

For current production, I would choose a 4" Smith Model 617. If you prefer something smaller, I would go with the 3" Smith Model 63.

 

[robctwo]

4" 617



M18

 

[raveneap]

For double action 22's, I really like my SW Model 617 and for a few bucks less, my 63.

 

[Radagast]

Model 17 or Model 18. I have the 18 and love it. I'm not a fan of the 617, at least with the six inch barrel as the balance isn't right for me.

 

[Starter52]

The S&W Model 17 is a great gun, but don't neglect the Colt Officers Model Match .22 revolver. It was the M17's main competition back when folks still used .22 revolver for bullseye matches. The OMM is built on the Python frame and is a better target gun than the lighter costlier Diamondback.

 

[dnovo]

We disagree on the Diamondback/OMM accuracy comment. I have both and find the Diamindback to be a bit more accurate. Saying that, however, the OMM is also an outstanding gun. Dave

 

[joed]

I've owned both a S&W 17 and 18. As much as I liked the 17 I sold it and kept the 18. I just like the 4" barrel better.

Now, I also own a Colt OMM from 1930 which is the first year they offered it in a .22 rf. This one will shoot circles around any S&W .22 I have. Sorry, no pictures of my S&W's, but here's one of the Colt.

 

[ms6852]

If I was going to drop a load of money it would be this particular 22 rimfire revolver.

http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/12-22.asp

 

[porterdog]

FWIW, there are a steady stream of Pre-17's on Gunbroker. I recently bought a pre-18 and it's just... stellar.

 

[MIgunguy]

FWIW, there are a steady stream of Pre-17's on Gunbroker.
LOL, I just got one today... impulse purchase from a nearby seller. Glad I did. My 70's era 18 is (was) the best 22 revolver I have, and was just OK, nothing great IMO. The pre-17? WOW Now I see why the serious collectors go for the older guns and shun the newer ones.