Looking for .22 revolver, ideas?

[FNMatt]

I'm looking for a .22 LR revolver so I can go the range even when my wallet is a little light. Hoping i could find one used for around $200. Does anyone know of any that usually go for around this much? This gun is strictly for plinking, so not wanting to drop a lot of cash on something fancy.

 

[Prosser]

The lowest I would go on the food chain is the Ruger Single Six.

Shop for a used one, and, you might get within 100 bucks of your price.

There are new SA .22 revolvers for around 200 bucks, but, you better do a search to find out about quality etc.

 

[ISO1600]

I'd second Prosser's suggestion, but also add the Ruger Bearcat. The Bearcat is built on a smaller frame, but still fits adult hands quite well. It is a very "cute" little gun that actually does have a nice heavy feel to it.
The Single Six goes for about the same price though, and includes a Magnum cylinder and (usually) better sights.

There are usually some deals to be had on the Heritage Rough Rider revolves, i think Buds has some for under $150. Make sure you read about their fit/finish though.

 

[Wishoot]

I'm looking for a .22 LR revolver so I can go the range even when my wallet is a little light. Hoping i could find one used for around $200. Does anyone know of any that usually go for around this much? This gun is strictly for plinking, so not wanting to drop a lot of cash on something fancy.

Heritage Rough Rider should do just fine. I don't own one, but may just get one very soon. There's definitely a quality difference between the Rough Rider and a Single Six, but if it's just something for occasional plinking, it will serve it's purpose very well.

 

[Vonderek]

Taurus 94

 

[Strykervet]

The Bearcat is a classic.

Whatever you do, do NOT get a S&W 317. I have one that patterns worse than a shotgun. Has a trigger heavier than an FAL.

The best .22 for cheap target work has got to be the MkII, but it is an auto.

 

[Onmilo]

Look for a High Standard Sentinel or Camp Gun or one of the Charter Arms Pathfinders.
Rossi made a very decent J Frame .22 revolver also.
All can be found on the used gun market with a little searching, all will fall in your price range and all will be suitable for your purpose.HTH

 

[jad0110]

I own a pair of 22 revolvers that meet your criteria. I enjoy both of them nearly as much as my far pricier S&W K-22.

My Heritage Rough Rider isn't nicely finished, but it is fine. The trigger is a little stiff and breaks suddenly, with a lot of over travel. But I enjoy it anyway. If I do my part, it is every bit as mechanically accurate as the more expensive Ruger Single Six. And it is cheap enough that I don't feel bad about just giving it a quick wipe down and putting it away. The combo models also come with a .22 Magnum cylinder, much like the Rugers. Mine has it, but I don't recall ever using it. The fact that the action makes 4 clicks like the old Colt 1873 is a cool touch.

The other is a Harrington & Richardson (H&R) 622. This is a DA six shot revolver about the same size as a S&W J frame. These can be found for $100 to $150 used, depending on the condition. The DA trigger on mine is actually quite decent. Certainly not as nice as a S&W K-22, but far, far better a typical Taurus 94. It is reasonably accurate, and actually feels pretty nice in the hand despite it's small size. These guns don't have a swing out cylinder. Instead, you have to remove the cylinder as you would a Single Action like the Heritage or Ruger.

Either would make a nice knock around gun for casual plinking and cheap fun.

Heritage Rough Rider





H&R 622

 

[BCRider]

The H&R Sportsman is a 9 shot break open gun that actually is fairly nice if you ignore the double action and just use it as a single action gun. The DA pull is hellish but the SA trigger isn't all that bad. And it's nice to dump and load 9 rounds at a time.

On the other hand if you want to be thrifty with the ammo the Ruger Single Six or the Heritage Rough Rider will ensure you ease your way through a brick or bulk box of .22 at a nice sedate pace courtesy of the single round at a time loading gate. Don't think I'm being snarky about the SA guns either. I've got an older used SS that I really enjoy. But it DOES slow down the shooting process for sure.

 

[shiftyer1]

I have an H&R also, a model 686. I can't think of one bad thing to say about it. On second thought the sights needed to get tightened once but aside from that no problems. Single action the trigger is alright, I can't comment on the da pull because i've never really shot revolvers double action. I did try recently and tore up the bottom of a soup can with no problem.

I do think the ruger single six is made better but you can find h & r's for half the price

 

[Wishoot]

I've been begging Ruger to come back out with a SA/DA .22 revolver for a long time.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would keep a lookout for a H&R double action revolver (used). That should fill the bill. That is how I started out. They aren't equal to S&W or Colt products, but for the cost they are a good place to get your shooting feet wet.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Jad0110 writes:

The trigger is a little stiff and breaks suddenly, with a lot of over travel.

There are three cheap tricks you can try.

First, "marry" the trigger. Cock the (unloaded) gun and press forward on the hammer with one hand, hard, while you squeeze the trigger with the other. This will smooth up the contact surfaces and often lighten the trigger.

Next, put a bit of Mole Foam (tm) on the trigger guard behind the trigger. Adjust thickness so the trigger comes to a stop just after it releases. You can find Mole Foam in the foot care section of any pharmacy.

Finally, check with Wolff Gunsprings for a set of springs for your Heritage -- Wolff springs are cheap and will often do wonders for a gun.

 

[32 Magnum]

Lots of the older H&R SPORTSMAN revolvers showing up on the internet auction sites. Good solid guns - accuracy ranges from good to exceptional depending upon barrel wear and crown. Nine shooter, auto ejecting, fits your hand like a 'K' frame S&W - prices ranging from $200 to $600. I prefer my Sportsman pieces to the Ruger Single Six. Just my opinion based upon experience.

 

[Strahley]

I bought a used Taurus 94 (9 shot .22LR) from a guy for $200, it has been a great shooter so far. I changed the hammer spring for the Wolff Springs one, and it made a big difference on the trigger pull, and effort to cock the hammer. It hasn't given me any reliability issues