Looking for new 22LR handgun to add to collection

[y2k600f4]

I currently have a Ruger MKII govt target Bull 6 7/8" blued pistol that I use for target/plinking/small game and as a trail gun while trout fishing (NC law max caliber and must be less than 7") I really like how it shoots although slightly bigger than I'd like for a "trail gun" anyway I am considering another pistol for the same purposes. I was considering the Taurus 94SS4 or 94SS5 (stainless) that runs for around $330 (4" or 5", 6 shot 22LR only SA/DA) or the blued version for around $300.

However I have tossed around getting a Ruger Super Single Six 22/22 Magnum Revolver With 5.5" or 6.5" Barrel either stainless or blued. It has lower capacity than the Taurus but I get the versatility of the 22 Magnum, also it is SA only. I have seen the 5.5" stainless for around $395 +tx. Any opinions on what I should go with for my needs ? Thanks..

 

[CajunBass]

I like the Single-Six and the Bearcat for what you're talking about (or for most anything else with a 22 pistol). I probably carry the Bearcat more, becase it's smaller and lighter than the SS, but either will do.

I was actually looking at the Taurus one day with the idea of buying one. Then I noticed the Bearcat and remembed wanting one years ago but had never gotten one. The Taurus went back in the case, and the Bearcat went home with me.

Pictures are in another thread right now about the Single-Six.

 

[y2k600f4]

Thanks CajunBass, actually leaning towards the Single Six but trying to decide on SS/Blue 5.5" or 6.5".

Buds has the 5.5" SS for $445 delivered, my local gun shop wants $395 +tx (425) (blues is ~400 at buds and $375 local)

Anybody have any suggestions on 5.5" vs 6.5" ?

 

[CajunBass]

I always check Buds gunshop to get a ballpark idea what a new gun would cost. You have to figure a local dealer isn't going to match their price, but you'll have something to go on.

I'd try to find a used one if I could. You can't hurt one unless you take a hammer to it. Not too long ago, I found a really nice 5.5 inch three screw for $250.00. Just as good as a new one, except for a few "character marks."

 

[Old Shooter]

For a trail gun I'd go 5.5" blue.

Yeah, stainless is supposed to be better in the elements but guns are sujpposed to be blue!

Your choice though.

 

[thunder173]

+1 to Old Shooter....

I have the 5.5 in blue,..never regretted the purchase. I too use the magnum cylinder more than the LR,..but,..the LR also has the options of longs, shorts, and cb's......

And yep,.."guns are s'pose to be blued...." but stainless does make sense in a wet environment.

 

[y2k600f4]

Thanks ! Most of my handguns are blued and probably will go with the blue, but was liking the idea of stainless in a wet environment. Going to take a look today see what is in stock

 

[TexMexSu]

I got a 5.5 Single Six blue a few months ago.

I actually like shooting our MKIII better and I am a revolver guy!

If I had it to do all over I would spend the extra $$ and get the S&W 617 .22LR revolver that I wanted in the first place.

Not that there is anything wrong with the SS it's just that I didn't want to spend $700,00 on a .22 revolver at that point.

I don't recall ever reading anything too bad about a Single Six either..........

 

[searcher451]

+1 on the Ruger Bearcat. It's the first gun I owned/bought myself, and I still have it and take it to the range from time to time. I've also added three companions to the Bearcat family through the years, including a stainless model and the anniversary model that Ruger came out with a couple of years ago. The quality and craftsmanship of the early Bearcats especially is certainly something to consider for a collection.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wanted to buy a .22 revolver a while ago and it was a 5.5" Single Six I was looking for. Well, a old Single-Six came along that was in outstanding condition for a price of only $200 so I overlooked the fact it had a 4" barrel instead of a 5.5" barrel. It's a great shooter and I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[BCRider]

No argument about the Single Six being a nice gun... BUT! Look at a S&W Model 34,317 or 63 as well. Double action hand ejector models that are based on the smaller J frame. Seriously fun guns to shoot that can be reloaded much faster than a SA gun.

 

[bluetopper]

delete

 

[Quoheleth]

Ruger's stainless steel is good stuff. If you think it'll be used regularly in wet climates, it'll hold up very well. Yeah, it still needs to be cleaned but it resists rust better than others.

Q

 

[aka108]

If you have the bucks, look around for a Colt Service Model Ace.

 

[Mr. Happy]

I just got a Smith & Wesson 317 Airweight 8 round, 3" barrel. Had my gunsmith do a trigger job. It's not quite as accurate as my Ruger 6 7/8 Mark II Target with red dot sight, but I wanted a revolver. Expensive, but it only hurts once. When my mom comes to visit, she'll have no problem firing it.

 

[Random Discharge]

Single Six, Stainless, 5.5"

Single Six, because it is an easier to shoot full size platform than the bearcat.

Stainless, because you want to knock around outdoors with it.

5.5", because it is the minimum legal barrel length for taking small game with 22 LR in NC, and you will undoubtedly encounter situations where you might want to do that. Any longer, and you will be back to toting around that too big 6 7/8 government model.