Ok, I give, I'll get a .22 for my first handgun

[neededausername]

Okay I give in. I'm going to get a .22 for my first handgun. I had posted this

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=345606

Planning on getting a .357, but you guys and my wife(who won her division in the Arizona state championships at age 11 with a .22 ruger) have convinced me to get a .22. I'll learn to shoot first, then I'll get what I want. My wife hasn't shot much since she was a kid, but like me she would love to be shooting.

Here's what I need to know, what would be a good .22 revolver, has to be American made, that I can pick up relatively cheap. I'm thinking used and around $300.00. Any articles you can link to would be very helpful.

Thanks

 

[JCMAG]

I feel for ya, chief.

I recently bought my first handgun, a K-22 Masterpiece. Now, I went and ripped myself off (1948 S&W K-22s go for the price I paid all the time that I have seen, but the grips weren't original, etc. ... so a good 50 dollar idiot tax).

The common consensus is, overwhelmingly, that Smith & Wesson K-22, Model 17, or Model 617s are the best shooting 22 caliber revolvers in the land.

They can be had from 300 - 1,200 dollars, depending on what you're looking for in the gun (I insisted on 5-screw and I paid for it).

I've seen later model 17s in fine, fine shape go for around 350$ on places like gunbroker.com and gunsamerica.com.

Personally, I don't have a big problem with spending a little extra money on my first revolver (considering I'm a younger fellow paying my way through college, money is a factor). The way I see it, people look back on their first handgun and smile fondly. I intend to look back on it and grin.

I hope that helps. I'm sure better educated gentlemen will be more than happy to give you advice.

 

[Pilot]

The Ruger Single Six is a nice .22 revolver in that price range and it can convert to .22 magnum with a cylinder swap which is included.

Why aren't you considering a .22 auto like a Ruger MK II/III or Browning Buckmark?

 

[NGIB]

Using the $300 as an upper limit will almost make you go with a single action "cowboy" type revolver. In the last couple of months (ammo prices?) the price on quality DA .22s has went up fast. I have yet to see a Model 17 for less than $400 in any kind of shooting shape.

You specified American made so I won't mention a Taurus 94 which can be a good choice (I have a good one). The only other I know of is a Charter Pathfinder but with their terrible reputation, not sure I'd go that way. Good luck in your search and be patient...

 

[BryanP]

The Ruger Single Six is a very nice revolver if single action is your thing. You could also go for a used S&W 17 or 18. If you prefer new S&W has the 617. Taurus has the 94 double action .22lr revolver as well which will be a bit more affordable. I own a 94 and it's not bad, but the DA trigger pull is awfully long and heavy.

 

[Redhawk1]

I say look on the used gun market and get a Ruger or S&W revolver.

 

[Marshall]

First of all, I wouldn't start out with a .22. I would suggest starting out with a .38 Special. A Model 10 or Model 64 would be the perfect first handgun. They're soft shooting but yet a real caliber. Not that the .22 is a toy, it's not, but you'll feel like you don't have a real gun, sorta.

I learned how to shoot hanguns with a .44 Mag Ruger Redhawk. This stuff about having to star of with a .22 is bunk. Granted, I don't recommend everyone start with a 44 Mag, I had been around shotguns and rifles my whole life so guns weren't a new thing to me, neither was recoil. There's no rule that says you have to go from pellet gun to rimfire to centerfire. Heck, if you're brand new to guns, start with a pellet handgun, they're much cheaper and give you good training.

Actually, if money is an issue and you want to get the most bang for the buck, I would buy a .357 mag revolver and shoot .38's out of it until you feel comfortable going the magnum round. Kind of two guns in one.

If you do start with a .22, I would suggest looking into good used revolvers but they're probably going to be fairly expensive.

Good luck.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

.22 is a great starter gun but so is a .357 if you use 38spl and not high power .357 defensive loads to train. There's nothing wrong with learning to shoot with a .38spl.

As for good .22 there are plenty. if you like SAA and like a small gun you can try the Cimarron P jr. If you don't mind a used gun pick up a Ruger MkII or a Hamerli Trailside. Just get something accurate cause as you get better you'll be frustrated with an inaccurate gun.


Shoot safe.

 

[Ala Dan]

Of course, the "Holy Grail" of .22 caliber revolvers are, in NO particular order:

Smith & Wesson

models 17, 18, and 34 [with models 35, 43, and 63 trailing behind]

Colt

Frontier Scout, Diamondback, Trooper, (and rare 3" Cobra trailing behind)

Ruger

Single-Six convertible (single-action only) is rated at the top, with this
company's Bearcat not far behind.

*FootNote: S&W's model 18 "Combat Masterpiece" .22LR is a 4" weapon
built on S&W's K-frame with adjustable rear sight ; that is highly sought
after by collectors and shooter's alike~!

 

[Rover 'n Rugers]

I agree with the above. First, is to get a gun one can look back fondly upon. The .22LR has the advantage if one does not reload of cheap ammo. To become a good shot requires practice. The small frame revolvers such as a J frame or SP-101 have less leverage so all other things being equal will have a heavier double action trigger pull. Also, the medium frame such as a Model 17 or 18 Smith will have a weight roughly equivalent to the .357 models so one can become accustomed to it better and the weight will help steady the gun when shooting better. The Colts are good guns but the Diamondback in particular will cost about what 2 17s or 18s will cost probably. Aside from the medium frame Colts and Smiths there is the Dan Wesson 22 if you can find one which is a medium frame and the small frame Smith J frames and Ruger SP-101 double action. The Ruger does not have a FULLY adjustable rear sight (windage only).

 

[flip180]

I can't freakin believe this. I woke up this AM, read this thread, dropped my kids off at day care and went straight over to my local gun store and bought a stainless 6-1/2 inch Ruger Single Six convertable with black grips for 433.00 NIB OTD.

Flip.

 

[Marshall]

Well OK. Congrats on your new hangun! Everyone needs a .22 anyway. Now you have one. So go buy a bunch of bricks and shoot the fire out of it.

 

[flip180]

I've always been on the fence about getting a Single Six but needed an extra shove. I have my Grandfather's old .22 single action that was made in germany by EAA Corp. Even though it's mine and such, it doesn't feel like it's mine because I inherited it. I had a 22/45 in the past but sold it because I didn't like it too much. I wanted to get a single action of my own like my Grandfather's, if that makes any sense?

Flip.

 

[Lucky Strike]

I just got a Single Six convertible....haven't had the chance to shoot it yet though which is a shame.

Originally i ordered a Taurus Tracker in .22 but after being on backorder for 3 months i said screw taurus and used the money I put down on the Tracker to get the Single Six. Looking back I'm glad things worked out this way.

 

[foghornl]

I like my Single-Six A LOT


Waaaayyyy up on the "Fun Gun" list. I do have the 4-5/8" fixed-sight version (50th Year model), so not the best for long-range shooting or small-game hunting, but still FUN! Also have a MKII autoloader...another Fun Gun

Now, NeedAUserName & Flip180, time to go buy a few truckloads of ammo, and try to wear them Single-Sixes out...I'm wagering you can't.

 

[Ala Dan]

I'm with my friend foghornl, in his bet on the Ruger Single-Six'es~!

Many times a good ole' .22 LR caliber revolver will grow on you; and first
thing you know, you will want more than one.

 

[Neophyte1]

Single Six

Ruger Single Six and best value for your money

 

[BlkHawk73]

First, good going in choosing the .22 instead of going the "cool" route for a bigger one to start with.
Now...what to get...easy. Ruger Single Six. Will easy last a lifetime and then some.

 

[kennedy]

My first revolver was a high standard 9 shot, bought brand new in 1973, still have it and shot over 5000 rd thru it, still can be bought used for $200