Recommendations - .22 DA/DA wheelgun for training

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Amish_Bill

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It's time to look for something that i've never touched before - a double action .22 wheelgun. This will be for instruction of newbies, so light weight will be a concern. A decent DA trigger pull would be good to. If possible, I'd like to keep it as inexpensive as I can, so used is a most viable option.

Any ideas what make/model might fit?
 
I'd get one like the bigbore you want to train for. I've got a S&W 4" model 17. My bigbores are 4" smiths. A model 18 would have worked, too. If you plan on using a 686 you might want to get a 617.

GunsAmerica has quite a few here.


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Model 19 .357 on top.
Model 17 .22 on the bottom.
 
I'm not planning to train up to a specific model or caliber. This would be a first timer's training revolver. It may get some time as a fun gun too, but that would be secondary.
 
I just bought an S&W 317 with 3" barrel a couple of weeks ago and the thing is a literal tack driver. Some have complained of heavy DA trigger pull on their 317s, but mine is actually lighter than my 642. Everyone that has shot it has been amazed at its weight, ease of use and accuracy. Its an airweight J-frame in the 10-12 ounce weight range without ammo.

My second pick would be an S&W 17/617 as swampdog recommended. They are supremely easy to shoot accurately and have almost no felt recoil at all. But they are quite a bit heavier than the 3" 317.
 
My un-educated ramblings seem to have narrowed down a little. Something in 4", either a 617, 63 or 317. (would like to see what the kick on the 317 is like)

Now, to come up with both an available & attractively priced gun and the funding for same... :rolleyes:
 
Bill,

I've never seen a 317 in 4", but they may have made them at some point in the past. Somebody with more knowledge than me will have to address that.

My 317 gives the sensation of recoil and a tiny bit of muzzle lift when shooting CCI Maxi-mags. Both are very mild, but similar to a larger caliber. The 617 has virtually no recoil or muzzle lift with its much greater weight. I have never shot a 63 so no comment on that model.
 
I guess a shorter 317 might do. I just want something that's as non-threatening and non-difficult as possible.
 
Trained quite a few people with my M18 Smith. as a matter of fact the Border Patrol Academy used them for preliminary training back in the 70s. Have also used the old M34 Smith Kit gun in 4" but they are almost too light as they float around a lot. The M18 is steadier.

No good quality DA .22 revolver will be inexpensive, though. But neither is there any point in owning a poor quality one.
 
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