Revolver or Semi-auto?

[5ptdeerhunter]

My dad has always wanted a .22lr revolver. He liked watching the western movies so he wants a revoler, and he wants a plinking caliber like .22lr. I would like him to get some kind of caliber that has a little more power. And he just found out that a revolver like he wants is about $500, and he can get a semi-auto for $250. I am wondering if anyone has had some real enjoyment with a .22lr revolver or a different caliber that is cheap to shoot without reloading? Or would a semi-auto be more fun?

 

[Jason Demond]

If he is going for nostalgia, no semi-auto will fit the bill. From you're post, I take it he is interested in single action guns. Ruger makes a lot of single action revolvers.
http://66.152.254.150/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=10

Gauge/Caliber: 22 LR
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Finish: Blued
Stock/Grip: Rosewood
Barrel Length: 4"
Rear Sight: Fixed
Safety: Transfer Bar
Suggested Retail Price: $ 379.00
Miscellaneous: Bear and Cougar Rollmarked Cylinder

http://66.152.254.150/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=19

Gauge/Caliber: 357 Magnum
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Finish: Color Case Blued
Stock/Grip: Rosewood
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Rear Sight: Fixed
Safety: Transfer Bar
Suggested Retail Price: $ 535.00
Miscellaneous: N/A

 

[Jason Demond]

All can be had cheaper, if you shop around.

The Ruger Bearcat seems like the best bet. If in the future your Father wants something bigger, there are a lot of guns out there built on a simular platform.


http://www.auctionarms.com/search/SearchResults.cfm

 

[Old Fuff]

In a context of field shooting, “plinking†and other informal target shooting a single-action revolver, such as a Ruger Single Six (New Model) has an advantage in that it can be carried with the cylinder fully loaded, while most .22 automatics should be carried with the chamber empty. The Ruger can also be found with an extra cylinder chambered in .22 WRM while automatics usually shoot only the .22 LR cartridge. On the negative side the revolver is more expensive. If your dad really, truly wants a “Western Six-Shooter†style gun I’d look for a good, used Ruger. They can often be found in the $175.00 to $250.00 range.

 

[ruger357]

Another vote for the Bearcat.

 

[BigJake_old]

I'm gona say the same as ol' fluff, the single six is an awesome plinker. the more you shoot em the nicer they get. the .22 wmr is a blessing too, gives it a whole bunch more giddyap

 

[Bullet Bob]

Ruger choice

I bet I'm near the same age as your dad, and our eyes appreciate the better, adjustable sights of the Single Six over the narrow fixed sights of the Bearcat. The Bearcat is so small, it is also harder to shoot well with than the Single Six.

Of course, a good clean used model 17 Smith & Wesson is the best revolver choice for actual shooting, but if your dad wants western, go Single-Six.

 

[Blackhawk]

My dad has always wanted a .22lr revolver.

And just why doesn't that statement completely settle the issue?

Make him happy with what he's always wanted, and enthusiastically support his choice.

He may not have gotten one long ago because of you. Don't risk history repeating itself!

 

[10-Ring]

Totally agree w/ Blackhawk! If the revo is what your dad has wanted, that should be theanser to the question.
I have both & routinely and thoroughly enjoy both. Your best bet is to shop around until your dad finds the right deal for the gun he wants Or, you could help subsidize the purchase, after all, he is your father

 

[CWL]

He's your FATHER! Get him what he wants!

Remember that he used to change your diapers! It's the least that you could do for him.

 

[caz223]

A vote for the single six convertible, with extra .22 mag cylinder.

 

[Smoke]

The Ruger Single six with 22lr and 22wmr cylindars was the first handgun I ever bought for myself. I still love this gun.

I bought it used in stainless for $185.

Look around, you'll find one.

 

[justice4all]

Ditto re: Single Six, with 22wmr cylinder.

 

[Nick96]

Ruger Single Six. Accurate to way out there. Cheap to shoot .22LR's, but the added umph pf .22 Mag if wanted. Go with at least a 6" barrel - that'll make those pop cans dance at 25 yards.

 

[DMK]

Big thumbs up for the Single Six here! Got a bunch of Semi 22's also, but that little rimfire wheelgun makes me feel just like Clint Eastwood, especially when I team it up with my Marlin lever action.

 

[461]

Single Six or Bearcat. You can't go wrong with either one. I've got both and love them dearly. I actually bought the Bearcat for my daughter, but I shoot it lots more than she does.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Heck Ruger even makes the Bearcat in Stainless now.

 

[rugerfreak]

Last time I looked a stainless Single-Six was $399----OUCH!!!!

Considering I only paid $159 for my blued one a few years back.

 

[happy old sailor]

Ruger single-six is a dandy, keep it forever, revolver. had one, gave it to a son that just loved it.

if price is an object, look at the Heritage Arms single action. saw one recently with two cylinders, fiber front sight, six inch or so bbl, pretty grips, and all for (on sale) 169.99. tag on it said that Gun Test had named it a best buy. it is also the only revolver i ever saw with a thumb safety. kinda wish i had bought it. it was very nice for an inexpensive gun.