Ruger vs. Smith

[hawk0484]

My sister is looking to get a .22 revolver shortly to plink with. Her other weapon is a model 60 Chief's Special, and she wants a .22 revolver to shoot targets. What she is considering is a Ruger SP101 with a 4 inch barrel, a S&W model 617 with a 4 inch barrel, or a model 317 kit gun with a 3 inch barrel. She asked me what I thought.

I have only a little experience in this. I shot a 617 with a longer barrel last weekend at a Women on Target event. I didn't really care for it because it was too heavy (45 oz, I think) and the trigger pull, double action was nearly impossible. We went to a local gun store and fondled a Ruger in a 3 inch model. No kit guns were available. I am sort of coordinating this for her. She lives about an hour away, but buys here, because we have a place where we can get nice prices.

Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Becky

 

[tech]

I vote for the S&W 617 or maybe a used m-17 or 18. If double action is not an issue how about a Ruger single six? I had one of those that was lots of fun. Give the internet a try if the local shops don't have what you are looking for, 98% of the guns I have, I purchased through some kind of online venue.

Mike

 

[VictorLouis]

My sister is looking to get a .22 revolver shortly to plink with. Her other weapon is a model 60 Chief's Special

IMO, you should help her seek out a discontinued J-frame .22 in all steel, which have been discontinued. Either a stainless M63, or blued M34. They are perfect trainers for the weight and trigger of her M60. While not true 'target' guns, per se, they are more than capable of shotgun hulls and soda cans at the 25yd. line.

Another consideration would be the alloy-steel M43. Essentially the same gun as the others except for an all-alloy frame and cylinder. The lighter weight increases the felt recoil, though it won't be anywhere close to the .38.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i always suggest looking for a colt diamondback when you are looking for the best in a .22lr wheelgun. the colt D-frame is smaller and handier than the smith K-frame.

you might want to take a look at the small tarus .22lr wheelgun (the number escapes me) as it is about the same size as her J-frame and comes with a lifetime warranty

 

[Standing Wolf]

i always suggest looking for a colt diamondback when you are looking for...

Definitely sweet .22s, but growing pricey as Pythons these days. If and/or when I find the one I'm looking for, I'll snap it up in half a heart beat.

 

[Arub]

I don't think she can go wrong with any of the choices. I wouldn't offer up any others as this is her decision and she has apparently put some time and thought into it. Don't start 'educating the silly ole girl' routine. She appears to have a good head on her shoulders, advice should be limited to the choice of the three she is considering.

You could suggest that she go to a shop, or shops, that handle these models and check them for feel. It sounds like she's already taken that step. You could also just reinforce the quality of the three that she has narrowed down her search to and tell her that they are excellent selections and it's truly hard to pick a 'best' - they're all good choices.

 

[AC]

I'm with VictorLouis-get an all steel M63 or M34 in either a 2" or 4" or else get the SP-101.

The aluminum frame S&W 22s (M317s) tend to very heavy trigger pulls for some reason.

My little 2" SP-101 is more accurate than it has any right to be.

If you go to the K frame with a M17 or M617 you will have a longer trigger pull (I mean the distance from the back of the grip and trigger face) which won't make it as good an understudy gun for the J frame M60.

 

[sm]

What VictorLouis said.

I gather this is for additional practice with same platform as carry pc.
If one can find a model 18 , they are great also

 

[mohican]

Whatever she gets should have adjustable sights.

A beginner will be much more successfull if the gun shoots where the sights are, vs learning to compensate + aim.

If its to be a DA .22 revolver, I would say smith so that you can get adjustable sights.

She could learn with a ruger single six or MII/22/45 series of autos. I taught my sister in law to shoot with my 22/45 target pistol and she caught on quickly.