S&w 317 .22lr

[Arthur2001]

I am thinking to buy a S&W 317 .22LR for my wife. This will be her first gun. So what are your though about 317 (i.e. reliability of this caliber, any failure you heard, caliber choice, conceal carry ability and most important any other advice)

my other choices are;

"CZ 92" a 9x19 mm auto-loader

or

"Zvi-Kevin" a 9x17 mm auto-loader

Thanks,

 

[woad_yurt]

I'd ask her opinion first.

 

[jfh]

If you are considering the 317, IMO you should also look at the 63. That's the SS J-Frame .22LR, currently sold in a 5" barrel configuration.

I realize that the 63 does not stack up as a carry gun--but, neither does the 317--or any .22LR, or any caliber below .380ACP. Yes, I understand that any carry gun is better than no gun--but unless you are constrained significantly in your wife's familiarization with firearms and with her skill development, I would NOT try to blend these two needs.

An alternative path might be to simply start her with something like the 442 or 642 and .38 Spl. wadcutter ammunition. Unless she is really dealing with familiarization problems, this would probably be a cheaper way to go.

Most importantly, of course, is to let her make the decision, period.

Jim H.

 

[Baba Louie]

The only down side to the 317 to my mind, for non shooters, is the DA trigger pull (10-12 lb.+) in such a light (11 oz.) weapon, doesn't make for immediate accuracy at anything other than bad breath distances.

Having said that, 8 rds. of .22lr from a snubbie is better than nothing. I like mine, but it is always a fun challenge to slowly fire in DA while keeping the sights on target (a target gun it is not). Once you do get the hang of it, it's a hoot to shoot golf balls at 10 steps distance.

See if you can get spouse to squeeze the trigger a time or two before you spend the dough.

Chances are she'll never need it for S.D., but there are easier weapons to shoot well out there and as her 1st gun it should be FUN to shoot and build her confidence (acccurate) as well as a desire for a bigger, better round for S.D. (IMO)

And as woad yurt said, she might want a part in the decision making process (hint hint).

 

[noskilz]

My 2 cents: If you want to start her on a .22 handgun, get a Ruger or a Browning semi-auto. Easy to shoot. Trigger pull is not a problem. And you can keep loading the magazines while she shoots to her heart's content.

 

[Arthur2001]

Many thanx to All, but my problem I am out US and my choice is very limitted

Thus, my choice would be among S&W 317, CZ 92 and Zvi Kevin...
You know, if she will be decision maker the choice will be "good looking basis"..

Thanks again and waiting for suggestions,

Cheers,

 

[JFrame]

To the OP:

I'm not necessarily endorsing the S&W 317 as a defensive sidearm, but just to answer your question about reliability -- my 317 has never failed to go off after many, MANY rounds of firing. I've never CCW'd it, but as a carry piece, it would be about as light as it gets.

J

 

[dennis228]

Most of us agree that a 22LR handgun is not an ideal self defense weapon. It can wound, it can kill, but experience tells us that the 22 is not a great stopping round unless you get off a very well placed shot to the CNS or heart.

That said, if for reasons stated you have to go with a 317 I would recommend the 3 inch bbl. version called the kit gun. Weighs only an ounce or so more than the snubbie but it is much more accurate with adj. sights and hi-viz front sight, and the 3" bbl. provides better velocity and ME.

A 317 kit gun loaded with for example with 8 40 grain CCI Velocitors, or Aguila Interceptors provides a lot of punch for a little 22. Have her practice a lot. IMO shot placement is the key if you have a 22 in your pocket.

I have a 317 kit gun and its my close by light trail walking gun loaded as above, because its so light handy and easy to carry. The trigger in DA is a bit heavy but it will get better with use. Do not dry fire the 317. Use snap caps.

 

[Arthur2001]

Many thanks for your comments about 317. By the way I would like to correct an error that I made. The CZ 92 is a 6.35mm. auto loader.

We ar looking for a real "snubbie" and unfortunately my choice is limited with short 317 with 1 7/8'' barrel or CZ 92 or Zvi Kevin..

Due to no need of manupulation as auto loaders needs, I am a bit close to 317 out of other 3 choices..

 

[woad_yurt]

If you get the .22, get some solid point Aguila Supermaximums. In 2, 4 and 6 inch barrelled revolvers, they penetrate better than the others; I tested it out. The next best were Velocitors, which went almost but not quite as deep with the six incher.

If your ammo choices are limited, just make sure to use solid points. They get in there better.

 

[Radagast]

Have your wife dry fire the 317 before you purchase it. J frame .22s are known for having stiff springs to ensure ignition of rimfire ammunition. This means a heavy trigger pull.

For a novice shooter who may not be willing / able to become proficient, the revolver is probably the best bet.

 

[Onmilo]

My wife bought me a 3" adjustable sight 317 kit gun about 12 years ago.
It is one of her favorite firearms and she uses it often, much more often than I do I might say.

As for defense use, she killed a very rabid raccoon with 2 shots from the gun.
Good enough for me.