Searching for the perfect 22 revolver, need your help

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nfl3k2

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Well, perfect for me anyway :). I currently own only one 22 revolver, a Heritage Rough Rider that my parents bought for me a few Christmases ago. As you know it's nothing fancy, but I love it for what it is and I'll have it forever. I find myself needing more from my revolver. I have more funds than I did a few years ago when I got in to shooting, and now I'm seeking the perfect .22 revolver. I need a gun with the following (ordered most to least important):

1. Less than $600
2. Double Action, ejector rod removes all empties at once
3. 6+ inch barrel
4. Fiber optic sights
5. Stainless

In my research I've found some that come close. The Ruger Single Ten comes close but; the barrel is a little shorter than 6", and I believe it's single action only which is a deal breaker. The Taurus 991 comes closer but I can't find any with fiber optic sights. The Smith and Wesson 617 is out of my $600 price range and also does not have fiber optic sights. Based on the research I've done, the Taurus 991 makes the most sense. I have some questions...

Can fiber optic sights be added to the Taurus 991 and if so, which make/model do you recommend?

Is there another gun out there that meets my requirements that I've overlooked?

Thanks for your help.
 
If you insist on it being stainless there really is only one option for a lifetime purchase. And that is the S&W 617. Taurus might have the stainless 94 but it doesn't come with the silky smooth DA S&W trigger. So it's doomed to be the bridesmaid and not the bride whatever you do to it.

If you insist on a fiber front sight then have one installed to replace the simple ramp style.

Of course depending on your shopping ability and possible lack of patience to find a "deal" the final price might be a little over your $600 top end. But I'd say suck it up and pay the piper. It will still be cheaper than buying some other gun and eventually selling it for less and having to buy a 617 anyway to get what you really want.

Since you put the need for stainless at the bottom of the list it opens up the door to finding a nice older blued S&W 17 or K22. Or possibly even a Colt Officer's Match. But given what seems to be a growing problem of finding smiths that can work well with Colt DA revolvers it's probably best to stick with S&W. A used S&W K frame .22 should be able to be found for under your $600 target. And as before if you really can't live without a fiber front sight try having the plastic insert fitted to the blade or even have a smith cut off and install a proper fiber front sight.
 
I would choose the new Ruger SP-101 before the Taurus. But that is me. Neither are "perfect". There was a thread about a problematic S&W M63, and it just sort of haunts me since I want a 3" a lot. I have a 5" and like it a lot.

Here are some other ones to think about....

Not sure what you are going to use it for, but your barrel length being "6"+" makes me think that maybe you'd like a 8 3/8" M17. Of course there were no stainless ones.

The "perfect" DA 22 revolver..... for me it's the 4" Colt Diamondback (still is frankly) with the Officers Model Match (6") coming in a close second. But neither is under $600 anymore.

You might take a look at the Colt Trooper Mark III which was made in 4", 6", and 8" barrel lengths in 22LR, 22 WMR, and 357 mag. They are fine 22 revolvers, but a little heavy for some. No stainless however. This is a much better revolver than the Taurus.
 
Up your spending limit - you'll be investing in a lifetime of fun - buy a 617 - 6", if you must. Here is my 4" 617 equipped with a HiViz #SW617 fiber optic sight, Ahrends retro target grips in cocobolo, and with a DS-10 speedloader and 6 x 10 loading plate.

IMG_3904.jpg

Get the revolver first - add the goodies as you break it in. Consider your needs - the 4" is a great plinker. The thought with the 6" barrel is that it yields a longer sight radius - promotes better bullseye results. That would be true if a mor precise sight, like a gold beaded Patridge sight, was used. The fiber optic sight is not a precise bullseye sight, making the longer barrel choice less important. Something to consider!

Another choice - and closer to your limit - is a new 3" 63, SKU #162634. It comes with an orange HiViz standard - great plinker - and fair-good DA trigger right out of the box. I put some S&W '60 Pro' grips on mine, as I did on my older 5" 63. Here are my 63s and 4" 617 for size comparison:

IMG_4604.jpg

Good luck!

Stainz
 
I was able to pick up a 4" 617-6 and 6" 617-0 both for right at $600 in the last few weeks. They are all they were advertised to be. Well, the 4" was $625, but it came with a bunch of extras.
 
I agree it is never a mistake to buy the S&W you want.
Even if you have to live on Ramon Noddles for a while to make up the extra few bucks.

The S&W 617 will serve you well for the rest of your life.

And you will soon forget the little extra money it cost over something you didn't want in the first place.

rc
 
You said revolver, but...you might want to consider a Ruger Mark II or Mark III semi-auto with the 5 1/2 inch bull barrel. Stainless and you can easily install a couple different options of fiber optic sights. It would be within your most important consideration of $600. I'm basically a revolver guy but would not trade my Mark II for a .22 revolver. I almost traded it for an S&W Model 63 about twenty five years ago. I still have my Mark II. :D
 
I have a Smith model 17 (blue) as well as several other 22 revolvers. I agree that it's worth it to look for a used 617 or spend the extra money on the new one; it simply outclasses everything else in the catagory in which you're looking.

Without knowing your purpose in wanting a revolver, I would also expand on tguil's recommendation that you consider the Ruger autos; the mkIII 6 7/8" Hunter is stainless, comes with fiber optic sights, has accuracy close to many dedicated target guns, and can be had under $600. It also looks pretty BA.
 
As stated, the closest you will get to your criteria is to get a 6" model 617 and have a fiber optic front sight put on.

This will probably end up being somewhat over $600. Buying one new plus having the work done will be closer to $800.


I've had to "spend and modify" on a .22 revolver myself. My advice; go ahead and make it how you want it. You'll be happier in the end.
 
1. Less than $600
Click to expand...

The S&W Model 617 meets all of your requirements but this one. I own two S&W k-frame 22lr revolvers and they're outstanding. But they're both blued, not stainless; Model 17 and Model 18.
 
Get your self a Dan Wesson. Then you can have one that you can change the barrels from 2in to 4 6 8 this way you can have 4 guns in one. GOOD LUCK
 
I have to agree that the 6" S&W Model 617 comes closest to your requirements, except cost. Honestly, I much prefer the 4" M617. Treat this purchase as a long time "investment" in a fine functioning firearm which will last you a lifetime ++.

There is also a 5" S&W M63 that you might consider that you can still find since they were discontinued. I feel it tops both the Ruger or Taurus 22's. It has a smaller frame than the M617.
 
take your time and shop.

An old K22 is about as good as you can do...

although I just bought a Colt Officer's that I am waiting to arrive...it might match or beat it.
 
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