Small double action .22 magnum revolvers

[michael48]

I have wanted a .22 magnum snubbie for many years. Have decided to take the plunge. I cannot afford a Smith and don't want to buy a used gun. Could tell you horror stories about doing that. My choices are the Charter Arms Pathfinder or the Taurus 941. Both have 2" barrels. No, I don't want a used S&W 38, or a compact semi auto. Thought I'd get that out of the way as it always seems to pop into the conversation. What I would like is reviews of first hand experience or issues owners have had. I am not unfamiliar with the .22 magnum as I currently carry a couple NAA .22 magnum mini revolvers. Love them things. Use ankle holsters. Very comfortable. Anyway, got off topic, I really want a small .22 magnum 6-8 shot revolver. I realize both Taurus and Charter Arms have had issues in the past but I believe both are getting better. Thanks.

 

[Hunter2678]

22 mag for deep concealment has been popping in my head alot lately...I wish ruger had brought out one in their LCR line this year...id be all over it.

 

[MCgunner]

DA of Taurus rimfires is a bit stiff, nature of the beast, but they're accurate weapons. Personally, I prefer my NAA Black Widow, amazingly accurate for a tiny little 10 ounce gun and folds up in its grip like a little pocket knife. The grip will unfold in my pocket for rapid deployment. I carry it muzzle down in a Blackhawk pocket holster, same one I carry my Taurus M85UL in. It's great for uber concealment, but I'm not real keen on .22 mag if I don't need deep concealment. .38 or 9x19 is far better and not that tough to pocket all day. I never pay that little ultralite much attention all day and it's in my pocket whenever I have pants on.

I've started carrying the new Hornady Personal Defense in .22 mag. I don't know if it's magic, but I figure I need any magic it might give me in THAT caliber if I'm to depend on it to stop a BG. It's mostly a Sunday go to meetin' gun.

I have no experience with Charter and would pick a Taurus any day over a Charter at any rate as I didn't much like the little .38 I had 25 years ago. Taurus builds a quality product regardless of what all the net hatred would leave you to believe.

 

[Rmart30]

I have 2 of the current 94/941 Taurus models. Other than the stiff DA trigger pull I like mine and have had no problems. I prefer the looks of the taurus over the Charter.

 

[Lawdawg45]

I was in this quandary over Christmas with my wife, she had asked for a .22 mag revolver. The S&W was double the price of the Charter Arms, and the Taurus had adjustable sights on it, so it wasn't a good choice for purse carry. I bought the Charter off of Gallery or Guns for under $350 and she loved it. Trigger was a bit rough, but that will smooth out with time.

LD

 

[gpr]

i too, just bought the wife a charter arms ....it seems to be a hit or miss with taurus.... so far so good.....gary

 

[Old Fuff]

I was always interested in the fact that Bill Jordan, who didn't lack experience, advocated the lightweight S&W J-frame's in .22 Magnum for back-up or off-duty carry. This of course could drive some of our more tactical/armchair experts up a wall. "Well," he told me, "you're likely to use it up close and personal, and you do have to be able to shoot straight," He was good at doing that.

One thing some don't like is the heavier double-action trigger pull, but don't lighten it by switching springs because you risk mis-fires. Ignition is more difficult in rim-fire cases.

I don't know if they still have any, but at www.cdnnsports.com they were selling .22 Taurus snubbies at a considerable reduced price.

 

[billdeserthills]

The main drawback on the Taurus seems to be the trigger, which is rather stiff. The Charter has a smoother trigger, but will only hold 6 rounds...

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

I just picked up a Taurus 94 (LR)with a 5". Its a great shooter, trigger in DA is heavy, but am considering a trigger shoe to cut down on the perceived weight.

Its super accurate, have 100 minimags or so out of it, and can say I'm loving it thus far...

Grips are a little small, only complaint really, but one in 22 mag in an ultralight would prolly be a great little carry gun.

I'm not sure ballistics wise if 22 mag is that much better over a 22lr with stingers or the like...

 

[gbran]

I have the 941, 4" barrel (also have a Single Six in 22wmr).

I've had it for 10 years and it has been rock solid. BTW, I'm not a Taurus fan.
It has a less than desirable double action trigger, but in single action mode, it is super. 22wmr is pretty dirty and the Taurus 941 needs cleaning every few cylinders or it gets sticky. More so than my Ruger. Maybe due to different tolerances?

Bottom line? I'm happy with mine.

[/IMG]

 

[Deaf Smith]

I'd like to see Ruger make their LCR, which they make in .22 lr, in .22 magnum.

Deaf

 

[Old Fuff]

I'd like to see Ruger make their LCR, which they make in .22 lr, in .22 magnum.

You probably will, as most of the designing is done and tooling is in place. Give them time to get the .22 L.R. version settled in and some production time open and available.

Maybe, just maybe - at NRA convention time.

 

[icanthitabarn]

Who knows if the OP will even show up, but here is my pic. I think the Mr. Fuff is right and hope he likes the photo. These show up way out there?

 

[Certaindeaf]

^
High Standard?

 

[click clack]

I had a 94 and hated it. The internal lock would randomly engage, the sight flew off the first time at the range,and I did not find it accurate at all. No more Taurus for me .. Is one of your NAAs the Pug? If not I would get that or save up for the http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../11745/Smith+&+Wesson+351PD+.22+Mag+Centenial

 

[icanthitabarn]

Yes, mk lV made 1974-6 in nickle. Its like a bank vault, I mean tight not the money

 

[chicharrones]

I had a 94 and hated it. The internal lock would randomly engage . . .

I have to say, yours is the first account I've heard of the hammer mounted Taurus lock ever failing. You actually saw it pop out during firing and had to turn it back in with the Taurus key?