thinking about a 22

[shoff535]

ok, I am kinda sorta thinking about getting another 22 (this would be my first wheel gun 22, got a couple of autos). I haven't decided if I am going to go with a SA or DA yet, so both are up for consideration.
In the SA, I was thinking of buying new (but not necessarily). and the only real contender I know of is the Ruger Single six with say a 5.75" bbl. what are the pros and cons of this and what would be reasonable (or better alternatives)?
In the DA category, I was thinking (of used) and considering an old SW K22 or a Colt. Again, pros or cons?
My primary purpose would be a plinker and an economical/fun practice tool (45lc) gets expensive.
TIA

 

[Ala Dan]

Pros: S&W model 17, 18, 34, 43 (extremely hard too find), and 63. There
are NO cons with these choices. On the flip side of the coin, you can add
the much newer model 617 to the list. I'm just not a big fan of 10-shot
revolvers~!

Very rare, but still out there are the Colt Trooper MK-III and the
Colt Diamondback in .22LR. Also, Colt produced a short run of the
3" Cobra in .22LR. No cons here either, but a bit more pricey~!

 

[supraneurotoxin]

taurus 94. many barrel choices. love mine.

 

[461]

I don't currently own DA .22, I love my Single-Six though. Not only is it accurate and fun but it also gives you the option of the .22Mag which I love except for the price. I have the 5.5" barrel currently but have had a few with the 4 5/8" and personally prefer the 5.5" by a big margin.

 

[shoff535]

Ala Dan

yeah, you hit the nail on the head as far as the SWs are concerned. Hard to find and not cheap. Sadly, I am too old school to really get into the 10 shooters.
But, I didn't think (or know) about the MK-III Troopers (I have one in 357 which I really like) as a 22. I did look at some Diamondbacks, and was amazed how expensive they have gotten. I think if I go DA I would prefer to go Colt, but first I need to get over sticker shock.

 

[shoff535]

supraneurotoxin

I have lived a sheltered life, I have never shot a taurus.. how is their fit/finish workability?

 

[shoff535]

461

the single six....that is the one that first got me thinking along these lines!

I looked at one today, and aside from a heavy trigger pull it it felt, nice, real nice!

Have you ever shot one of the Bisleys?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My Colt Officer's Model Target is the most accurate revolver I've ever owned. You can occasionally find these on line.

 

[461]

I've not shot a Bisley in .22 but I had a .44 Bisley for a while. I liked the grip as I could get my whole hand on it but under heavy recoil it had a habit of smashing my finger so I returned to the standard Blackhawk grip and have no worries.

Obviously a .22LR or .22Mag has no recoil so it would be a non issue although I believe the Bisley is only available as a dedicated .22LR instead of a combo with .22Mag cylinder. Not a big deal to most as most folks don't shoot the magnums much but I really enjoy it so it's a requirement for me. You may find the Bisley more accurate with the .22LR since the bore is probably fitted to the tighter .22lr tolerance.

 

[shoff535]

Actually, not my "first" 22 wheel gun

forgot about this...it doesn't get out much anymore.

High Standard Sentinel Nickel finish, 9 shot 22lr

 

[Blue .45]

I picked up a couple of used .22 revolvers in the past month. I have a Rossi M518 and a Ruger Single Six convertible. Actually, I just brought the ruger home today, so I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. However, I've shot my brother's in the past, so I know they're good guns. The Rossi turned out to be a much better shooter than I expected... at a great price too! There are all kinds of great deals on used .22s. Happy Hunting!

 

[ugaarguy]

Ala Dan covered it pretty well. I'll add that Ruger did make the SP-101 in 22LR for a while. I've no experience with it in .22LR, but based on .38 Special SP-101 I'd definetly buy one in .22LR given the opportunity.

There's also the new S&W 317, which is a handy little airweight J frame; particularly with 3" bbl and Hi-Viz front sight, but it is an 8 shot revolver.

Last, S&W does list on their website the 617 being available as either a 10 shot or 6 shot model.

 

[zoom6zoom]

On the flip side of the coin, you can add
the much newer model 617 to the list. I'm just not a big fan of 10-shot
revolvers~!

The original 617's are six shot. Starting with the -2, it was available with a 10 round alloy cylinder, which did not prove popular. Later versions changed to a stainless cylinder.

 

[borrowedtime69]

my revolver pick

i have shot many .22 LR wheel guns but the Ruger single six with 5.5" BBL is the finest, most accurate that ive ever shot. trigger is smooth and it balances wel. only thing is, i decsided to replace the painted ejector rod housing with a blued steel one made by Ruger. its well worth the money. - Eric

 

[shoff535]

You know, the problem here is how to pick just one!

I like the ruger single six, I like the feel, the balance and the nostalgia of a SA.
However, the ease of reloading a smooth quality DA sure is nice. I looked at one of the auction sites, and the 617s really arent too bad. the Diamondbacks, wow, they sure are a sack of cash...too many choices, too little cash, er, I mean time...

 

[Black Adder LXX]

I got this great model 34 on guns america for $320. I love it. I'm so glad I didn't settle for a taurus.

Here's some listings for Smith and Wesson 22lr revolvers:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Administration/MyLists.aspx?Command=RunSearch&Type=S&ID=59357

 

[Blue .45]

My brother has one of those in stainless. They're great little guns. He also has a S&W, K-frame .22 (can't remember the model) , but it's the nicest shooting .22 I've ever fired.

You know, the problem here is how to pick just one!

You've got that right!

 

[jkomp316]

i just bought a 4" S&W 617 10shot with the stainless cylinder. its very nice. if you dont mind the $599 price tag.

 

[dispatch]

Hey Shoff- the Ruger is as fine a revolver as you can find. If you want to plink and like the single action deal- get it it. You will will never regret it and you'll probably keep it forever. If you must have a double action, be patient and search or a S&W 17 or 18- none better than these.

 

[GunTech]

The Taurus is not even close to a S&W. Fit and finish is barely tolerable, and the action is pretty rough. You can find a K or J frame S&W rimfire on Gunbroker and similar sites for reasonable money.