Which 22 LR Revolver?

[Mr. Designer]

I'm looking to purchase a new 22 LR revolver for practice and would like to get some feedback on which would be my best choice. I narrowed my choice down to three choices; [1] S&W Model 617 [2] Ruger Single Six [3] Taurus Model 94. I like S&Ws but am open to other makers.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I have an older ruger super single six. She shoots .22mag. better than the long rifle. I also have a s & w model 63 (kit gun) and is great for field carry and is reasonably accurate. Never owned a taurus.

 

[Ala Dan]

A S&W 617 would be nice, but so would a regular (used, but not abused)
S&W model 17, 18, 34, or 43~! Models 34 and 43 would be much harder
too come by, as you just don't see 'em that often~!

 

[deputy tom]

I'd buy the one that duplicates the larger bore I wanted to practice for.YMMV.tom.

 

[azredhawk44]

Something I learned after buying my Taurus 94:

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Deputy Tom has a good point too: If you are going to be practicing to augment a centerfire DA revolver, get the Smith. If you are practicing to augment an SAA, get the Ruger.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I would pretty strongly encourage you to save up and go with the 617. Great revolver.

I sold my Single-Six shortly after acquiring a 617. I found the Single-Six to be a limiting gun, with so-so accuracy. My groups picked right up once I started using the S&W, even though it has a 2.5" shorter barrel than the Ruger! I think the S&W's shorter "lock time" (i.e., hammer drop) plays a role in its superior accuracy, but Single-Sixes shooting .22 LR are also haunted by the problem of (frequently) oversize bores, which can impede accuracy as well.

Single-Six is fun, nice looking, and reliable, but in my experience, the S&W 617 is simply a more much serious shooting revolver -- which makes it more fun than the Ruger. Precision is fun. (Also, you can really burn through some ammo with the easy-to-load, 10-shot Smith DA action. When you include time spent stuffing magazines, the 10-shot 617 is actually quicker to load than a comparable .22 autoloader.)

No experience with the Taurus.

 

[Starter52]

For a range gun I'd get the 617. The only drawbacks are the price and the weight. The 617 is a heavy gun to lug around in the field.

For an easier carrying gun the Ruger is my choice.

+1 to no experience with the Taurus.

 

[The Real Wyatt]

I have a Taurus 970 that is fast becoming one of my favorite revolvers. The weight and balance of a big bore with absolutely NO recoil enabling me to concentrate on sight picture and trigger squeeze. Amazingly accurate as well, very tight groups at 50 yards.

I know the 970 wasn't on your list, but it is definitely worth consideraton.

 

[Pine Cone]

I have a 5-screw K22, a 34-1 and a 10-shot 617. The 34-1 is light and small, but doesn't shoot as well as the other two. I love the K22, but don't want to abuse it because it is a classic.

The 617 is a great gun, accurate, fun to shoot, an has that great K-frame trigger. I don't worry about getting it wet or dirty and it is almost as accurate as the K22 even though the barrel is 2" shorter (4 vs 6") Not the cheapest one on the block, but you do get what you pay for with this one!

 

[Eightball]

You said you like Smiths--stick with what you like.

Simple as that. Don't buy something because you can convince yourself it's worth it, buy it because you like it.

 

[colt1911fan]

i love my 94 more than any other .22 revolver i have and it shoots like a dream and i think you cant buy a better one

 

[BryanP]

I own a 4" Taurus 94. In single action it's a perfectly nice little shooter. I rarely shoot it DA as the pull is VERY heavy.

If money had been a bit less tight at the time I would have purchased a S&W 617. I have no plans to replace the Taurus with the Smith (unless a Smoking Deal(tm) comes along), but the Smith is nicer.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would get the action type that best simulates your shooting with larger calibers. As far as Smith vs Taurus, that is your call. As you can see there are satisfied Taurus customers even if there seems to be a higher percentage of lemons with Taurus revolvers (based on forum comments). I would like to get a Taurus 22 revolver in a 4 or 6-inch barrel and shoot it to better make a qualified judgement on them. I don't currently own a Taurus revolver. I do own Colts and Smiths and can say that you would likely be happy with either.