Which .22 Revolver would you pick?

[heeler]

A couple of weeks ago my brother and I were shooting at the range and he decided to bring along his wifes 2.5 inch barrel H&R 929 9 shoot revolver. It shot fair but having owned an older H&R model 929 with a 4 inch barrel years ago that was stolen in a home burglary in the mid 1980's,I could always shoot that thing pretty good out to 10 yards or so.
Anyway I kind of started missing that cheap old plinker and thought about buying a clean used one but now have discovered the High Standard R-107 and R-108 revolvers that were built in the same time line as the H&R.
I have never handled one and the used ones I see on the auction sites appear to command a higher price than the H&R's.
They do look a bit more solidly built too.
For those in the know of the two brands in 4 inch barrel length which would you consider and why.
Thanks guys.

 

[HankR]

(Didn't read the entire post -- no comment on the High Standard)


I'm a Ruger fan, and would advise the Ruger SP 101 in .22 LR.

However, I'm one of the few who admit having good luck with the Taurus 94. Mine keeps on ticking, even though the DA trigger pull is still pretty bad. Single action it's fine.

I had to send my Ruger back for light primer strikes, it was failing to touch off about 1 round every other cylinder when fired double action. Single action it was fine. They claim to have adjusted the headspace (?) and it seems fine now. DA pull is better than the Taurus, but other than that I can't fault the Taurus (for a couple hundred less).

 

[heeler]

The Ruger is quite nice but I just want a low cost plinker so that rules out the Ruger,S&W,etc.
I have read so much iffy info on Taurus that I am not sure I want to go down that sort of path.

 

[BullRunBear]

If a single-action is OK, have you considered a Heritage Rough Rider in 22lr? They come in different barrel lengths and a choice of fixed or adjustable sights. Don't have one myself but have heard they are decent plinkers for the price.

Jeff

 

[heeler]

I definitely dont want a single action.

 

[BCRider]

The H&R's and Hi Standards that I've owned or handled don't seem much different in terms of using and trigger pull. They are all quite heavy in DA mode which led me to mostly using them in SA mode. So really for a cheap plinker you can go with either and be just as well off.

None of them can hold a candle to a S&W K frame or the old Colt rimfire revolvers. So if you want to shoot them much and with decent results in DA mode you'll want to think about spending more.

If you simply want the grip feel of the DA gun and will use it in SA mode then the H&R and HS can be decent enough.

 

[tulsamal]

I'm sorry but I can't help myself!

Don't buy cheap guns. If you don't have the money, save until you do. The older I get, the more I value quality over quantity. Buy the good stuff. You will enjoy owning it and it will hold its value.

If I was looking for a plinking .22 revolver, I would probably start looking for a shooter grade K-22. The Model 63 in four inch is a great little stainless gun but it is challenging to shoot well. The larger K frame guns are much easier to shoot.

I have a 1947 K-22 that I bought VERY used for less than $200. The poor thing had slid around under a truck seat its whole life. Externally it was in pitiful condition. But all parts were original and the inside of the barrel was fine. There were some action problems that my gunsmith was able to fix for less than $100. Since it was so totally trashed, I didn't worry about making it pretty. Actually had it parkerized. Like $75. It shoots great. And I have to smile at the five screws, the single line address, and the dog leg hammer. I love vintage S&W's. Very few "affordable" revolvers can compare to the old ones. Some of you other guys can buy the new ones with ILS or fiber optic front sights or even rails. I'll just keep buying and loving the classics.

Gregg

 

[heeler]

Look guys please..I already know the limitations of these OLDER no longer made American built D/A revolvers but I simply have no intentions of spending close to $500 on a Ruger,S&W,Colt,etc.
At that price range I would not even consider a 22 revolver.

 

[icanthitabarn]

I would, and actually want, a HS Mk.1. with sights and 4" barrel. Less than SW / Colt, but quality. Its got looks unlike their other models IMO

 

[Paladin7]

I don't know much about the older H&R revolvers, but do know that that brand was passable but not top of the line...

I'm a fan of the S&W (older) and Ruger Revolvers. I have a S&W Model 18 and a Ruger Super Single Six with the swap cylinder for 22 magnum. Both are absolutely terrific well built firearms that will last a lifetime and then some.

The older S&W Model 18 or 17s are hard to find and expensive. If you find a good one, JUMP ON IT.... It will be well worth the money spent.

The Ruger Super Single Six is easy to find and very reasonably priced for the quality you get. The Ruger Super Single Six is single action which is fine for what you use a .22 Revolver for and you have the option to go with a 22 magnum, which is like having a .22 rifle on your hip.

Wish you the best in your choice...!

 

[CajunBass]

I've got a High-Standard R-106, with a 4" barrel. I picked it up a few weeks ago for less than $175.00. I figured "What'd I have to lose?"



No, it's not "as good" as K-frame Smith, but it's still a lot of fun. It's plenty accurate enough to plink at cans and pine cones. As a matter of fact I had it out back a couple of hours ago walking a soda can around. The D/A trigger isn't as good a Smith & Wesson or a Dan Wesson, but it's not so bad I can't use it. I just shoot it S/A most of the time. The frame is aluminum, the grips are some kind of plastic, the cylinder holds nine shots. You pull the ejector rod out to open the cylinder. The rear sight is adjustable for windage if you want to. It's about the size of a Smith & Wesson K-frame, and fits into the same Uncle Mikes Sidekick holster I bought for a K-Frame Smith & Wesson.

Neat little gun if you can find one.

 

[heeler]

Here we go.
Looks like a good deal Cajun.
Appears clean and probably has a low round count too.

 

[Geddinight]

If price is a factor, look for a used Ruger single six. It will be a fun gun to target shoot with and you could hunt small game with it if you want.

 

[heeler]

Price is a factor,thus the reason I am looking for a utility grade .22 revolver.
I truely do understand that in most instances these stiff trigger double actions will have to be fired in single action mode for best accuracy.
However, I dont like the idea of a revolver firmly stuck in single action mode only.
That's the reason I dont want a single action revolver.
Fwiw,my brother and I had a blast unloading the 9 shot H&R as fast as we could accurately,which was fair for the 2.5 inch barrel at 10 feet.
Anyway,I miss my long lost (stolen!!!) 4 inch barreled H&R 929 and decided to try and find another or possibly learn a bit more about the High Standards too.
I actually replaced a stolen shotgun from that same burglary a couple of summers ago.
It was a utility grade 20 gauge bolt Mossberg 385K.
Neat old shotgun for it's time and I gladly parted with $140 for a super clean replacement.

 

[krupparms]

I have owned both the H.S.& H.R. revolvers. I like the H.S. revolvers a little better than the H.&R. guns. Just had a H.S.taken in robbery! I only had $150 in it but still POed about it. Better than my Taurus or S&W getting taken! So I would go w/ H.S., JMO.

 

[22-rimfire]

I seldom recommend inexpensively made revolvers. I know H&R's, hence I would choose a HR 999 for my low cost plinker. Never owned a High Standard from those days nor have I shot one.

 

[krupparms]

I did pick up a H&R mod.622. a few months back for $90 out the door. A 6 shot, that you have to pull the cylinder pin & take out the cylinder to reload. It has a 6"bl. &is in good shape . Grips are intact &it shoots fine! Not as good as the H.S. Rov. that was taken, but it will do for know!

 

[ridgerunner1965]

the finest i ever had was a 6 inch vent rib break open model.im still kikin my self for sellin it.im a idiot, but i was yung back then.

 

[BCRider]

[QUOTE-heeler]Look guys please....I simply have no intentions of spending close to $500 on a Ruger,S&W,Colt,etc.
At that price range I would not even consider a 22 revolver. [/QUOTE]

Fair enough and that puts a cap on it.

In that case my favourite is my H&R 999 Sportsman top break. It's no better or worse than the other cheaper revolvers. But it has the distinction of being a TOP BREAK! And for me that adds enough of a point of difference from my other guns that it'll not be leaving my collection any time soon. Accuracy wise I can certainly shoot my S&W 17 better.... on a good day Otherwise the 999 isn't a bad plinker.

If you don't care about the top break feature then I'd say buy the first option that comes along that you like the looks of. In that price range they all shoot about the same and all have the same heavy DA trigger.

 

[22-rimfire]

Look guys please..I already know the limitations of these OLDER no longer made American built D/A revolvers but I simply have no intentions of spending close to $500 on a Ruger,S&W,Colt,etc. At that price range I would not even consider a 22 revolver.

My suggestion too... H&R M999 Sportsman. It was considered H&R's top of the line DA 22 revolver at that time.

There is often a disconnect when it comes to value with DA 22 revolvers. I owned a H&R 999 and shot it LOTs. Needed some work (timing) and the gunsmith refused to even work on it. Said basically get yourself a S&W or Colt. I did exactly that, my first Colt Diamondback in 22LR and have never looked back since. It was worth the extra money. But to believe that just because a revolver is a "22" does not make it less expensive to manufacture. It may be the opposite in reality.

All that said, you have your budget. So enjoy your H&R or High Standard. There really is a BIG difference between say a H&R and a S&W DA 22 revolver.

 

[heeler]

It's all and fine IF you bought that Smith or Colt in many days past from today.
But what is being asked for a common plinker in the used market for those Smith's and Colt's today....Well forget it and just go buy something else unless you are a collector or just have money to burn.

A man asks a question about a low rent plinker and everyone wants him to invest in a heavy gold mine.

 

[22-rimfire]

I can understand your sentiments. I think many Colts are valued kind of crazy these days. But I have to admit, I drink that koolaide. I won't even shoot my Diamondbacks any more due to their value and a little voice tells me that is crazy.

My advice is to buy what you can afford for the purpose you have. I saw a really nice S&W M63 (4") about a month ago for $400. You just have to look around and maybe throw in some luck.

H&R Model 999 Sportsman.... it is just what you are looking for and fun to shoot.

 

[Remllez]

Heeler,

I've owned and shot both, still shoot 2 HR's. The D/A triggers are heavy on both but I give the edge to the HR guns. For inexpensive plinking both are good holster guns but the HS guns have alloy frames and are quicker pointing and lighter to carry.

The HS guns have notches machined into the outer edge of the cylinders so you can dry fire them without damage. The HS guns are very stylish in design but didn't hold up as well for me.

The 922 and Sportsman guns were heavier and more durable in my experience and I shot the bejeebers outta HR guns as a kid. Price wise the stylish Sportsman run $400.00 for a nice one which is comparable to the R series HS.

Fast and light or heavier and more durable the choice is yours, I like many others posting in this thread discovered Smith and Wesson model 17's and prefer those for target or vermin control, but I've kept those HR guns all these years for nostalgia sake.