S&W 63 22lr vs.................

I'd take the 63 every day, and twice on Sunday.

I had a nice 4" 63, I stupidly sold it off...

I also had a 617... with a full-lug 8 3/8" barrel, probably the dumbest pistol I've ever owned. You are right, it was a nice pistol, but completely mismatched for the cartridge. I think the 63 is the perfect balance for the .22LR cartridge.

A K-22 might also work for you. They are also a K-Frame, but without the underlug they feel quite a bit different.

If you can afford the 63, then it's "vs. nothing."

In a lower price class, either the Charter Arms Target Pathfinder or the Taurus 94 (discontinued) would fill the purposes you mentioned but, in the price class you are apparently shopping, the 63 is it.

The Smith 63 is head-and-shoulders nicer than the other two, in my opinion, but both Rugers would likely serve your purposes, too. Two other Smith options to consider might be the 317 and the 43c. They are high-quality light-weight guns that would work well.

BOARHUNTER

I just shot my model 34 for the first time in several years and had forgotten what a nice shooting gun it is. Mine is an old flat latch I bought used for $250 OTD about 15 years ago. I wouldn't take double for it now.

I just looked on GB at model 63 and model 34 prices. I changed my mind. I wouldn't take triple for my model 34.

My 4" model 63 (bottom), purchased used from a friend back in 1980, still makes my short list of the "one handgun I would keep if I could only keep one"...

I hated the trigger on a 317 but the 63s are better. If it is not an objection, the Ruger single action line is not that expensive and fun plinkers.

I know theres lots of hate out there for the rimfire SP, but I like mine.

I wouldnt hesitate to take it out in the brush, either......no way I would do that with either an M17 or 34 ($$$$)!

I'm pretty much a Smith & Wesson guy when it comes to revolvers. The 34 is the same as the 63, but blued.

Model 63's in my part of the world are a bit pricey but they are nice revolvers. I did spring for one.

The S&W Model 317 is a possible alternative. It is in the "AirLite" category and is obscenely light. Mine, with a 3" barrel, shoots well and is accurate once you get used to the light weight.

I do not have a 22RF Ruger SP101 but I have some centerfire models and they shoot well. With Ruger's reputation for reliability, it should be a good alternative to the S&W.

I prefer my 2" model 34 S&W for woods hiking and general trail walking. It is light weight, fits very comfortably in a high ride hip holster, has a great trigger pull, and is surprisingly accurate for a revolver with a short sighting distance. I would not trade or sell this gun for anything.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

....no way I would do that with either an M17 or 34 ($$$$)!

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My old flat latch model 34 while not in beat up shape is not pristine either. I have no problems at all taking it out and doing a trail walk with it. Thats what I bought it for. I'm not gonna save it for someone else to enjoy. I do need to make a holster for it. But I need to go buy more leather first.

I have a 6 shot, 4" 63 and love it. It is one of the guns I will never sell or trade away.

Mr. Tettnanger

Got this Model 34 LNIB for my wife as her first handgun. Only thing it needed was something a bit larger in the way of grips, easily accomplished with a Hogue MonoGrip. The DA trigger on this gun is somewhat heavy but the SA trigger pull is a pure delight!

The gun itself is great for beginners who are not quite comfortable yet with a semi-auto.

I have two 617s, a 6" and a 4" and am very happy with both of them. The Model 63 is next on the revolver purchase list. A 22 snubby will follow that.

Bearcat.

My elderly Combat Masterpiece .22 "pre-18" is The Right Revolver for me.
I had a 4" M34 for a while, but it was just too wobbly. My Mom's 2" Kit gun and Uncle's Pathfinder are heirlooms, not working guns.

I have a Bearcat that has had S&W sights added. It turns out it is very accurate.

I had a 4" model 63 and I have to say in spite of it being the holy grail for a lot of shooters I was not impressed. maybe if it were the 2" gun or maybe if it had a better D/A trigger or maybe if it held more than 6 rounds in its 8 round sized cylinder.....

I am not completely familiar with the Model 63. It looks like it has adjustable sights and comes in a few different barrel lengths. It's a J-frame, IIRC.

I disliked my Ruger LCRx 22lr, which surprised and disappointed me (poor trigger). I haven't like my two SP101's, either (poor triggers). Different strokes for different folks.

If I'm going to have a slamfest anyway, my Taurus Model 94 had an absolutely horrid trigger.

I would would go for the Smith. They are generally my favorite DA revolvers.

If anyone wanted a 2" 22lr snubby with fixed sights, my Charter Arms Pathfinder is actually pretty good. (I'm pretty sure it comes in different barrel lengths, but not so sure about the sights.)

If single action is okay, the three Ruger Single Sixes I've owned have all been excellent.

JERRY said:

I had a 4" model 63 and I have to say in spite of it being the holy grail for a lot of shooters I was not impressed. maybe if it were the 2" gun or maybe if it had a better D/A trigger or maybe if it held more than 6 rounds in its 8 round sized cylinder.....

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S&W did make some Model 63's with 8 shot cylinders and 3" barrels. I'm not sure if they are still in production or not. 3" barreled Model 317 AirLites are still available.

Back in the day, 6 shot revolvers seemed to be the norm and high capacity cylinders are a relatively new item.

The 22/32 kit gun is an iconic revolver which blued Model 34 and stainless Model 63 are. Used versions with short barrels should be available on the used market.

Tallball said:

I am not completely familiar with the Model 63. It looks like it has adjustable sights and comes in a few different barrel lengths. It's a J-frame, IIRC.

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Yes, the Model 63 is a J-frame and even with a 4" barrel, it is fairly compact. But, a 2" barreled version would be quite compact. The blued version, the Model 34, is frequently called the 22/32 kit gun. A 32 caliber sized revolver in 22 rimfire for carrying in your fishing or hunting kit. Of course, the stainless Model 63 would provide some corrosion resistance not offered by the blued Model 34.

Tallball said:

If single action is okay, the three Ruger Single Sixes I've owned have all been excellent.

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Yes, the Single Six is a good 22 rimfire revolver. I have a 22 mag/22RF convertible model.

cfullgraf writes:

...and high capacity cylinders are a relatively new item.

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Oh, No..! Musn't let "high-capacity cylinders" get into the wrong hands..

See if you can find a model 35.