.22-caliber revolvers to learn on
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AirForceShooter
Member
depends on what you want to spend. For less than $200 you can ger a NIB Heritage .22 with 2 cylinders, .22 and .22 mag
If you want something you can literally beat the crap out of a
RUGER.
AFS
If you want something you can literally beat the crap out of a
RUGER.
AFS
Sheldon
Member
I can only speak of the S&W 617 as it is the only type I have any experience with. I have the 4" 6-shot model and the 4" 10-shot model. I really like them and they are a great way to cheaply practice my double action shooting. I think the double action revolvers are a little more versatile and practical as they will make your transition to full sized revolvers easier....assuming you get a double action centerfire later. It's a lot nicer to be able to swing open the cylinder and drop all the cases out at once and to reload, than to load/unload the cylinders one at a time as in the single actions.
sm
member
S&W Model 18.*
This K frame revolver allows a new shooter, to focus on safety, manual of Arms, sight aquistion, trigger skills , with less percieved recoil with affordable ammunition.
From the Model 18 then one can easily transition to a 4" Model 10*, also a K frame revolver, with the same manual of arms, therefore safe , comfortable advancement of shooting skills can be learned with light .38spl target loads.
Gun fit to shooter is easy to do with a Model 10 by varying the stocks. As the student progresses, heavier loads can be used. The Model 10 also is availble in 3" and 'snubby' models for CCW.
If a student should get into a shooting rut, develops a bad habit, or just needs to shoot for less monies - the Model 18 allows them to get back to basics in an affordable manner to get back on track.
---
I am not a proponent of a shooter learning with a J frame .38spl. That said -
Smaller hands:
J frame .22 revolver* mirrors the above attributes of the Model 18.
Longer barreled ones of course best, for various reasons including, not limited to sight radius , heft and gun balance.
Kids, teenagers, small hands on ladies and gents , and let us not forget the elderly. Learning the correct basic fundamentals of safety and shooting.
1) These folks can transiton to a) Model 10 with Speer Plastic Bullets*, b) really light target loads c) J frame with Speer Plastic Bullets*, d) J frame with light target loads.
2) For the advanced shooter that does CCW or shoot a J frame, the .22 in a J frame again allows them to shoot with less percieved recoil, for less monies, allowing for quality live fire practice that transitions to using the .38spl J frame
---
I am more familar with S&W, however Colt offers the same ideas - a .22 revolver that mirrors a .38spl version.
Applying the ideas of shooting a .22 rifle in the same platform as the centerfire one uses.*
---
Other good choices, though some do not have centerfire counterparts:
Double Action:
Ruger*
H&R 999 break top*
High Standard Sentinel*
Single Action:
Ruger Bearcat.*
Granted the SA is distracting, and not MY first choice in teaching a new shooter. I am a HUGE believer in a shooter that learns to shoot a DA Revolver , DA only, will be a better shooter no matter what they may choose to transition to later.
The Bearcat fits smaller hands, really well! Larger Hands also fit really well!
This gun is often a kids first gift bought by parents, adults upon the child being born, sentimental and special.
Also used to practice by folks using SAA guns for a variety of reasons - from hunting to CAS - again the .22 used to match the centerfire.
*What I have used, do use and recommend - and have experience with in teaching new shooters, shooters that have not shot in some time, folks that have undergone sickness , injuries, or having to start all over due to physical impairments.
Speer Plastic Training Components :
http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=3&s2=8
Steve
This K frame revolver allows a new shooter, to focus on safety, manual of Arms, sight aquistion, trigger skills , with less percieved recoil with affordable ammunition.
From the Model 18 then one can easily transition to a 4" Model 10*, also a K frame revolver, with the same manual of arms, therefore safe , comfortable advancement of shooting skills can be learned with light .38spl target loads.
Gun fit to shooter is easy to do with a Model 10 by varying the stocks. As the student progresses, heavier loads can be used. The Model 10 also is availble in 3" and 'snubby' models for CCW.
If a student should get into a shooting rut, develops a bad habit, or just needs to shoot for less monies - the Model 18 allows them to get back to basics in an affordable manner to get back on track.
---
I am not a proponent of a shooter learning with a J frame .38spl. That said -
Smaller hands:
J frame .22 revolver* mirrors the above attributes of the Model 18.
Longer barreled ones of course best, for various reasons including, not limited to sight radius , heft and gun balance.
Kids, teenagers, small hands on ladies and gents , and let us not forget the elderly. Learning the correct basic fundamentals of safety and shooting.
1) These folks can transiton to a) Model 10 with Speer Plastic Bullets*, b) really light target loads c) J frame with Speer Plastic Bullets*, d) J frame with light target loads.
2) For the advanced shooter that does CCW or shoot a J frame, the .22 in a J frame again allows them to shoot with less percieved recoil, for less monies, allowing for quality live fire practice that transitions to using the .38spl J frame
---
I am more familar with S&W, however Colt offers the same ideas - a .22 revolver that mirrors a .38spl version.
Applying the ideas of shooting a .22 rifle in the same platform as the centerfire one uses.*
---
Other good choices, though some do not have centerfire counterparts:
Double Action:
Ruger*
H&R 999 break top*
High Standard Sentinel*
Single Action:
Ruger Bearcat.*
Granted the SA is distracting, and not MY first choice in teaching a new shooter. I am a HUGE believer in a shooter that learns to shoot a DA Revolver , DA only, will be a better shooter no matter what they may choose to transition to later.
The Bearcat fits smaller hands, really well! Larger Hands also fit really well!
This gun is often a kids first gift bought by parents, adults upon the child being born, sentimental and special.
Also used to practice by folks using SAA guns for a variety of reasons - from hunting to CAS - again the .22 used to match the centerfire.
*What I have used, do use and recommend - and have experience with in teaching new shooters, shooters that have not shot in some time, folks that have undergone sickness , injuries, or having to start all over due to physical impairments.
Speer Plastic Training Components :
http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=3&s2=8
Steve
Vern Humphrey
Member
You can, but you won't be happy with it.
Scan these forums and you'll also see lots of complaints about Taurus, too -- which makes Smith and Wesson the only game in town for new, quality double-action .22 revolvers. For single-action, there is Ruger.
Deanimator
Member
S&W Model 17 K-22. Nothing better.
If the shooter wants to improve -
A cheap gun is good for somebody who just wants to "try" shooting and probably won't continue. Not much else and a dedicated shooter will get quickly frustrated with its limitations.
For a gun that will not frustrate a person with accuracy that cannot measure up the the shooter's growing skill, the only game in town is either a S&W K-22 or the Colt Diamondback or other Colt .22 revo, built on a full sized frame. They are pricier, yes, but worth it.
A cheap gun is good for somebody who just wants to "try" shooting and probably won't continue. Not much else and a dedicated shooter will get quickly frustrated with its limitations.
For a gun that will not frustrate a person with accuracy that cannot measure up the the shooter's growing skill, the only game in town is either a S&W K-22 or the Colt Diamondback or other Colt .22 revo, built on a full sized frame. They are pricier, yes, but worth it.
Seancass
Member
whats wrong with these guns? they area a seemingly good alternative for those of us that dont have $400-800 to spend on a .22 revolver. even rugers are expensive compared to these.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
For kids and folks with small hands I recommend a S&W 34(4") or 35(6"), Both are a J frame S&Ws and are smaller that a fullsize revolver. If every kid in the USA had access to one of these, or a 1st series Colt woodsman, we would not have a problem with blissninnies eroding our 2nd amendment. For good shooting and larger hands a K frame is better.
What is wrong with a Heritage, It cost $200. I bought a "inexpensive" CHEAP Sears bolt action when I was a teen and if I had bought the Marlin 39 Mountie like I should have I would not have taken a 15 year hiatus from shooting. Yes a Heritage will get somebody shooting but that is all. They do not have a good enough trigger to get better and with the MIM they just will not last. A used Ruger can be found for around $200, I paid $185 for mine.
What is wrong with a Heritage, It cost $200. I bought a "inexpensive" CHEAP Sears bolt action when I was a teen and if I had bought the Marlin 39 Mountie like I should have I would not have taken a 15 year hiatus from shooting. Yes a Heritage will get somebody shooting but that is all. They do not have a good enough trigger to get better and with the MIM they just will not last. A used Ruger can be found for around $200, I paid $185 for mine.
XavierBreath
Member
I assume you mean new and available at a decent price and durable enough to keep the buyer from pitching it in the trash in disgust after six or seven range trips. You probably mean accurate enough to tell if your aim was off as well.
If that is the case, I want to know too! There are no contenders that I know of, thus, I recommend the Ruger MKII or Browning Buckmark. Ruger still makes the Bearcat. I really wish there was a new, reliable and accurate DA revolver to fill that role.
If that is the case, I want to know too! There are no contenders that I know of, thus, I recommend the Ruger MKII or Browning Buckmark. Ruger still makes the Bearcat. I really wish there was a new, reliable and accurate DA revolver to fill that role.
Just_a_dude_with_a_gun
Member
My Dad's bearcat was a pleasure to fire for me, years ago.
Tigerseye
Member
Give serious consideration to the Taurus .22 revolver. It is light weight, has good sights, and is inexpensive. Taurus gives a liftime warranty with their guns.
One of these is a rental gun at a local range and they have little or no problem with it.
Tigerseye
One of these is a rental gun at a local range and they have little or no problem with it.
Tigerseye
nero45acp
Member
Taught my son to shoot with a Ruger Bearcat and S&W 63. Of the two, we both prefer the 63.
nero
nero
ChristopherG
Member
Man, that is exactly right. My view of the Taurus is dismal because its double action trigger has been abysmal in every instance I've seen. It's a functional single action, to me--which is not entirely a bad thing for a brand new shooter.
For something to recommend as SOP, you do probly want new and readily available. I think a Single-six (which is an actual person-sized gun, as opposed to the Bearcat) would be about the best thing going in affordable, new production. I mean, the 617 is the real deal, but what are they getting for those new--5 bills? It's a shame S&W doesn't put something like the 17 or 18 (though in stainless) back in production, in an inexpensive version aimed at introducing shooters to the joy of the wheel.
Starting on a Single six would obviously leave double-action learning for later, when they graduate to a GP100 or 620/686; but it's going to teach a lot about sight control and accuracy, and its design encourages/enforces slow, safe practices. Heck of a lot better starter gun than a rattle-em-off MkII, and able to do almost everything just as well.
For absolute novices...I have two favorites. A Ruger Single Six is a great training/plinking gun. Single actions are my choice when showing someone how to shoot for the first time, simply because there's less that can go wrong, and they're easy to clean.
Then you can swap cylinders, move up to the 22wmr, and they get a little more noise, microscopically more recoil.
Then, if [when] they like it so far, I switch to a Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm/38 convertible. Same progression, move from lowest recoil to highest. I've had complete novices tell me that they thought the 357 mag would be much more painful than it turned out to be...
It's a super system to get people incrementally used to firing different calibers, with a relatively inexpensive set of guns, readily available ammo...and they aren't "skill limiters." You could spend a lifetime getting better with these same guns. It opens the door to CAS events, hunting, marksmanship, and a great jumping off point to other types of guns.
Then you can swap cylinders, move up to the 22wmr, and they get a little more noise, microscopically more recoil.
Then, if [when] they like it so far, I switch to a Ruger Blackhawk 357/9mm/38 convertible. Same progression, move from lowest recoil to highest. I've had complete novices tell me that they thought the 357 mag would be much more painful than it turned out to be...
It's a super system to get people incrementally used to firing different calibers, with a relatively inexpensive set of guns, readily available ammo...and they aren't "skill limiters." You could spend a lifetime getting better with these same guns. It opens the door to CAS events, hunting, marksmanship, and a great jumping off point to other types of guns.
Vern Humphrey
Member
In reference to Heritage revolvers, I'm tempted to say, "buy one and try it." But I won't.
Spend $400 on a Ruger, and you'll enjoy that gun for the rest of your life and pass it on to your kids and grandkids.
Spend $200 on a Heritage, and it will sour you on shooting.
sm
member
XavierBreath wrote:
Short Version : Not any.
Ruger Comes close - still quality revolvers are more expensive than semi-autos.
OLDer Used is the way to go - period.
Quite frankly and my personal opionion - older guns of better metallurgy, craftmanship, proven quality design and built in a time when quality meant more than quanity - Just Better guns - Period!
Folks asked for and received " we want it for less money - and we want it yesterday" - deserve the offerings out there today...and not just firearms.
Tulsa Guns shows : folks were Quick to snatch up .22 Revolvers like the Model 18 34 and Kit guns by Smith. Ditto for Colt offerings, the H&R 999 and High Standard Sentinel.
-Also buying the Older Semi auto .22s as well, Ruger MKI, MKII, High Standard , Don't blame them - New guns are for marketing and bean counters- not for shooting.
I would upset Art's Grammaw something fierce sharing my thoughts and experience on Ruger MKIII 's , including the 22/45, and that stupid idiotic load indicator - I sure hope Volquartsen gets aftermarket parts out for these...then again I am pushing OLDER .22 wheel gun and semis - and ONLY recommend Buckmarks for new guns...
[I thought a Neos was bad...well it is...still never measured trigger pull by tonage weight of vehicle with a winch to pull a trigger...]
For Folks buying skill and targets - old guns are crap, go buy the newest latest - greatest touted bling bling.
For folks I like and care about, teaching, passing forward - buy old guns.
Model 18s in Tulsa this past April - the 3 I was able to find, all sold within one hour of show opening. I heard of others already picked up...these were being held while buyers shopped. Prices from $350 - $ 385.
Allow me to restate that again. Within hours of the show opening, OLDer revolvers in .22, and centerfire, were bought, this was one of the 'hot tickets' to buy. Folks will not buy the new crap, or they tried it, sold it, and want the proven older stuff.
Ditto for Semi-auto handguns, and shotguns...
One dealer had sold 5 .22 wheelguns to one guy, grandkids, buying for grandkids to teach.
If I have teach with a centerfire Revolver - Speer Training bullets, then really light target loads.
I will NOT teach a new student with a bad gun - it is not fair to the student, and goes totally against MY principles and ethics.
s
Short Version : Not any.
Ruger Comes close - still quality revolvers are more expensive than semi-autos.
OLDer Used is the way to go - period.
Quite frankly and my personal opionion - older guns of better metallurgy, craftmanship, proven quality design and built in a time when quality meant more than quanity - Just Better guns - Period!
Folks asked for and received " we want it for less money - and we want it yesterday" - deserve the offerings out there today...and not just firearms.
Tulsa Guns shows : folks were Quick to snatch up .22 Revolvers like the Model 18 34 and Kit guns by Smith. Ditto for Colt offerings, the H&R 999 and High Standard Sentinel.
-Also buying the Older Semi auto .22s as well, Ruger MKI, MKII, High Standard , Don't blame them - New guns are for marketing and bean counters- not for shooting.
I would upset Art's Grammaw something fierce sharing my thoughts and experience on Ruger MKIII 's , including the 22/45, and that stupid idiotic load indicator - I sure hope Volquartsen gets aftermarket parts out for these...then again I am pushing OLDER .22 wheel gun and semis - and ONLY recommend Buckmarks for new guns...
[I thought a Neos was bad...well it is...still never measured trigger pull by tonage weight of vehicle with a winch to pull a trigger...]
For Folks buying skill and targets - old guns are crap, go buy the newest latest - greatest touted bling bling.
For folks I like and care about, teaching, passing forward - buy old guns.
Model 18s in Tulsa this past April - the 3 I was able to find, all sold within one hour of show opening. I heard of others already picked up...these were being held while buyers shopped. Prices from $350 - $ 385.
Allow me to restate that again. Within hours of the show opening, OLDer revolvers in .22, and centerfire, were bought, this was one of the 'hot tickets' to buy. Folks will not buy the new crap, or they tried it, sold it, and want the proven older stuff.
Ditto for Semi-auto handguns, and shotguns...
One dealer had sold 5 .22 wheelguns to one guy, grandkids, buying for grandkids to teach.
If I have teach with a centerfire Revolver - Speer Training bullets, then really light target loads.
I will NOT teach a new student with a bad gun - it is not fair to the student, and goes totally against MY principles and ethics.
s
borrowedtime69
Member
my picks...
for a single action six gun: RUGER SINGLE SIX with 5.5" barrel in either blued or stainless
for a Double actio/single action: TAURUS TRACKER 970. With the replacment Hogue grip.
if you want more info, PM me, good luck! -Eric
for a single action six gun: RUGER SINGLE SIX with 5.5" barrel in either blued or stainless
for a Double actio/single action: TAURUS TRACKER 970. With the replacment Hogue grip.
if you want more info, PM me, good luck! -Eric
22-rimfire
Member
Currently available (ie manufactured) 22 revolvers include the S&W 617 and Taurus 94B. Never shot a Taurus. But the Smith is recommended in a 4 or 6" barrel for a first revolver. Also the Ruger Bearcat or Single Six are good to learn on if you like single actions. If you want a small light weight revolver, I would guess a Smith 317 or the Taurus would be appropriate, but small is not the answer to learn on. The revolver needs to "feel" like a real gun and not a toy.
From the past, there are many great examples of 22 revolvers to learn to shoot with: The best would include the S&W K-22; and the Colt Diamondback, Trooper Mark III, Officers Model Match, and New Frontier.
If I were an instructor, I would keep a 4" Diamondback, 6" K-22, 4" or 6" S&W 617, 4 or 6" Trooper Mark III, and a Ruger Single Six on hand to teach people shooting with a 22 revolver. The H&R revolvers may be candidates also.
From the past, there are many great examples of 22 revolvers to learn to shoot with: The best would include the S&W K-22; and the Colt Diamondback, Trooper Mark III, Officers Model Match, and New Frontier.
If I were an instructor, I would keep a 4" Diamondback, 6" K-22, 4" or 6" S&W 617, 4 or 6" Trooper Mark III, and a Ruger Single Six on hand to teach people shooting with a 22 revolver. The H&R revolvers may be candidates also.
XavierBreath
Member
I'll just put out a thought....Many people think the smaller caliber .22 should cost less than a larger caliber. They willingly pay $500+ fot the latest .357 hogleg, but refuse to give $500 for a K-22 can killer that they will shoot much more frequently. This way of thinking is pure fallacy.
Today, quality .22 revolvers such as the K-22 command premium prices because they are worth that on the market. I searched for two years to find a K-22 in my price range. I finally did find one, but not before I passed up quite a few K-22's in the $500+ range, purchased a .22 Trooper III, and kicked myself in the tail, and I'm a pretty fluent gun trader.
K-22's are not plentiful, but they are indeed worth the money. The problem is finding one for sale at a price you will afford at the time you want the gun.
Today, quality .22 revolvers such as the K-22 command premium prices because they are worth that on the market. I searched for two years to find a K-22 in my price range. I finally did find one, but not before I passed up quite a few K-22's in the $500+ range, purchased a .22 Trooper III, and kicked myself in the tail, and I'm a pretty fluent gun trader.
K-22's are not plentiful, but they are indeed worth the money. The problem is finding one for sale at a price you will afford at the time you want the gun.
dracphelan
Member
In Defense of Heritage Arms 22
My wife bought one and really loves it. We have had no problems with it. And, we have taught her mom to shoot using it.
My wife bought one and really loves it. We have had no problems with it. And, we have taught her mom to shoot using it.
I am a Smith and Wesson revolver fan so I am biased towards that makers guns but Ruger also offers a decent little double action .22 revolver called the SP101.
They aren't easy to find and they are nearly as expensive as the Smiths but the quality is there and the ones sold in the shop I work for never seem to find their way back as trade ins.
That tells me the people who buy them like them enough to keep them and we have a pretty loyal customer base so I doubt they are dumping the guns somewhere else.
I own an early Model 17 and an Airweight 317 revolver from S&W.
Both are expensive and well worth the money spent if you are really looking for a high quality .22 revolver.
Smith and Wesson is getting somewhat cheap and sucky on most of their centerfire line but the rimfires are still top notch guns.
They aren't easy to find and they are nearly as expensive as the Smiths but the quality is there and the ones sold in the shop I work for never seem to find their way back as trade ins.
That tells me the people who buy them like them enough to keep them and we have a pretty loyal customer base so I doubt they are dumping the guns somewhere else.
I own an early Model 17 and an Airweight 317 revolver from S&W.
Both are expensive and well worth the money spent if you are really looking for a high quality .22 revolver.
Smith and Wesson is getting somewhat cheap and sucky on most of their centerfire line but the rimfires are still top notch guns.
Xavier ~
Your first post was right on the nose. Absolutely agree with you (& others) about older guns, but am looking for specific picks to suggest for my website readers. I'll tell 'em about older guns, but should have at least a couple new ones on the list too.
sm ~
Agreed about the Neos trigger!
However, triggers are fixable, with good gunsmithing. The overall look of the gun is very appealing to the visual minded types, and to younger shooters especially. And did you notice how much easier it is to clean a Neos than a Mark II or III? (Personally, I think the disassembly/reassembly system for the Mark II was designed by and for a three-handed chimpanzee, but I could be wrong ...)
Thanks muchly for the help, everyone. Keep 'em coming!
pax
Your first post was right on the nose. Absolutely agree with you (& others) about older guns, but am looking for specific picks to suggest for my website readers. I'll tell 'em about older guns, but should have at least a couple new ones on the list too.
sm ~
Agreed about the Neos trigger!
However, triggers are fixable, with good gunsmithing. The overall look of the gun is very appealing to the visual minded types, and to younger shooters especially. And did you notice how much easier it is to clean a Neos than a Mark II or III? (Personally, I think the disassembly/reassembly system for the Mark II was designed by and for a three-handed chimpanzee, but I could be wrong ...)
Thanks muchly for the help, everyone. Keep 'em coming!
pax
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