.22 choices

[Quoheleth]

I'm thinking about returning a .22 revolver to my safe. I had a Smith model 17 a few years ago and loved it. It was a great shooter, smooth trigger, and the 6" barrel gave tremendous accuracy. Unfortunately, the Smiths are out of my price range. I'm looking around $500 for a new-to-me gun.

I'm looking at Ruger's offerings: the SP101 and GP100. I know both are heavy-for-size. I love the GP100 and have a Clapp model as a carry gun.

Anyone have one of these guns? What do you think of them? Any other options to consider out there in DA revolvers, besides the LCR?

Thanks
Q

 

[NC-Mike]

I'm thinking about returning a .22 revolver to my safe. I had a Smith model 17 a few years ago and loved it. It was a great shooter, smooth trigger, and the 6" barrel gave tremendous accuracy. Unfortunately, the Smiths are out of my price range. I'm looking around $500 for a new-to-me gun.

I'm looking at Ruger's offerings: the SP101 and GP100. I know both are heavy-for-size. I love the GP100 and have a Clapp model as a carry gun.

Anyone have one of these guns? What do you think of them? Any other options to consider out there in DA revolvers, besides the LCR?

Thanks
Q

If you want a beautiful 22 revolver, take a look at a H&R Sportsman. They are on Gunbroker pretty steady. I took one look and was hooked. They shoot as good as they look.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you are thinking correctly about Ruger being your most cost efficient DA 22 revolver offering new. Both the GP and SP are well made (as you know), but both will have heavy triggers. I'd keep my eyes open for a used S&W M63 (old 4") that should be around $500. I know what you mean about pricing on DA 22 revolvers like Colt and S&W. Real good stuff, but you pay for it.

Other to consider. The H&R 999 Sportsman was mentioned. It was my very first handgun that I purchased when I was a lot younger. Most people like them, but I didn't care much for mine after seeing the difference in quality between Colt and S&W and the H&R. The 999 was Harrington & Richardson's top of the line model.

Other options are the Charter Arms Pathfinder and I believe there is a Rossi DA 22 revolver that was recently made. Again, these won't likely be as well made as the Rugers or obviously the S&W product.

 

[tubeshooter]

I have the SP101. I don't find the trigger objectionable, but some people feel it could be (a lot) better.

I got it for an all-around .22 revolver and I am not disappointed. It is fairly heavy, though. From a weight perspective, you almost might as well just get one of the vaunted K-Frame Smiths.


I got mine a few years ago. They are a lot easier to find around nowadays, but the prices I have seen are closer to $600 than $500 around my way.

 

[joneb]

I recently purchased a H&R 929 with 6" barrel on gunbroker.
I've shot a 929 with a 2.5" and it was very accurate.
I know good guns are kept and bad ones get sold, but sometimes I get lucky.

 

[J-Bar]

Old S&W .22 revolvers are expensive for a reason. Save up and get one that has a couple of dings and therefore costs a few bucks less than a NIB collector piece and enjoy that crisp trigger and precision lockwork. There are some things on which one can compromise, but a .22 revolver should not be one of them!

 

[MedWheeler]

I'd love an SP-101. I have a stainless Taurus M94, which shoots impressively easily and well. However, it arrived with tight chambers, making case extraction difficult. This still needs to be remedied, but I haven't bothered to send/deliver it back to the mothership yet. Perhaps next time I'm in Miami.

The Charter Arms Target Pathfinder I handled a few years back was very nicely-built. I probably should have gotten it instead of the Taurus; it was polished, which I prefer, instead of satin-finished, but I was hung up on the idea that I wanted nine rounds in the cylinder instead of the Charter's six.

 

[chicharrones]

I'd love an SP-101. I have a stainless Taurus M94, which shoots impressively easily and well. However, it arrived with tight chambers, making case extraction difficult. This still needs to be remedied, but I haven't bothered to send/deliver it back to the mothership yet. Perhaps next time I'm in Miami.

The Taurus probably just needs the chambers polished to smooth out the tool marks. I had to do that to a new Single Six several years ago and it was worth the effort.

 

[chicharrones]

The H&R 999 is a really neat gun. I love shooting mine, but the trigger is a bit on the heavy side even in single action. If it was an easy to remove side plate type revolver (or even the Ruger SP/GP type), I'd give mine a trigger job.

 

[C.R.]

If you can find an old High Standard ,those are nice .22's

 

[Tallball]

I am sort of in the same spot. My Single Six is great. I have yet to be completely pleased with a DA 22 revolver.

My Taurus Tracker is accurate, but has a stiff DA trigger and only a 4" barrel. The High Standard I had was inaccurate with certain cylinders. My SP101 in another caliber has a stiff DA trigger also, so I am not eager to try another one. And I really prefer a 6" barrel.

I guess I will have to pay real money for an older Colt or S&W one of these days.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

With a .22 revolver, I feel it is cheaper in the long run to just buy a K-frame S&W.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm thinking about returning a .22 revolver to my safe. I had a Smith model 17 a few years ago and loved it. It was a great shooter, smooth trigger, and the 6" barrel gave tremendous accuracy. Unfortunately, the Smiths are out of my price range. I'm looking around $500 for a new-to-me gun.

I'm looking at Ruger's offerings: the SP101 and GP100. I know both are heavy-for-size. I love the GP100 and have a Clapp model as a carry gun.

Anyone have one of these guns? What do you think of them? Any other options to consider out there in DA revolvers, besides the LCR?

Thanks
Q

The prices of Ruger revolvers have gone way up, both new and used. The GP100 in .22 is priced at $829. The S&W M617 has the same exact list price of $829. I would go with the Smith.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Prices on S&W 22 revolvers may not be quite as bad as you think.

This Postwar K22 was shipped in 1950. I picked it up a couple of years ago for $850. Pretty much the same price as a new 617, but in my opinion this is a better gun.

I only paid $500 for this old K-22 a few years ago. Yes, it has some wear on it and the grips are not original. That's why it only cost $500. It shipped in 1932. The wear is only on the blue, and mostly on this side. It may not look great, but it is the most accurate 22 revolver I own, and I have quite a few.

It doesn't look quite so bad on this side.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I'm thinking about returning a .22 revolver to my safe. I had a Smith model 17 a few years ago and loved it. It was a great shooter, smooth trigger, and the 6" barrel gave tremendous accuracy. Unfortunately, the Smiths are out of my price range. I'm looking around $500 for a new-to-me gun.

I'm looking at Ruger's offerings: the SP101 and GP100. I know both are heavy-for-size. I love the GP100 and have a Clapp model as a carry gun.

Anyone have one of these guns? What do you think of them? Any other options to consider out there in DA revolvers, besides the LCR?

Thanks
Q

I had an SP101 8 shot but it didn't fit my hand, grip was tiny and trigger was hard.

I think the S&W's are the best but the most expensive too. I just picked up a new GP100 10 shot for $629.99 new a week ago, about $100 less than new 617's here. It's not bad but not S&W quality.

Ruger GP100 10 shot



S&W 617's


S&W 63, NAA Mini and Ruger LCR


The 617's are my favorite, the S&W 63 is a nice small .22 and the LCR has a really nice feel and very light to carry. The LCR is less expensive than the S&W and it surprised me with the accuracy for a gun without adjustable sights.

Just for the fun of it, take a look at NAA's web sight, you can get Mini's with larger grips and up to a 6" barrel, some have adjustable sights for around $300.

 

[Tacoma]

I had a SP101 .22. Two of them actually. While they were built solidly, neither delivered credible accuracy . Both had BAD triggers that took allot of work. If you wnat a ruger, consider the single six. Fun to shoot and inexpensive to buy.
That said, nothing beats a K22. If you shop hard, you may find a shooter grade S&W 17/617 for your $500 . That's what I would hold out for.

 

[Radagast]

Had a 617, 6 shot, six inch barrel. Exceptionally accurate, but I could not get use to the balance of the heavy barrel, or the wide target trigger. I've had a Model 18 for a number of years now. Not as accurate as the 617, at least in my hands, but balances well and fun to shoot.
My old single Six Convertible was accurate and fun to shoot. Every now and then I think of buying a new one, I regret selling it to fund the 617.
In answer to OPs question, if I wanted a six inch barrel I would buy a used Model 17 / K22 Masterpiece. If after a 4 inch barrel then a new 617 ten shot would be on the cards, probably with a trigger swap. I've yet to meet a Ruger DA that was equal to the equivalent S&W so I would pass on their offerings if buying a gun for small game or competition.

 

[22-rimfire]

Really tough to buy a quality DA 22 revolver under $500 these days (except for the LCR). I try to take a longer view and would save up for the Smith over a Ruger. But I certainly understand the financial end of things and choosing the Ruger. I mostly shoot two M63's (5" and 3") and the LCR now in 22 these days even though I have M17's, M18's, and Colts in 22LR. When Ruger comes out with the LCR X in 22, that will likely be the next DA 22 revolver I acquire.

 

[JTHunter]

Quoheleth - having a Ruger Single Six, it is a good one to have. The 6" barrel helps with the accuracy and, with the two cylinders, you can plink with .22 LR and nail that varmit with a .22 Magnum. Mine is accurate enough to shoot a squirrel through the throat at 10 yds. while sitting cross-legged on the ground and using only one hand to hold the Ruger (the other was holding my 12 ga.!).

 

[bannockburn]

Quoheleth

I would look for an older S&W .22 if I was in the market for a decent double action revolver. Found this Model 34 for my wife a few years back LNIB for around $400 at the local gun shop. Added a Hogue MonoGrip and it's been a great revolver for everyone that's used it.

 

[Waveski]

Hold out for a Smith & Wesson. If you are persistent in your search you will find a cosmetically worn K22 within , or close to , your budget. I recently acquired an 8 3/8" barrel model 17 , TT 7TH , in 95% condition for $750. The trigger and accuracy are the best I have ever experienced. I barely loose any accuracy when shooting da vs. sa because the trigger stages and breaks so smoothly and predictably. In my opinion the others (Ruger , Taurus et al...) cannot match the Smith trigger.

 

[Waveski]

Addendum -

My comments were based on choosing between the various double action .22's.
If you are satisfied with single action , the Ruger Single Six is a wonderful shooter as stated by others. Quality , beauty and function are all excellent.

 

[Catpop]

I've got a Tarus ss 9 shot 22, m94 (I think). I bought for $300 to replace the nickel-plated 1969 HR 929 I litetally shot to pieces. (cylinder fell off the crane). Paid $300 for it almost new. Very, very accurate in SA mode and loads/unloads very easily, but hammer is a bear to cock. 100 rounds at range will leave your thumb voting to sell it! Don't even think about DA mode.

I also have a ss Ruger single six 6" convertible I mounted 2.5 power scope on to shoot bushy tails. With regular old 22 LR , it prints 5" groups at 100 yards from a sand bag. But it takes too long to load/unload to be fun at range playing "Tin Can Sheriff"

I also have a SW K22 type, looks and shoots great, but I hate to drag it around only because of its value($800+/-)

So this is my lie and I'm sticking to it! Probably didn't help post, but I enjoyed telling it.

Good luck!

 

[djont57]

I had a SP101; hated the trigger, finally sold it. I have since picked up a 6" Colt Police Positive Target made in 1929 for $410. Beautiful gun that is a real joy to shoot. Not a very good photo:

 

[eastbank]

my pre-17 k-22 was made in 1950 and is a fantistic shooter, i have hit clay birds at 100 yards shooting standing holding the revolver with two hands. not all of them, but enough to make me look good. eastbank.