.22 Double Action Revolvers Are SCARCE

[doc540]

I've been looking for a decent .22 double action revolver in the $300 price range to use in my "introduction to handgun" training classes.

I don't need an heirloom K-22 with box and papers, just a .22 revolver with a good double action.

The new Taurus revolvers take both fingers on the trigger to get the hammer to move.

S&W's are $400+ and Colts are somewhere in orbit around Uranus.

ok, I'm done whining

 

[Quoheleth]

And, therein is the crux of the problem.

There are very few .22 DA revolvers in a sub-$400 price tag, unless you get lucky and find a beater looking k-22. You're looking at Taurus (which you already eschewed), Ruger Sp101, Ruger LCR-22, and maybe Charter Arms (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...+Round+22LR+Target+Revolver+w4"+Barrel+&+Stai)

That said, if you can save a little extra, you will NOT be disappointed by a classic K-22. The more I shoot mine, the more I love my model 17.

Q

 

[floorit76]

High standard.

 

[doc540]

Thanks but I'm after shipping and/or transfer fees, "sub $400" ain't close to $300 in Texas. :0

 

[floorit76]

Look for the double nine in alloy frame. They go pretty cheap.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=277067708

 

[BCRider]

I was very pleasantly surprised by a newly found Harrington & Richarson model 929. It's a swing out cylinder hand ejector model that has a decent DA trigger and shoots pretty darn nicely. Granted it's no S&W K22/Mod17. But it's got the nicest DA trigger pull out of a half dozen "other brands" that I've had or got to shoot in .22 revolvers. This includes my own other H&R Sportsman.

The Sportman is actually nicer now. But only because I replaced the stupidly strong main spring with a 17 lb 1911 mainspring. It's actually nicer now than the 929. But only due to the modification.

I had a Hi Standard Double 9 for about a year. The stock DA pull was so hard that it was effectively an SA revolver. Even attempts to go with a lighter mainspring were doomed. By the time the DA trigger pull was acceptable the gun was suffering from about one or two light strikes per cylinder. No good at all. But given that it has a strong SAA style to it the gun was still highly useable as a single action cowboy style. But DA? Not really unless you're built like a weight lifter with hands which can easily crush walnuts one handed.

 

[floorit76]

He didn't ask for buttery smooth, he asked for cheap. My double nine isn't nearly that tough, and I'm no body builder.

 

[BCRider]

Perhaps yours is a lot lighter than what I had for some reason. But I know that mine was effectively an SA only. I could pull the DA OK. But it was so hard once the spring was set to provide reliable hits of the hammer that the risk of hitting the target wasn't that high.... But they were certainly made to a lower price point than their match grade semis. So it's quite possible that mine was suffering from some not so obvious internal differences.

 

[.45Guy]

I received an H&R Sportsman for Christmas. DA pull isn't bad, and it's pretty darn accurate.

 

[sig228]

But with all that money you are making as a trainer, surely you can afford one

 

[doc540]

But with all that money you are making as a trainer, surely you can afford one

That makes better business sense.

Just get by with something until I can spend the money to get a smooth double action.

 

[jad0110]

H&Rs are a very good option. The triggers are usually smoother than Taurus offerings, and the guns frequently cost less as well. I've got a 6-shot H&R 622 I paid $120 for a year or two ago. This may not be the best option, as the cylinder has to be removed for loading and unloading, but it is affordable, accurate, reliable and has a decent DA trigger.

 

[Quoheleth]

My point, Doc, is that it's hard to find 'em in a sub-$400 bracket, let alone sub-$300.

Didn't think about the H&Rs.

Q

 

[marklmurray]

I'm going to reinforce the idea of H&R's revolvers. I recently purchased a 1950's era 999 Sportsman (gotta love that C&R license!), and I've been very happy with it. It was in terrific shape and functioned perfectly. The double action trigger is a little heavy, but not really that bad. Also, adustable sights. I paid around $225 for it.

The 929 might be more practical (swing out cylinder and cheaper to boot). These won't quite be S&W quality, but pretty good nonetheless. These typically go for under $200.

Mark

 

[MachIVshooter]

High standard.

That was my thought. I have two Sentinels, an R101 and an R107 deluxe, both 4". I paid $100 for each of them, and they're great little 9-shot revolvers

 

[Ala Dan]

2" square butt, factory nickel are in orbit 'round Pluto~! Mine is not "for sale"~! I meant too say, this is a Smith & Wesson model 34-1, in .22LR.

 

[Chindo18Z]

Dan Wesson 22-V. Can still be found in various barrel weight/length configurations for around $350.

Easily matches the quality and accuracy of comparable Colts & Smiths. Great triggers (DA & SA); great adjustable sights.

They are duty sized revolvers (.357 frame) in .22 LR. Recoil for a new shooter comparable to a pellet pistol.

 

[doc540]

Check out this nice V22
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=271110172

 

[Peter M. Eick]

That is a nice looking one. The 722's are great guns!

 

[22-rimfire]

Dan Wessons aren't bad based on what I read.

My personal opinion is that you should just bite the bullet and get a S&W.

The H&R's are begining to get a lot more expensive and I don't think they are worth a $400 price tag.

If I were you, I would try to handle the new Ruger SP-101 and make a judgement about it's value. Until then, keep your eyes open for a S&W that is value priced.

Good DA 22 revolvers are hard to find, even the ones that are orbiting around Uranus unless you are willing to drop $1000 on one in orbit there.

 

[BCRider]

H&R'S ARE STARTING TO HIT $400 ! ? ! ?

That is TOTALLY messed up. Sure, they aren't a bad little gun. But they are all used anywhere from some to a lot and there's simply no way they should be THAT costly!

I know it comes down to supply and demand. But at some point things just get out of kilter as well.

 

[cwl1862]

Why not spend a little more and pich a Ruger SP101 in 22LR. I found one used "new" on GB and got it for just over $400.00 the LCR are going for $375-$429 on GB. I guess it depends on how fast or bad you want one. I've been looking for a good DA 22 for a couple of years, picked up a CA Pathfinder earlier last year because I was looking for a cheaper option. Well what I got was really a cheaper option, it broke it's transfer bar in the first 50 rounds! Sent it off the CA and they "fixed" it alright...four weeks later it was back and the trigger was horriable! before it went the trigger was ok but when it came back ir felt like there was sand in the action and it would lock up periodically and if would take two fingers to get it to un jam. Needless to say I traded if off and picked up a used Ruger Single Six convertable until the SP's became available. I guess what I'm trying to say is ya get what you pay for. You may get a decient "Cheaper" revolver but then again you may not, however there isn't any guarentee with the more expensive version either....But I'd wager your odds of getting a good one will be better when you spend a little more for it. JMHO/YMMV

 

[cwl1862]

BC ya gotta love BO! He's done more for driving up the price of guns and ammo than Billybob Clinton ever did! For that matter he's done more to drive up the prices of everything from Gas to groceries and life in general since he was elected. Ya just gotts ask all those who voted for the loser who've got the nads to complain about prices "How's that Hope and Change working out for ya?":banghead: LMAO! Come on Nov 2012! ABO for President!

 

[Claude Clay]

5 years ago what was $300, touching 4 out the door for a S&W 34 is closer to 6 now

perhaps a H&R and have the springs changed. or get the smith...pay now or pay more later.
used 317 or 617 may be closer to 500, but the 617 will never wear out or lose its value;
and its bullseye quality.

honestly, teaching for near 20 years and never bothered with a DA 22.
the 422 series and than a trailside with a red-dot.

if they like there was always a S&W 66 with 38's and a baretta 9mm to try also.
a 1911 with light loads and a cowboy gun; light loads also.
that was the most fun gun.

 

[RUT]