.22 Revolver buying advice

[LKB3rd]

My dad has just informed me that he is interested in getting his pistol permit (required to purchase a handgun in CT) and wants to get a .22 revolver.
He is interested in target shooting with it. He doesn't want to spend a lot of money, but I think he also doesn't want to get something that is not good quality. I think he's looking at <$300.
What are some good choices for him?

 

[Just Jim]

Single action or double action??

jim

 

[LKB3rd]

Double action. He likes the idea of being able to cock the hammer for single action, or practice trigger control in double action.

 

[cp1969]

Probably a Taurus. I hope this isn't the gun he's planning to carry.

 

[Just Jim]

In todays market you have very few double action 22s to choose from. Only Taurus and Smith make them and Smith makes the best. Smith is very exspensive. So by the given paramiters and a new gun I think Taurus fits your price.

Myself I like the older used Smiths but they still cost more than you want.

In a single action Ruger makes a Super Single Six 22lr that has another cylinder for 22 mags and more power. They shoot real well and can be found used for about $300 all over.

Find someone with the guns you seek and try them out before you buy.

jj

 

[wnycollector]

Here is a nice solid "starter" revolver to learn the basics on. It should work out to ~$225 after you pay for shipping and FFL transfer!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/97323477...-Richardson-Pistols/Harrington_Richardson.htm

 

[LKB3rd]

Probably a Taurus. I hope this isn't the gun he's planning to carry.

No. He plans to target shoot with it.
I have a ruger MKIII that he likes, but he likes revolvers better. I guess i should have expected that, because I have shot my Colt Python with him with .38's lol.
I didn't realize that revolvers were more expensive than the semi's, or so it seems.

 

[Just Jim]

It all depends on the area you live and what people buy and sell. Prices will vary and there is nothing wrong with buying a good used gun.

jj

 

[BlindJustice]

Did a search on gunbroker.com found two Model 18 S&W -Combat Mast3Masterpiece. One was mint at $575 bid and the other was Very Good at a
current bid of $275 A model 18 back in the mid-60s was my first handgun.
Adjustable for W&E rear sight, plain ramp front on a 4" Bbl.

Other S&W .22 LR in the current catalogue

S&W Model 617 - 4" or 6" and 6 shot or 10 shot cyl.
either runs 42-45 oz. not small and succeeded
the blue steel Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece, 6" Bbl.

S&W model 63 "Kit' gun. just brought back as a current
offering in the catallgue with a 5" Bbl. - older 63s may
be found with shorter barrels but I've repeatedly done
searches on gunbroker and used are very hard to find which
inidcates how prized these handy J-frame but all steel - stainless
revos are by theiri owners. The older ones are 6 shot cyl.
the new one is an 8 shot cyl. and is
about 28 oz.

S&W 317 3" Bbl. - scandium frame gets this one
down to 11 or so oz. another 8 shooter & adj. sights.

S&W customer service is tops, I've heard of problems with
Taurus - yah gets what yah pay for.

 

[gggman]

Ruger makes the SP101 in .22lr. It's a better choice than a Taurus.

 

[Pilot]

Ruger makes the SP101 in .22lr. It's a better choice than a Taurus.

I agree the .22 SP101 is a good choice, but Ruger has discontinued it so your only option is used.

 

[dispatch]

I'd be looking for a Harrington & Richards Model 999. Breaktop, nine shot, double action. Greta shooters and loads of fun.

 

[Ala Dan]

Only .22LR caliber revolver that I own, is one I bought last year. Its a
Smith & Wesson factory nickel, 2" barrel, square butt, model 34-1 with
adjustable target sights. Another one that I don't intend too shoot;
but rather a "safe queen", collector's choice~!

FWIW, its in pristine condition~!

 

[woodsltc]

Find an older S&W M17 or M18.

You won't find a Taurus or Ruger that will match the trigger pull and overall quality IMO. Even if you have to pay a few dollars more, you will can always get your money back plus a profit with the S&W.

Don

 

[Rolando]

Go with the S&W .22lr K- frame. k-22(older) model 17, model 18.
Look at all the photos xavierbreath posts.

Very accurate double action pistols.

 

[gggman]

Here's a model 17, but I doubt you'll find one for $300.

I paid $350 for this one 8 years ago. It's a very nice revolver, worth every penny.

 

[22-rimfire]

The problem in recommending a "good" revolver is your price or budget. If your Dad has been happy with your Colts, the first one I'd look for is a Trooper Mark III in 22LR (probably a 6"). It will be a nice mate to yours. I shoot my Trooper Mark III in 357 more than any other 357. Used to own a Python or two, but sold them off. I won't even mention the great Colt Diamondback due to prices these days, but it is out there. It's my favorite modern 22 revolver and has been for a long time. Other excellent Colts are the Officers Model Match (6"), Trooper (4"), and Official Police (4" and 6").

The Trooper Mark III 22's didn't sell well for Colt back in the day. But I think it was because they were heavy compared to the Diamondback and not that much of a savings then over the cost of a new Diamondback. The Trooper Mark III is an excellent 22 revolver and the equal of a Smith of that time period. Don't dry fire them however.

Now.... in the Smith & Wesson line, the current Model 617 is excellent. I honestly prefer the 4" in that one due to the full barrel lug. Older but great ones have already been mentioned, the Model 17 (6") or Model 18 (4"). Both are great and I own one of each now. I picked those up last year. Figure $450-$600 for a pretty nice one of either. Smith is going to be selling a Model 63 (J-frame) with a 5" barrel this year. That might be a reasonable choice, but I prefer the larger K-frames (17 & 18) for general shooting. I'm going to buy one of the Model 63's, but I have lots of 22 revolvers.

In the lesser priced 22 revolvers, you are going to have to "know" your father as to what he might like or prefer. Of the ones that have been available, I lean toward the H&R 999 Sportsman but it will never be a Colt or Smith in quality. Heavy double action, but it is a dream to load and unload with the open top design.

The Charter Arms Pathfinder is another one that is out there now. I have not shot one but GunBlast did a review on one a while back. The review is on their website.

Of the single actions, the Ruger Single Six is the best of the current manufactured ones in 22. I prefer the Colt New Frontier as it is generally more accurate and the fit and finish is quite nice. They will cost you in the neighborhood of $500-$600 for a nice one though these days.

I would stay away from small framed revolvers in general for general shooting, but the Model 34 was nice as I hope the Model 63 is when available later this year.

Can't really comment on the Taurus lineup as I have not owned one.

Raise your budget number and choose a great 22 revolver rather than an average one.

 

[tinygnat219]

Stay away from Taurus!

I have a 94 DA/SA 9 shot revolver. This thing misfires 50% of the time. It's junk.

 

[Canuck-IL]

For target shooting or frequent single action use, the shape of the hammer matters ... the Ruger, while a great gun, has a high spur hammer that's difficult to cock without shifting your grip.

I'd second all the recs above for a used S&W - specifically a 17 or 617. Even w/o the full target hammer, it's a friendlier shape to reach and cock. You'll get your money back and they're easy to find someone to work on them should it be needed ... hard to find a 'smith that's good on the old Colts.

I got a Model 17-3 in about 95%+ shape for $420 in November and thought I did pretty well - I'll certainly get the money back should I ever decide to sell it.
/Bryan

 

[pete f]

point one, if you buy a S&W and take care of it, it will bring your grandkids more money when they sell it than you ever thought possible.. They really do keep the value and I do not think you can shoot enough to wear out a S&W .22 in any frame or barrel variation.

The little rugers are good guns, a bit clunky compared to the S&W but you will never wear one of them out.

The taurus options. My gun shop loves them, they have a very low rate of return and taurus fixes what they sell if it needs it. they cost in the range you are looking for, but get a catalogue and look as they have many models of which most gun stores only carry a few.

A good gun is going to let you develop further and faster than junky gun and reward skill and practice better.

 

[woad_yurt]

Listen to wnycollector (above.) The H&R 949 is a very underrated pistol. Alot nicer DA trigger pull than their 922 line. $150-$200 for a nice one online all the time. My father has one and it's sweet. Heavy and well built. There's their Sportsman model also. Now, if you want to spend about twice as much or more, get an S&W. They are a little nicer.

 

[GunTech]

Buy a good used S&W K-22. I've fixed more than a few Tauruses. Their lockwork is...casual... in fit and finish.

You can get a decent K-22 for between $300-500, depending on what you want. Sounds like a lot, but I am shooting a K-22 made in 1949 - that's 58 years old. Divide $500 into 50 years, that's only $10 a year. Pretty cheap if you ask me.

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.


Both of these were acquired for less than $350 each. Be patient, shop around.

 

[NGIB]

I wanted a Model 18 but every one I saw was priced comparable to a new 617. Bid on one at Gunbroker last month, shooting not collecting quality, and I stopped bidding at the $450 mark. I think it went for 500+.

It's also hard to find a good K22 for anywhere less than $400. We can probably thank ammo prices for the quick rise in prices. I do have a Taurus 94, and it's a good one, but it is more a casual shooter than a target piece. I finally decided to go with Dan Wesson and I found 2 good ones that averaged $350 each and one had an extra 8 inch barrel. I ordered the 2 1/2 inch barrel from CZ to complete the set. These are both incredibly accurate and very smooth shooters. Think I saw a 4 inch version on Gunbroker this morning with a buy it now price of $300...

 

[vzenmn]

^
My grandad has a DanWesson 22 with a 8" barrel along with a matching 357. The 22 is a heavy beast being full sized but it is the most accurate handgun I have fired. The last time I shot it I was hitting small rotten tomatoes at 20 yards one handed.

I have a S&W 22/32 Target (later became the model 35) that belonged to my great great grandad and it is my favorate handgun. Accurate,well balanced, and light. But they seem to be hard to come by and the only other one I have seen at a gunshow was 725 dollars. If you ever see one at a decent price snatch it up quick and don't look back.

 

[Jackal]

Check out the Taurus Tracker .22. It holds 7rds, is very accurate and mine was 100% reliable. I got mine for $250, used.