22 Revolver Recommendations

[JV_2108]

Looking to get a 22 revolver in a month or two. Main interest is to practice for some of the activities my local sportsman's club offers - a bowling pin shoot and falling plates. http://www.chiefokemos.org/shootingsports.html

I'm new to guns altogether, and have a 38 detective special to practice with for now, and a python that'll be in for re-blueing (sp?) for another month or so. My wife is fine with me getting the 22 after I demonstrate enough commitment to the hobby (i.e., still practicing regularly in March).

I'm thinking a 22 revolver because the operation would be very similar to the other revolvers I own, my skill should progress better if I stick with the one platform, and 22 ammo is cheaper and has less kick.

The main features that I would value would be the accuracy of the gun (my limits notwithstanding) and reputation for reliability. I have big hands and the detective special is a bit small, especially given the kick of the 158 gr 38 sp that I've started practicing with, so a large frame would probably be best. I've seen some with interchangable chambers for 22LR and 22 magnum, which could be a cool benefit: 22 magnum might be good for the bowling pin shoot and the occasional racoon or possum in the yard, and 22LR could be used at the club's indoor range (their limit for indoor shooting). Also, there's a nearby public range that's minimum shooting distance is 25 yards. So, a gun with the potential to hit 8-1/2 by 11 paper at that distance would be of ultimate benefit. (Missed with all 7 rounds out of the 38 at that distance today; whereas 4/6 made it at 7 yards in my backyard).

 

[JMusic]

I'd get a Smith 617. They are hard to beat. Not sure who makes the conversions anymore but it will be a single action. Ruger would be my choice in them.

 

[JV_2108]

I'd get a Smith 617. They are hard to beat. Not sure who makes the conversions anymore but it will be a single action. Ruger would be my choice in them.

Looking at the S&W website tells me this is a medium frame, but doesn't say anything about the action. I'll have to check it out at a shop or show. The other revolvers I have are SA/DA, so that would be preferred.

What do you mean my conversion? 22LR to 22 magnum?

I'm downloading the Ruger catalog now to give that a look.

 

[bean357]

617 is a good recommendation, I am currently in the market for one myself! Any price or barrel length you have in mind? Maybe also consider looking for a S&W model 18 or 17, or a Colt Diamondback. The Ruger SP might be another option, but I don't believe it is made in the .22 anymore either. With that being said, the most accurate .22 handgun I own is a Rossi 518 revolver

 

[TimboKhan]

The single six should come with both a .22lr AND a .22mag cylinder. I have not seen any .22mag conversion cylinders for the Smith, although certainly that doesn't mean that someone, somewhere isn't making them. My own personal favorite is the H&R Sportsman 999. Might be a little hard to find since they aren't made anymore, but if you see one in good shape, I strongly reccomend them.

 

[Old Dog]

JV, as you stated that

The main features that I would value would be the accuracy of the gun (my limits notwithstanding) and reputation for reliability. I have big hands and the detective special is a bit small, especially given the kick of the 158 gr 38 sp that I've started practicing with, so a large frame would probably be best.

you might want to take a look at the Taurus Model 94. It can be had in 4" barrel, which is what I've got ... Mine is stainless steel, very good looking revolver, excellent fit and finish, totally reliable and exceedingly accurate. The DA trigger pull, frankly, is subpar, and the SA pull is just okay. The trigger pull's gotten better with more shooting and a lot of dry-firing, but I'm about ready to concede the need for a trigger job.

I think I picked mine up brandnew for a tad under $300 (if I remember aright, would have to check) almost two years ago. The Model 94 comes in quite a bit cheaper than the S&W, so if you're looking for a DA revolver, it's definitely worth a hard look.

 

[JV_2108]

Any price or barrel length you have in mind?

Having seen a good looking new Taurus 94SS4 (4" stainless x 9 shot) at a dealer for $299, I told my wife $200 to $300. That said, she'd be happiest if it was in that range. However, I'd have no problem going up over $500 (but less than $1,000), if I thought it really met my interests (needs?)

As for barrel length, I like the look of about a 4", but understand that accuracy potential increases with a longer barrel. 4-6" would probably be my sweet spot at the moment.

 

[JV_2108]

The Ruger SP might be another option, but I don't believe it is made in the .22 anymore either.

You're right, the current (2006) Ruger catalog doesn't show any DA 22 revolvers. There are some in SA, but that's not my interest.

 

[Smith357]

The main features that I would value would be the accuracy of the gun (my limits notwithstanding) and reputation for reliability.

Smith and Wesson K22 Target Masterpiece. Perfection of the gentlemans target revolver. Then move up to the K38 Target Masterpiece with the same weight and balance of the K22.

 

[JV_2108]

Smith and Wesson K22 Target Masterpiece. Perfection of the gentlemans target revolver. Then move up to the K38 Target Masterpiece with the same weight and balance of the K22.

I don't see these on the S&W website. Are they still made, or are you talking used?

 

[JV_2108]

JV, as you stated that
you might want to take a look at the Taurus Model 94. It can be had in 4" barrel, which is what I've got ... Mine is stainless steel, very good looking revolver, excellent fit and finish, totally reliable and exceedingly accurate. The DA trigger pull, frankly, is subpar, and the SA pull is just okay. The trigger pull's gotten better with more shooting and a lot of dry-firing, but I'm about ready to concede the need for a trigger job.

I think I picked mine up brandnew for a tad under $300 (if I remember aright, would have to check) almost two years ago. The Model 94 comes in quite a bit cheaper than the S&W, so if you're looking for a DA revolver, it's definitely worth a hard look.

I did look at this, and rather liked it, though the frame seems smaller than I might prefer - similar to my 38 snubnose.

 

[JV_2108]

617 is a good recommendation, I am currently in the market for one myself! Any price or barrel length you have in mind? Maybe also consider looking for a S&W model 18 or 17, or a Colt Diamondback. The Ruger SP might be another option, but I don't believe it is made in the .22 anymore either. With that being said, the most accurate .22 handgun I own is a Rossi 518 revolver

Sounds like it's time for me to get the Gun Blue Book and keep my eyes open.

Here's my current, working list:

Medium Frame, In Production:

Taurus 94
S&W 617

No Longer Produced, keep eyes open:

Colt Diamondback
Rossi 518
S&W 18
S&W 17
S&W K-series?

 

[BozemanMT]

Colt Diamondback. Won't be cheap, will be a classic forever. Great triggers, wonderful accuracy, beautiful blueing.

 

[BozemanMT]

arrgghh, forgot the picture.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Get a Dan Wesson and a bunch of different length barrels. Good for long range and easy to swap the long barrels down to shorter ones for faster close in work. Very accurate and built on the DW 357 mag frame which is about like the Python in size. Finally they are cheap (as long as you are not the original purchaser). Avoid the Palmer models, Monson's and Norwich's are the best. Just read the gun and look for the town of manufacture.

Here is my 722, 50 shots per target, 15 yards offhand.

 

[Smith357]

I don't see these on the S&W website. Are they still made, or are you talking used?

S&W Has dropped the K frame (morons!). You'll have to buy them used, but they are well worth the seach, I promise you won't be disapointed. The K22 and the M17 are the same gun, and the M617 is the 10 shot stainless version.

 

[xring44]

S&W Has dropped the K frame (morons!). You'll have to buy them used, but they are well worth the seach, I promise you won't be disapointed. The K22 and the M17 are the same gun, and the M617 is the 10 shot stainless version.

The 617 is available in either 6 or 10 shot versions.

 

[MCgunner]

I love this thing, Rossi M511 Sportsman. 4" J frame sized six shooter, unreal accurate, great trigger especially single action, stainless, and all for $200 used at a gun show. I take it nearly every trip to the range. It won't appeal to the S&W snobs, but it's a GREAT shooter.

 

[Smith357]

The 617 is available in either 6 or 10 shot versions.

You are correct, I should have been more specific, it's just rare to see the 6 shot versions around these parts.

 

[BigBoar]

I would recommend looking for a used medium frame .22LR as you state the small frame .38 doesn't fit your hand as well as you like. Be aware on revolvers a lot can be done with aftermarket grips compared to autoloaders to make them fit your hand better. S&W made the medium frame in Model 18 (4" tapered barrel), Model 17 in 4" (rare), 6" and 8 3/8" barrels and 617 stainless in 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrels with 6 or 10 shot cylinders. S&W also makes a small frame (J frame vs. K medium frame) in .22LR in various configurations including 4" and currently a 5" barreled one, too. The most common of the J frames were the Model 34 blue and Model 63 in stainless. There was also a .22 mag version of the J frame.

If you are using the gun as an understudy to the other 2 get the 6 shot version vs. 7, 8, 9 or 10 of whatever make and model. The trigger stroke length will be more like the other 2 guns and you will become used to the 6 shots.

As mentioned above if you can find one at a reasonable price a Diamondback by Colt would make another viable option but most seem to run in the $700+ range as they haven't been made in years. The frame is basically the same as the Detective Special with adjustable sights and different barrel. The benefit of the Diamondback is the action will be the most like the Python and Detective Special.

The Dan Wesson is another option. The S&W and Dan Wesson have a lot shorter hammer arc and thus shorter lock time than the Colt so you might want to factor this into the decision. The cylinder on the S&W rotates in the opposite direction vs the Colt or Dan Wesson. In the past Colt also made a large medium frame (MK III) in .22lr and .22 mag versions. If you want to shoot both .22lr and .22 mag in a double action (by the way the S&W are DA/SA design as are theothers mentioned here) by obtaining another cylinder and having fitted start with the .22 mag as the bore is slightly larger. Firing .22 mag in a .22lr bore can raise pressures above max. The medium frame S&W .22 mag version is the Model 48 and at one time could be had with both cylinders.

The Diamondback came in 2.5, 4 and 6" bbl versions, the Dan Wessons in a myriad (of both lengths and barrel configurations) due to interchangeable barrels which can be ordered and the S&W 18 in 4" and the 17 in 4" (rare), 6" and 8 3/8". The Ruger SP-101 was made in 2.25" and 4" versions (the latter in a short and long lug styles with the former being rarer). The sight on the SP is adjustable for windage only. Due to the design it has the greatest latitude in fitting grips for bigger and smaller hands.

 

[screwman]

Personally, I own a S&W 617 6" barrel. I'm seriously looking at getting a 4" too. It just seems to have better balance for me. If you want a decent shooting and handling 22 they're the way to go. And they're readily available.


Mike

 

[MCgunner]

A large set of grips will make a J frame shootable for the Jolly Green Giant. This is a big advantage of revolvers over autos.

 

[JV_2108]

Colt Diamondback. Won't be cheap, will be a classic forever. Great triggers, wonderful accuracy, beautiful blueing.

And it would make for a nice collection with my detective special and python.

 

[JV_2108]

Get a Dan Wesson and a bunch of different length barrels. Good for long range and easy to swap the long barrels down to shorter ones for faster close in work. Very accurate and built on the DW 357 mag frame which is about like the Python in size. Finally they are cheap (as long as you are not the original purchaser).

This is a neat concept and obviously (in the right hands) accurate. Perhaps not so cheap though - GunsAmerica has this one for $750 (still a tempting package, though). http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976593831.htm

I suppose another option would be this one at $325. http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976684345.htm

I'll add the Dan Wesson to my list and try and find one I can look at up close and personal.

 

[JV_2108]

I would recommend looking for a used medium frame .22LR as you state the small frame .38 doesn't fit your hand as well as you like. Be aware on revolvers a lot can be done with aftermarket grips compared to autoloaders to make them fit your hand better. S&W made the medium frame in Model 18 (4" tapered barrel), Model 17 in 4" (rare), 6" and 8 3/8" barrels and 617 stainless in 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrels with 6 or 10 shot cylinders. S&W also makes a small frame (J frame vs. K medium frame) in .22LR in various configurations including 4" and currently a 5" barreled one, too. The most common of the J frames were the Model 34 blue and Model 63 in stainless. There was also a .22 mag version of the J frame.

If you are using the gun as an understudy to the other 2 get the 6 shot version vs. 7, 8, 9 or 10 of whatever make and model. The trigger stroke length will be more like the other 2 guns and you will become used to the 6 shots.

As mentioned above if you can find one at a reasonable price a Diamondback by Colt would make another viable option but most seem to run in the $700+ range as they haven't been made in years. The frame is basically the same as the Detective Special with adjustable sights and different barrel. The benefit of the Diamondback is the action will be the most like the Python and Detective Special.

The Dan Wesson is another option. The S&W and Dan Wesson have a lot shorter hammer arc and thus shorter lock time than the Colt so you might want to factor this into the decision. The cylinder on the S&W rotates in the opposite direction vs the Colt or Dan Wesson. In the past Colt also made a large medium frame (MK III) in .22lr and .22 mag versions. If you want to shoot both .22lr and .22 mag in a double action (by the way the S&W are DA/SA design as are theothers mentioned here) by obtaining another cylinder and having fitted start with the .22 mag as the bore is slightly larger. Firing .22 mag in a .22lr bore can raise pressures above max. The medium frame S&W .22 mag version is the Model 48 and at one time could be had with both cylinders.

The Diamondback came in 2.5, 4 and 6" bbl versions, the Dan Wessons in a myriad (of both lengths and barrel configurations) due to interchangeable barrels which can be ordered and the S&W 18 in 4" and the 17 in 4" (rare), 6" and 8 3/8". The Ruger SP-101 was made in 2.25" and 4" versions (the latter in a short and long lug styles with the former being rarer). The sight on the SP is adjustable for windage only. Due to the design it has the greatest latitude in fitting grips for bigger and smaller hands.

BigBoar -

Lots of helpful information in your post. Wasn't thinking about grips sizes, number of shots, similar trigger stroke, etc.

Cool thing with the Detective Special, though. It still seems small to my hands, but I had more fun shooting it today than ever before. With my fourth time shooting it, I'm starting to get used to it. I think I'm getting hooked.

Thanks