22lr revolver - school me

[aarondhgraham]

But,,,

I think the Ruger SP101 is a good quality gun, whether the old version or the new one.

You are correct,,,
It's a high quality gun,,,
But it doesn't come as a snubby.

I used to own one of the old style 4" versions,,,
The ex-wife got it in our divorce,,,
Dang but I miss that gun.

Similarly, and I know it's new and the OP said he wants something a little more "vintage" but the LCR is nice in its function. I'll admit it doesn't have a beautiful craftsmanship/fit/finish of the older guns.

You are probably right to mention this.

I didn't because having fired both the rimfire and centerfire versions,,,
The guns held no attraction for me whatsoever,,,
lousy triggers and no soul at all.

But of course,,,
That's just my opinion.

Aarond

.

 

[boom boom]

Not to jump off post, but if the OP is wanting a snubby type for self defense, might want to consider a .22 Mag. Some decent self protection loads exist for that.

Other thing, ceterus paribus, is that snubby .22's usually have a harder trigger pull than do larger .22's due to mechanical advantage resting with a bit longer action. Last, but not least, if the OP doesn't mind single action .22 revolvers, I believe that Ruger has a new short barrel 3 inch Bearcat .22 special run via Lipsey's gun distributor.

 

[Stufftoad]

This picture was sent to me recently from Gemini Customs while I was inquiring about some work on my sp101 22lr. Alot of money but, I don't think I've seen a cooler 22 before.

About the lcr, soul-less...maybe but, -nice smooth trigger, 8-shot, built on a 38 special platform, light, concealable, reasonable price, lifetime warranty...
There are way worse options.

 

[Stainz]

If the OP wants a rimfire for CC, the S&W 351PD, like mine below, is a hard act to follow. Loaded with seven Hornady 45gr FTX Critical Defense rounds - and in a pocket holster - it still weighs several ounces less than my previous pocket EDC, a 642, does empty. It is a .22 WMR - and .22 Magnum ammo is considerably more pricey than.22 LR - and nowadays harder to find, too. While you can dot i's with it from 3-7yd with some practice - there is a learning curve for the stout DA trigger/lite weight revolver combination. Mine has been my 24/7 EDC CCW since I bought it new the first of the year - it was $629 + s/t locally. The screw cap poly bottles hold seven Hornady FTX reloads. I also have a #351-7 speedloader for it that wasn't available from DS-10.



The 351PD is stock, ie, it comes with the wooden stocks and HiViz sight. Reportedly, Hornady made the 45gr FTX Critical Defense .22 WMR ammo for the short barrel 351PD, optimizing it for less 'flash'. It is loud, has some flash, and essentially no recoil, permitting dumping all seven rounds rapidly where you want them. The 3" 63 is a lot more fun to plink with and with those Stingers loaded, it should be decent protection, too.

Stainz

 

[gonoles_1980]

It the Ruger LCR .22 is anything like the .38, it's be a fun gun to have. Looks like it holds 8 shots.

http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5410.html

 

[stanmo]

I got lucky a couple years ago and found this pre-lock 317 8 shot for $400.
It's not easy or fun to shoot but, pockets well.



This M-63 is my favorite, never go to the range without it. The trigger is not like an M-27 but, is waaayy better than the 317. I put on the 60 pro grips on Stainz recommendation. This is the only gun I have with a lock and to tell you the truth I really don't care.

 

[johnandersonoutdoors]

Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it.

So as far as I can tell if you want a S&W 22lr snubby made of steel then you have to buy an old model? The 317 is air weight and the 63 has a 3" barrell.

I think the SP 101 in 22lr has been discontinued. Is that correct? They are not easy to find are they?

 

[22-rimfire]

The Ruger SP101 with a 4.3" barrel is currently in production.

If you want steel, I'd look for a S&W M34 in a snubbie. One will turn up. Just be a bit flexible on the price and keep you eye on the end game.

You might be able to buy a 3" M63 and get it cut down to a snubbie barrle length. A lot of effort and additioanl cost....