Good, inexpensive .22LR revolver

[Drgong]

What is a good .22lr revolver for pinking and otherwise? a co-worker wants to pick up a .22 Revolver for plinking/inexpensive range gun, and asked me since "I know about revolvers" (which really isn't true, still learning!)

It can be a off name brand and it can be a lock as this will not be used for self defense, just a "fun" gun for this co-worker.

 

[JD_Ruger_fan]

I recently bought a Taurus Model 94 which is an inexpensive .22LR revolver. The "good" part is endlessly debated, but I happen to fall on the side that thinks it's a good gun despite having problems with mine.

In the interest of full disclosure, if you do a little bit of research you'll find there are a LOT of people who hate Taurus products and this particular model seems to be a sticking point. If you get the gun, you will either love it or hate it. There is also a pretty big chance you'll get a lemon that will need some work, so I'd recommend buying it from a shop you know and trust that will work with you on any defects.

I'm a student on a budget so the price was perfect for me and when I shot it, I loved the feel.

Here's what I posted in another thread:

I bought the 94 over at another forum and I got a lemon. I'm going to have to send it back to Taurus because the cylinder gets stuck. I knew that there was a chance I'd get a lemon going in since I was buying online, so I'm not too terribly disappointed. However, I did get to shoot it and found it was very accurate. It went exactly where I pointed it, so I don't understand the accuracy criticisms. I also really loved the feel of it, even more so than a 617 I handled a while back. It is quite slim and sexy! Once I get it back, if I don't have any more problems, I can see it being a great gun. However, I will have to work on that double action pull. It's quite rough, but my other gun is a P6 so it's almost a cake walk by comparison. Another complaint people had is that the sights are small, but I didn't think it was an issue.

I think as long as you do your research and realize it may take a little to get it in perfect condition; you have patience; and you're looking for a budget piece, the 94 could be a great gun.

Inevitably, someone will also come along and tell you to just tell your friend to wait and save money for a S&W 617 or 317, but I'll let the surprise difference between the $200-250 Model 94 and the Smith and Wessons surprise you.

Another popular suggestion is a Ruger Single Six, but I just don't like the look of it as much as the 94. I can't remember any other .22lr at the moment, but good luck to your friend.

 

[8830]

You can find a Ruger Single Six for less than $300. Taurus 94 run about the same but Ruger is better. I hear Heritage Arms are decent but I've never shot one.

 

[Rmart30]

I 2nd the Taurus 94...... Ive had 2 with no problems.
I prefer the older of the two I have, it has a better trigger in DA, in SA they both feel almost identical.

 

[461]

I'm a Single-Six fan myself, one of my life long favorites. I'm a single action lover though and some folks just don't like them, check your friends preferences of action type.

 

[Zip7]

Ruger Single Six - the new ones are super nice.

 

[woad_yurt]

H&R 929, 949, 999, etc: Affordable, 9 rounds and double action
H&R 676: Affordable, 6 rounds, double action and w/2 cylinders, one for .22LR and one for .22WMR

 

[Dionysusigma]

Heritage Rough Rider, if SAO is okay. IIRC, they usually run about $170 after tax, and are more accurate than they should be. Reliability is superb. Also comes with a .22mag cylinder if they want a little more "oomph."

 

[bestseller92]

Go for the Single Six. It will last forever. My older one has 20,000+ rounds through it and is still mechanically perfect. Cheap .22s wear out quick if you shoot a lot.

 

[MCgunner]

I have a Rossi M511 I like a lot. Not made anymore, only used ones around. Ruger's Bearcat, Single Six, any number of used Smiths that don't have locks (good luck on finding that one for a "reasonable price"), the Taurus 94, NAA mini master. Those would be my first choices. Oh, yeah, the SP101 in .22LR. That one isn't made anymore either, don't think, but you might find one somewhere.

You can find a Ruger Single Six for less than $300. Taurus 94 run about the same but Ruger is better.

That is purely your opinion. I've found Taurus revolvers to be more accurate than most others I've owned. But, I haven't fired a Taurus 94. I do like Rugers, though, but you'll want to be into single actions if you get a single six. The SP101 is a quality DA, but Ruger dropped it. That's a shame, IMHO. SP101s are fantastic DAs. I'd take one over ANY Smith kit gun, but that's just MY opinion.

 

[smee781]

Well,

A single six is great if you want a single action, if a double is more your style, I've had good luck finding Smith 34's for around 200-250.

 

[Blue .45]

I found a Rossi M518 .22 earlier this summer. After a thorough cleaning and lead removal, it turned out to be a pretty good shooter. As much as I like my Single Six, I find somewhat tedious to empty/reload after awhile. I much prefer the swing out cylinder of the Rossi, for the range.

 

[JERRY]

if you can find an old school Charter Arms pathfinder .22lr for $300.00 or less go for it.