Looking for a .22 revolver

[22-rimfire]

You may check around and you might find a used H&R 22 revolver that is pretty good for well under your price range. The H&R 999 Sportsman comes to mind. The H&R's aren't Colts or Smiths, but they aren't bad overall. That was my first revolver that I owned years ago.

In case I didn't say it, the Ruger Single Six is an excellent revolver and is a very good value in a 22 revolver. I don't own one. Just don't need one with the other choices I have. The best choice is probably a Smith Model 17 (or current model 617) double action for an all around 22 revolver. It just doesn't fit within your budget constraints unless you are lucky and find a good one used.

 

[Doug S]

I like the Ruger Bearcat. Fixed sights though, not adjustable like on the SS. Also a little smaller. Well worth the money.

 

[spiroxlii]

Ok... I don't recommend junk, especially where firearms are concerned, since I never want anybody to get hurt on my account. If I ever recommend an inexpensive gun to somebody, it's because I either own one or know somebody who owns one and hasn't regretted it.

If you look in my sig, you'll see that I own both a Heritage Mfg. Rough Rider and an H&R Model 649 .22 revolver. I got the Heritage new for about $150. I got the H&R used for $70. Both of them have swap-out cylinders so you can use them for .22short/long/lr with one cylinder and .22mag with the other cylinder. That gives you flexibility with ammo choices. Which one do I like better? That's hard to say. I like both just fine.

The H&R is heavier and gives me the option of firing double action, but the DA trigger pull isn't the best in the world (though it's adequate), so I usually fire it single action. It's pretty accurate, and it feels like it's built more sturdily than the Heritage. H&R isn't really H&R anymore (another company bought the name), so you won't find one of these revolvers new. If you can get a used one, go for it.

The Heritage Mfg. Rough Rider is lighter (but that doesn't affect recoil much since .22 recoil is mild anyway), and even though I said the H&R felt like it was heavier and sturdier, I think the Rough Rider feels more than sturdy enough to handle .22 and .22mag. It's single-action only, but then again, I usually operate the H&R as a single action revolver too, so that's not really a strike against the Rough Rider. The Rough Rider is still in production, so you can find one easily.

Timing on both guns is good. I've never had one "spit" lead at me. Accuracy is pretty good out of both. Your desire for a low-cost and cheap-to-operate .22 revolver would be satisfied by either weapon.

 

[MassMan]

Years ago my brother had a Ruger Single Six in stainless he wanted to sell. I had shot the gun quite a bit with him and really enjoyed it. However, I had just picked up a K-22 and didn't want to drop more money in another 22. Boy AM I SORRY I didn't. A great little plinker in mint condition and he only wanted $100.