What DA .22 revolver should I get?

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guitarguy314

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So, after living in denial, I have finally...(begrudgingly) come to terms with the fact that as much as I love my big bore revolvers, I need a 22 in the mix to save me some money, and to allow me to practice more.

So, I'm in the market for a 22. I'd like a double action, long barreled gun ... Blue steel and wooden grips...and heavy. This isn't a carry gun. This is just a plinking/target gun.

I have been looking at getting an old smith and wesson K22 (I think it was) with the target hammer and trigger. But I saw several models, and am not sure which one I should get. I like older smiths that have the firing pin on the hammer.

So, which Smith 22 would you guys recommend?
And, are there any others that fit the bill as I've described it?

Thanks guys,

L
 
If you can find a dan wesson 22 that would be the best. You can also change barrels with a lower cost EWKarms barrel and shroud if some thing different is needed. There built on the same frame as there 357mags and has the same trigger system. Great trigger.

There out there- Just a few
http://www.armslist.com/posts/11356...er-6inch-barrel-d-a-s-a-adjustable-rear-sight

http://www.gunsamerica.com/912230315/Dan_Wesson_22LR_4_inch_bbl.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/94888640...rs/Dan_Wesson_22_LR_8inch_and_4_inch_bbls.htm

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8383138
 
A little disagreement here. The DA .22 that others are judged by is a blued, 6" barreled K-22 Smith & Wesson. Fit, finish, balance, and accuracy, all in one package that will last a lifetime. The Dan Wesson is a fine piece, but the S&W has the balance in the hand.
 
You're on the right track. I'd look for one old enough to be pinned & recessed, but not so old as to want for available parts if a repair were required. That is unless you have Korth money. It might not be more accurate, but those are just too cool.
 
Thanks for the responses guys!

hardluk1: I thought about that. Saw a 22 pistol pak at a gun show once. Thanks for the suggestion

Urbane ruralite: What age/serial number range should I look for to insure I get a P&R model?

Jerry: I wish money wasn't an issue. I can save though. ...I do prefer a longer barrel however.
 
I just picked up a Model 17-5 off of Gunbroker. If you're looking for a nice 22lr revolver, the K22s cannot be beat. I bought mine for $450 (plus 25 shipping) and would have paid a little more. Go on, GB and look at some of the pricing for the various K22 offerings. It seems insane, but they're not going to go done.

They have not stopped recessing their rimfire cylinders, but they did stop pinning the barrels in 1982. The pinned barrels seem to be more desirable, but I honestly say there is a performance difference. The only difference that I see is that pinned barrels are no longer available, so the collector value is higher.
 
Next week I'll pick up my first .22 revolver: a 1948 Smith K22. I had to pick it up since the local gun shop had a plain jane Ruger 10/22 for the same price!
 
Howdy

You just cannot beat the classic K-22 for an all around 22 revolver. Or its successor the Model 17. I bought this one brand, spanky new in 1975. It is a Model 17-3. Six inch pinned barrel, target sights. It cost $125, which was a lot of money back then for a kid in his twenties, but I have never regretted buying it. The great thing about a K-22 or a Model 17 is they make a great companion for a K-38, which became the Model 14 in 1957. Same basic gun, same frame, same just a bit lighter because of the larger caliber.

Model_17-1.jpg


You might also look for the classic K-22. This one was made in 1932. It has a thinner pencil barrel and so it weighs a bit less. If you go for one this old, the sights are finer and can be a bit tough for old eyes to pick up.

K2201.jpg

By the way, all S&W 22 caliber hand ejectors have always had the firing pin mounted in the frame. It is the centerfire guns that have the firing pin mounted in the hammer.

P.S. I have a ten shot Model 617 too, but it can't hold a candle to the classic K-22 or Model 17.
 
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I would love to find either a Model 17 or else a Colt Diamondback with a 6" barrel. Both are truly classic DA .22LR revolvers.
 
have to agree with Driftwood. I have a 1977 vintage Model 18, had a 2004 vintage Model 617. Sold the 617 with zero regrets, love the Model 18 and am on the lookout for an early Model 17 to go with it.

The 617 was not as smooth in double action, had a heavier pull and I did not like the balance of the full barrel underlug. The internal lock jammed up once. All of the above turned me off them. I also had MIM hammer blocks fail in a S&W Model 60 and a 66. I no longer own any S&Ws with MIM parts.

As for age,
Any serial number with a K in it is 1983 or earlier.
Any serial number before K946391 is from the 60s or earlier,
Any serial number from K1 to K288988 is from 1956 or earlier and will be a K22 Masterpiece or K22 Combat Masterpiece. The Model 17 & Model 18 designations were introduced in 1957.
Models up to the 17-5 are tapered barrels, the 17-6 and above are full underlug variants.
 
For a 6" barrel, it would be hard to beat a Smith & Wesson Model 17. A Dan Wesson is a good choice too. The Dan Wesson is a bit heavier, but shoots just as well.

Never owned a Colt D/A but I'm sure they would be a good choice also.
 
Absolutely find a K-22 or M17 if you want a great 6" DA .22 revolver. They are going up in value, but there are a lot of them around. $700 should get you one in excellent condition. Shooter-grade examples can be found at $400 - $600.
 
Next week I'll pick up my first .22 revolver: a 1948 Smith K22. I had to pick it up since the local gun shop had a plain jane Ruger 10/22 for the same price!
Click to expand...

Just how much did you pay for it? :what:

Was that one of the transitional models ... long action + hammer block safety ... ?

To the OP, sounds like you are looking for a 6" (or 8 3/8" if you can find one) Model 17 / K-22. The Dan Wessons are almost as nice, and usually cost less. The Colt Diamondback .22 is arguably in the same league as the K-22, but they frequently cost more than a grand.

Taurus made a close copy of the K-22, called the Model 96. I saw a near mint one last year for $275, but passed on it because the rear sight was VERY loose.
 
I like older smiths that have the firing pin on the hammer.
Click to expand...
All modern S&W .22 RF's will have frame mounted firing pins.

Only the center-fires had hammer mounted firing pins.

You are looking for a Model 14 K-22 Masterpiece.

They don't get any better.

rc
 
I think a transistion model 6" S&W M17-6 might be the one for you with the full underlug. They are very pretty revolvers and have the look of the newer M617 but blued.
 
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