Looking for a .22 revolver

DarthTedd · March 5, 2007, 02:49 AM

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I've seen a few but nothing spectacular. I wanted to see if anyone had pictures of theirs and what they thought.

Thanks!

skeeter1 · March 5, 2007, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Could you narrow it down a bit? Are you looking for a target revolver, kit gun, pocket gun? Try downloading the current S&W catalog for starters. plenty of nice stuff there.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...ectionId=10504

Socrates · March 5, 2007, 03:46 AM

Yes. Look for other threads on the same subject. 22 revolvers are hard to find that are really accurate. Ruger has some really weird barrel specs on their Single Sixes. Switching barrels would work, as well. Might look at their Bisley gripped 22lr. It looks very nice. I'd then
I bought the highly recommended Model 63, and, got rid of it quickly, because it was inaccurate, trading for a Colt Trooper III, that has been accurate.

Older S&W's have been known to drive tacks, but, they aren't generally cheap, or, easy to find.

Accurate 22lr pistols are difficult to find, unless you just buy an FA model 83 or 97...

S

laytonj1 · March 5, 2007, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Accurate 22lr pistols are difficult to find, unless you just buy an FA model 83 or 97...

So true!!! One hole 25 yard groups with my old Freedom Arms 252 silhouette.
True superior quality ain't cheap.

Jim

Socrates · March 5, 2007, 08:56 AM

The cheapest 22lr accurate guns I've heard of are Marvel conversions for 1911's, around 400, if you have the 1911, or, those bolt action pistol/rifles, that also run about that after trigger, etc.

Don't know how the chambers are on 22lr cylinders in the Ruger's, or the throats. Swapping barrels wouldn't be too bad, money wise, but, having to drill a new cylinder, barrel, and action would be about 1000, on a 300 dollar gun. That's 1300 bucks, or, real close to a 22lr FA.

S

Smokin Joe · March 5, 2007, 10:00 AM

If you dont mind used:

If long range target shooting is what you do, then the Taurus Hunter is just the gun for you. Constructed from the finest grade of steel, these hunter guns are as accurate as they are long. The 12 inch barrels are designed for maximum balance and accuracy. In chamberings for .22 LR and .22 Magnum, this is the gun for steel plate shooting and varminting at long range. Taurus Hunter guns come with fully adjustable sights and rubber grips for a steady hand and easy aim. All Taurus Hunter guns come with the Taurus Security System and are backed by the Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy.

available new:

Taurus Tracker also comes in the well-known .22 LR. The 6-inch barrel offers extreme accuracy, for those long shots. The Model 970 holds 7 rounds and wears the exclusive Taurus Ribber Grip and the Taurus Security System.

22-rimfire · March 5, 2007, 10:18 AM

Two 22 revolvers come to mind that are excellent. The Smith & Wesson Model 17 (K-22 Masterpiece) or a Colt Officers Model Match. Both sport 6" barrels and are well known for their accuracy and workmanship. The Model 17 will likely be easier to find at a gunshow. Online, you will find both.

In the last two weeks, I picked up a Smith Model 18 which is the Model 17 with a 4" barrel. Very nice revolver. Eventually this model was discontinued and the Model 17 was offered with 4" barrels as well. I'm very pleased with the revolver even though I prefer Colts.

Current Smith production is the Model 617 which is the stainless version of the Model 17. They don't sell the beautiful old blue ones any more. Pricey revolver, but worth it.

Other prime Colt choices since the 1950's include Trooper, Trooper Mark III, and Diamondback. Just depends on your budget.

DarthTedd · March 5, 2007, 12:11 PM

Anything works to be honest. I really like the looks of the S&W model 17 but haven't really seen many around.

I dig this one!

I also like the Taurus 370 but it's a bit long. I think I'd rather go for a 4" barrel instead.

Who knows ... maybe I'll get a Ruger 22/45 instead of a revolver.

DarthTedd · March 5, 2007, 01:45 PM

I wouldn't mind also getting an older style S&W like the following. I even like the .32 caliber.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=67246684

Majic · March 5, 2007, 01:59 PM

Another potentially accurate .22lr revolver is the Dan Wesson M22 (blue) and M722 (SS). Once you tune the barrel to the load it will drive tacks.
When looking at the older Colts there is not only the Officers Model Match (OMM), but the older Officers Model Special (OMS) and the Officers Model Target (OMT).

DarthTedd · March 5, 2007, 02:19 PM

I dig the M22. Might be hard to fine though ...

Something like the following would be really cool!

22-rimfire · March 5, 2007, 03:28 PM

If you buy a 22 revolver, buy a premium one. Any of the above mentioned revolvers would be excellent. I almost bought a Taurus 22 revolver a year of so ago. Really liked the feel of it.

Although many disagree with me, I suggest you spend a little extra money and avoid buying a revolver made by H&R, Charter Arms, Rossi, RG, High Standard or similar second tier products. They shoot, but you will not get the same long term satisfaction from the handgun.

The Smith Model 17's are around. I see one at just about every gunshow I attend. They tend to sell and tend to be pricey in excellent condition due to their pre-lock status and desireability. Smith made a Model 34 which is built on a smaller frame than the 17's and 18's. Good revolver too.

For general shooting, I prefer a 4" double action 22 revolver. The current crop of Smith 617's offer both a 6 and 10 shot cylinder. The 317 is a smaller 22 revolver that would be useful for pocket carry or general plinking, but you won't likely get the same accuracy from one as you do from a 617.

don't shoot it's me · March 5, 2007, 04:28 PM

I've been going through the same thing...I really like look of a 22 revolvr and find them more fun than autos...but I keep hearing they are not as accurate as a decent auto becuse the bullet tends to bounce a bit before finding the barrel (or something to that effect)...I kind of settled on a new buckmark, but again, I find myself lured back to those classic revolver lines...

Baphomet · March 5, 2007, 04:38 PM

The 617. Best damn .22 revolver I've ever owned. And I've owned a few...

skeeter1 · March 5, 2007, 05:05 PM

If you can find a Smith & Wesson Model 35 22/32 target revolver, that, IMHO, is as good as they get. This one is mine, 35 years old, and NO, YOU CAN'T HAVE IT! Of all of my firearms if I had to pick only one, this would be it. I still shoot her regularly. The Speedloader has a cylinder-full of CCI Stingers.

Socrates · March 5, 2007, 06:17 PM

As far as I'm concerned, these Colt Troopers are the best bang for buck going.

This one has a tuned trigger, been checked by a top smith, and flat out shoots.

Make an expensive offer, and, I might sell it.

S

The Real Wyatt · March 5, 2007, 07:17 PM

I really like my Taurus 970 Tracker. Excellent balance all 46.6 ounces of it (2 oz. more than the stainless model). Shoots way better than my 67 year old eyes allow me to shoot.

This target was shot at a measured distance of 100 feet. One handed, single action, very slow fire. I must comment that the double action trigger pull is horrid although the single action trigger is quite good.

allenomics · March 5, 2007, 07:56 PM

You can't lose by buying Ruger's Single Six (.22LR). It also includes a .22MAG cylinder. I have one; stainless, 6.5" barrel. It's a masterpiece. Retail is $500, but you can buy it for less and save even more if you buy its standard model.

skeeter1 · March 5, 2007, 08:49 PM

If you're serious about .22s, you might want to check over at www.rimfirecentral.com as well.

Socrates · March 5, 2007, 08:57 PM

Yes you can loose on a Ruger Single six, if you want an accurate 22lr. The barrel specs are REALLY weird on the SSix, BECAUSE of the 22 magnum cylinder, and round.

My prior comments are based on many people having to take a rifle, or 22lr pistol barrel, and put it on their Ssix to get it to shoot. When you start adding in shipping, gunsmithing, and a new barrel, all of a sudden that 500 dollar ruger costs you a grand, and, all you've got is a fancy ruger, that no one will pay you what you have in it for.

When I say don't shoot, I mean shoots like a shotgun at 25 yards. Feet patterns, not inches. Guys send them back, Ruger says the gun is within specs, despite having a way over .223 or 224 barrel, some up to .230, and, Ruger saying that's fine.

Trying to be a jack of all trades, doing two calibers, is not so great if you want a super accurate 22lr, and, if your 22 lr isn't, what fun is it? If you can't hit dimes with a 22lr, it's really depressing, since the gun has no recoil.

S

clayking · March 5, 2007, 09:52 PM

I've only owned the S&W 617 6" barrel. I shoot it off-hand with irons at 15 and 25 yards with excellent accuracy. I then scoped it and shoot it, mostly at 50 yards off a sandbag. With value ammo from Wally-World I get very tight groups with the occasional flyer, likely due to said cheap ammo. It has performed flawlessly.

I've no doubt that the accuracy of the Taurus Tracker is also very good, perhaps just as good or better than the Smith. I was between the Taurus and the Smith and bought the Smith as it seemed to me that they hold their value better. Honestly, I liked the looks of the Taurus better, but I also preferred the 10 shot function of the Smith and it's stainless finish. The difference, for me, was not quite 150 bucks, so I opted for the Smith. Since I've never shot the Taurus .22 I cannot speak of its function or accuracy......................ck

BFBoy · March 5, 2007, 10:15 PM

Yes you can loose on a Ruger Single six, if you want an accurate 22lr. The barrel specs are REALLY weird on the SSix, BECAUSE of the 22 magnum cylinder, and round.

My prior comments are based on many people having to take a rifle, or 22lr pistol barrel, and put it on their Ssix to get it to shoot. When you start adding in shipping, gunsmithing, and a new barrel, all of a sudden that 500 dollar ruger costs you a grand, and, all you've got is a fancy ruger, that no one will pay you what you have in it for.

When I say don't shoot, I mean shoots like a shotgun at 25 yards. Feet patterns, not inches. Guys send them back, Ruger says the gun is within specs, despite having a way over .223 or 224 barrel, some up to .230, and, Ruger saying that's fine.

Trying to be a jack of all trades, doing two calibers, is not so great if you want a super accurate 22lr, and, if your 22 lr isn't, what fun is it? If you can't hit dimes with a 22lr, it's really depressing, since the gun has no recoil.

I don't remember my SSix being inaccurate, at all. I had a 5-1/2" Bbl model, and to shoot groups in feet @ 25 yds, it would have to be someone other than me shooting it.
It would be a good choice.

DarthTedd · March 6, 2007, 02:54 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll keep looking at the few shops I hit up and see what I can find.

Socrates · March 6, 2007, 08:23 AM

I spent an hour with one of the top gunsmiths in the nation, discussing this issue, among others, with him, tonight. The odd part is his economic solution is NOT tighter, but aligned looser. In other words, the lineup between the cylinder, throat, and barrel, along with LARGER chambers, and throats, and, a decent barrel. Bottomline is, throw the Ruger barrel away, and line everything up...

Working on a price for being able to convert a Single Six to
an accurate gun. Oddly, sloppy specs CAN work, but, they dont' work consistently enough...
So, the end result is rugers are a roll of the dice, and, it costs near 500 bucks for the first roll....
Now, my question is, what's the cheapest way to make that 500 dollar investment into a tack driving gun?
I'm working on it...an affordable Single Six affordable package, from one of the top gunsmiths in the world...

S

22-rimfire · March 6, 2007, 09:32 AM

Interesting. You don't normally think of Ruger Single Actions as requiring custom work to make them shoot accurately. I'm a double action revolver guy, but I was thinking of getting one of the Rugers (probably 41 mag). Besides, Freedom Arms, who makes excellent single actions which are known for accuracy out of the box?

March 5, 2007, 02:49 AM	#1
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	Looking for a .22 revolver Thoughts? Suggestions? I've seen a few but nothing spectacular. I wanted to see if anyone had pictures of theirs and what they thought. Thanks! __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 5, 2007, 12:11 PM	#8
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	Anything works to be honest. I really like the looks of the S&W model 17 but haven't really seen many around. I dig this one! I also like the Taurus 370 but it's a bit long. I think I'd rather go for a 4" barrel instead. Who knows ... maybe I'll get a Ruger 22/45 instead of a revolver. __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 5, 2007, 01:45 PM	#9
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	I wouldn't mind also getting an older style S&W like the following. I even like the .32 caliber. http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=67246684 __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 5, 2007, 02:19 PM	#11
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	I dig the M22. Might be hard to fine though ... Something like the following would be really cool! __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 5, 2007, 07:56 PM	#18
allenomics Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,490	You can't lose by buying Ruger's Single Six (.22LR). It also includes a .22MAG cylinder. I have one; stainless, 6.5" barrel. It's a masterpiece. Retail is $500, but you can buy it for less and save even more if you buy its standard model. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power!

March 5, 2007, 03:46 AM	#3
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	Yes. Look for other threads on the same subject. 22 revolvers are hard to find that are really accurate. Ruger has some really weird barrel specs on their Single Sixes. Switching barrels would work, as well. Might look at their Bisley gripped 22lr. It looks very nice. I'd then I bought the highly recommended Model 63, and, got rid of it quickly, because it was inaccurate, trading for a Colt Trooper III, that has been accurate. Older S&W's have been known to drive tacks, but, they aren't generally cheap, or, easy to find. Accurate 22lr pistols are difficult to find, unless you just buy an FA model 83 or 97... S

March 5, 2007, 08:56 AM	#5
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	The cheapest 22lr accurate guns I've heard of are Marvel conversions for 1911's, around 400, if you have the 1911, or, those bolt action pistol/rifles, that also run about that after trigger, etc. Don't know how the chambers are on 22lr cylinders in the Ruger's, or the throats. Swapping barrels wouldn't be too bad, money wise, but, having to drill a new cylinder, barrel, and action would be about 1000, on a 300 dollar gun. That's 1300 bucks, or, real close to a 22lr FA. S

March 5, 2007, 10:00 AM	#6
Smokin Joe Junior member Join Date: January 30, 2007 Location: City of New York Posts: 291	If you dont mind used: If long range target shooting is what you do, then the Taurus Hunter is just the gun for you. Constructed from the finest grade of steel, these hunter guns are as accurate as they are long. The 12 inch barrels are designed for maximum balance and accuracy. In chamberings for .22 LR and .22 Magnum, this is the gun for steel plate shooting and varminting at long range. Taurus Hunter guns come with fully adjustable sights and rubber grips for a steady hand and easy aim. All Taurus Hunter guns come with the Taurus Security System and are backed by the Taurus Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy. available new: Taurus Tracker also comes in the well-known .22 LR. The 6-inch barrel offers extreme accuracy, for those long shots. The Model 970 holds 7 rounds and wears the exclusive Taurus Ribber Grip and the Taurus Security System.

March 5, 2007, 10:18 AM	#7
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4,334	Two 22 revolvers come to mind that are excellent. The Smith & Wesson Model 17 (K-22 Masterpiece) or a Colt Officers Model Match. Both sport 6" barrels and are well known for their accuracy and workmanship. The Model 17 will likely be easier to find at a gunshow. Online, you will find both. In the last two weeks, I picked up a Smith Model 18 which is the Model 17 with a 4" barrel. Very nice revolver. Eventually this model was discontinued and the Model 17 was offered with 4" barrels as well. I'm very pleased with the revolver even though I prefer Colts. Current Smith production is the Model 617 which is the stainless version of the Model 17. They don't sell the beautiful old blue ones any more. Pricey revolver, but worth it. Other prime Colt choices since the 1950's include Trooper, Trooper Mark III, and Diamondback. Just depends on your budget.

March 5, 2007, 01:59 PM	#10
Majic Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2004 Posts: 3,888	Another potentially accurate .22lr revolver is the Dan Wesson M22 (blue) and M722 (SS). Once you tune the barrel to the load it will drive tacks. When looking at the older Colts there is not only the Officers Model Match (OMM), but the older Officers Model Special (OMS) and the Officers Model Target (OMT).

March 5, 2007, 03:28 PM	#12
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4,334	If you buy a 22 revolver, buy a premium one. Any of the above mentioned revolvers would be excellent. I almost bought a Taurus 22 revolver a year of so ago. Really liked the feel of it. Although many disagree with me, I suggest you spend a little extra money and avoid buying a revolver made by H&R, Charter Arms, Rossi, RG, High Standard or similar second tier products. They shoot, but you will not get the same long term satisfaction from the handgun. The Smith Model 17's are around. I see one at just about every gunshow I attend. They tend to sell and tend to be pricey in excellent condition due to their pre-lock status and desireability. Smith made a Model 34 which is built on a smaller frame than the 17's and 18's. Good revolver too. For general shooting, I prefer a 4" double action 22 revolver. The current crop of Smith 617's offer both a 6 and 10 shot cylinder. The 317 is a smaller 22 revolver that would be useful for pocket carry or general plinking, but you won't likely get the same accuracy from one as you do from a 617.

March 5, 2007, 04:28 PM	#13
don't shoot it's me Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2001 Location: NY first/LA second Posts: 1,537	I've been going through the same thing...I really like look of a 22 revolvr and find them more fun than autos...but I keep hearing they are not as accurate as a decent auto becuse the bullet tends to bounce a bit before finding the barrel (or something to that effect)...I kind of settled on a new buckmark, but again, I find myself lured back to those classic revolver lines...

March 5, 2007, 04:38 PM	#14
Baphomet Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2006 Posts: 262	The 617. Best damn .22 revolver I've ever owned. And I've owned a few...

March 5, 2007, 06:17 PM	#16
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	As far as I'm concerned, these Colt Troopers are the best bang for buck going. This one has a tuned trigger, been checked by a top smith, and flat out shoots. Make an expensive offer, and, I might sell it. S

March 5, 2007, 08:49 PM	#19
skeeter1 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 3,403	If you're serious about .22s, you might want to check over at www.rimfirecentral.com as well.

March 5, 2007, 08:57 PM	#20
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	Yes you can loose on a Ruger Single six, if you want an accurate 22lr. The barrel specs are REALLY weird on the SSix, BECAUSE of the 22 magnum cylinder, and round. My prior comments are based on many people having to take a rifle, or 22lr pistol barrel, and put it on their Ssix to get it to shoot. When you start adding in shipping, gunsmithing, and a new barrel, all of a sudden that 500 dollar ruger costs you a grand, and, all you've got is a fancy ruger, that no one will pay you what you have in it for. When I say don't shoot, I mean shoots like a shotgun at 25 yards. Feet patterns, not inches. Guys send them back, Ruger says the gun is within specs, despite having a way over .223 or 224 barrel, some up to .230, and, Ruger saying that's fine. Trying to be a jack of all trades, doing two calibers, is not so great if you want a super accurate 22lr, and, if your 22 lr isn't, what fun is it? If you can't hit dimes with a 22lr, it's really depressing, since the gun has no recoil. S

March 5, 2007, 09:52 PM	#21
clayking Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 797	I've only owned the S&W 617 6" barrel. I shoot it off-hand with irons at 15 and 25 yards with excellent accuracy. I then scoped it and shoot it, mostly at 50 yards off a sandbag. With value ammo from Wally-World I get very tight groups with the occasional flyer, likely due to said cheap ammo. It has performed flawlessly. I've no doubt that the accuracy of the Taurus Tracker is also very good, perhaps just as good or better than the Smith. I was between the Taurus and the Smith and bought the Smith as it seemed to me that they hold their value better. Honestly, I liked the looks of the Taurus better, but I also preferred the 10 shot function of the Smith and it's stainless finish. The difference, for me, was not quite 150 bucks, so I opted for the Smith. Since I've never shot the Taurus .22 I cannot speak of its function or accuracy......................ck __________________ Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

March 5, 2007, 10:15 PM	#22
BFBoy Member Join Date: April 27, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 38	Yes you can loose on a Ruger Single six, if you want an accurate 22lr. The barrel specs are REALLY weird on the SSix, BECAUSE of the 22 magnum cylinder, and round. My prior comments are based on many people having to take a rifle, or 22lr pistol barrel, and put it on their Ssix to get it to shoot. When you start adding in shipping, gunsmithing, and a new barrel, all of a sudden that 500 dollar ruger costs you a grand, and, all you've got is a fancy ruger, that no one will pay you what you have in it for. When I say don't shoot, I mean shoots like a shotgun at 25 yards. Feet patterns, not inches. Guys send them back, Ruger says the gun is within specs, despite having a way over .223 or 224 barrel, some up to .230, and, Ruger saying that's fine. Trying to be a jack of all trades, doing two calibers, is not so great if you want a super accurate 22lr, and, if your 22 lr isn't, what fun is it? If you can't hit dimes with a 22lr, it's really depressing, since the gun has no recoil. I don't remember my SSix being inaccurate, at all. I had a 5-1/2" Bbl model, and to shoot groups in feet @ 25 yds, it would have to be someone other than me shooting it. It would be a good choice.

March 6, 2007, 02:54 AM	#23
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	Thanks for the comments guys. I'll keep looking at the few shops I hit up and see what I can find. __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 6, 2007, 08:23 AM	#24
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	I spent an hour with one of the top gunsmiths in the nation, discussing this issue, among others, with him, tonight. The odd part is his economic solution is NOT tighter, but aligned looser. In other words, the lineup between the cylinder, throat, and barrel, along with LARGER chambers, and throats, and, a decent barrel. Bottomline is, throw the Ruger barrel away, and line everything up... Working on a price for being able to convert a Single Six to an accurate gun. Oddly, sloppy specs CAN work, but, they dont' work consistently enough... So, the end result is rugers are a roll of the dice, and, it costs near 500 bucks for the first roll.... Now, my question is, what's the cheapest way to make that 500 dollar investment into a tack driving gun? I'm working on it...an affordable Single Six affordable package, from one of the top gunsmiths in the world... S

March 6, 2007, 09:32 AM	#25
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 4,334	Interesting. You don't normally think of Ruger Single Actions as requiring custom work to make them shoot accurately. I'm a double action revolver guy, but I was thinking of getting one of the Rugers (probably 41 mag). Besides, Freedom Arms, who makes excellent single actions which are known for accuracy out of the box?