Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Need some .22lr Revolver Suggestions

My brother-in-law called and said that my teenage nephew wants a .22lr revolver for Christmas. It will strictly be a target gun--no hunting, no self-defense. There'll also be no formal competing--just plinking. The kid is big-- 6'2" and 240lbs. His hands aren't huge, but I think a Ruger Bearcat or a SP-101 might be too small (given that we're talking a range gun only). But, if you think one of those is the way to go, just say so!

Why not an automatic? 'Cuz the kid wants a revolver!

I'm going to guess the budget is in the $450 range, certainly no more than $500. New or Used, SA or DA, it doesn't matter.

I'm guessing I'll end up recommending a single six convertible, but thought I'd ask here first.

Thanks!

All I can offer is the observation that the Smith 617 is incredible, but most likely too expensive. The bearcat is very small, so I would look toward a single six if he wants a SA.

For the price range and to get it by Christmas a Single Six would fit the bill.

If it was a wish list with a longer time frame a Smith n Wesson 17 or 18 can sometimes be found for a wee bit more.

I'm 5' 11", 220lbs and the Ruger SP101 4" with a Hogue grip installed fits my hands just fine. In your price range, that's what I'd go with.

The classic choices would be either the Single Six (or maybe a Single Ten) or a S&W K-22, but of course the K-22 is unlikely to fit the budget. Another consideration could be a Taurus Tracker. I have no personal experience with them but have seen some good reviews. The MSRP is about $450.00.

The Ruger SP101 with the fiber optic front sight is a real shooter!

Single-Six.

Slamo-dunko!

I love the .22Mag but convertibles are overrated. The two cartridges don't shoot to the same POI and most folks end up sticking to one or the other. I'd go for the Single Ten, preferably the blued 4 5/8" model from Lipsey's.

The real trap in helping other people shop for guns is that you end up shopping for yourself! Now I'm lingering over this gun, thinking that I really need it! I better step back from the computer and get a grip!!

They look nice in pictures but they're way too heavy for a .22. Slow to reload and and they have a much undeserved reputation for accuracy, when in fact of the several I've owned all would be hard pressed to hold a 3" group at 15 yards with the finest target ammo.

Collector craze has raised prices to ridiculous levels, actual "worth" is more around $250.







Just tryin' to help you resist....

Thanks Jim! You're an oak! Not surprisingly, Mrs. Waders is also "helping" me resist!

Get him a classic that will last a lifetime and gain value.
A Colt Frontier, or Colt Peacemaker with do just that.
Get it with both cylinders, 22lr, and mag.
I have the Peacemaker and love it.

Definitely! The extra four shots are worth it and the Lipsey model also has the aluminum grip frame. Accurate and butt loads of fun...
I've got pretty big hands and the gunfighter grips work just fine.

Think I paid $480 for mine, new.

Waders, the S&W 18 is hard to resist

This 18-3 followed me home one day...

If it is for plinking only, I'd highly reccomend sticking to a double action with swing out cycinder. Look for some used High Standards, or maybe even a Taurus if you are stuck in that price range,
A swing out cylinder is a lot more fun( read quicker to load) than a single action.

In the price range most if not all S&W's, Colts etc are out. A H&R Sportsman 999 is a very nice one that can be found used. The Taurus pistols have been hit and miss for me and the ones I know of, some good some not good at all. New it's pretty much down to the Rugers.

For that price range either a Taurus double action or a Ruger single action. Look at Bud's Guns.

A friend of mine bought a Taurus stainless .22 revolver, was a horrible POS. Million lb trigger pull, inaccurate, hard to get the cylinder out. He sent it back and they replaced it with one just slightly less crappy. I'd never buy a Taurus, at least a .22.

Hard not to recommend a S&W of any flavor, though they ain't cheap. I bought one of the new 17s a couple years ago for way too much dough, but I don't regret it. Very accurate, and damn just a fun gun.

I would rather have a single six (actually a single ten) than any cheap DA revolver.

For his size and if he just wants to do it right the first time and have something he will cherish forever...a S&W 17. It's going to be used but there are enough clean used ones out there that if your friend looks long enough he'll find one that fits the bill.

Will run from $550-750 but if one is patient the right one at the right price will come along. If one isn't found by Christmas then have your friend do a gift certificate for one complete with picture.

Bob

Dang that is a bunch of scallops in that cylinder...

You will notice that 90% of the replies do not answer your question for a revolver in the $450 range. Go back and re-read only the replies that do.
Taurus revolvers are certainly not top of the line. Sort of a cheap man's S&W. However when I was running handgun classes ,I picked up three of them for students. We ran a lot of rounds thru them and the only problem was with one that the rear sight adjustment was screwed up.

Yes I do have K-22. My most favorite rf revolver, but it is not in your price range, so scrap that. Might look for one of those High Standard's Double Nine which were fair revolvers patterned in a single action style, but a double action, or an older H&R. I'd still recommend something with a swing out cylinder that the lad can stuff rounds in fairly quickly and shoot. I have seen to many youngsters get bored with ejecting one round at a time and reloading like a single action requires.

Unless one finds a real deal, the options are somewhat limited. If he has large hands then the SA Rugers and Colts could be an issue. When looking for gloves I start at XXL and normally have to go larger. The Rugers and Colts just do not feel right. If money was not the object I would say S&W or perhaps a Dan Wesson.

Thanks, saddlesore. I suspect he'll be getting a Ruger single six (or ten) this year. Maybe next year he'll want to sell it and apply the proceeds to another gun.

We've all been there...

Thanks everyone for the help!

I had a Single-Six convertible, blue 4 5/8".

I really liked it. Traded it away many years ago on a GP100 and kind of regret it.

Can't go wrong with a Ruger Single Six. I see them for sale used under $300 routinely.

Another voter for a Ruger Single Sx, or even the Single 10. Hard to beat, IMO

Run from the Taurus .22 Revolvers!!! If they are not broke, they will be!

Would have to agree with CHL on the current run of Taurus small frame .22s. I used to loan my S&W .22 revolvers to the local 4H shooting club....kids from 8-18. Not even the 8 year olds had a problem cocking back the hammer on the J-frame guns. The director of the program got a grant for some handguns and bought the newest generation 941s. The DA pull is totally unusable for most of the kids and many have to have the hammer cocked for them SA. One out of the ten purchased had to go back out of the box as it would not work.

Had had one of the older polished stainless 5" 941s in ..22 Magnum. It was an EXCELLENT shooter and just as accurate as the S&W 651 I had at the time. I sold it to one of my best friends who still has it. These guns had the 1/2 underlug barrel and polished finish vs. the full underlug/full underlug barrel of the current generation.

Have not done anything more than handle the current Tracker size .22s. I have three of the .41 Trackers in both stainless and titanium and all have been great shooters.

Can someone tell me if the dual cylinder Ruger Single-Six is any more accurate with the Long Rifle cylinder than it used to be. I have had five of the dual cylinder guns and only ONE was as accurate with the Long Rifle cylinder as it was with the Magnum cylinder. With the Magnum cylinder all were tack drives. With Long Rifles they shot patterns....all that is except for the Hunter Model that is just as accurate with either cylinder.

How about the Single-Ten. Being a dedicated .22 Long Rifle gun has anyone found them to be more accurate that any previous experience with a dual cylinder gun?

Bob

Not much need to look past this post. No offense to subsequent commentators. To me, this just sums it up. The model 17 is probably the finest .22 revolver ever made if size is no issue. If only single actions are counted, the Super Single Six is probably the best. To me, the 617 is the top of the model 17 line-the pinnacle. If you don't like stainless or extra bulk, the model 17 is the way to go.

Years back, Venturino did a test of single actions. This must've been clear back in the eighties. I can't remember if the Colt Scout came out on top accuracy wise or the Single Six did. Personally, though I've got the Colt, I think the Single Six is the better of the two. They were the top two accuracy wise, in the article, regardless.

Just to be a little different, how about a H&R break action. I am 6'4" with large hands and these revolvers fit me surprisingly well. I picked a 6" model up at a pawn shop a couple of months ago for a shade under $300.

As a few others have commented, if you change the grips on the SP101 it can fit well also. My SP101 wears wooden Hogue and even though it is a .357 and not a .22, it is easy to shoot and fits my hands quite well.

Grips can be changed to fit, on most of 'em.....

I you have a few pawns shops around hit them up and see what fits your bill. Someone can learn what thier likes and dislikes are from a cheap (but mechanically sound) shooter just as quickly as an expensive one.
Chances are if he takes with shooting regularly, he will be eyeballing gun cases on his own before long anyways.
Good luck to all and enjoy.

That's a matter of opinion and highly debatable. The first handgun I bought with my own money was a Uberti Virginian .22 convertible when I was 12yrs old. It was years later that I added a couple K-22's (17 and 18) and my rimfire single actions have seen WAAAAAAY more use than any of my S&W's. If a Single Six ain't fun, you're doing something wrong. For me, there are plain few things more fun than a .22 single action.

Been trying in vain to wear out this Old Model:


Patton wouldn't approve my grip choice for the Bearcat:


Unfortunately the USFA 12/22 is long gone and way out of the OP's price range:


The model 18 that I paid $200 for has definitely been under-utilized:

Your opinion is just as highly debateable, especially for a youngster that wants to get out there and burn up ammo. Just about anything posted here is strictly opinion isn't it?

Some is, some isn't, some more informed than others.

Burn up ammo? I don't know anyone who is "burning up ammo" when it comes to the .22LR. I've been sitting on two cases for two years.

Like I said, if you find a .22 single action boring, you're doing something wrong. The Single Six has been in continuous production since 1953 so obviously, I'm not the only one that feels this way. Besides, the only advantage the DA has is in unloading. Loading is a wash, at best. Of course, I only shoot 20-30,000rds a year through single actions so what do I know???

I do agree with the loading/unloading part. My Single Ten isn't really any slower to load than any other (and I also have a MkIII 22/45). you can actually load two per 'click' on the ST.

I also like the fact that a SA does seem to make you 'slow down' and enjoy the experience more. With the current state of .22 ammo I sure ain't burning up the 22/45! Matter of fact, it's hardly been shot because the craziness started right after I bought it.

I actually have been hunting with some Aguilar shorts in the ST recently. They had two boxes left at SW so I snagged them...

Anyway, this is all opinion and as long as the kid doesn't get a POS ANY .22 handgun is usually a barrel of monkeys level of fun...

Since he's not going to hunt with it he might as well skip the convertible and go with the Single-Ten. The longer reload time may help to conserve hard to get ammo.

Then there are ones who think they are more informed!!!!!

As for being informed, I carried an NRA Certfied Instructors credential for 20 years and just stopped renewing this year, Range Safety Officer, past Gun Club President, helped put together a 560 acre a gun range, taught over 500 students Basic Pistol Classes for Concealed Carry Permits, of which Sheriff's office monitored and said I had the best one on Colorado Springs. Most of that was with a 22 RF.

Some really are. And there are those who don't do enough .22LR shooting for their opinion to even be relevant. Those who also love to complain about carrying a full size 4" revolver.

I do find the SA reloading process to be a PIA. Really for me it comes down to the feel with very large hands I have never found one that I can shoot well. Perhaps I have not looked long enough, but then again I have no want to. I carried a 629 4" for a couple of years, finally got tired of the weight. Now have a 357PD 41 mag. Often forget it is there. Let him decide what fits and would be best. Have him handle a few, you might be surprised at what he picks.

The Single-Six fits your price point, is a quality gun, accurate and will last forever if taken care of. I've had three over many years, you can complain how slow they are to load but with practice you can load them pretty fast.

With that said, I prefer S&W double actions, the Models 17, 18 or 617 would be excellent for a range only gun. I feel they add an additional dimension in that you can learn to shoot double-action. Unfortunately they usually exceed your price limit, Not always though, sometimes a 17 or 18 can be found for around $500. About 3 months ago I (regretfully) passed on a S&W 18 at my dealers in 90% + condition for $500. You don't see them often at that price as unfortunately most sellers look at what the actually collectable ones go for and think their 80 to 90% gun with no box, literature or tools are going for and think theirs is worth the same. Are they worth $500 to $700? go price new revolvers and your question will be answered.

As far as accuracy goes I find that the Single-Six's and S&W revolvers are more accurate than most shooters are capable of... i.e. 1 1/4" to 2" at 20 yards. The key thing regarding rimfires and accuracy though is you have to try different ammo to see what they will shoot well. As far as trying match ammo in them and declaring them inaccurate because they don't shoot it good; I tried that with the match .22LR (UM1) that Federal developed for the olympics thinking that I wanted to see what a couple of my rimfires were Really capable of... guess what they did not shoot it worth a hoot! They shot CCI standard velocity much better at approx. one-sixth the cost.

Regarding Rimfire Ammunition; I know you're a regular here but I'm not sure if you're into rimfires much... have you tried to find any .22 LR in the last year and 10 months? After that nut case shot up the at Sandy Hook Elementary School Rimfire ammunition has been scarce to outright unavailable. So if they are set on getting him a revolver they need to start looking around for .22LR ammo immediately.

Regarding the Bearcat and SP 101; Not fond of the fixed sights on the Bearcat I had, especially the stainless version. Yes you can regulate the sights, but different .22 LR ammo will shoot to diff. POI. The SP 101 I feel is a good gun, the upper end plus of your budget, But the trigger to be kind Sucks (at least on the one I had and the one I now have), And will definitely need a trigger job.

Enjoy the search,

Jerry

Small lightweight 22 revolvers make it hard for me, with my shaky hands, to hit anything.


Colt Official Police 1951
Heavyweight 22 revolvers shoot small groups for me.



S&W K22 1955
Again, heavyweight 22 revolvers shoot small groups for me.

My first choice for a kid would be the Single Six convertible or a Single ten. Second choice would be an SP101 22 LR. I bet you could find a used one for <$500. Put a set of Hogue grips on it and he's good to go.

Wade, Just yesterday I saw a very clean S&W 17 and K22 both close to the upper end of your budget. Smaller shop up my way.

PM me if you want details.

Ooooo, Aaaaah.

I've always had the hots for the model 18; one of these days I'll buy one. That is assuming .22lr ever becomes readily available again. I have a 10 shot 617 that is enjoying the quietest time of its life; breaks my heart.

I'd go with the Ruger Single Ten.

Stainless, 5.5 inch barrel and indestructible.

Awesome pair of colts

Don't overlook the high standard double nine in your price range

I bought a ruger bearcat for my kids to learn with when they were small. They always had a great time with it. The single six will be more accurate but the bearcat has found its way with me on more occasions than the bigger guns..

ABSOLUTELY do not buy a 317 kit gun. I bleed S&W blue and it pains me to say but my 317 was a pile of junk. I bought it sight unseen cause i wanted so bad.Barrel was canted and it spit lead terribly. Sent back and S&W replaced it it was so bad out of spec. Also I am a pretty experienced pistol shooter and it was very difficult to shoot accurately due to the extreme light weight and the fiber optic sights. For a trapper with very close shots it was the ticket but for any distance it was very hard to shoot. Several pistol shooters i know said the same thing when trying it out. The guy i sold it too i was completely honest with about it and he immediately replaced sights. He used it for trapping and loved it for the weight. I really wished i would have spent the money on an SP101 kit gun. I have handled a few and would need to change the grips but I think on a budget (non 617 budget) thats the way to go.

A Charter Arms Pathfinder is a possibility for the lower budget. Although the High Standard has merit as well.

I'd give serious consideration to a nice older Model 17 Smith & Wesson (K-22, 6" barrel). These can be had with a bit of looking for about $500. I can't say enough good about them.

I really like my SP101. You can buy bigger grips for it.

either the s&w 17 or 18 is my suggestion. and it will cost a bit more than your budget but its worth it.

Taurus Tracker 9shot 22mag is nice.