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.