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

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.