If you were to buy a DA 22lr revolver based solely upon accuracy potential which one would be your choice ?

TIA 284

S&W Model 17, aka K-22 Masterpiece.

+2, though the older Colt's guns would be nice also. My personal K-22 is more accurate than I am.

K-22 is pretty darn good, at least the one I plink around with is....

No question. Smith and Wesson model 17.

The above answers are all half/right: - - SMITH & WESSON.

The correct answer is: - - - - - - - - - - DAN WESSON.

..Freedom Arms...



Bob

RJM,Freedom Arms was my first search but at 2 grand plus......and it is a SA.


Somebody else mentioned an older Colt which brings to mind a heavy barrel Officer's Model or Police Positive.

Smith 17 not contest. I owned a couple of Dan Wesson's 22 LR'S and they where accurate but no better than the Smith 17.

6" Colt Diamondback, 'cuz I had one and traded it for something else and my Dad had given it to me. Wish I'd never had traded that away.

Had a 6" Diamond Back. It was freaky accurate! Had a 17. It was incredibly accurate. Never shot a Taurus. Don't know about them.

Dan

S&W Model 17.

Yes, when I reread the original post I saw it said DA...but look at this 50 yard test target... It is just as small as the one that came with the Marvel .22 1911 Conversion I have...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=145614512


But to the original question...DA...hard to go wrong with a older S&W M17. That being said I have a Dan Wesson with 4" and 6" barrels that is a joy to shoot...

Bob

S&W 17 or Colt Diamondback.

OK, I do own Dan Wesson Revolvers but NOT one in .22 caliber ...

However, I do own and shoot a "Colt Officers Model Match, DA revolver chambered in .22 caliber - which just might be the BEST ...


As far as a Taurus Revolver, I bought one in .17 HMR cal. and I have NEVER shot a DA Revolver so accurately as this one in my life. Some other friends who also shot it were darned suprised at how WELL they did with it.

S&W Model 18.

Colt Officer's Model Match 22.

Realistically, the Smith Model 17 is the way to go; the old Colts might have had an edge for accuracy, but timing issues and a lack of timely gunsmiths (Cylinder and Slide and Grant Cunningham are the only Colt gunsmiths I know of and both have very long backlogs) make heavy shooting of a DA Colt inadvisable. I say that as the owner of 3 DA Colts; I shoot them, but not alot. When I shoot alot I reach for my Smith 617, and by alot, I mean when I want to burn a few bricks in a weekend.

Well, I have owned and shot considerably- (and even "borrowed out") my Colt Officers Model Match Revolver since "1971" and it is still perfect.

I can't speak for any larger caliber Colt DA Revolvers, but my .22 cal. revolver model is the only Colt revolver I have ever owned and it has MORE than proved it's worth.

But, since the Colt OMM has not been manufactured for many decades, its relevence to this thread is probably moot.

Just for the sake of argument ...If, the German Korth DA Revolver is not the most accurate ... it may be the most expensive.

I would love to have one.

The Officer Model Match's are still out there, and typically cheaper than Smith 17's of similar vintage, and certainly cheaper than a new 617, which are pushing $500 retail.

I've seen the Korths. I'd take a Smith or a Colt anyday. The Germans can build many fine things; revolvers, sadly, are not one of them.

I'm glad you've seen the Korths, I have not had the pleasure- but have read many reviews and articles extolling them to be the BEST DA Revolvers in the World, regarding craftsmanship, materials, design, performance, etc.

A quick "Google" scan did NOT find "RARE" Colt Officers Model Match .22 lr cal. revolvers "pushing" $500 retail ... I saw one "reduced" to $1,200, another with vice marks on the barrel for $800 and one going for a mere $700.

But, S&W Revolvers DO speak well for themselves, and are always a very good recommendation.

That's interesting. I don't shop for guns online, but I regularly see Colt Officer's Model Match revolvers, in both 38 and 22, for $500 and under with the original grips and in decent condition at local shops. In fact, there is an OMM in 22LR in a Portland gun store right now for $449 complete with a set of period-correct ergonomic target grips.

Seeing the Korth was not a pleasure; a Smith Registered Magnum is a pleasure

284LUVR: I have a Colt Trooper MK III that has an 8" barrel and is in caliber 22 L.R. - it is splendidly accurate off of the sandbags!
My plan was to shoot Ground Squirrels with it back when I bought it. But it is so nice and is now so valuable that I gave up on that scenario.
I also have 2 Smith & Wesson Model 17's - both have 8 3/8" barrels - I have only fired one of these and it is also as accurate as I can hold off of sandbags! The S&W Model 17's are so valuable that I have no interest in shooting them anymore either!
My loading log is not complete on my 22 pistol shooting target results, but I would say that the Colt and the one S&W Model 17 that I have shot are comparably and commendably accurate!
I am currently on a mission to find an old Ruger heavy barrel 22 semi-auto pistol for shootin the closer Gophers!
By the way the Colt Trooper is silky smooth and the trigger is also mighty fine!
Best of luck in your search - wish I could be more help.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I have NO qualms as to what you like or do not like: Korth revolvers - or Colt vs. Smith & Wesson.

However, as to "facts" regarding the alleged value of a Colt Officers Model Match .22 caliber compared to the value of said Smith & Wesson .22's we just may be at logger-heads.

I have followed the value of my Colt OMM .22 for many many years from the Blue Book of Gun Values, and examples that I also have actually seen in Gun Stores - and my findings do not coincide even close to yours.

I would like to see the comparitive value currently listed in the Blue Book between my Colt OMM .22 and the .22 S&W models you deem to be of more value. Both of our "opinions" aside.

I STILL think a Colt OMM .22 is more valuable AND a better revolver than the S&W.

But that's my opinion only, and I have said MORE than is prudent already.

I don't see that we're in too much disagreement. My take on OMM prices is based on what I see here in Oregon, online prices and prices in other states might be higher. Personally, I think the OMM's are undervalued; the 22lr OMM for $449 has been at that gunstore for about four months now, the store took it in on trade and their main business is black rifles. Because their regular customers aren't interested, their prices might be lower than would otherwise be the case. I paid $375 for my OMMM in 38spl and would have paid more and been happy. I bought it at a medium sized gun store in the Portland suburbs two years ago. Here's a picture:



I agree with you that the OMM's are better revolvers than the Smith's; they fit my hands better. However, I do stand behind my initial comment which is that, if I were to purchase one 22lr revolver for hard use, it would be a Smith because more gunsmiths know how to tune S&W's than know how to tune Colts. When I shoot fast and hard, I shoot my Smith's; when I am taking my time I shoot my Colts. It's a division of labor I can live with.

Hi
In a Practical sense, S&W was the first to come out with a Medium Frame Target 22 revolver back in 1931 Called The K-22 Outdoorsman. Shown is my 1936 Model Outdoorsman. After The War, They changed the name to Target Masterpiece. Shown is my Early 1947 Transition Model. In 1957 The Federal Government mandated Guns must have Model numbers so S&W stamped their K-22's with the Model Number 17. Shown is my Model 17-2 series K-22 That shipped in 1964. It was special ordered with Single action only, and full Target Options as shown with it's Red Post Patridge Front sight Blade, wide Hammer, Trigger and special Rosewood Diamond Target Grips. The Target Picture shown was shot using my 1947 K-22 at 20 Yard off had using 6 shots of CCI Mini-Mag ammo. I can't think of a Better .22 revolver out there to Buy...Thegeneral.


















[img]http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/image003.jpg[/img]

Colt Diamondback or S&W 17

When I shot .22lr handgun silhouette, the dominant revolver was the Dan Wesson, and the 8" one I have is quite accurate. But my S&W 17 is a go-to-the-grave gun for me.

~ My Condolences.

~

Generalstuart, as always more great pics of great revolvers.
I would just like to say thanks for all of the great pics you've posted.

This weekend I took out my �58 vintage Model 17, and my 617-5, my two 617-6s and two 63-4s. I limited things by shooting the same CCI Mini-mag in all of them. All shot well, but the vintage 17 shot better than all the rest.

RJM, thanks for the link. Taylor's gun shop is not far from my house.Might have to go window shopping.They are known for their good selection of guns.

S&W M17, K22. But while we're talking accurate Smiths, how 'bout a Model 41 (it's an auto, but really accurate).

Can't go wrong with a S&W M17 or an Officers Model Match in my opinion. When comparing values of the two, a Colt that looks like it just came out of the box will usually bring a bit more than a similar Smith. A nice 95% gun that would make a perfect shooter tends to bring a bit more with the S&W label. Would infer that shooters prefer the Smiths. Smith values have really went up the last 6 to 7 years so the difference between the minty Smiths and Colts doesn't amount to much any more.
Dan

You could learn to like a Colt Diamondback IMO.
whelennut

Hello Terry
I appreciate your Kind comments. It is my Pleasure, and I feel the Model 17 K-22 is Still The King of .22 Revolvers...Thegeneral.

I call BS, his pix are as bad as the ones of beyootiful models that the guys post. Beautiful to look at, but gonna be lucky to hold more than a few, and own one. I been lucky I guess. But the generals pix
are gun porn, I know porn when I see it.

Man what I would give to spend an afternoon at the generals house gettin my hands slapped! grin

tis my way of sayin I really enjoy seeing your collection too gs, tks for sharing it with us po folk

I gotta be an old lady and point out the difference between precision and accuracy. A precise handgun will shoot small groups, an accurate handgun will also shoot the group where you want it.

I don't remember owning a .22 revolver that wasn't precise, but a lot of them were difficult to be accurate with. It's all a matter of what concessions and trade-offs you're willing to make. "Accuracy" always makes a handgun less handy.

My trade-offs resulted in a 6-shot M617 and a M63. Both revolvers are equally precise, but the M617 is more accurate.

Bingo, or pretty much my sentiments.

General, you sure make my mouth water with your beautiful guns.
The K-22 I had was as accurate a .22 Revolver as I've shot or seen used. I'll add that it's big brother, the K-38 was equally impressive. Try six rds. of Western Match 148 gr. ammo in 3/4 of an inch at 25 yds. Done several times.
I've also managed a few 1.5 plus inch groups at 25 yds. with my Ruger SS Convertible. Not far behind. Shoots that well with .22 WW magnum ammo too. E

Hello Terry
Building a nice collection is Not a Rich mans sport if the game is played correctly. You would be Very surprised, I suppose even shocked if you knew what I had in some of the ones shown. I do Not Jump on gun's that the seller thinks are RARE. I have Built my collection slowly without dropping astronomical amounts of money in it. Some quick examples are the Pre-War K-22 Outdoorsman shown with the Red Box I swapped Two for one on it and have an actual value of $750.00 in it and have Turned down Two Grand for the Package. The 1947 Transitional piece was a Rare find Due to it's Pre-War parts Placed in a Post-War Model. It was bought for $500.00 with it's original serial numbered Grips. The seller did Not know what he had. The last One shown my model 17-2, was an odd find in the fact it is single action only. The seller of it Thought it had internal issues due to it's single action only mode. I swapped him a Post-War M&P I Paid $300.00 for. Deals are out there, we must be Patient to find them. I simply will not pay these Much Inflated prices of those thinking they will retire of the sale of one Gun. Regards, Thegeneral

I'm impressed with your 20 yard off-hand group. I've been around many shooters for many years, even some competition shooting. There isn't one man in a thousand that can shoot like that.

If you're wanting an accurate .22 revolver, then you want a Colt or S&W made before the mid '70's. Bout the mid '70's is when the last hold outs began dumping their target revolvers for target autos, and that's when accuracy standards for .22 revolvers began to slip ever so slightly. Today's K-22 is generally half as accurate as the K-22's of the '50's and '60's. Still, that's pretty damn accurate, and I wouldn't swap my current make 617 for anything but a pre-war K-22, because that 10 shot cylinder is just plain FUN!!

I regularly hunt squirrels with my 617 and it's plenty accurate for that.

how does a ruger single six compare to a 60's k-22 as far as accuracy?

Several of you have commented on the 617. How about the 63? It's really caught my eye and seems to be much more what I'd like in regard to size for a 22 revolver.

Any experience with the 63?

Thanks,

JCM

i own a smith 617 and am very, very pleased with it's performance.

-tom

Hello Doubletap
"Even a Blind Pig finds and acorn once in awhile" The day I shot the Target shown I had my Father with me. He is a stickler for accuracy. I planted the six shots shown and he stood silent afterwards. Now, If I tried to do it again, who Knows if I could repeat it ? That day all The stars lined up and the gun and ammo really got along. I remember one other time at the range with my Father, I was shooting a B-27 Man sized target at the 25 Yard range. He asked why I was carrying a High standard Derringer in .22 Magnum as he felt they were nothing more than a Belly Gun. I took aim at the B-27 Target, fired twice and Both shots were in the Head region of the target. He never again, questioned my selection of Carry Guns after that time again. Most handguns will shoot better than the shooter is able to hold them...Practice, practice, practice, put's em in the Ten ring area...Thegeneral.

i have a m63 also, and like it quite a bit. it stays at the ranch a lot. i like the 617 because it fits the same holster as my 686. like a glove, actually.

S&W models 17 or 48......Luckily I own both!

I was always impressed with the accuracy of the S&W M17 until I fired the S&W 41. Still, I love my 617.

Accuracy is a tough topic, I love the K-22, but in competition in the early 1980's I used to use my Model 63 in Saturday NRA "300" matches, and beat many auto's, including Rugers and S&W Model 41's, even though J Frames had not been competative in that game since the 1930's.

I learned DA by shooting thousands of wadcutter 38's in a pre model 10 S&W "K" frame, and then using the Model 63 on a fishing boat one handed to shoot far too many Se@g^ll$. (Not a PC thing to do, but we did things different when it was a free country.) It was familiarity with the gun that made it such a good choice FOR ME, at the range. Plus, the range didnt pitch, yaw, and roll like that old St. Augustine Trawler.

Now a days old eyesight makes iron sight hand gunning a close range deal for me. I cant get into the 280's and 290's anymore.

Inherant accuracy and practical accuracy are related but not identical, so you kind of have to find out which gun works for you.

If I had a bigger Colt DA then I would pick a Colt so the controls were the same. I sold my Colts for that reason alone, a cop needs to control his gun without hesitation. I have essentially the same gun in my hand from .22 through snubby 38's and mid frame magnums on up into N frame 357's and a 460 Rowland.

No one mentioned Ruger's DA 22 - I haven't shot one - anyone else have experience with them and their abilities?

The Ruger SP-101 is a very nice .22 revolver, but for me at least, it has a hard time finding it's niche. It's on the heavy side for a compact revolver, and it's on the small side for a serious target revolver.

With that said, I still think it's an excellent revolver. They are very accurate, but certainly not in the same class as a classic K22 or Colt. But the SP-101 has a fantastic grip and feel to it, and it's just perfect for a woman's hands. The extra weight does make it settle well in the hands, and in the end, it's a Ruger, which means you can't kill it.