Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Help me pick a .22 LR revolver

I’ve narrowed it down an SP 101 or model 17/617. Can anyone give me a recommendation? I thought I remembered a thread here about .22 handguns not too long ago but can’t find it.

Will be used for plinking and helping me improve my marksmanship with the big bore revolvers.

Thanks!

K22 all the way IMO. Way more refined.

I want a revolver, but thanks.

What big bore revolvers?

SA/DA?

If the big bores are SA then get a Ruger Single 10
If the big bores are DA/SA then consider a 617 in 4 or 6 inch barrel.

+1

OP, a K22 is a smith 17.

I have both but shoot mostly DA.

So a K22 is what, K frame .22? Never heard that.

Yes, a K-22 is a .22 DA revolver on S&W's K-frame. It is also known as the Model 17. Modern iterations of the K-22 include the 617. They are wonderful guns and every handgun nut should own one.

Depends on the year made.. K22 Masterpiece or Model 17 (same pistol) not until 1956 or so till S&W assigned Model numbers. Either one are what you need for a 22LR Revolver.

Wish I had a K22. Need has nothing to do with it. Just want one because I do. Kinda like wanting a Luger, but easier to find and afford.

I own a S&W 17-2 and to accompany it, a S&W 48 No-Dash Both finely crafted firearms with close tolerances....which does create a problem occasionally with the model 48 .22WMR

4 or 6-inch barrel? Model 17 was with a 6 inch barrel, some were made even with a 8 3/8 inch barrel. The shorter barreled companion with 4 inches was the Model 18. It was made up the the 1980s when it was discontinued and the Model 17-? was also made with a 4-inch barrel.
I once had the M17-3 with a 6 inch barrel. Absolutely well balanced and very nice to shoot especiall for beginners. In Germany these guns are almost cheaper than dirt. Who pays more for it than 300 Euros is crazy - or a collector who wants to have such a gun in pristine condition along with box and papers.

My SP101 has been getting a workout from my son.

It's accurate, and came with nice sights.

My S&W developed timing issues in under 500 rounds.

Definitely the K-22, earlier Model 17. Mine is a 17-2, made in 1968, which I’ve owned 44 years. There is just something “right” about these guns - excellent fit and finish, smooth trigger pulls, easy to shoot. They come up frequently on gun boards between $750 and $1000. Highly recommend.

Model 17 all the way. Probably my most prized handgun!

I'll second that and the older, the better.

I have quite a few .22's in handguns, in revolvers one of the best shooting, purty, is a model 48 six inch.
i never liked shooting .22magnum in it, mainly because of the noise and cost.
found a .22rf cyclinder, and had john Glenn fit it to the piece.
first time out no real effort to drill beer cans offhand 30 to 4 0 yards out.

McInnis: I own both Model 17's and 617's in 22 L.R. and have shot the SP 101.
For your intentions I would definitely go with the Smith & Wesson Model 17 with 6" barrel or the Smith & Wesson Model 617 with 6" barrel (6 shot without the hillary hole models).
Best of luck to you with whichever you choose.
And speaking of choosing in my travels for the last several months the "pickins" are slim indeed, for the models you are seeking and I am recommending!
So good luck in your searching.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I have a newer made 17 with the Hillary Hole.

I've shot it side by side against much older specimens of the same model, and it doesn't leave anything on the table except the cosmetics of that damned ugly hole. Beautiful blueing, and excellent accuracy. To each their own, sometimes myth and nostalgia are their own intoxicant.

Hard to argue with that: