.22 Revolver instead of adapter

S

Shmackey

New member
I've been considering getting a .22 adapter for my semi-auto so I can train newbies. I don't have a dedicated .22 anymore.

But now I'm considering a .22 revolver instead of the adapter; it's easier for a newbie to use and easier for me than swapping slides.

The 617 is nice but with that price, I'll get the adapter. Do any models compete in terms of price?
 
DA revolver...

...I think is the best handgun to learn on. I have access to a model 18 that we use. 617 are nice and pricey, some newbies a little apprehensive with size and weight. Used Smith or other might be better. Manual of arms is easier, ball and dummy drills, trigger control etc. Then move to a semi .22 is what we do-Ruger or Buckmark. For the price of a conversion, you have another gun, IMO Some of the newbies will buy a 22 of their own for practice--once they try before they buy.
 
If you're training folks to shoot an auto, why not an auto .22? Maybe a Ruger 22/45? Cost is comparable to the conversion slide and you get a whole new gun. Fun to shoot too!
 
I second the nomination for the Ruger 22/45.
Mine is the P-4 version, 4" bull barrel with adj sights on the polymer frame.

I think adj sights are a must-have on .22's, as the ammo varies so much brand to brand.

The 22/45 I believe is better for 'understudy gun' use, as it has the mag release, slide release and safety placed just like the M1911 and many other guns.
The heel mag release of the Mark II really annoys me.

Balance is similar to most 9mm poly-autos, as the grip is polymer and the bull barrel simulates the weight of the steel slide/barrel on centerfire guns.

I bought mine as an understudy for my wife's Glock 19, and she loves it. So, it's not really mine anymore. (Does that mean I can buy a new gun for myself? :D )
-Kframe
 
Take a look at the S&W 317 Kit gun. 8 shots, 11.5 ounces, adjustable sights. I like mine alot. Plan on giving it to my daughter as part of a wedding present next May and will probably get me another one just like it.
 
I'll have to disagree about the M317.
Sure, for SA shooting they are okay (not great, but okay).
For DA shooting they are horrible.
A J or K frame S&W generally has a 12lb DA pull.
Well, the M317 comes with about a twenty pound pull. At least the four I've held did. Word from S&W is that that is intentional in order to have reliable ignition given the fact that some choose the M317 as a defensive arm.

And, for the price of a M317, you could buy a Ruger 22/45 and about 10,000 rounds of .22LR.
Or, if you want a training revolver, look at S&Ws M17 or M18, or Taurus's M94 or M96.

That M317 would be a frustrating gun for a newbie to learn with.
Just my $.02, -Kframe
 
re1973 has it nailed. It is generally a lot easier to train new shooters with a good DA revolver than any other style of gun. Mastery of the fundamentals is crucial, and if that is accomplished those skills can be transferred to any decent handgun.

We get too hung up on the technical differences and tend to forget that they are all just bullet launchers employing essentially the same principles.

I have had a conversion unit for my 1911s for 25 years now--so I can speak from experience.
 
Don't want a new semi-auto. It's going to be an adapter or a revolver.

So what are my choices that (1) aren't as expensive as that 617 and (2) aren't snubbies? Anyone tried the Taurus .22s? (I wouldn't necessarily trust my life to a Taurus but this is a training .22.)
 
Get yourself an older Smith Model 18 or Model 17. They aren't easy to find, and are going to cost between $250- $375, depending on location and condition, when you do find one.

It sounds pricey until you consider that this gem is going to last probably 3 generations of regular use.

I lucked into 2 pristine Model 17's last December. I figure my heirs are good to go well into next century :D
@ $700.00 for the pair, it figures out to what, $.02 a day?
 
I'm with RAE...
Older, thinner barreled revolver.
First choice would be a K-22 but early 17 good too.

Great trainer for one who is new to shooting in general and good enough to break into match work if desired.

Patience, carry cash; and maby do it for $200.

Sam
 
Î prefer to teach beginners on revolvers too. However, I do have the Kadet conversion kit fo the CZ-75 and that gives you the DA trigger you would want for training beginners. If you're training them for an auto, it's an easy transition from 22 conversion to big bore (9mm up).

But on the other hand, having two guns is better than one. :D
 
The Taurii have really improved in quality since their introduction 10-15years ago.
Take a good look at the M94, basically a bit larger than the S&W J-frame, comes in 9 shot .22LR (or M941 8-shot .22 WMR).
www.taurususa.com/m94.html

Or, the M96, about K-frame size, looks like it may have been discontinued, but was a 6-shot .22LR.

On the larger/heavier end, there is the M970. 7-shot, 6.5" barrel, 46oz! http://www.taurususa.com/tracker970.html

Wow, as an aside, I just noticed on the Taurus site that they're making what looks like a copy of the Winchester M63, for ~$300! I might have to check that out!

-Kframe
 
I have both a Taurus 94 and 941, both 4" SS full-underlug models. Triggers are a bit on the heavy side, and I haven't spent enough ammo to find what they really like best yet, but so far they seem to be pretty nice guns. Kind of neat having a "matched" pair, so to speak. The 941 has a better DA trigger and the hammer spring seems to be heavier on the 94 as well. Good trainer guns, as that's really what I bought 'em for anyway. Yeah, the .22 Mag ammo is pricey, but recoil wise it's a good "in between" step up to the .38/.357.

Doug444
 
Single Six

Consider a Ruger Single Six. They are great guns and the cowboy styling appeals to a lot of newbies.

While the manual of arms is a bit more complicated than a DA revolver, it's not too bad. The slow pace of shooting doesn't hurt, either.

And, if you get a Super Single Six, you get a .22 Magnum, too. :-)
 
The advice on a Super Single Six is very good.
I don't recall if adj sights are an option, or standard, but I wouldn't own a .22 with fixed sights.
(With the exception of the S&W M45 that I'm still looking for.)
:) -Kframe
 
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