.22lr revolver, decent price

N

Noreaster

New member
I'm in the market for a .22lr revolver at a decent price for a woods gun. Like an idiot I sold my Single six. Primary use would be small game getter while bow hunting and backup handgun while squirrel hunting with my kids. Any thoughts on the Taurus or similar low priced wheel gun?
 
Heritage Rough Rider would be a decent ,imo, budget SA woods gun. I have the combo, and love plinking with it.
 
Primary use would be small game getter while bow hunting and backup handgun while squirrel hunting with my kids.
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If single action is fine... they have made about a BILLION single sixes and unless you move to a $1,200 Freedom Arms, you won't find something better than that. Many out there on the used market... go snag another.

If you'd rather have a double action, I think all the others should be crossed off the list of candidates. Go find a pre-lock K-frame Smith & Wesson and make your best deal. Prepare yourself for a three-digit number that might very well start with a SIX. :eek:

Before you choke on that idea, consider: you've got kids now, right? So you aren't a kid yourself. So it makes sense to spend a little more to get the good stuff. If you buy a Model 17 or 18, it's going to be running just as incredibly well[/i] when those kids you mentioned have kids of their own! :D

Start thinking about your purchases as if they they will be the LAST you -ever- intend to buy for THAT particular role and you will end up in a much better place than with a Taurus or a Rough Rider.

You will spend more dough, that's not up for debate. But the joy that comes back will be exponential and you'll know you went the proper route.
 
I was speaking of a single action rimfire.

I am not sure precisely where a Freedom Arms .22LR single action sits with regards to a price tag, but if there's a whole slew of single action .22LR revolvers bursting on the market that fit this "wide range" of space that you claim exists between the Ruger Single Six and a Freedom, I'm sure you'll pleasure the whole world with your expertise.
 
Since you mentioned Taurus, I am thinking you want double action, because Taurus doesnt make a Single Action 22 revolver. I would stay away from Taurus. Just too many quality issues with the revolvers, mine included. I have a Taurus 94, and cant recommend it. The trigger pull is probably 30 lbs, the cylinder leads terribly because the chambers were rough honed, and never polished, and the lock up is terrible. I should have never bought it, but really wanted one, and thought I could live with the issues. I probably could, but I am just not real happy with it. Its not very accurate, in spite of the issues I have with it, and I will probably dump it soon, with full disclosure to any possible buyer. For $70 less, yesterday, I bought a Charter Arms Pathfinder, and without shooting it yet, it is so much better than the Taurus. The lock up is solid, the Double Action trigger pull is half what the Taurus is, and the Single Action trigger pull is light, crisp, and nearly creep free. Its made in the USA, The Taurus, in Brazil. I would get the Charter Arms over the Taurus, and I think everyone who has owned, or tried both, will tell you the same. The Pathfinder is available in 2",4" and 5", with fixed sights on the 2" and adjustable sights on the 4" and 5". Definitely take a look at the Charter Arms Pathfinder. $339, new

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So far no one has recomended a bad one, which would be pretty hard IMHO. I've owned a lot of 22's, both revolver and semi-auto, and haven't had one I didn't like yet.

I'll admit however that I don't care enough for the current production Taurus revolvers to buy one to try it. They're a scaled down version of everything I don't like in a revolver. Full lug barrels, rubber grips, and so on.

But I've had a couple of old Tarus 22's that I did like. Both a 94, and now a Model 96. Think of them as the Taurus version of a Smith & Wesson "J" and "K" frame 22. They're not common, but if you happen to turn one up, they're good, solid, reliable guns. Watch for the ones with wooden grips.



I picked that one up a couple of months ago for $275.00. Six shots,six inch barrel, K-frame size, target sights and grips, trigger overtravel stop, and a decent trigger. Not too bad.
 
Keep a close eye on the used market. I got a ruger three screw and a colt peacemaker buntline both around $250. Love the way they shoot better then anything new.
 
Looking at reviews the Heritage is out. I'm giving serious consideration to a Taurus 94 but the reviews are hit or miss. Gunblast and Hickok45 liked the Taurus. An SP101 is just over what I want to spend but I can't find one on the shelf to look at. Thanks again for advice.
 
I have Colts, Smiths, Sigs and Rugers . . . but am more than happy with my Heritage RR - I've had no issues with mine at all and love it for a knock around gun on the farm. Mine is a 4 3/4" barrel - accurate and a good value for the money.

You've ruled it out due to reviews you've read so it's out. I guess I'd be looking at a used Single Six or Bearcat. You don't say what your budget is but they are out there to be found. You might also consider a Pathfinder.

I've never owned a Taurus but have looked at and handled them. I've got to say that if I depended upon the reviews I've read on them . . . I'd go the opposite direction. It has to be true . . . I read it on the "net". :D

Check around at your LGSs - you might run across a more vintage H & R, etc. that while originally a "cheaper" gun made for tackle boxes and pick-ups - they are sturdy, well built handguns that offer ruggedness and dependability at a decent price. Good luck in your search. :)
 
noreaster said:
I'm giving serious consideration to a Taurus 94
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Make sure you look that 94 over REAL GOOD before you pay and sign the paperwork. Check every chamber for lockup and make sure they are tight, and consistant with each other. Make sure the chambers have been polished, and feel the Double Action trigger pull. Then check out the Charter Arms Pathfinder, which is cheaper, by the way. Compare the two. I will be surprised if you end up with the Taurus over the Charter. Here is a picture of the nice machining that Taurus did on my 94.

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All these responses and nobody has suggested a H&R sportsman model 999. They are awesome revolvers, easy to handle, very accurate, and well I just flat out love mine!! They can be found in excellent condition for around 250.00 if you search and if you just want one to beat around in the bush, these can be found for 150.00 or so. In fact gun broker has 3 listed now between 150-300. Good luck with whichever you decide.
 
I don't like the newer Taurus. The original and older ones were good. Can't say the same about the newer ones.

The internal lockwork on the newer ones evolved from the S&W. They cheapened the design. Instead of the rebound slide they have a plunger with a spring to return the trigger to its position of rest. Instead of a hammer block they have a transfer bar (no big deal as both work). I just learned that with the newer Taurus they bead blast the interior for a consistent finish; which isn't conducive to the smooth operation of the lockwork. Many gunsmiths refuse to work on them. I knew a fellow who had to make a new firing pin that would protrude consistently through the firing pin hole so as to ensure it would fire. He also had to adjust the hammer because it would lose energy from hitting the frame.

I'd go with S&W, Ruger, or a used Colt. They work. Unlike Taurus, S&W and Ruger has good customer service too.
 
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