.22LR Revolver

I am leaning towards the S&W, I'm not sure why, maybe just because I feel like S&W revolvers are the Cadillac....
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Definitely true.
Overpriced, using old technology, tweaked out of spec when you breath on them wrong, have restrictions on their diet, have "safety features" you don't want, require frequent maintenance, and tear themselves apart when pushed to their advertised limits. Definitely a good analogy. ;)

I consider current S&W production to be only a slight step above Cimmaron and Heritage. Sure, it goes bang; but the finish sucks, quality sucks, and they just aren't what they used to be...

This isn't a "buy the Ruger" rant, either.

I just don't consider current S&W production to be worthy of their reputation. If you don't like the other offerings... Buy used.
 
I'm actually selling a Single Six Hunter I picked up a couple months ago. Fantastic gun that I am positive I'll regret selling. But the truth is it was bought for my wife who has decided she'd prefer a smaller lighter semi auto 22lr to plink with, and since we're out of room in the safe, this one's got to go.

If you're interested, let me know.
 
617 It's the heaviest, most over built thing for a 22lr. Should be good for life.

I enjoy all my 22lr revolvers :-)

I don't regret paying $700 for my 617. No autos, just revolvers in 22. I already want another.. lol Probly be the Taurus 22lr/22mag combo in 6 inch. I REALLY like 22lr revolvers if you cant tell..:rolleyes:

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I am also in the market for a good .22 revolver (I'd like to dump my MK 3) and would like some feedback on the single six. Does the interchangable cylinder have the same accuracy on both .22 lr and .22 Magnum?
 
I am also in the market for a good .22 revolver (I'd like to dump my MK 3) and would like some feedback on the single six. Does the interchangable cylinder have the same accuracy on both .22 lr and .22 Magnum?
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All that I've ever seen did. Some users have reported better accuracy with one than the other. Not all single sixes are convertable though. Unless I miss my guess, there were probably fewer of those produced than the non-convertable ones. They certainly fetch a higher price than the non-convertables.
 
Doyle's comments reflect my experience too. Part of the reason I jumped on the Single Six I have was because it was there, and you just never see them.

As for accuracy. I am not the best shooter in the world. Not by a loooong way. My eyes are pretty terrible, and the SS Hunter's brass dot up front seems to disappear against the target in a dimly lit range (to my eye; my buddy had no such problems.)

And here's what I shot with it about a week ago:

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That was shot using 22mag at a distance of 10 yards, held off hand. The gun is capable of putting each round, 22lr or 22mag, in the same hole. Obviously, I'm not.
 
SW model 17 & 34

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6 in. model 17 K frame and 4 in. model 34 J frame.

The 17 is a serious target revolver and the 34 is more of a plinker. Both are fun and the choice is a matter of personal tastes and needs.
 
I've run the gammit with 22's. I've had Rugers, Colts, Harrington & Richardson and Dan Wesson's. These days, I'm down to just one. The one I wanted all the time, but told myself I didn't really want because it really wasn't worth the money, and it was just a "name."

Well, I was wrong. I finally got one, and found out they're (1) not that expensive, and (2) worth every dime.

Smith & Wesson 22 Combat Masterpiece/Model 18 and it's slightly bigger brother, the 22 Target Masterpiece/Model 17.

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I paid less about a year ago for this one, made in 1954, than the current production Ruger D/A 22. Way less than what a 617 goes for. I had a Model 17-3 that had some cosmetic flaws, so I'm looking for a old five screw target masterpiece, but I'm in no reall hurry. One will turn up. I'd also like to find a newer Model 18, with the bright finish, (this on has the matte post war finish) and the box and tools.

About the only fault I've found with them, is the chambers are tight. You have to keep them clean or they'll start sticking on ejection. Not a deal breaker for me.
 
S&W 617 or a Ruger Single Six Hunters are awesome guns and should last several lifetimes. Neither is cheap. My best group with my Hunter is 0.517": 5 shots at 50 yards, scoped and on sandbags. It averages well under 1.5" at 50 with CCI SV ammo.


The regular Single Six is a rugged and fine gun too, but does not have the accuracy of the Hunters in my experience.
 
Thanks for the replies. I definitely want a double-action. If someone made a single action with a swing out cylinder I might consider it, but I can't stand loading and reloading single action revolvers. Besides, my dad has a single action Ruger (one of the ones mentioned in this thread I'm sure), that is mine whenever I want it.

I hadn't considered the Charter Target Pathfinder (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pathfinder_72240.asp) that Aarond mentioned. That might be the best of both worlds! Even if it does have issues, this is purely a fun gun, so I am ok taking the risk, but I don't expect to have trouble. Looks like they are $337 on Grabagun.com. I think this is at the top of the list for now...
 
Hello ScotchMan,,,

I really do not think you will be disappointed with a Charter Pathfinder,,,
The one my lady friend has is a very nice revolver,,,
American made with a lifetime warranty,,,
At a price S&W or Ruger can't match.

If you do end up getting one,,,
Put it through it's paces and post a range report here.

Aarond

.
 
Well, if you don't care about light weight, look for a Colt Trooper MK III .22lr. I've got one and it is definitely built like a tank. I really wish I would have found a S&W model 18 instead, though. I'm just more of a S&W kind of guy.
 
I've got a 5.5 inch Single Six with adjustable sights and boy is it accurate! I've been told that they were great guns and I always believed those who told me but I really had no idea how much I would be impressed with it.
 
I would get the M63 Smith or try to find a slightly used M17 or M18. All are expensive, but all will last you a lifetime if you treat them right.
 
I was going to recommend the S&W 317. Your comment
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I don't need something lightweight, so the 317s are out
stopped me.
What does "need" have to do with a gun purchase?
Pete
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Just that price is an issue here. Price is NOT an issue on my business guns, and consequently they all retail for over a thousand dollars. But this is a fun gun, for me to shoot when I have used my centerfire ammo budget for the trip, and to teach with, since new shooters usually don't like semi-automatics or recoil. It doesn't need to be the best in the world, I have that covered elsewhere.

This is the reason the Charter is ok. However, I was talking to my dad on this topic, and his opinion is I should get a 617 and that the other choices are garbage. I will keep this gun for a very long time if not forever, so maybe I should spend a little more...?

I guess if someone could specify WHY the S&W is better that would be helpful. It seems like more money for the same thing to me.

I'd also like to add, a fiber optic front sight is a big plus. Grey front lined up in grey rear, on a grey/black target sucks. The 317, 63, and SP101 all come with fiber optic sights.

Leaning towards Ruger as a not too hot, not too cold option. Just a bit more more than the Charter, 4", 8 round capacity, fiber optic front. I'll have to see what the trigger is like compared to a S&W.
 
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I guess if someone could specify WHY the S&W is better that would be helpful. It seems like more money for the same thing to me.
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Maybe you can answer the question yourself: why are your business guns all over $1,000 when you could get by with a $300 S&W Sigma? I suspect the answers are the same.
 
Scotchman, unless you really like that full underlug I think the regular K-frame (model 17 or K-22) is a better choice than the 617. I've got a 617 and the only two reasons I chose it over a 17 was that I really wanted stainless and I also shoot an N-frame (617 with full underlug feels a lot like holding my 629). If I had not had those two requirements I'd have chosen a K-22 or 17.
 
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