Budget .22LR plinkers?

D

DMK

New member
I'm going to a gunshow this weekend and will be looking for a .22LR revolver with at least a 6" or longer barrel.

Are there any decent low priced plinkers that are commonly available? (Revolvers are usually slim pickins at gunshows around here)
 
I honestly don't know of any good, inexpensive .22 revolvers. You would be very well served indeed if you could come up with a Smith & Wesson K22 or Model 17 that is finish-worn but mechanically good. Those will likely run at least $250. Add $100 to $150 with a good finish. (If you consider 4" barrels as well as 6", your possibilities are expanded to the kit guns, model 18's, and the like. For plinking, you will be fine with a 4" barrel. I like my 6" K-frames, but I have put a bunch of squirrels in the pot with a 4" model 63.) If you really don't want to spend that kind of money, I would think that you might be better served with a semi-auto. You can often find a Ruger auto for less than $200. Sometimes for a lot less.

Good luck, and let us know how you fare!

Clemson
 
How about an H+R 999.Breaktop,double action,Not a Cadilac but a good, cheap plinker.You could get a good used one for $125+or- a few bucks.
 
Keep your eyes open for a used Dan Wesson Model 22 or 722. Usually priced in the $200 to $225 range. The DW .22 is built on their small frame, (similar to a S&W "L" frame). Barrels can be had and swapped out in any length out to 10 inches I believe.
Another good choice previously mentioned is a used Ruger Single Six. Typical Ruger, well made, no frills.
Take Care
 
Related question, if I may.....

Is it OK to shoot very hot stuff (like Stingers) in a break-top? I think it's probably not a good idea for an older gun, but how about the newer models?

Thanks....

-tubeshooter
 
tube shooter

FWIW, I've had a 999 since mid 70s and shot about every type of .22lr that I've wanted to without props, including Stingers. The 999 remains one of the most accurate guns I own.

If a problem pending with such, I too hope to learn of it here!
 
Here is a list of .22's that I consider inexpensive yet still worth the money....

Taurus 96 (copy of S&W model 17) should run $200 or so. Not many around

Taurus 94 smaller than 96. Can find them with 5" barrel and in stainless

Ruger Single Six

H&R 999 Sportsman (or other H&R .22's)

If you find a S&W in your price range jump on it....

Dan Wesson's as previously mentioned.

I used to have an old Iver Johnson break top. Decent guns, but mine was very loose. Check cylinder play.

I know you said revolver, but keep an eye out for used Ruger MKII's... FEG and Bersa make good cheap .22 auto's, have also heard good things about the Phoenix .22 which can be had for $100.
 
Used guns...

are the way to go. Shop around for a used S&W or Ruger. Taurus are OK, but I prefer the engineering of S&W (look inside and you'll see why Taurus asks for less $ for their guns).
 
Thanks for the advice folks and thanks Jim March for your excellent lesson(elsewhere in the forum) on checking out a revolver's condition!

I ended up with an NIB Blued Single Six with adj. sights for $290(it seems every gun I buy is $300 lately). It's not a screaming deal and it's a bit more than I was hoping to spend, but it seems to be a fair price and it's exactly what I was looking for. I just had to pass on the .22 rifle I was going to buy also.

There were a surprising number of revolvers there, or maybe I was just paying better attention to them this time. Not too many rimfires, but a few good ones. There were actually two nice used Rugers and a really nice but very pricy S&W. Since this is my first revolver though, I felt a lot more comfortable with new. I almost went with a Taurus Tracker (great sights and nice & light!), until I saw the Ruger.

The Single Six just has that classic nice western styling plus a better reliablity track record. It will be a nice compliment to my 39A Marlin.
 
.22 SHOOTER

I'm looking too. Found a Ruger Bearcat. Looks to be in good condition...but used. Dealer "asking price" is $300.

Is the Bearcat a good revolver and is $300 a good price? Seems a bit high to me, but........??

I looked for a S&W but have not found one in my local (small) gun shops.
 
NAVIGATOR - According to the very latest Blue Book, $300 is a fair price if the gun is 95% to 98%. If there's lots of wear, it is about $100 too high.
 
Heritage Rough Rider. I have the 6" 22 LR/Mag combo, a friend got a 3" with pearl bird head grips. I don't care much for the sights, but it's a cheap ($130-160) and very accurate single action revolver. It also has a rather handy hammer block safety. There was a form in the box to send back to Heritage for a leather holster and cartridge loop belt for $65 including shipping. It's a nice holster made by a leather company in Colorado(don't remember the name... Hunter maybe? I can't find the package).
 
Funny you should mention that. My dad got one of those at the gunshow this weekend. It's got the cowboy grips, 9" barrel, fixed sight (just a groove really), extra .22 Magnum cylinder and yea, a coupon for a holster/belt with ammo loops combo.

I wasn't too impressed when I first saw it, but he loved it and snatched it right up for $140 . When we took our shiny new revolvers to the range, it handled very nicely and was darn accurate. In retrospect, I don't think he did bad at all!
 
Heritage Rough Rider

Picked up mine today, 4" .22/.22mag combo for $148. Had my neighbor who knows revolvers check it out. The verdict was that it was upper middle of the road quality, and alot better than the one he had years ago.

For under $150 new, made in the USA. Yeah Baby!
:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top