Double action .22 for a beginner?

J

Jibaholic

Inactive
Hi there,

I'm about to take a firearms class and want to buy a pistol for home defense. I've done my internet homework both here and on other websites and people recommend the revolver for their simplicity and reliability (and I have to say, I love their classic look).

People generally recommend starting with a .22 because their lower recoil makes it easier to work on the basics and the ammo is cheap. Then when you get proficient you can buy a .357 magnum. But having said that, what is a good .22 revolver with a double action? I want a double action in case I ever talk my wife into learning to shoot.

Thanks for the help!
 
There are a few of DA revolvers recommended here. Use the search to find in-depth discussions of each of them.

Current production recommendations are generally for the Ruger SP-101 and Smith & Wesson revolvers. The Taurus revolvers are also recommended but get the occassional nay sayer.

If you're willing to hunt for a used revolver, the Dan Wesson 22-V is highly recommended on this forum. I purchased one this past Sunday so expect that I'd be a bit biased. That thread is here:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194375
 
I own a Taurus model 94 .22LR revolver with a 5" barrel.

I have mixed feelings on it. The trigger is really heavy (but that is somewhat standard with rimfires since they need more power to set off the primer). The sights came loose on the gun at one point and fell off. I have concerns over the lock-up of the cylinder.

I've heard much better things about the Rossi line of .22LR revolvers (ironically made in the same facility as Taurus's revolvers).

Also on the inexpensive DA .22LR list is the Comanche line.

Probably the best you will find is a used smith .22LR with a 6-shot cylinder and a 4-6" barrel.

I would argue that a .22 is not a viable self defense weapon anyways (unless it's all you got), so you might as well consider the ruger single six. It's a cowboy action 6-shooter that has a swappable cylinder allowing it to use .22magnum cartridges too. That begins to be a viable self defense cartridge. And they are reportedly all tack-drivers with accuracy.
 
You might also look at used revolvers. The S&W K-22 is a classic (called a model 17 in some forms). These are on the K-frame (medium frame). They were once king of .22 bullseye shooting. You can then move up to a .38 special on the K-frame without little or no adjustment.
 
S&W model 18 is K frame size 4". Excellent training gun.

S&W model 34 is J frame size, 2" or 4". Excellent training gun.
 
First, Smart thinking. A revolver is a great way to start ( and they ARE cool!)You might look for a used Ruger SP 101 or S&W mod 17/18 or 617 . These are "medium sized/weight guns that are accurate and comfortable for all hand sizes. They are also exactly size/function representitive of their .38/357 mag counerparts from those same companies. The down side is that a decient .22 revolver from a one of these companies is going to cost as much or as their centerfire counterparts. Figure $300-$400 for used but NICE specimine. $250 if you can find a beater.

If you don't mind giving up some quality/reputation, look for usedTaurus and H&R's in the $150-$200 range.
 
Dan Wessons are cheap and exceptionally well made. I prefer the DW 722 which I find quite accurate. They run around 250 to 350.

722_target.jpg

15 yards, offhand 50 shots per target.
 
The Smith & Wesson 617 is a .22LR that is a virtual twin of their 686 model .357 magnum. I have both in the 4-inch size - both are high quality, great shooting guns, and the 617 makes an enjoyable and inexpensive (in ammunition terms, anyway) trainer.
 
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