I get sticker shock on 22 revolvers

"Spend the money for a Ruger and it will last several lifetimes, making the pro-rated cost nearly nothing."

I didn't buy a Ruger because I only need my revolver to outlast me, I bought a Rough Rider and a lever action Henry with the money the Ruger would have cost. I figure I can have both of the "cowboy" guns I have always wanted for the price of a Ruger. I also drive a Kia Optima while others drive BMWs. We're all happy but I still have money and no payments.
 
But rumor has it, and I think it was posted here on TFL, that a 22 rimfire, 5" GP100 was on the horizon!
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Talk about a boat anchor...
That thing would weigh nearly 4 lbs, if not built with a light alloy for some large components. :eek:
 
22lr Revolvers

I was like the OP, i couldn't justify the cost of the better made revolvers. Then,but I bought the Ruger and only cryed about it once. I have 2 Stainless Single Six's that are fine handguns. Just slow to load/unload, and shoot. I was in the right spot at the right time to pick up 2 SP101's both in 22lr with in about a week. A 4 inch first and a few days later a 2 inch. Fine little handguns.
Then a S&w 617 was made available to me (10 shot). WOW it shoots more like a rifle than a handgun. One of the finest guns I own. Pricey but worth the money now, looking back. Buy the best one you can and you'll never regret it.
 
Why the heck can I buy a 38/357 revolver cheaper than a 22?
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Because they make/made millions of 38's. Not so many 22's.

I used to own a couple of really nice Taurus 22's; a 94 and a 96. The 94 is pretty well known, a more or less "copy" of a S&W "J" frame. The 96 was more of a "K" frame with a 6" barrel. More like a Model 17. They were both great revolvers that I got for about half the cost of a Smith & Wesson. They were both made back in the late 80's early 90's when Taurus used wooden grips. If you see one, take a good look at it. Those were good guns.

I recently picked upa little Harrington & Richardson 922, 22 LR. I got it mostly because it was cheap and I've sort of always wanted one. The front sight was missing, and I couldn't find a replacement so I epoxied a half penny in the slot and "blued" it with a magic marker. I haven't used it yet, but it looks like it will work well enough for what I might use the gun for, which is killing cans.



H&R made a number of "workman" 22 revolvers. They turn up on the used market, but a lot of them did see a lot of use and abuse and downright neglect. Look carefully.
 
You're not alone!

I looked long and hard to find both of my S&W k-frame 22s at a reasonable price, and that was years ago. It always kind of amazes me when I see what they're asking on Gunbroker or the LGS.
 
I had a SW 317 and its trigger was about 4000 lbs. Sold it. Had a Taurus 94 and it locked up.

So for a 22 LR revolver, I settled on a Ruger SS Bearcat for a reasonable price as it is just a plinker and looks nice. Beginners like it.
 
CajunBass said:
H&R made a number of "workman" 22 revolvers. They turn up on the used market, but a lot of them did see a lot of use and abuse and downright neglect.
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Another good thing to point out about H&R's is that several of their popular models from the 1960s onward look like single actions but are in fact double actions.

OTOH the DA trigger pulls on the H&R's I've tried were better than the aforementioned Taurus 94, but not by a whole lot.
 
So I did a little bit of on-line shopping,,,
So I did a little bit of on-line shopping,,,
And my original list was short.

S&W, Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms are readily available.

Then there is the Comanche revolver,,,
And the Alfa-Proj revolvers imported by czechpoint,,,
I have no idea about the quality of these guns but am intrigued by the Alfa-Proj.

Aarond
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Aarond,

do not forget the Korth, please.
 
I bought a Heritage Rough Rider for ~$200. Came with both 22 and 22 mag cylinders.

It's cheap, but you're just shooting 22, not a powerful round.
 
Did you know Heritage Arms was bought out by Taurus International. Still made in a Florida factory along with select Taurus pistols in the USA. I have an older HA 22LR. They are a Great little plinker
 
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are you looking for a piece of man jewelry then get an old school S&W. if you want a descent kit gun or even ccw for recoil sensitive folks (spare us the .38 light loads stuff) I'd suggest the Charter Arms Pathfinder. they make them or at least use to make them in an 8 shot.
 
If they made a gun 50 years ago and now on the used market the different cartridge variations would be worth different amounts of money:

22 LR $600
22 short $800
22 smooth bore $1000
22 WRF $400
32 s&w $400
32 s&w long $500
32 h&r mag $600
327 fed $600
30 carbine $600
32-20 $600
38 s&w $400
38 sp $500
357 mag $600
41 mag $1000
44 sp $600
44 mag $900
44-40 $1100
45 auto rim $500
45 Colt $600
25acp $500
32acp $400
380acp $500
9x19mm $500
40s&w $500
10mm $500
45acp $500
222 $500
223 $500
243 $500
30-06 $400
410 $800
28 gauge $1200
16 gauge $200
12 gauge $500
 
You are looking for a snubbie. I'd get the Ruger LCR. The price isn't too extreme and it's a good little revolver. I would prefer it in a 3" configuration.
 
PzGren said:
Yeah ... but low-cost is rarely ever the best. Just a compromise.
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The OP has stated that he is shocked by the price of 22 revolvers, and... GASP! is thinking of buying a Taurus. He asked for suggestions. I have the Taurus, and the Charter. The Charter is worlds better than the Taurus. What can you offer that is helpful in the OPs search...?
 
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