Looking for a first revolver

B

Boz Mon

New member
I am looking at making my first gun purchase sometime in the next few months. Let me start off by saying that I have never shot a gun before, and this gun will be for just target shooting at a range.

I have been doing a lot of reading about safety, and about the technical jargon. I have a firm understanding of the basics. I have a few buddies who shoot and they are steering me and helping me out a lot. I'm 99% sure that my first gun should be a dual action .22 revolver. I'm not sure where to go from here though.

I want to buy a good quality gun, but I'm not sure which ones to look at and which ones to stay away from. I do know that I dont want a revolver that looks like a cowboy gun, and I want to stay away from the stubby ones. I keep coming back to the Smith and Wesson 617. I'm not sure if I'm being dumb for even considering paying that much for my first gun though. I guess I'm just looking for tips, and maybe some models to search for.
 
Welcome!

A 4" 10-shot 617 was my first gun, and I have no regrets. It's among my most versatile and most-shot gun, and despite the price, I consider it one of my wiser firearm purchases. Maybe look for a used Model 17 or 18, too - basically the same as the 617, but not likely as expensive.
 
Think of it as an investment. 10 years from now you'll probably still have the Smith, and you'll probably have a hard time even remembering what you paid for it.
I believe there's a similar version of the Ruger sp101, and it might be a little bit less costly, but quality machining, and all the attention to detail required to put together a high quality handgun cost money (whether it's a .22 or a .44).
There are deals to be found, but if you're new to guns in general, sticking to new guns from quality manufactures is likely to save you a lot of headaches down the road.
It is expensive, but if you enjoy shooting you won't regret it. And if you don't, you can always sell a good condition Smith/Ruger for the majority of what you paid for it new.
 
I would agree you're on the right track with the 617. This is a classic revolver in the Smith and Wesson line, and one that will provide you with years of quality service. Best of luck with your purchase.
 
I have a 6 shot 617, and it is also one of my most shot revolvers.
I would have no problem with a New Ruger SP101 in a 22. Note the New Model is an 8 shot vs 6 shot on the older version. Also the New SP101 has a much better rear sight, more like a S&W.

Neither will be cheap, but both should last you a life time. And you will not be aggravated about the quality the hole time you own it.

Bob
 
Thanks for all the great info everyone! I was also wondering about the number after the dash. I was looking at a 617-6 but there is also a 617-4 etc. is the number after the dash the barrel length?
 
The dash indicates the slight variations in design over time. When a model first comes out, they called it, say, the Model 10. Then they changed a screw or something, and called it the 10-2, and so on.

In your case, referencing those numbers can give you a very rough idea of how old the gun is, however, age doesn't correlate to use or wear.

Read over the "revolver check out" sticky at the top of the revolver forum. Read it twice or three times, then you'll be prepared to buy a used revolver.

If you're buying new, then both the dash number and for the most part the check out are irrelevant.

On a side note, I think you're making a good choice with your first gun. My preference is always to buy used guns. You save money and get a little history. If you do your homework and really inspect the guns before buying, you'll be getting something of just as much, if not higher, quality than a new piece.
 
Thanks for that. I'll take a look at the sticky. I have also been watching YouTube videos about first guns, buying used, gun shop etiquette, and some other stuff.

I'm mostly trying to do my homework now because I'm waiting on my foid card to come so I can't buy anything yet.
 
It's F.O.I.D. Aka firearms owners identification card. I'm in Illinois. Apparently it's an Illinois only thing.
 
When I took the required firearms safety/training class when I was going for my permit, one of the guns we used was a S&W Model 617. Fantastic gun, no doubt about it.

I actually went out looking for a .22lr revolver this weekend. The shop had a brand new 617 sitting in the case. I drooled over it, but knew I couldn't afford it (would have been just over $800 after taxes). :(

I found a nice , used, Ruger SP101 .22 lr there and bought it (more in my price range). I'm very happy with the purchase. But, if I had the financial wherewithal, I most likely would have walked out with that 617. If you got the money, and are considering a 617, then know you are looking at a fine, fine revolver!
 
Hey Boz, I am in IL too, so FOID is very familiar to me :-)))

Anyway, IMO you can not go wrong with SW-617, this is probably the best .22LR gun out there. It is relatively expensive, but it all comes down to what you can afford. If you can afford it, get it. if you can afford it new, get it new. Even though revolver checkup article is VERY informative, if you never handled a revolver before it's hard to apply the knowledge you gain from it. Once you already have at least one revolver and have an experience shooting it and taking it apart for cleaning, then this article becomes a real treasure in hunting used revolvers. But it's always better to get new or unfired one first time, unless you buy it from a reliable source. If you get it from a local store, then used one is safe as they inspect them first... Good luck!

P.S. Another gun to consider is SW Model 17 from a classic lineup. Basically the same gun as 617, but not stainless and with no under-lug. Has a vintage feel to it, which I personally enjoy, but every bit as good as 617 quality wise.
 
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DA/SA .22 revolvers are where it's at,,,

DA/SA .22 revolvers are where it's at,,,
But their downside is that they are usually very pricey,,,
You will be looking at prices ranging from $400 to $650 or even more.

Right now you can buy an extremely fine Ruger semi-auto .22 pistol for a mere $275.00.

But my personal preference will always be revolvers.

The S&W's are definitely my favorites,,,
In order, my personal preferences go like this:
  • Model 18 (4" barrel) Combat Masterpiece in blue steel.
  • Model 17 (6" barrel) Masterpiece in blue steel.
  • Model 617 (4" or 6" shrouded barrel) in stainless steel.

I would like the Model 617 a lot better,,,
If it didn't have that dang-na-ble full lug barrel,,,
Many people like it but in my opinion it ruins the balance of the gun.

Those above guns are all K-Frame,,,
They fit most adult male hands very nicely.

The J-Frame revolvers are a bit smaller,,,
Depending on the grip and your hands,,,
Some people find 'em to be too small.

Model 34 (blue steel) is a real beauty to shoot,,,
Model 63 (same gun in stainless) is also a winner.

I own a round butt model 34 with standard grips,,,
It's about as small a revolver as I can shoot comfortably and accurately.

I also own a model 63 with larger target grips,,,
They make the J-Frame gun feel like a K-Frame gun in my hands. :)

Ruger makes their SP-101 in .22 LR,,,
It's a fine gun but it isn't a S&W,,,
It is very close to K-Frame size.

Charter Arms makes their Pathfinder in .22 LR,,,
It's almost exactly J-Frame size,,,
But again, it's not a S&W,,,
I own one of these guns,,,
It's merely an ok gun.

Your only other options in DA/SA rimfire revolvers are,,,
Taurus (which I can't honestly recommend buying),,,
And Rossi (which I have no experience with).

The only reason I didn't mention some of the Colt revolvers is,,,
They are all discontinued and parts/maintenance could be a problem.

If you see a Colt rimfire revolver and you like it,,,
They were great guns in their halcyon days,,,
But now they are more like vintage auto's,,,
Parts and expertise are getting scarce.

Aarond

.
 
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Well now I am swaying toward the smith and Wesson. I went to gander mountain today to speak with someone. They gave me some decent info but since I don't have my card yet, they literally can't show me anything. So now we play the waiting game.
 
A S&W .22 revolver is never a bad choice for a first gun. My first handgun was a 6" barrel Colt Python I still have. Instead of using magnum ammo I started with 38 Special ammo. If you believe home defense will be a future need then you are starting out very well by learning the basics with a gun that is very controlable. Later you can get a more powerful handgun that is suited for home or personal defense. A good 38 Special is a great start for a home or personal defense gun.
 
My first revolver was a Ruger GP100. It has a 4" barrel and it is a great gun. I have put over 5000 rounds through it in just over a year and it is still going strong. I can't speak for which .22 revolver to get because I don't like shooting .22 caliber firearms. The smallest caliber I shoot is .38 Special and they are shoot out of one of my many .357 Magnums.
 
New shooter(s)...

A simple stainless 3" or 4" medium frame revolver is a good start.
I'd add that in many parts of the USA, .22LR can be hard to get. :(
If you plan to train or target shoot a lot, buy in bulk if you can.
There are a few decent brands to get in .22LR. A simple Ruger SP101 .22LR or maybe a S&W kit gun can meet your basic needs.

Learn your area's gun & use of force laws. Take safety or tactics training with a respected program in your area. It will document your skill with a firearm if ended & you will learn how to safely handle/deploy a firearm.
Get a few videos or books and consider joining the NRA, www.nra.org .
Some gun owners or CC license holders take issue with the NRA but they are working everyday to maintain your 2A rights & prevent extreme gun control(gun safety :rolleyes: ) laws.
Learn how to clean & maintain your weapons & equipment too. Dust, grit, dirt, crud etc can cause major problems, even with stainless steel revolvers.

Clyde
www.brownells.com www.slickguns.com www.gunsamerica.com www.mpro7.com www.ruger.com www.gunzilla.us www.midwayusa.com www.natchezss.com www.gunvideo.com www.deltapress.com www.paladin-press.com www.handgunlaw.us www.gunlawguide.com
 
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