Need help in choosing .22lr DA revolver

[GGlock]

I'd like a S&W K-22 but those are hard to find in CA and can only be bought through a face to face private party transaction through an FFL.

The S&W 617 is too expensive and too big and heavy for a .22lr plinker and trail gun.

I don't like the Ruger SA cowboy guns.

The closest thing I can find to a K-22 is the Taurus Model 94 in blue. However searching the CA DOJ certified handguns for sale, Model 94s are not on the list what a bummer.

In the even it does make it onto the list would the Taurus M94 blue be a close match to the K-22? Which barrel length should I get? 4"? Jeff Quinn from Gunblast.com writes that the 4" is ideal for a trailgun while the 5" is better for M941 .22 mag version.

Any other ideas on .22lr plinking revolvers?

 

[Dfariswheel]

Ruger SP-101.
The S&W "J" frame "kit guns" with 3" or 4" barrels.

 

[Al Thompson]

I have the 101 for a teaching gun. It's way heavy for the round. I'd look hard at the S&Ws.

 

[contender4040]

the other "wesson"

How about a dan wesson? Do not know about the new ones but the older ones were great shooters. Find a pistol pac and you can have your choice of barrels.

 

[Dave R]

I have an older, well worn S&W "kit gun"--model 34-I, with 4" barrel. Quite accurate. Hard to find 'em for under $250, but they are worth the price.

 

[Ala Dan]

The Smith & Wesson model 18 .22LR caliber 4" barrel
"Combat Masterpiece" is an excellent rimfire revolver.
Fellow TFL member Capbuster and I bought one apiece
back in 1971, and we put thousand's of rounds "down
range"; without ever wearing these fine K-frame .22's
out! In today's society, the price would probably
be pretty steep in LNIB condition; cuz these fan favorites
have been discontinued for quite sometime now.
I chose the model 18 over the excellent S&W model 17;
primarily due to the 4" barrel length. However, either
of these S&W's would serve you well.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[JTWard]

I agree on the S&W Model 18. I've owned two of these superb revolvers. Replacing the trigger rebound spring will lighten the trigger pull a couple of pounds. So will replacing the main spring with a Wolff reduced power main spring, however you may have problems with reliable ignition with the lighter main spring. Try it and see. The cost of the springs is minimal.
The chambers on the 18 are a bit tight, and you may find the fired cases sticking a bit when the chambers get a little dirty. This is normal for a Model 18. Just run your nylon bore brush through the chambers a couple of times. You can do this dry while at the range and not make a mess.
When you're ready to move up you can get a Model 15, which is the same gun in .38spl. The guns weigh and balance the same making the transition effortless.

 

[C.R.Sam]

17, 18, 34
K, K, J.

Hard to go wrong.

Patience and carry cash.

Sam