Want a .22 revolver...narrowed it down

M

Maddog_Enigma

New member
Okay, S&W 617 or 317 Kit Gun?

The way I see it (correct me if I'm wrong) the prices are about the same.

The 617 has 10 shot capacity, the 317 Kit has 8 Shots.

The 317 Kit has a 3-1/2" barrel vs. 4" on the 617.



Is there anything else I'm missing? This will be used mainly for informal target shooting / plinking and to carry around in the woods. I'd like if the gun would fit in my pocket, is that to much to ask for either of these?

I was originally considering the Taurus 94 with 2 inch barrel for that very reason (fitting in the pocket) but I've kind of ruled that out because I don't think a 2" barrel would give much performance (accuracy and velocity.) Maybe I'm wrong again?

Someone please let me know what to choose!
 
You can get a 317 w/ 2" barrel. Accuracy with the short barrels are on par with the longer barrel versions. Now how well you can make use of the accuracy is solely up to you.
What kind of bullet performance are you looking for? What other than plinking and target shooting are you looking to do with the revolver?
 
If you really want a revolver. That's up to you of course. I'd prefer an auto myself for the type of use you intend.
Consider the cylinder capacity, especially if you shoot other revolvers. Traditionally a revolver is a 'sixgun.' I had both a Model 17 (blue) and a 617 (stainless) both sixes.I can't see much advantage in having more than six rounds. They were good fun and didn't chew up the ammo as fast as an auto. Because they are D/A (double action triggers) they are a little more difficult to shoot than the auto's. Also, they tend to get tight in the cylinder which means constant cleaning so the rounds go in easily.The short barrel is basically just as accurate as the 4in but is harder to sight because it so short. Another thing is the trigger, because the hammer needs to dent the brass to ignite the primer, it is more difficult to get a light trigger than it is with other c/f ammo (especially using Federal primers.)
Just a few random thoughts.
 
I would go with the Six shot Smith in a revolver. The 617 has an aluminum cylinder and the accuracy differences reported between the two is not close enough to call a contest! For a 10 Shot .22, Ruger Mk II in whatever target configuration you prefer, my preference is the 6 7/8" Target model that weighs the same as the 5 1/2" Bull Barrel Target model. The 6 7/8" competition model will shoot 10 round groups under 1" and you won't need fancy ammo to do it. If you must, the Wolf Match load is as accurate as Eley in the Rugers I have fired them in. Remington solids known as one of the two versions of the Golden Bullet is always as capable as I am to do it! The HP also works for me so I am puzzled when people report problems with it. No matter, until it happens to me, I will continue to buy the 550 count box! ;)
 
The earlier 10 shot 617 revolvers were aluminum cylindered, but the current ones are stainless steel. I like the 10-shot 617 myself and have the 4" model.
 
I have the 617 and am completely satisfied with it! 10 shot, steel cylinder, 4 inch barrel. Worth every penny I paid for it. 10 rounds before reloading is almost enough...lol

Bob
 
I'm looking for a good .22 revolver to start practicing handguns with. Sounds like I should get a DA.
 
Maddog_Enigma,

I'd like if the gun would fit in my pocket, is that to much to ask for either of these?
Click to expand...

That requirement alone settles you on the 317. An all-steel 4" K-frame, like the 617, is a bit much for pocket carry.
 
I personally found the springs on the 317 too stiff for my personal preference. I could have changed them out but ended up selling the gun for some other irrelevant reasons.

The 617 is a big gun. There are also Taurus small 22 LRs. I had a full sized one and it was passable. I ditche it for some other irrelevant reasons. One might do.

I settled on a Ruger Bearcat SS because I liked the cowboy look.
 
I just bought a 4" 617, so you can tell I love it... but it is not something I could slip into my pants pocket, if that's what you mean. I didn't hold them up side by side, but I'd guess it's just a little smaller than a 4" 686 - a common choice as a service revolver.

There are plenty of holsters available for 4" S&W revolvers though - I would hazard to guess that's the most popular barrel length. It looks like there are about 5 for the 4" K-frame right in the S&W catalog, and more choices out there of course.
 
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