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Yes, the S&W model 617 is the premier 10 shot .22 cal revolver, but I don't want something that big and frankly that costly.

I've looked at the .22 LCR, less costly, smaller, much lighter, but completely DA with only an 8 shot capacity.
It's in the running, but for reasons I can't consciously enumerate, I'm just not enthusiastic about it.

I'd like to be able to cock the revolver I ultimately choose, though not having that option is not a complete deal killer either.

What do you own and have plenty of experience with and would recommend?

Taurus is one brand I've read so much bad PR about, I'm not completely steering away from, but have some reservations about in general...

Thanks!

I have an early S&W 317 which is much different than today's 317. Mine is more like a silver version of the S&W 43C, but has an exposed hammer and no safety lock. Heavy hammer pull and similar double action too. Reported intentional for reliable ignition of questionable ammunition.

Fun little pocket gun, but no target revolver either.

On the used market you might find an early 317 like mine. Airlight, 2 inch barrel, Silver finish, Exposed hammer.

I have handled a .22LCR and as I recall its a little more robust in construction than my 317. Like you its just ok, without specific complaint.

Good Luck on your quest.

Mike

mcscanner,

Thanks for your response.

After rejecting large frame .22 revolvers, I'm now considering the rather large framed Rossi 6" barrel plinker. It's got a lot of features that are only found on pricier pistols as in adjustable rear sights with a fiber optic front sight.

I have some research to do...

I currently own a .22 cal SS Browning Buckmark with a bull barrel with the sweetest factory trigger I've ever owned, but I want (don't need) a .22 cal revolver.

Who knows, maybe after more agonizing research, I'll end up buying the S&W 617 anyway, but man, the Rossi is about half the price of the S&W and maybe, the Rossie is almost, kinda, sorta decent enough quality.

It's rather odd, I've gone through the ownership of many center fired firearms from shotgun/rifles and pistols and now I'm back into .22's (my first love) ...who knew...?

Well, I know why partially. Both shoulders are quite literally crumbling (and hard kicking guns are to be endured rather than enjoyed now) though I'm yet to be considered a shoulder replacement candidate...

I've got a 4" Taurus 941 in SS that I'll recommend. It's a well built, accurate plinker,
and I've run thousands of rounds through it.

I am looking for a 22 lr DA revolver myself, and I want a S&W Kit Gun pre lock model.

I have a Ruger LCR .38 special and it is a nice snub ( had I known Colt was coming out with the Cobra it would be toast ). You can't hit anything with it though but for very close I guess it's OK. I just like revolvers. A snub 22LR revolver though will be very disappointing compared to your Buckmark. I guess it all depends on what you are planning to use it for or if it's just the fun of owning it. My LCR has a very nice trigger for DA gun. Kicks like the dickens and I don't do +p ammo. The nice thing about revolvers is you don't have to pick up brass but who picks up 22?

The only .22 revolver I own is a relatively cheap Heritage Roughrider, which comes with two cylinders - one for .22 LR, and one for .22 WMR. It is patterned after a Single Action Army Colt, but with a couple of functional changes. For instance, it has a manual safety on the frame, opposite the loading gate. It has pretty rudimentary non-adjustable iron sights. Accuracy is acceptable for a cheap gun, but not nearly as accurate as my Ruger 22/45 5" Hunter for example.

I almost never shoot mine, but once in a while I take it out to demonstrate the vast difference between a modern semiautomatic, and an early revolver design - this one being an even older design than many modern .22 revolvers.

Honestly, I don't know if I would actually recommend it, as there must surely be much nicer examples of the genre. But if you're looking to avoid spending much money, it might be worth looking at for you.

Ruger Single Six is an outstanding little revolver. Well, not that little, but still outstanding.

I love my Ruger Single Six. They also make a 10 shot version now. If that's to big, their Bearcat is quite nice also but it lacks the magnum ability.

Thanks all for the great response.

Abraham wrote:Yes, the S&W model 617 is the premier 10 shot .22 cal revolver, but I don't want something that big and frankly that costly.

I've looked at the .22 LCR, less costly, smaller, much lighter, but completely DA with only an 8 shot capacity.
It's in the running, but for reasons I can't consciously enumerate, I'm just not enthusiastic about it.

I'd like to be able to cock the revolver I ultimately choose, though not having that option is not a complete deal killer either.

What do you own and have plenty of experience with and would recommend?

Taurus is one brand I've read so much bad PR about, I'm not completely steering away from, but have some reservations about in general...

Thanks!

To do what?

I'll also give a thumbs up to the Ruger single six. I love mine. It's stainless and has the interchangeable cylinder . I really wanted a Freedom Arms model 97 .22 but just could not justify the cost difference($500+ for the Ruger and over $3200 for the Model 97).

Dave

Abraham wrote:Yes, the S&W model 617 is the premier 10 shot .22 cal revolver, but I don't want something that big and frankly that costly.

I've looked at the .22 LCR, less costly, smaller, much lighter, but completely DA with only an 8 shot capacity.
It's in the running, but for reasons I can't consciously enumerate, I'm just not enthusiastic about it.

I'd like to be able to cock the revolver I ultimately choose, though not having that option is not a complete deal killer either.

What do you own and have plenty of experience with and would recommend?

Taurus is one brand I've read so much bad PR about, I'm not completely steering away from, but have some reservations about in general...

Thanks!

I own one of the older six shot snub nose SP101s in .22. I practice with it as it matches my .357 versions. I also carry it when I'm toting New York and New Jersey reloads.

The newer versions have more capacity and longer barrels, and are probably expensive. I am invested in the model, so that's why I like it.