Considering Another .22lr Steel Revolver

[bowzette]

I initially posted this thread in the general revolver forum and realized it may be more appropriate in the rimfire forum:

I like the size and weight of this revolver. What are the downsides/issues with this model? My understanding the DA trigger pull weight is heavy. Does this lighten up with use? Any experience with Mcarbo kit and polish job? I realize if the hammer spring is reduced very much there will likely be light primer strikes. I have a LCR .22lr that I like very much. I shoot it well and the trigger is probably 14lbs, but it is very smooth. The Ruger GP100 .22, S&W 617 4" and the new Colt King Cobra 4.25" are much larger, heavier, and more expensive. I had a 617 6" and sold it as I didn't like the weight and balance. Over the years I've sold off my large, heavy range handguns. If I decide I want one I will buy it used. With Ruger's "non-warranty, warranty" and excellent CS not much risk in buying a used Ruger Besides the LCR .22 I have an Old Model SS 5.5" about 34oz and like it as well.

 

[hittman]

I like the size and weight of this revolver.

What revolver?

 

[krw]

I have a SW63 w 4" bbl. Stainless. I do not hav a single complaint

 

[wproct]

I have a 4 inch barreled Smith & Wesson model 617-1 that was made in 1996, so it's a pre-lock model. I love everything about it but it might be a little heavy for some who are going to carry it in a holster, it weighs 40 oz. For me it has the perfect weight trigger pull both single and double action. Very crisp and not real heavy. I previously had one with 8 inch bbl, too long and cumbersome. Then had one in 6 inch bbl and it was better but still kind of nose heavy. This 4 inch bbl model is just perfect, enough weight to be steady and well balanced.

 

[bowzette]

What revolver?

SP101.
GP100, Smith 617 and the Smith K-22 are larger and heavier than I want.

 

[ArizonaTea123]

You may want to consider a vintage Harrington & Richardson Model 676. Holds six rounds, beautiful case-hardened frame. They usually come with two cylinders, 22lr and 22 Mag. Excellent quality and very affordable, around $250 to $350 depending on barrel length. Very light weight. These early guns are underrated.
These beautiful 22's were discontinued decades ago.

 

[mjh]

I chose to keep my SP 101 8 round 22lr revolver over the GP 100 10rd 22lr revolver that I did have. Both are fine stainless 22lr revolvers. I did own both at the same time.

The SP to me is the right size 22 revolver. I like a 22 that I can use on the range and in the field. The SP has been used for both. The GP was fine on the range. I never did carry it in the field. A bit heavy for that in my opinion.

I have been more accurate with the SP. That could just be that I owned it for a longer time and shot it more than the GP.

Some will complain about the SP trigger. I don't know--it's not a match shooting gun--I don't think or worry about it too much--I just shoot, clean, maintain and repeat.

I will say I tried a new Colt in 357 at a local shop. Dryfiring it has the smoothest trigger I've ever felt in a revolver. But that's an different apple to chew there........


I say get an SP and give it a try......

 

[mirglip]

I had a couple S&W model 63 stainless revolvers. The first one wasn't accurate because the forcing cone was worn out on one side, the second one was pretty nice. The trigger was too stout at 4 1/2 pounds though. They didn't make enough of them to meet the demand for used ones today so they are kinda hard to come by.
I sold both of them. I prefer double action revolvers but in reality I never had much call to shoot them double action...not a 22LR.
My thinking is if you want a .22LR revolver, just get a Single Six. I have had at least a dozen of them and they are built to last and last. Doesn't matter if they are new or had 100 bricks of ammo shot through them, the cylinder gap will be exactly 0.003" and the lock up will be great. The trigger will be around 3 1/2 pounds and they are accurate as can be. Might as well buy the ugliest and cheapest one you can find because you won't be disappointed.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

There’s only 3 rimfire revolvers that are necessary,
Ruger LCRx 3”
Ruger SP 101 4”
Ruger Single Six
Are there others that would be nice? Of course,
Wranglers and Super Wranglers are nice, the 34 and 63, but I don’t see a real need for the big heavy ones. JMHO YMMV

 

[hittman]

Much lighter option

34-1

 

[eveled]

The big heavy ones are valuable trainers for similar sized .357’s.

The SP101 and J FRAME .22’s are perfect sized .22’s.

My favorite collecting niche is “Father Son” pairs. A .22 and a Larger caliber gun that match each other as close as possible.

 

[eveled]

I have a SW63 w 4" bbl. Stainless. I do not hav a single complaint

Nice choice. This or the SP101 seem to be his best options.

 

[sharpblade7777]

Here's my all steel 22 revolvers.

 

[Richard76]

I have a 4 inch barreled Smith & Wesson model 617-1 that was made in 1996, so it's a pre-lock model. I love everything about it but it might be a little heavy for some who are going to carry it in a holster, it weighs 40 oz. For me it has the perfect weight trigger pull both single and double action. Very crisp and not real heavy. I previously had one with 8 inch bbl, too long and cumbersome. Then had one in 6 inch bbl and it was better but still kind of nose heavy. This 4 inch bbl model is just perfect, enough weight to be steady and well balanced.

I have 1 617-2 in 6" and find it perfect. it shoots exceptionally well and I don't find it cumbersome on long hikes. I wouldn't mind having a 4" though. I think it would be a toss up for me which one to carry

 

[lincen]

Among my various 22lr revolvers is an SP101 eight round model. No complaints about it at all. My favorites to shoot though are my J frame Smiths.

The top three Smiths are Kit Guns and the long barrel one on the bottom is a J frame model 35 target model with a 6” barrel.

 

[foolslife]

This is just me but I don't see spending center fire money for a rim fire anything. Other than pistols...I have several 22 revolvers that shoot great and don't break the bank.

First I have an SP101 .22 lr eight shot revolver that cost more then my 9mm SP101!
Next are the four Wranglers and one Super Wrangler that shoot just as good and feel better in my hands. Although my wife likes the SP101 best.
Then there's my old 1969 Colt Buntline Scout that out performs all of them (on target).

 

[fwb124]

FWIW, Charter Arms’ Pathfinder is a nice package (yeah, yeah, I know many will poo-pooh it) I've been tempted by:

https://charterfirearms.com/collect...72242-22-lr-target-pathfinder-with-4-2-barrel
The photo still shows the older six-shot, but my LGS stocks the current 24 oz. eight-shot.

Not a Smith or Colt or Ruger, but it balances nicely, is pretty light, has adjustable sights, and many seem to like theirs. Of course, many have been unhappy with Charter’s quality control at times, though fewer it seems under its current management. Trigger does not compare well with the others to some degree, and seems to vary between examples. YMMV.

 

[bergmen]

There's only 3 rimfire revolvers that are necessary,
Ruger LCRx 3"
Ruger SP 101 4"
Ruger Single Six

Those three are my favorites also. Before I got the SP-101, I bought an S&W 4" 617 because nobody could get the SP-101 when it first came out, people were buying them faster than the LGS could keep them in stock. The 617 was a great revolver, accurate, reliable but too heavy at 40 oz. The SP-101 was 10 oz. lighter and more compact.

That reminds me, the next range session on my list is to take all of my .22 handguns out and work them over. In addition to the three mentioned, I have the LCRx 3" .22 Magnum and a MKIII 22/45 auto.

Dan

 

[contender]

"There's only 3 rimfire revolvers that are necessary,
Ruger LCRx 3"
Ruger SP 101 4"
Ruger Single Six'

I must add that a MK II semi is a necessity for many as well.

 

[1gunsnotenough]

I only have two revolvers I prefer semi autos. But I consider the two classics and enjoy shooting them. A SP101 .22 and a S&W 4" 10 shot 617. I just picked up the 617 a couple weeks ago. I had sold one about 10 years ago and regretted it. I was talking to a friend of mine about getting another .22 for a snake gun and he mention he had the 617. And would sell it. It's to heavy carry as a snake gun but I couldn't pass it up. As with all addictions I now a need all the barrel lengths for both models.

 

[wproct]

I only have two revolvers I prefer semi autos. But I consider the two classics and enjoy shooting them. A SP101 .22 and a S&W 4" 10 shot 617. I just picked up the 617 a couple weeks ago. I had sold one about 10 years ago and regretted it. I was talking to a friend of mine about getting another .22 for a snake gun and he mention he had the 617. And would sell it. It's to heavy carry as a snake gun but I couldn't pass it up. As with all addictions I now a need all the barrel lengths for both models.View attachment 74087

I feel for ya. I've sold my 617 revolvers a couple of times and now I own one just like yours only a 6 shot model. This one's not gonna get out of my hands!