New SP 22 LR vs. S&W 63 Kit Gun

[one bullet]

I've got a Smith 63, 4 inch stainless, no pin, kit gun. I bought it used but it's in excellent shape. I've shot it less than a 100 times but not sure about the previous owner. Thinking of selling it to buy the new SP 22. I know the new SP is a brand new model but what do ya'll think? Keep what I got or go for it! :?

 

[WAYNO]

I've got a Smith 63, 4 inch stainless, no pin, kit gun. I bought it used but it's in excellent shape. I've shot it less than a 100 times but not sure about the previous owner. Thinking of selling it to buy the new SP 22. I know the new SP is a brand new model but what do ya'll think? Keep what I got or go for it! :?

Keep the 63! If you also get a SP101, and it's a good shooter, the worst thing to happen is having to decide on which gun to shoot on any given day. 8)

And the SP in .22 is not really a brand new model. It was around in the past, but has been resurrected with different sights and an extra couple of shots. The rear sight is a big improvement over the original windage-only-adjustable rear sight.

WAYNO.

 

[Danjet500]

At one time I owned both a 63 and an older SP101 in .22 lr. Shot them both and decided I liked the 63 better so I sold the Ruger. The Smith is a little lighter and fit in my hand better. Both are fine guns, I just like the 63 better.

 

[ranger1]

Keep the 63! If you also get a SP101, and it's a good shooter, the worst thing to happen is having to decide on which gun to shoot on any given day. 8)

WAYNO.

+1

 

[hittman]

Yep ~ WAYNO nailed it.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I agree with Wayno as well. I've got a 63 and won't be getting rid of it but I may need to test them both out at some point. Doesn't hurt to have one of each.

 

[Snake45]

Unless your Smith 63 was a particularly bad shooter for some reason, I'd keep that and be happy with it. Those are cool little guns.

 

[Anonymous]

If you like the 63, keep it. Always stick with tried and true first, be it guns or restaurants. New ones of either can give you a bad case of heartburn..... :roll:

Hopefully you can soon borrow someone's new SP for a few shots before you buy. Then if you like it, buy it, too!

 

[DeletedMember58]

The 63 is around 6 or 7 ounces lighter. Close to half a pound less weight. Unless you need or want a heavier revolver, keep the Smith.

IF you simply want a new toy, keep the Smith and buy the Ruger.

 

[Jeff Quinn]

I could not decide either.

 

[peyton]

It is unamious, survey says to keep the 63 and then buy the sp101!!!

 

[Triggernosis]

I could not decide either.

Jeff, supposedly, the Ruger weighs about 5 or 6 oz. more than the S&W. When you actually hold them or carry them in a holster do you notice the difference in weight?

 

[Big Larry]

I too am a M63 owner and it is extremely accurate, but I just had to have a SP101 in 22 caliber, I already own a 357. I just ordered it yesterday and may have to wait a while for Ace Hardware to get one in. I like all my 22 handguns, that is why I have a couple dozen of all varieties. Back after a long absence, Big Larry

 

[Jeff Quinn]

4.6 ounces difference on my scale. Holding the 63 in one hand and the SP in the other, I can tell that the SP is heavier, but on the belt, I notice no difference at all.

Like most of us, I would be better off losing five pounds off my belly than a few ounces off the gun.

Jeff

 

[Snake45]

BOTH is, of course, preferrable, but if that's not financially feasible, I think I'd stay with the Smith 63.

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, Jeff.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

"Kit Gun"

A Beretta Bobcat weighs 11 ounces, is smaller, and gets the same velocity as a 4" revolver.

I just don't get it.

 

[Triggernosis]

"Kit Gun"

A Beretta Bobcat weighs 11 ounces, is smaller, and gets the same velocity as a 4" revolver.

I just don't get it.

And I'll bet you can't hit a squirrel or rabbit past about 10 feet w/ Beretta Bobcat.
Not much use to most of us as a "kit gun".....

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

Just as accurate as a 4" revolver for me.

 

[DPris]

It wasn't for me, and I seriously doubt the Beretta gets the same velocities.
Have you chronographed it & compared to a four-inch revolver?
Denis

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

All I said was I didn't get it.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

All I said was I didn't get it.

 

[MKII]

I have several S&W "kit" guns...I'll be picking up an SP when finances permit. It's a Ruger...a revolver...8-shots....more importantly...it's a .22! What's not to get?:-)

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

When it comes to short barrel 22's, I think you'd get much more bang for your buck velocity wise with a semi-auto.

I think a basic 4.5" MKIII is shorter than the 4" sp101, has more velocity, and probably shoots more accurate.

Its the "kit" term I don't get. It seems a NAA or a Bearcat would be more of a "kit" gun.

I like both guns of the topic

 

[GaryA]

I just don't get it.

I don't get a lot of things and haven't gotten this one, but I'm going to. :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

"Kit Gun"

A Beretta Bobcat weighs 11 ounces, is smaller, and gets the same velocity as a 4" revolver.

I just don't get it.

And I'll bet you can't hit a squirrel or rabbit past about 10 feet w/ Beretta Bobcat.
Not much use to most of us as a "kit gun".....

I've got Bobcats. I understand you lose about thirty percent of the velocity, so a HV .22LR is only making about 800fps from a Bobcat. The big drawback is that the short barrel doesn't give much stability. The bullet only makes about a quarter turn before it leaves the muzzle! Not so bad at close range, I can keep a mag full on a paper plate at 30 feet. Much over that, no way.

 

[Triggernosis]

Its the "kit" term I don't get. It seems a NAA or a Bearcat would be more of a "kit" gun.

I'll agree with you there.

Why should one expect more velocity out of a semiauto .22? If their barrels were the exact same length, I can't imagine that the difference would be anything but negligible simply due to cylinder gap on the revolver. And does that difference really even matter? Though, I'll admit, I haven't looked at any hard numbers.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

ok

 

[Floridaoutdoors]

Will the eight shot/smaller cylinder ratchets be more prone to wear ??

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Will the eight shot/smaller cylinder ratchets be more prone to wear ??

I may not be understanding your question. Are you saying you are concerned about wearing out a Ruger????? :roll: :roll: :lol: :lol: :shock: