I have a hankering for a nice 22 revolver. I prefer blued and walnut, but not absolutely. I'd love to get a Freedom Arms or original Colt Diamondback, but can't see spending $2,500+ on a plinking gun. I'm not a fan of the Ruger Single Six convertibles, as I don't like the bore "compromise" made to accommodate both cartridges. The S&W Custom Shop still offers the Model 17 Masterpiece for $1,100 or so....might be an option. Any thoughts? Decisions.

lots of questions,
single answer
617

Jeff, maybe so, but I HATE stainless revolvers with those rubber grips!

Sounds like m17 is the way to go for you. I have both a 617 and an older 17 and the 10-shots of the 617 are really nice, but for some reason the m17 might be more fun to shoot. The chambers are tight on my older 17 (I think that's common), and that makes it more picky on ammo, but it's crazy accurate (will hang right with my m41). The 617 seems to like any ammo, from cheap to high end.

The next question is what barrel length? The longer sight radius of the 6" is really nice and helps the balance. But the 4" with some sort of red dot is plenty accurate and really handy.

Kyler, I've never gotten into scopes or dots on handguns. All my revolvers are 6 or 7 1/2".

Mine is a 617, great pinker and small game hunter. But obviously it does not fit your “blued” requirement.

I was anti-red dot for a long time, and still refuse to use anything with a battery on a self defense gun, but it is amazing how much my groups shrunk when I started playing with them. Especially on short barreled guns and in low-light conditions. What really opened my eyes was going to a local pistol match and being the only person on the property without one. For a target, hunting or plinking gun they are really fun. But I'll give you that they completely ruin the lines of a beautiful gun and don't fit well in holsters.

Well I have both a Ruger Single Six Bisley and a S&W K22. Which one I like to shoot more varies almost daily. Both are nice revolvers.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
lots of questions,
single answer
617

My choice also.

Or buy a older K22

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
lots of questions,
single answer
617

My choice also or buy a older K22 target

I was never quite the same after my uncle let me shoot his K-22 about 1965, when I was 12. Wonderful revolver.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Jeff, maybe so, but I HATE stainless revolvers with those rubber grips!

there's always replacing the grips and duracoat

I have a K22 as well as a model 41 in the safe; both fine 22s.

You have two of the best!

love a k22 but also a m0d 34

Yes, the 4" version of the K22/17.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Jeff, maybe so, but I HATE stainless revolvers with those rubber grips!

Just buy Nill grips as I did for .500 S&W.

They do make some nice stuff!

It would be hard to beat a 617,,,I've shot mine more than all other firearms combined!!

Dan Wesson made a wonderful revolver

quote:

Originally posted by 257x50:
Dan Wesson made a wonderful revolver

One of my fellow officers hand Dan Wesson 357mag.

late 70's made the chambers were so rough that one had to strike the ejector rod with a piece of wood. To get the cases out.

Turned me off on Dan Wesson.

S&W model 41 and never look back. Never liked a .22 revolver.

I've got the 22 autos covered.

Beibs.

The Dan Wessons are wonderfully accurate and absolutely ruled IHMSA small bore until the FA arrived.


I am going to throw out another option for you.

What about the S&W Model 34 Kit Gun? Mine is wonderfully accurate and still occasionally gets carried when I’m at the farm.

Just bought a 5 screw K22 Smith....should fit the bill nicely :-)

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Just bought a 5 screw K22 Smith....should fit the bill nicely :-)

Well there ya go - enjoy!

Very fine acquisition Jon. I hope you'll let us have a glimpse.

Thanks Bill! Now on to the next "gotta have" that lights me up :-)

Jon, this should "light you up," Bill says, planting a seed ...

https://www.americanrifleman.o...-bfr-in-45-70-gov-t/

Ahhhhhhh, no :-)

You can find a nicely use one for half the price.

PM sent

Guns International has a"Bunch" of K22's listed

I picked one up a couple weeks ago. All set now.

I am going to suggest a S&W Model 34 Kit gun.

It meets your blue steel and walnut requirement as well as being a great little woods gun. I have one and it along with every single one I have shot is quite accurate and pretty forgiving on ammo selection.

Mine doesn’t see the woods as much as it used to as I aquired a 651 Kit gun in 22 Mag which is even more accurate than my 34.

I think for nostalgias sake it’s going to be my woods fun working g on the farm this year.

First trip to the farm is in 2 weeks and it should be every other weekend till deer season in November.

S&W model 34 is a target gun on the small J-frame
great grouse getter for supper in camp where its legal.