School me on 22 revolvers

[fritztkatt]

Never owned a revolver before, fired a few in 357 and 44, but want to get a .22lr revolver for the wife. I know about shopping for women, but I want to guide her in the right direction and know what to show her. She's a fairly small woman, so auto loader grips are generally too big, and it's not a HD/carry gun, nor does it need be match grade.

Last trip to the gun shop, I caught her messing with the Crimson trace display, where they had (iirc) the plastic trainer guns setup with their product on them. She mentioned interest in the revolver, which looked like a 38 airweight (very tiny grips), because of its small size. I know for a fact she'd punch me in the face if I tricked her into firing a 38 that small, but a 22lr would be a non issue. Barrel length isn't much of an issue, I'm guessing 4" would yield good balance for a tiny frame and help keep the noise/flash down. Capacity is a non issue as well (I think they make 5-8 shot?) Adjustable sights would be nice, as well as da/sa, but Sao just fine. No dao. Don't want any junk that will give me problems, but the wood quality, or deep blueing isn't a big thing.

I don't really know where to start looking. Any help is appreciated.

[Garv]

Try a Ruger SP 101, only reason I got a SA-only Single Ten instead was the small grips on the 101.

Several Rugers out there, may have to look a bit.
Keep an eye on the Marketplace.

Good luck.

[NorzelKid]

Ruger makes an excellent SAO 22 revolver. Built like a tank, various barrel length and finishes (blued and stainless), most with adjustable sights. The Lipsey's Distributor exclusive model 8101 or 8102 is perfect for a new shooter. Heavy enough to absorb whatever recoil a .22LR might have (which it really doesn't), front and rear fiber optic sights (rear is fully adjustable), and 4.625" long barrel, which is a great length for beginners to learn the joy of plinking and target shooting. I've taught several women to shoot on this gun, and every one of them comes away loving it!

http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelSingleSixDE/models.html

If you can't find one locally, you can always visit the Lipsey's website, enter your zip code, and find a dealer close to you who can order one for you.

http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=RUNR-4-10

[green grunt]

S&W 317 , 2" or 3" barrels , 8 shot , very light , may be a bit costly compared to some others , My lady shoots it very well (2") , a good 22 revolver is a joy to shoot and carry , and it will use everything from shorts to bird/snake shot .
can't go wrong with any well made revolver in 22lr.


Semper Fi.

[fritztkatt]

Iirc SAO revolvers are roster exempt? Which might explain why there aren't many when I browse through the roster?

Thanks for the suggestions, gents.

[Octaviob]

I also recommend the convertible Ruger new model single six. It comes with both a .22 long rifle and .22 magnum cylinder that you can easily change. When you go to the range you can shoot both and you get a nice flame coming out of the magnum. Very little felt recoil on either round. Classic look, easy to clean, they do a good job of retaining their value, but most importantly they are fun to shoot and accurate. A good feature of SA's is that they slow things down for new shooters so they can think about what they are doing and not letting ten rounds go at once.

Check it out here:

http://ruger.com/products/newModelSingleSixConvertible/models.html

[sixoclockhold]

SP101 .22lr

I'm very close to purchasing one for my wife, who hates guns, never shot but had an awakening just recently when her brothers home was robbed while he sleep, gun taken off dresser and keys to new ride among other things...snoring away.

In 38 years she refused to even touch my weapons but sat down with me and went through the handguns choosing the SP101 .357 snub as the ah moment, this feels good honey. Trigger pull was tough for her as it's DAO.

Ultimately I would move her to a .38 sp snub with some training. She couldn't even load a mag let alone rack a slide. Ok so I'm buying myself a SP101 22lr heh heh

[SonofWWIIDI]

Ruger does make a nice SAO in .22/.22WMR. Heritage makes a copy of it.

And there are a ton of others out there. I can only speak about the ruger from personal experience. Very nice little gun. Fun to shoot.

[not-fishing]

Look at a used Smith & Wesson model 17 in 6", target sights, accurate enough for Bullseye and the best trigger in single action. A Cadillac.



An interesting piece is the H & R model 999 top break, nine shot, easy to load with a nice single action trigger. (double action is really heavy)

[sealocan]

^^ there are lots of great suggestions and I personally especially like the older HR model 999 break top 9 shot.

so let me suggest something totally different.
you mentioned something about single action revolvers...

I think one of the very best firearms deals in all of California right now is the
Heritage Rough Rider (a Colt style cowboy revolver in 22 long rifle, I believe some even come with a 22 magnum cylinder in addition to the 22 long rifle cylinder)
I believe is made in the USA which i think is a plus.
it's one of the lower cost handguns you can get but I've been told the quality is good, especially for the money.

it might be a great way to start some on off on firearms.
if they don't like it it won't hurt your wallet and you can always sell it when and if she moves on to something nicer.

[zman]

Here's a really nice keeper

S&W 617 (10-shot!) 4" or 6" barrel / On CA Roster

[ptgarcia]

If you're looking to buy new I'd only look at Smith & Wesson and Ruger, and I prefer the Smith & Wesson. I think a Model 63 with 3" barrel would be perfect. Built on the J-frame (same as that 38 Airweight your wife liked) with a 3" barrel and 8-shot cylinder. More refined than the Ruger SP101 and a much better trigger than the SP101s I have handled.

[Catch]

I have an naa mini 22 revolver. Shoots well, locks up tight. think it's a step up from pepper spray.

[olhunter]

Is cost a consideration?

If not, get a S&W M617, M317, M17 or look for a used K22. I think there's a little J frame M43 too. None are inexpensive but are top quality with a lifetime warranty. They will hold and increase their value.

Then the Ruger 101. Nice gun. SA/DA and a swing-out cylinder.

Next would be a Ruger Single Six. Several variations. SAO, but also top quality.

Next is a Taurus M94. S&W clone that is off-list so you would have to find a used sample from a private party. Swing-out cylinder and DA/SA.

At the bottom of the price list is a Heritage Rough Rider. Similar to a Ruger Single Six, but you can find a nice one for under $200. It's a great first gun. I have one and it shoots great. Mine has the convertible 22 WMR cylinder.

Ask her if she minds loading and ejecting one round at a time. If she thinks that's a PITA, then don't get any of the SAO cowboy-style guns.

All things considered.....I'd get the Heritage as a first gun.

[sixoclockhold]

You should get what you like, guns really don't wear out. I've got a hated 30 yr. old AMT semi .22lr that is still going strong with more rds (1,000's) thru it than any other gun I own. Never even field striped it, just tooth brush and bore brush.

I just paid $597 for a Ruger SP101 .22lr today. Dang that's a lot of money for a .22lr but I like the Ruger over the S&W. It's prettier, lighter, smaller grips, $150 cheaper, (2) less cylinders to clean, Fiber optic sight, & wood. Don't forget no lock !

I'm not a Ruger fan boy or S&W, I own both. I own a 30 yr. old semi smith that has never had one hicup, not one, but I've had more FUN with my AMT .22lr and it was fairly cheap for it's day.

.22LR ammo can screw up in any gun.

Get what you like and can afford.

10 days.......