.22 revolver recommendations

[n8leon]

I'm thinking about buying a .22 revolver.

I plan to use it for target shooting, including an informal PPC league.
I've only been shooting for 2 years, and currently own two 9mm pistols. (SA 1911 & Beretta M9A1)
I like the idea of getting a revolver for the reliability and also for working on my flinch. (by mixing snap caps in randomly with live ammo)
I'm thinking SA/DA to see which one works better for me during the faster PPC rounds.
It would also be very nice to have some sort of fast load option (e.g. moon clips or speed loader) so everybody isn't waiting for me between PPC rounds.
I think I have ruled out the Ruger Single Ten at this point.
Lastly, I am 51 and far-sighted, so it would also be nice to have various sighting options in the future. (e.g. fiber optic front and/or red dot optics on top)

It seems like my best options are: (in order of pref)

1. S&W 617, 6" barrel
2. Ruger SP101
3. S&W 617, 4" barrel
4. S&W Model 17

I think I am on the right track there based on older threads in this forum.

I'm a little concerned about the weight of the 617, and also the grip size, as my wife has been known to come shooting with me in the past. (We rented a Browning Buckmark on various occasions)

What do folks think?
Am I missing any better options?

Thanks!
Nate

[olhunter]

It seems like my best options are: (in order of pref)

1. S&W 617, 6" barrel
2. Ruger SP101
3. S&W 617, 4" barrel
4. S&W Model 17

That's good.

No reason to search anymore. You're done.

[GM4spd]

I'm picking this M17 (from 1973) up on Wednesday. S&W makes a great revolver. The trigger is great right out of the box. You've got great choices but LEAVE OUT
THE RUGER! Pete

[superbarnie]

Heritage Rough Rider on sale at Turners right now lol

[TripleThreat]

617 6" 10 round. Doesn't get any better than that!

Triple

[357magnum]

Ruger SP 101 .22LR
Has adj. rear sight and a fiber optic front sight.
I have had mine for several years now and love it.

[Cody]

617 6" 10 round. Doesn't get any better than that!

^This.

[smak28]

I have a Ruger SP101 .22 revolver but hate the DA pull. It's so freakin heavy but does lighten up after breaking it in. I sat on my couch and kept depressing the hammer and trigger probably a few hundred times so it's much better after that and now love it.

[Jeepergeo]

All the OP listed would be a great addition to almost any collection.

Ruger now has a GP100 in 22 you might want to consider if you like a larger frame. Otherwise, the SP101 is a sweet Ruger.

[Mutant]

I am partial to the Model 17 Masterpiece. It fits my medium hands quite well. My wife likes it also and she does not like bigger grips on any pistol.

[usmcchet9296]

617 nuff said
617 by John Hermesmeyer, on Flickr

[aghauler]

Heritage Rough Rider on sale at Turners right now lol

Not bad plinkers but not up to "target standards" also get the steel frame not the alloy frame.

[Moon Glorious]

I've got the S&W 617 6'" and love it. I looked into the sp101 and found the grip a little short for me. Trigger does seem better on the 617. If you could score a model 17 like the one GM4spd has shown (older pre lock) that would be my first choice. I'm kicking myself for missing one. Saw one a week after picking up the 617. Also check the feel and balance for yourself if possible. All of your choices are solid in my opinion. I don't think there is a wrong answer in those listed. All personal preference.

[b.thomas]

I;ve only got two I can recommend...........cause that's all I ever owned!
single shot A Ruger single six (w/duel cylinders) that I foolishly sold after close to thirty years. bought it in 1969.
Smith and Wesson 617: a six shot model w/4" barrel......had it long time too........25+ years.
Other then that.......can't help you out!

[cudakidd]

Have a 617 and two 17s...love them. One 17 has the 8 3/8" barrel, wide target hammer and trigger.

It is the most accurate handgun I've ever owned...

You have a great list... any would do..'