SW 617 vs 63 vs Ruger Sp101 vs LCR

[5.56]

I'm in the market for a .22lr revolver, preferably DA/SA. Based on my research and in store handling I've done with .22lr revolvers, I have it narrowed down between the 4 in the title. It's purpose is for plinking/cheap revolver training and "snake/coyote carry" on the hip while doing maintenance on my property(shooting is legally allowed). I'm leaning towards a DA/SA revolver so I could get some squirrels with the light SA trigger a little more accurately than the dedicated DA trigger of the LCR. I was genuinely impressed by the trigger of the LCR though. An LCR-X .22lr version would be perfect but it doesn't exist.

The 317 is out of the equation for me. The DA trigger was horrendous.

A happy medium of these revolvers seems to be the SW 63. Lightweight, 8 rounds and DA/SA. The Ruger SP101 is only 4 oz heavier than the SW 63 and it seems real close in comparison except for the extra inch on the barrel and small weight increase with the Ruger. So I guess I'm down to the usual revolver argument, Ruger vs Smith & Wesson. I'm leaning towards the Smith superficially for the shorter barrel giving it a more comfortable carry profile while doing yardwork.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Haven't shot an LCR.
SP101 has really heavy trigger pull. Didn't like it.
S&W 617 is nice.
S&W 63 would be easier to carry than the 617, but could be difficult to hit squirrels with a short barrel. I suppose if you're a good shot, it's no problem.

[rogervzv]

I own the SP101 .22 and the S&W 617.

The trigger on the S&W 617 is far superior to any other .22 revolver that I have shot. It is immeasurably smoother and sweeter than my SP101. I had the Wolf Spring Kit installed in my Sp101 which helped a lot, but the S&W is still far and away the better shooter.

The SP101 and 617 are both beautifully built guns.

I would recommend the S&W.

[Eyelawdoc]

I own the 617, 101 and 63. For your purposes as a yard carry gun and plinker, I'd go with the S&W 63. The 617 is a great target revolver, but it is too big and heavy for casual carry. The Ruger 101 is a fine gun, but the trigger isn't as nice as the 63 and it is heavier by a few ounces. The S&W 63 makes for an excellent casual carry and plinker .22 . It's even better when you add the Wolf spring kit! That really helps the DA pull. With that addition, the 63's trigger is as smooth and sweet as the 617!

[23 Blast]

I've Owned A Model 63. I was not impressed with it. Sure, it's tiny, and lightweight, and 'awww so cute!' - but it had a bad trigger pull, sticky case extraction, and just generally didn't seem like the kind of revolvers that Smith typically puts out. I have a cheap Arminius Warrior (8-shot, .22lr German-made revolver), and the Smith 63 was not appreciably better.

[MyOdessa]

I was in your situation about a year ago, I was looking for walk around .22LR for snakes and such. Most of my revolvers are Rugers, and generally, I prefer Rugers. I have considered SP101 in .22LR, because I already have a few SP101s in .357 Mag, but in the end I liked S&W 63 better then SP101.
I did upgrade grips on mine.

[SoCal Bob]

The trigger on the SP101 .22 smooths out with use, but will always be heavier than a center fire. I replaced the stock grips with a Hogue monogrip which made the trigger feel much better to me because of the change in hand position.

[Garv]

Don't forget that the bigger Ruger GP100 now has a .22 version.

Of your 4, I would want the 617.

[5.56]

The GP100 is a premium target revolver, but it doesn't fit my needs at 42oz with a 5.5" barrel. It's a tank. The 617 is on the big side too, but I can get it in a 4" that weighs 39oz which is hardly a weight difference, but the barrel length significant.

If I'm going to carry a pistol with that weight, I might as well carry my GP100 .357 with the first 2 rounds as shot shells and the last 4 as .357(which I have been). It looks like the S&W 63 is the winner. I might wait one more year to see if Ruger releases a LCR-X in .22lr. It would be perfect.

[cnj]

I might wait one more year to see if Ruger releases a LCR-X in .22lr. It would be perfect.

I waited for a couple years for this myself. This was even after the Ruger CEO answered an email requesting the LCR-X in .22lr with "We'll do it!". Got tired of waiting, so I found a pre-lock S&W 317. Sorry Ruger. You took too long.

[Carcassonne]

...

The 317 is out of the equation for me. The DA trigger was horrendous.

...

My 317-1 works great in DA mode. It is very accurate and precise for a light-weight 3" barreled revolver.



.

[bergmen]

I had a 617 for a few years, magnificent revolver in every way - except weight. I sold it on consignment to get the Ruger SP101 (which is what I was looking for when I found the 617 but nobody had them).

617 was 40 oz., SP101 - 30 oz. Trigger was strong as everyone has said. Before I even took it to the range for the first time I had a local smith replace the springs and all is well. This is a great revolver, compact, light accurate, fiber optic front sight, I really love it.

Dan

[5.56]

I waited for a couple years for this myself. This was even after the Ruger CEO answered an email requesting the LCR-X in .22lr with "We'll do it!". Got tired of waiting, so I found a pre-lock S&W 317. Sorry Ruger. You took too long.

How long ago did you get that email? I've been emailing them for years asking them to make a DA/SA 9mm revolver and haven't got a response.

[5.56]

After deep thought, I've reached a decision. I'm going to buy another Ruger MK IV. I'd love a 22/45 light with a pinned barrel but probably not going to happen so I'll buy my second MKIV target but this time in stainless.