.22LR revolvers - best/worst?

[Don L]

I had the same question about 10 years ago. I was having trouble justifying $700 for the Smith as I was going to use it as a "school gun" for new shooters, meaning out in all elements, rough handling, etc. I initially went with the Taurus 94. The trigger pull got stiffer with use instead of better, even after two trips back to Taurus. I sold it and went with a Ruger SP 101 in .22. Two years of use and it's running just fine. It was only $100 cheaper then the Smith, though.

[gdubya]

6" S&W 617 paired with a twin 686+ were my first ever firearms purchase, and 25 years later still two of my favorites. I love the speed beez setup for the 617 with 100 rounds in a closeable loading box setup with a speed loader that will grab 10 at a time out of the box.

The 617 is great for new shooters to start with since it has no recoil to speak of, they can graduate into the 686 with 38s, then on to 357. 617 also seems to have a lot of aftermarket, had no trouble getting a fiber optic front sight, and I know I can swap the rear sight assembly with my 686 so that should mean tons of options.

Edit: The S&W 317 is the .22 revolver I have wanted for a while, but have never been able to do the mental gymnastics to justify buying one. Yet.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW_317.htm

[mmhoium]

I have a 317 and I always seem to throw it in the range bag when I'm heading out. Its easily one of the best guns I own. Paid a lot, but honestly I've found that after I suck it up and spend the money, I forget how much I spent and just enjoy it much more going forward because I bought it right the first time. My advice, don't settle on something because of the price.