.22 Revolver Question

[Loki_762]

I have been considering a .22 revolver for some time.  I am looking for something that I can use to hunt small game, primarily rabbits and the occasional ground squirrel.  I am planning on mounting a scope on it, so I will need something that either comes with a built in scope rail, or that accepts some type of aftermarket scope mounts that don't require drilling.  Can anyone suggest something to me that falls in the $300-$400 price range?
Thanks,
Chris

[buffermop]

Ruger Single Six

[Tom C.]

In addition to the Ruger Single Six, the S&W 617 would be a good choice. The rear sight comes off and the frame is drilled for a scope mount. The mounts are available from Brownell's and others. You can then mount the optic of your choice.

[Keith L]

If I ever find a 617 for $400 I will buy it quick.  Single Six fills the bill even with price.

[Graybeard]

If you insist on scoping it I'd skip the revolver and just get a semiauto that is more appropriate to scope. Sure the Ruger and S&W both can be scoped but not as easily as semiautos and to me just don't look or feel right scoped. Yeah I've done it and didn't like it at all. Either chose a revolver and live with the sights that come on it or get a semiauto to scope.

[Autorim]

I would look for a good S&W Model 17 for iron sights. If you want a scope or red dot optical sight, I would go for the S&W 617. Some of the earlier models are not drilled and tapped for a scope mount. I have several revolvers with UltraDot 30 red dot sights and they do very well. I also use them on autos, but revolvers are my favorites and I love red dot sights. The Weigand bases fit very well and will accept Weaver style rings.

I agree with Graybeard to a degree. I don't think any handgun looks quite right with an optical sight, but they sure do shoot. I set up a group of handguns with iron sights and another with red dot sights. I usually shoot a trio of .22, .357 and .45AR. I shoot a lot better with the red dots, but I am 68 years old and the eyes are not what they once were.

[CajunBass]

I'm another who'd just skip the revolver for scoping and go with a semi.  A lot of them come drilled and tapped already, and my Ruger MK III 22/45 even came with a mount.  Shoots great with a BSA red dot.

[Autorim]

I feel compelled to add that if your eyes are young enough to shoot iron sights, I don't think I would put a scope on a .22. I hunted with a K-22 for many years and shot lots of stuff. I think I still have three. I strongly suggest that, if you want a revolver, look for one. The Ruger single action revolvers are great, but do not have the S&W trigger pull. I no longer have single action .22's because I don't like to eject those small cases one at a time. Reloads are much faster with a double action and you have the option of learning to shoot double action -which is certainly worth learning.

You will probably pay 500-600 for one unless you get lucky. The 617's are in that range now also.

[chim]

I'm not crazy about optics on revolvers or lever action rifles.  On the rifles, I've had success with Ashley Outdoors (forget what they're called now) Skinner Sights and Williams receiver sights.  With my 59 year old eyes they work well.

I haven't been as fortunate with handguns.  Some day I might try a "one ragged hole" peep.  So far the next best thing to no optics has been this.  With #3 Son milling a rail off where I marked it I made a clamp-on mount for the revolver in the picture:



Here in PA it is illegal to hunt with a semiauto pistol or rifle or I'd be taking a Browning Challenger or Buck Mark..............chim

[Tom C.]

I like the Doctor sight on your Colt. I have a similar Untradot LT on a Ruger MK II678GC. Really nice. I have mounted a bulky red dot on a couple of revolvers to test for accuracy, but I don't leave it on.