Accuracy? Ruger Single Six vs S&W 317

[mjh]

Looking at both of these as a possible next purchase.  General small game, woods walking, trapping, etc.  Prefer the DA of the 317.  Wondering if the Single Six would be more accruate?  Anybody with experience with BOTH of these revolvers?  What did you like or dislike from each?  Which would you buy if you could only buy one?

[petepaaz]

  I have not shot any S&W 317's although I have considered them for a lighter weight survival type gun. I do have a Ruger Super Single Six in .22LR/.22WMR Hunter w/ a 2-7x scope.....it'll shoot 1&1/2" groups with Fed 38gr hp at 50 yds. However at first most LR cartridges didn't group that well. I also have Pachmyr rubber grips on it. This is my small game/survival gun. Am very pleased with it. It has a 7&1/2" barrel and isn't very compact for a revolver. I carry it in a shoulder holster designed for scopes. The iron sights on this Ruger have a V notch rear sight and a small gold bead up front which is more accurate design for me that the standard sights.  .....Petepaaz

[Tom C.]

I have 4” and 6” 617s, and a Ruger Single Six. The Single Six has never been particularly accurate. I sent it back to Ruger for a barrel swap to 6 ½” from 5 ½”. I also asked that they replace the cylinders. The throats on the .22 LR cylinder are .227” and the .22 mag cylinder is .228”. The bore should be around .223”.
Both 617s have .223” chamber throats and both shoot very well.
The 317 is more like the Bearcat: small, light, easy to carry and difficult to shoot well. Perhaps you should consider a 63. The older ones are 4” and about 24 oz. and a new one is coming out that is 5” and 28 oz.

[mjh]

Thanks for the input Tom C.  I've been researching a  22lr wheel gun for some time now.  All ready spent my money for the year on another wheel gun so it will be next year before I've saved up again. Anyway the Model 63 may be the direction I'm headed.  Anybody shoot a new Model 63?  I have seen a picture, thats it.  It would be nice to hear some first hand experience with the new ones, a article or a range report?  The local gun dealer I frequent does not have them and has no idea if they will get any.  The new Model 63 is supposed to come out sometime this year, has that happened yet?  I have seen some old Model 63 and that may be a way to go also but I'm in no rush which is just fine with me.

[tatonka]

I owned a Smith model 63 for many years. It was a nice little backpacking weapon. Rather light to shoot accurately but it would shoot 1 3/4" groups @ 25 yards on a good day for 5 shots.  Sorry I sold it a couple years ago. Good shooting!