Author Topic: Best .22 revolver for EOTWAWKI (Read 4949 times)

teamnelson · « **on:** February 10, 2010, 10:00:05 AM »

It has been suggested on another thread that we start a conversation specifically about best .22 revolvers in an End Of The World As We Know It scenario. Parameters: .22 revolver is assumed. Other calibers and platforms in another thread.

So what's your flavor?

Almtnman · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2010, 10:14:51 AM »

Ruger single six with 22/22mag cylinders. That's my preference only because that's what I have been carrying around the woods for about 30 years now and it has been dependable for me.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2010, 10:39:23 AM »

+1 on the Ruger, Mine was use when I got it and it still performs flawlessly and has accounted for more than a couple rabbits and squirrel. I don't use the magnum much but it'sa shooter too.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2010, 10:43:46 AM »

I still like my SP-101 . Wish they made one in 22 mag.

Couger · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2010, 12:04:08 PM »

Quote from: TeamNelson

It has been suggested on another thread that we start a conversation specifically about best .22 revolvers in an End Of The World As We Know It scenario. Parameters: .22 revolver is assumed. Other calibers and platforms in another thread.

So what's your flavor?

I'm actually fairly ignorant about this specific and special subject!

This is where it would be GREAT if there was a "Boston's Big Book" on handguns, or similar.

I'd want to know about different makers
different models .....

barrel lengths needed (mins and max's)
overall weight?
sights?
optics?
durability? etc., etc., etc.

But also which wheelguns are 9 and 10-shooters?
Which ones reload easiest?

Actually I'd have to be willing to give up several features I "must have" in my Ruger semi-auto pieces before I'd willingly give up those models ..... altho I do respect [a lot!] the k-frame S&W's like the M17 and 18, and even the kit guns. I also respect the Ruger Six-guns, but would like to learn more about cheaper H&R's, Charter Arms, Rossi, Taurus and others too.

The Colt Diamondback is a beautiful ramge piece, but is it a weakling like the Python on the torture test?

I do know I must have have a least a 4in barrel in any wheelgun, altho a 8 or 10in barrel length with excellent sites would be huge advantage if shooting a lot of squirrels in trees, or bunnies and grouse at extended ranges (30-40-50yds).

Couger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2010, 12:07:30 PM »

Also, in a .22 rimfire wheelgun, hoe much "optic" is practical? or too much?

teamnelson · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2010, 01:27:56 PM »

Couger, good questions! Threads like this get people thinking about stuff that might be important one day.

Shooting smallbore silhouette taught me a few things, like I could knock over a ram with a .22LR at 100 yds standing up with iron sights, more times than not. Sure a fella in the creedmore (laying on his back) position with a scope could hit it 40 out of 40, but I don't hunt like that. That was a great way for me to learn about what I could do with a gun.

Scoped guns were usually TC Contenders, fired standing from a taco hold or in the creedmore. Only real benefit was at the 75-100 yd range, to my mind. A red dot on a .22 pistol just covers up the whole target, and really doesn't aid precise fire - they're for quick acquisition. So I don't scope my handguns.

Ruger Single Six with a 9.5" barrel is favored by Iron Men (3 courses revolver standing) on small bore.
7.5" down to 6" I've seen used by new members trying out what they have - great idea. The 5.5" and 4 5/8" versions are quicker. If I had to choose, I'd feel pretty good trying a 75 yd shot with a 6" or longer barrel.

My current .22 pack revolver is a blued Taurus 94 with a 5" full lug barrel and wood grips, but I'm not 100% happy. It holds 9 rounds, and I like the barrel length, and its light. Its got a small grip though, like a J frame, which I've just not gotten used to. It has a broad target hammer spur but its a little sharp on the thumb. Double Action trigger pull is brutal for accurate follow up, but single action is among the best I've fired. A casing stuck during extraction once, so its possible, but not frequent. A little polishing would probably help the hammer spur, and maybe a different spring for the DA pull. A beefier rubber grip might help too.

I'd be curious to hear from the 17/317/617 folks out there. I'm contemplating moving to a 617 6" ten rounder. I'm thinking stainless would be more forgiving, especially if you get a matte or brushed job on it. [My luxury gun is a 627PC so a matching necessity gun would be sweet!]

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2010, 02:00:09 PM »

My altime favorite 22 was a S&W 17-6. Mine had a 4" barrel.
It was only a 6 shot but it shot well was a little heavier than a similar 38 or 357 and allanced very well.
Being a K frame I tried different grips on it and it fit in all of my K frame holsters from hip to shoulder rigs.
The revolver shot well, felt good in the hand, looked like a M-19 and mine wore the larger target grips.
It shot many a critter and target and I wish I had it back. Sold it to a friend that needed a 22 pistol and said if he wanted to sell it I had first dibs as I did not want to sell it to him. He sold it.
The only bad thing was the HKS speed loaders for it did not work as the extractor lock and the small lock on the speed loader were longer than the bullets that stuck out so they were useless.
i would load the little Aguilla supers in it and shoot mice in the garage and rats out by the woodpile with just a crack as loud as a hand clap.

schoolmaster · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2010, 05:50:01 PM »

S$W 617 stainless 6 inch barrel, 10 shot cylinder, with custom fitted S&W wooden target grips. No scopes, no red dots, Just factory open sights. Hit the chickens regularly at 100 yards, shoots like a rifle.

OLDHandgunner · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2010, 01:48:46 AM »

My old and trusted K-22.

Couger · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2010, 10:36:16 AM »

Was looking at gunBroker.com last night, particularly at H$R 999 top-break 9-shot revolvers!

Many available surprisingly! Several looked quite clean and in good shape.

If the M999 is accurate and solid enough, I like that (concept) of a top-break revolver!

When the revolver is opened it automatically ejects the fired empties.

But provided custom-grips (like Hogue's or Pachmayr's "could be had"), along personalized or custom sights ..... I would seriously consider carrying such a revolver in a survival kit.

The S$W M17-family of wheelguns would have special role for me at the range if I owned such a k-frame.

But in a survival role I prefer an easier-to-shoot-more revolver like the M999, if not a semi-auto .22.

However if a North American Arms 4inch revolver with the .22LR/.22WMR cylinders presented itself, those are so small - and yet with a 4inch barrel - I might have to buy it!

As an ultra-small, ultra-ultra-compact (neck or) kit gun! Of course if the accuracy wasn't there I'd junk the whole concept.

Hodr · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2010, 11:32:59 AM »

The best shooting 22 revolver I've ever used is a ruger single six convertible. I know I have put more than 10 bricks of 22 lr through that gun, a lot of 22 short for quiet, and close, a good deal of far too expensive 22 mag hunting with absolute reliability and it is still in excellent condition. Now the qualifier, I would rather have a top break nine shot 22 in the situation stated at the top of the page. H&R top break would be ahead of ruger in my opinion. I had one of those in a tackle box that I lost in a lake. Water went way down almost six months later and a neighbor brought over my gear. Naval jelly, rust solvent first and then I took it apart and gave it a bath in brine with a battery charger for 3 days. Crocus cloth, needle files, oiled and reassembled, fired and continues to fire without failure. It is still wrapped in a sock in a new tackle box almost 30 years later.

blindhari

45-70.gov · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2010, 04:32:16 PM »

ruger single 6

the magnum cylinder is a bonus but not necessary option

more 22lr ammo would be a better option

stainless i live on the ocean

blue is not an option

one of mine was forgotten in a salt water tackle box

the corroded bullets had to be driven out

the gun was fine

The Hermit · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2010, 04:43:36 PM »

Colt Frontier Scout in .22 LR. Bought new in '66, still knocks squirrels out of the trees.

The Hermit

Victor3 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2010, 01:35:28 AM »

I might would go with a Ruger SP101 4" for durability and simplicity. Never had a SP101, but the similarly designed GP100 357 4" I had for ~20 years was a great gun.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2010, 01:45:39 AM »

My SP-101 22 is like a bank vault .

kynardsj · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2010, 01:52:37 AM »

Stainless Single Six. One of the few guns I own that absolutely isn't for sale. I had the barrel on mine cut to 4 5/8, put a birds head grip frame and micarta grips on it and a set of Millet sights. A sweet shooter that's built like a tank.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2010, 01:56:22 AM »

I've heard that the 22 mag wasn't any better out of a revolver than 22 LR. Do you guys know if this is true? I've heard that you need at least 16" for the 22 mag to be effective at a longer range. This person said in a rifle it was better by at least 25 more yards. I also heard that the 22 mag was slightly more powerful than the 32 acp. Do you guys have any experience? Reason I am asking is I was thinking of trading my Ruger Mk II stainless bull barrel pistol for a Ruger single 6 convertable stainless with scope mounts.

Couger · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2010, 02:03:08 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL

"My SP-101 22 is like a bank vault ."

That and one of Patton's tanks!

My dad and I bought my mum a .357 SP101. .22's are identical but for bore.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2010, 02:10:27 AM »

I have the Ruger single six hunter and feel the 22mag. does alot more than the LR . One it is a larger dia. second it uses a real bullet ,

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2010, 02:13:44 AM »

Cougar , and fireing pin location .
I was looking for another 4 inch 22 to get the chambers cut to 22 mag. and bbl relined to mag. but the 327 fed came out so i got one and never tried the mag up grade . With 32 short to 327 FM most things are covered a 22 handgun can do.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2010, 03:11:16 AM »

Quote from: Dixie Dude on February 12, 2010, 01:56:22 AM

I've heard that the 22 mag wasn't any better out of a revolver than 22 LR. Do you guys know if this is true? I've heard that you need at least 16" for the 22 mag to be effective at a longer range. This person said in a rifle it was better by at least 25 more yards. I also heard that the 22 mag was slightly more powerful than the 32 acp. Do you guys have any experience? Reason I am asking is I was thinking of trading my Ruger Mk II stainless bull barrel pistol for a Ruger single 6 convertable stainless with scope mounts.

22 mag in a revolver = 22lr in a rifle

22mag in a rifle is quite powerful
22mag with FMJ in a rifle should take most any thing with a heard shot

no need for 22mag revolver
unless you just want ammo compatability with your RIFLE

22 mag in a revolver = very loud

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2010, 03:31:45 AM »

What is the realistic effective range of a 22 mag in a revolver? Say you want to shoot a squirrel or rabbit. 25 yards? 50 yards. Say you braced yourself against a tree used shooting sticks.

mannyrock · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2010, 05:34:32 AM »

As to the .22 Mag in a pistol, my understanding is that the noise is incredibly loud, way beyond anything one would imagine, and that to fire it without hearing protection is excruciating, causing massive hearing loss.

Almtnman · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2010, 05:45:33 AM »

Quote from: mannyrock on February 12, 2010, 05:34:32 AM

As to the .22 Mag in a pistol, my understanding is that the noise is incredibly loud, way beyond anything one would imagine, and that to fire it without hearing protection is excruciating, causing massive hearing loss.

It's also loud in a .357 mag and 44 mag, but hearing protection wasn't an option back when I was firing those rounds while on duty.

kynardsj · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2010, 05:45:55 AM »

Dixie Dude, at the ranges you're talking about regular Remington or Federal 22 LR's will work just fine on squirrels and rabbits. For hotter stuff I use Yellow Jackets or CCI Mini Mags. I probably haven't shot a box of 22 Mags in my extra cylinder for my Single Six in the 15 or so years I've had it.

Almtnman · « **Reply #26 on:** February 12, 2010, 05:51:45 AM »

Quote from: kynardsj on February 12, 2010, 05:45:55 AM

Dixie Dude, at the ranges you're talking about regular Remington or Federal 22 LR's will work just fine on squirrels and rabbits. For hotter stuff I use Yellow Jackets or CCI Mini Mags. I probably haven't shot a box of 22 Mags in my extra cylinder for my Single Six in the 15 or so years I've had it.

I like the CCI mini mag and Yellow Jackets 22's also as they work great shooting those tree rats and do good on rabbits, beaver and various other small game.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #27 on:** February 12, 2010, 06:39:11 AM »

I've never shot a squirrel or rabbit with a .22 pistol of either type. What are the effective ranges of each? I might be better off shooting my Ruger MK II with a scope mounted somehow on the barrel. I'm not that good with iron sights on this Pistol. I'm going to have to practice more.

sachel.45 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 12, 2010, 09:28:41 AM »

another vote for the single six the .22 mag cylinder is for hunting and the .22 LR cylinder is for plinking but i do alot of plinking with the .22 mag.

Almtnman · « **Reply #29 on:** February 12, 2010, 09:57:56 AM »

Quote from: Dixie Dude on February 12, 2010, 06:39:11 AM

I've never shot a squirrel or rabbit with a .22 pistol of either type. What are the effective ranges of each? I might be better off shooting my Ruger MK II with a scope mounted somehow on the barrel. I'm not that good with iron sights on this Pistol. I'm going to have to practice more.

I try to limit my shots at around 25 yards or less. I do a lot of practice with my pistols and enjoy it as it is a reward to know that it helps my shooting ability. Before I found a good range to practice at, I used to go to a local chert pit and shoot at empty shotguns shells seeing how many I could bounce around the pit.