Author Topic: i want a single action 22lr/22mag (Read 4102 times)

pjeffreys · « **on:** May 10, 2011, 10:30:17 AM »

if you guys were going to buy a single action 22/22mag revolver what brand would you buy? i have looked at the eaa, heritage, and rugers. the rugers are overpriced in my opinion. i want one with a long barrel (6.5 or 7.5"). thanks for you advice in advance.

dks7895 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:00:50 AM »

IMO you get what you pay for with the Ruger. It's the best of the bunch and costs the most. The Hertiage is a good shooter, but there is no comparison when it comes to fit, finish, design, mechanics....

gcrank1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2011, 11:50:58 AM »

The old adage goes something like this," the attraction of low price wears quickly off with the low quality".
The Ruger Bisley .22LR has a long barrel and is pretty nice, but I dont know if it comes in a swap cylinder set.
The grip doesnt suit everyone, in that case go with the Single Six, which can come with both cylinders. The 22 Mag will rarely be used by most, still, it adds to the 'package'.
If you want something a bit more 'vintage' look for the real Colt's New Frontier 22/22M set; it came in several barrel lengths and the two I know of are every bit the 22 version of the Flattop Target in that '7/8ths' size (BTW, mine isnt for sale). The earlier versions from Colt's in the Frontier Scout, etc. had a 'zamac' frame and fixed sights, not near as nice as the one I mentioned above and mine wasnt very accurate (OK for cans). They had a steel frame version of the Scout in the Peacemaker(?IIRC) that I never got to try.
As for the imports, IMHO with the dollar value down the cost of them is about what you can find a nice, used USA made revolver, so get the real deal.

Brett · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2011, 02:57:03 AM »

I am in full agreement with the other posters. The Ruger is a better bang for the buck.

The Ruger Single Six is hard to beat without paying a lot more money. It is a very solid, well made American product. Something you will be proud to own years from now and will last long enough to pass down to your kids kids.

If cost is a concern look for a good used Single Six. With patience you can find one for just a little more than what you would pay for a new Heritage.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2011, 02:59:31 AM »

I recommend buying a Ruger Single Six.

pjeffreys · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2011, 06:32:11 AM »

thanks for the advice guys.

EdK · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:00:57 AM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on May 10, 2011, 11:50:58 AM

The 22 Mag will rarely be used by most, still, it adds to the 'package'.

I agree on the rarely used. The ammo is just so expensive I'll reload 22 Hornet instead of buying it.

That said when looking into a Ruger I've heard the bore size is optimized to the mag and a little over the the standard 22 rimfire. I've even heard of those rebarreling to get a truly good shooter. Now that is something I would not want to face.

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:36:53 AM »

The SS is not a target pistol but is no slouch either. I can make a soda can dance pretty well out to around 15 or 20 yards no problem with my .22lr cylinder. Then again the EAA and Heritage are not target pistols either. These all fall into the plincker class of guns. You want a target accuracy you will have to pay a lot more money.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:55:43 AM »

Im glad for your response and qualifiers. I too have 'heard' about the bore dimensions thing but would like someone to verify and substantiate it. Since nobody I know has used one in 'NRA Bullseye' competition (one hand) its a little hard to tell what the average is capable of, but if a decent Bullseye shooter can tell us what he has done with one for group size at 50' that would mean a lot to me.
Another good test is how far one may depend on a SS to take a squirrel in the head consistently.
I know what I can do with a few handguns at some small steel silouettes that would duplicate taking a squirrel, but they sit real still too. When I say my Colt's Frontier Scout was a 'can shooter' I mean that at the same distance I can hit those little steels with the New Frontier I could only reliably hit cans with the Scout. It is so relative to a shooters need and abilities, but inferior handguns that work OK only do so for a limited amount of time (rounds).

Brett · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2011, 08:17:31 AM »

Another factor to consider is that most .22lr tend to be ammo sensitive, liking some brands/styles a lot more than others. My personal experience is that my SS tends to be less finicky than other .22 revolvers, shooting most ammo I've tried pretty well. I give a slight edge to CCI mini mags and Remington Golden Bullets. So if someone tells you that their (insert brand) doesn't shoot worth a darn take it with a grain of salt. It may be they just have just not taken the time to find the right ammo.

p.s.; I have not shot my SS from a bench. To me that would be a waste of time because I need to know how well I can shoot specific ammo with it out in the field from off hand, not how well the gun shoots from a stationary rest. I'm interested in the first shot, will I hit that can or squirrel on the first try? Not how small of groups it can shoot from a rest.

Keith L · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2011, 03:42:36 PM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on May 10, 2011, 11:50:58 AM

That said when looking into a Ruger I've heard the bore size is optimized to the mag and a little over the the standard 22 rimfire. I've even heard of those rebarreling to get a truly good shooter. Now that is something I would not want to face.

Mine shoots half the group size with LR than Mag, but both are better than I am able to shoot any more. And I know I am not the only one. They are great pistols.

tinman · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2011, 08:56:43 PM »

my single six has been my knock about the woods gun for 30 years. hunting fishing what not, and it shows on both of us. get the single six!

44 Man · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2011, 02:29:16 AM »

I have to say I like my Single Six's I have. However my favorite .22 single action revolver is my EAA Bounty Hunter. It is more accurate than I am (around 1 1/2" at 40 yards when I can do my part), and I found that both the 22 mag and the l.r. hit to the same point of aim. I did have to file a little off the front sight to bring it up to POA at that distance. It is a big, hefty, revolver and does it's job extremely well. And 'IF' you can find one used, they are very reasonable. The action is good, they use a modified version of the Ruger transfer bar system under licence. I find also that I like the full size frame for it's ease of loading (old fingers). On the 'bore size' issue, yes there is a 'theoritical' difference, but I've never found it to be an issue when shooting mags or l.r. from any combination gun I have ever owned. You should consider this gun, it is a very good value. 44 Man

gcrank1 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2011, 04:55:21 AM »

Thanx for clearing up the LR vs Mag bore question to my satisfaction 44Man, and other good comments too. Im sure I could be a happy shooter with any of your recommendations.

zoner · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2011, 03:16:50 AM »

i like my Single Six set up like this. One of my "home gunsmith" projects

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:52:52 AM »

Note: most of the combo guns are bored to accept the slightly larger bullet of the 22 mag (.224) meaning a potential loss of accuracy with the 22 LR (.222). Not to mention 22 mags really bark out of a handgun.

BUGEYE · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2011, 01:26:03 PM »

I just didn't have the money for a ruger. got a eaa bounty hunter with adjustable sights and have been well satisfied.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #17 on:** June 03, 2011, 06:42:18 AM »

I have a single six convertable (bought it around 1971) and have been very happy with it 22LR accuracy. But then I not a very good shot... $:-\$

45-70.gov · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:08:16 AM »

money comes and goes.....a GOOD gun will last a few lifetimes

the ruger single six will last long after you earn the difference in cost
it will last longer than you can remember what it cost

the ammo cost the same whether it goes into junk or a ruger

have you gotten that ruger yet?

.....those overpriced rugers keep going up in price

now get out and get your ruger.....you should be ONLY asking what barrel length

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:12:34 AM »

Dang!
Youre starting to talk me into that Ruger 7 1/2" Bisley .22........I dont care that its not a 'convertible'.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:17:37 AM »

the ONLY good reason i see for the magnum cylinder
is if your have a 22mag rifle

out of over 10 22 handguns....the ruger is by far my favorite

cwlongshot · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:00:17 AM »

I have owned three, two rugers and one Colt. None where very accurate!!

Currently I own two old three screw single six adj site in LR and a Colt in 22Mag. Both shoot very well! The mag has accounted for a number of game at respectable distances considering it's a fixed site "cowboy" gun.

I have shot the single six in a couple fun matches out doors. This is bulls eye. But 25 yards no 50'. IIRC I shot mid 260's with it. (my average is mid 280's) Rapid fire is interesting!!! Slow and timed are no problem.

CW

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #22 on:** June 03, 2011, 03:09:16 PM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on May 10, 2011, 11:50:58 AM

The old adage goes something like this," the attraction of low price wears quickly off with the low quality".
The Ruger Bisley .22LR has a long barrel and is pretty nice, but I dont know if it comes in a swap cylinder set.
The grip doesnt suit everyone, in that case go with the Single Six, which can come with both cylinders. The 22 Mag will rarely be used by most, still, it adds to the 'package'.

I have a Ruger Bisley in 22LR. I love the grip the hammer nad the way it naturally points.
The Bisley was only made as a 22LR and the barrel is set back too far to take a 22 Mag cylinder.
Some day I will buy a single six and mount the grip frame and hammer on it and havbe a 22 Mag Bisley.
But as others have said Most of the time I shoot 22 LR.
On that same note the new ammo availiabe for 22 LR rival the 22 mag in speed. I find them really not well suited for small game as they and the Mag make a mess out of rabbits and squirrels.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2011, 03:26:18 PM »

I think if you use solids rather than HP 22M it will not mess up the critter if you want to eat it, but placement will still be paramount.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2011, 12:56:59 AM »

I have had a couple Bisleys and love the grip. the RF has eluded me... I still ghave a 45 Colt Bisley and sold a 32 H&R to a good friend a couple years ago.

Here is my Bisley 45:

One day I'll run across one and I'll have to have it!!

CW

bilmac · « **Reply #25 on:** June 04, 2011, 02:50:47 AM »

If I had to make the choice I would get a used Ruger rather than some other brand. Ruger makes a serious lifetime gun, other manufacturers tend to treat 22s as if they were toy guns.

ratgunner · « **Reply #26 on:** June 06, 2011, 02:12:20 PM »

Ruger period.

txpitdog · « **Reply #27 on:** June 07, 2011, 02:32:43 AM »

I've got the Single Six Hunter topped with a Burris 2-6x scope. Most of my 6-shot groups at 25yds are around 3/4", but I have shot at few sub half inch groups. I recently did a spring job on it with lighter trigger and hammer springs, but haven't gotten to shoot it since. I'm hoping that it will help pull my average group size down to 5/8" or even 1/2". My 22mag cylinder shoots more in the 3/4-1" range, but I would still use it for hunting as it is plenty accurate for minute-of-squirrel's-head out to 50yds.

BUGEYE · « **Reply #28 on:** June 07, 2011, 05:04:48 AM »

I have shot both of my brothers single sixes and they are no more accurate than my bounty hunter. the rugers are better in fit and finish by far. but I'm happy.

flatgate · « **Reply #29 on:** June 07, 2011, 02:18:50 PM »

A few of them.......and I very, very rarely break out the .22 mag cylinders.

flatgate