Choose: SW 617 vs. GP 100 vs Colt 22 revolvers?

[tkdguy]

I have a Model 17 and like Smiths so I'd go for the 617

I have a pristine 17 with 8 3/8 barrel...museum quality; hate to shoot it. Likely look seriously at a 617 with 6" barrel.

 

[DirectDrive]

I have a pristine 17 with 8 3/8 barrel...museum quality; hate to shoot it. Likely look seriously at a 617 with 6" barrel.

Mine's a 6" and about 95%
Target trigger, hammer and sights

 

[User 1234]

17

 

[Joe13]

GP100 has my vote.

 

[nammac]

Having had a K-22, having let it slip through my hands, I'd say go with the 617 and don't look back.

 

[orygun]

For packing around, I have little interest in a full size and heavy 22.
I'd sure be interested in an SP101 or Smith 63.

But given the question of the OP, I'd probably choose the Colt. If for nothing else, it has the looks of a Python.

 

[oremike]

Just my .02 worth what you paid for it. I'd get the same sized gun you are looking at in .357. It'll weigh the same but hit a whole lot harder.

 

[tkdguy]

Leaning toward the 617 or Colt. Thx.

 

[gclarkso]

I'll second the Diamondback.

Barring that, I listed a gorgeous Single Six. It's not DA ( who shoots DA at the range anyway), but it will cost a couple hundred less. Plus, it will last forever.

Thread '1981 Ruger Super Single Six 5.5"' https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/1981-ruger-super-single-six-5-5.464924/

 

[Knobgoblin]

I'll second the Diamondback.

Barring that, I listed a gorgeous Single Six. It's not DA ( who shoots DA at the range anyway), but it will cost a couple hundred less. Plus, it will last forever.

Thread '1981 Ruger Super Single Six 5.5"' https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/1981-ruger-super-single-six-5-5.464924/

Yeah man. I really want that.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'll second the Diamondback.

Barring that, I listed a gorgeous Single Six. It's not DA ( who shoots DA at the range anyway), but it will cost a couple hundred less. Plus, it will last forever.

Thread '1981 Ruger Super Single Six 5.5"' https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/1981-ruger-super-single-six-5-5.464924/

I do. I only shoot DA revolvers DA. I don't have DA .22 revolvers because their trigger pulls are terrible compared to a centerfire.

 

[gclarkso]

Yeah man. I really want that.

There's a little button you can press...

 

[Knobgoblin]

There's a little button you can press...

Lol
After a bit of deliberation, I recently let go of my 40th anniversary single six. Both cylinders, classic blade style front sight, pretty nice faux ivory grips ( I stashed the high polish rosewood ones it shipped with). This left me with a first gen bearcat as my only single action rimfire . Within a couple weeks I started seeing single sixes everywhere. Like the 3 screw lr cylinder only at the pawn shop last week ( $399!)
I feel like I could probably spend a couple grand diving down that rabbit hole.
You'll be the first to know if I do.

 

[gclarkso]

Lol
After a bit of deliberation, I recently let go of my 40th anniversary single six. Both cylinders, classic blade style front sight, pretty nice faux ivory grips ( I stashed the high polish rosewood ones it shipped with). This left me with a first gen bearcat as my only single action rimfire . Within a couple weeks I started seeing single sixes everywhere. Like the 3 screw lr cylinder only at the pawn shop last week ( $399!)
I feel like I could probably spend a couple grand diving down that rabbit hole.
You'll be the first to know if I do.

Good deal on 3 screw. What I'm asking for my SS is fair. Just might take the right person to be looking. I'm in no hurry.

 

[nammac]

Deleted - posted to wrong thread. Apparently a boomer moment.

 

[gmerkt]

It's amazing that these guns all cost a grand apiece now. I've owned lots of Smiths, a good many Rugers, and not an inconsiderable number of Colts. So I have a bit of experience, not so much with later stainless steel guns, nor many with 9 shot cylinders (but I do have an old H&R nine shot).

My personal opinion, the GP100 is a club, especially in .22LR. If it counts for anything, the Smith & Wesson is a more elegant gun. The Colt, this is a new design, not like the older ones. I don't like the shape of the trigger guard top nor bottom.

If you lean toward Ruger, the SP101 would be a better choice in .22 LR.

If I was going out to buy a .22 revolver today, I'd look for a used Smith & Wesson Model 17 (6 in.) or Model 18 (4 in.), or if you're insistent on stainless steel, an older 617. But these don't come with a warranty.

My two cents, not a definitive analysis.

Smith & Wesson Model 18-7, made circa 2012:

You can get target stocks for them.

I used to have one of the pre-Model 18's, made in 1952. These are nice revolvers.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Just clearing the air on rimfire revolvers in general. If you really want to end up with a couple winners, you might as well buy every one you see . Just be ready to let go of the ones you don't like as soon as you know their non keeper status. At least the Smiths have a pool of potential buyers waiting for you.

 

[Moonbuzzard]

Smith makes several lightweight 22's revolvers perfect for hiking. The biggest drawback being barrel length or the hillary hole if that's a mental hang up for owning a lock gun. At least one (317) gets mentioned by another member in this thread. But there are several snub 22's and 22 mags out there.
Ruger offers a wide variety as stated in this thread but the ones I own are all fairly hefty (SP101 GP100). If you want a hotter round but dont want the added weight of a full load 357 as suggested elsewhere here you can also track down a 17 hmr in a single six or a 327 in a ruger sp101. They make it in a 3" as I use to own one.
Personally I'd opt for a scandium framed S&W or even a Taurus (yes I know many find them junk) in the ultralite setup. They offer 22 mag in the tracker (designed for hunting/packing) and once offered a 9 shot in 17 hmr. I still own several of those and have been very happy with their performance. Good luck with your search !

 

[tkdguy]

I purchased the SW 617 today at about 11 AM from Keith's in Gresham. I was lucky to find the 6" model. Now I have to change out the front sight to a fiber optic. Anyone have a fiber optic on their 22 revolver? Any better than the other? Thx. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mtndewjustin]

I think all are about the similar price range. Any ideas which is the best? SW 617?

Tropical pawn in Vancouver has 2 sp101 22 revolvers. Around $500 a piece I believe