Got The Hots for a S&W 22 mag Revolver (Gunbroker)...

[Don Ro]

- don't ask why, I have no answer.
I guess maybe because I like the round.
At first I thought I'd get one for my fiance as home defense. She shot my S&W .38 spl MP Mod 12 Airlight (4") and liked it, sorta. She has that one tucked into her bedside frame/mattress.
But now that I'm looking, I seem to be hooked into the 22 mag Smiths.
.

What would be a good one to snag?
What's some desirable qualities in them?...what to avoid?
.

Also, 3+", 4", or 6" barrel? (I know, depends on my plans)
Is the 6" barrel so desirable as some say?
.
Model 51? (I like the grip configuration)
.
Model 48-1?
.
Model 48-2?
.
Model ???
.
Save my money and go for a walk around the block?
.
Thanks for any suggestions.
.
Edit: Or maybe the Model 651. Both cylinders 22 Mag and 22 Long Rifle. (?)

[Joe Bob]

How much for the .22 mag? BTW, For a small round, the ammo is kinda pricey.

If you want to try out a .357, that can also use .38. I'll let you try out my two revolvers.....a model 66 and an Airlite Smith.

[Don Ro]

Don't want a .357...but thanks much for the offer.
.
I have a few 1,000 rounds of 22 mag. I like the round.

[Joe Bob]

Well if you 1K rounds and the revolver is a deal....like under $400. Go for it.

More than that I would wait for a better price.

[onewhippedpuppy]

If for plinking, I would go with the bigger barrel. If for concealed, go with the shorty. I love my 6" barrel S&W 686+.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Well if you 1K rounds and the revolver is a deal....like under $400. Go for it.

More than that I would wait for a better price.

.
I ain't gonna be alive that long.

[Don Ro]

The ones I'm looking at are $700 - $1,200+.

[Taz's Master]

.22 mag is really only expensive in comparison to .22 long rifle. If you reload it is expensive, but compared to, say .380 or even 9mm? I mean Brownells lists a 30 .22wrm grain at 2250fps at 31 cents/round for 50 rounds, where lucky gunner lists 500 rounds of Remington 115gr jhp for 60 cents per round.

What do you want the gun for? A short barreled revolver doesn't let the round reach its potential (even with a 6" tube). The bullets are jacketed and the velocities can surpass indoor range limits. A revolver isn't the best hunting arm. But if it is what you want, because, well you want one, to stretch out your handgun target shooting ranges, or for a low-recoiling self-defense arm, or whatever, go for it. S&W makes handguns worth owning, and you've already got some ammo for it. A convertible (both wrm and lr cylinders) might allow you the flexibility to justify purchasing it.

[Don Ro]

Silly question - but based on my readings - is the 22 LR bullet as accurate coming out of the barrel as the 22 mag?
Read the other day about that.
Seems to me that both are .22 - so I don't understand the fuss.

[Don Ro]

Yes, I started out thinking that for my fiance's home defense that she could make some noise with the 22 mag.
On the other hand, she was quite good with the 38 spl she shot for the first time shooting anything.
But the second day out at the range, she kinda was shy about the 38's kick/bark.

[Taz's Master]

What I've read is that .22 long rifle is: .223 and .22 mag is .224. I had a Ruger Single Six with both .22 long rifle and .22 magnum cylinders allowing me to shoot either round from the same handgun. There were claims of better accuracy with the magnums. I did not find that to be the case for me. I suspect that if there is a bore difference, the lead of the long rifle round expands enough to fill any gap. My Single Six shot better with the .22 long rifle ammo than I could, any accuracy issues were mine and not the gun. I suspect any noticeable documented accuracy difference is due to better quality jacketed .22 magnum ammo being compared to poorer quality .22 long rifle ammo.

[fred cook]

I had a Smith 22 Mag some years ago and really liked it. To take maximum advantage of the round, get the long barrel. If you have a 22 mag rifle, then the two can share ammo. A word of caution. Never fire a 22 mag revolver without hearing protection! I shot my Ruger Single Six Convertible once without ear plugs or muffs and could not hear for a week! The only drawback is the cost of ammo. Well, FINDING ammo is sorta tough these days also. Anyway, all that said, go for it! You will enjoy the experience.

[KaptKaos]

I don't like revolvers. But the 22 wmr round is interesting. I wish we could get the Kel Tec PMR 30 here in the Glorious Worker Republik of Kalifornia. See: PMR-30 | Pistols | Kel-tec

30 Rounds per magazine. Makes for an interesting spoon.

[Jeff Higgins]

Taz's Master is correct - two different bullet diameters. Most companies that offer the dual cylinder option just bore the barrel for use with the smaller diameter .22 Long Rifle ammo. It does no harm to shoot lead bullets that are .001" "oversize".

The dirty little secret with these guns, however, is revealed by the chronograph. There is very little to be gained, velocity-wise, with the .22 WMR over the .22 Long Rifle in a revolver. Get some of the light bullet, high velocity .22 LR fodder and you will match what the .22 WMR will do, velocity-wise, from a revolver. You'll save a lot of money on ammo as well.

[Don Ro]

.
So what makes the S&W .22 mag ...???
.
"This exquisite Model 48-4 features the highly desirable 8 3/8" barrel."
.
I would think that the 6" would be more serviceable...not having to wield around that long barrel.
I know, depends on my intended usage.
.
Any thoughts?
.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Well if you 1K rounds and the revolver is a deal....like under $400. Go for it.

More than that I would wait for a better price.

What are ya smokin $400???????

There ain't nothin in a Mdl 48 gonin for 4 bills.


Oh bTW...S&W 48 8 3/8 pinned and recessed Boxed with Papers is the way to go. and that is gona set you back close to a G...those are in STRONG DEMAND are drying up as we speak and are sure to go even higher in price.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by tabs

What are ya smokin $400???????

There ain't nothin in a Mdl 48 gonin for 4 bills.


Oh bTW...S&W 48 8 3/8 pinned and recessed Boxed with Papers is the way to go. and that is gona set you back close to a G...those are in STRONG DEMAND are drying up as we speak and are sure to go even higher in price.

.
You know your Smith 48s, Tabs!

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

.
You know your Smith 48s, Tabs!

THX..flip the coin between the 48 and the 17 with 8 3/8. You can also look at the later early 617's 8 3/8s' with da Lug under the barrel.

I had the long Barrel 17 and sold it like a fool...have the Colt Officers Match in 22, a NIB K22 5 screw 6" B, a Pre War K22 and a Freedom Arms Casull 252 NIB 7.5 B with the two cylinders and 3X 9X Buriss scope.

[Vintage Racer]

Originally Posted by tabs

...have the Colt Officers Match in 22, a NIB K22 5 screw 6" B, a Pre War K22 ...

Those are nice. I have the Colt Officer's Match but in .38 Spec. It's in DA although some of the .22 are in SA.

The "B" means 2nd Model? It's a K-22 (pre-war 2nd Model)? That would be the large trademark one only made in two years before the war? I saw one a month ago for $7000. It's a five screw.

The other 5-screw K-22 pre-war? Is it a 2nd Model or a 1st Model ($2000)?

I have a K-22 post-war 3rd Model (the first pre-17). And this pre-war K-22 1st Model (5-screw matching numbers, stocks, and box):


Here is my Officer's Model Match from about 1956:

[rfuerst911sc]

Going to throw something else out there for you. I recently picked up a S&W 32 cal. polished stainless steel revolver. I went to the gun show specifically to buy a .357 mag S&W which I did but as I walked around looking for ammo came across this little beauty. Has a 3 inch barrel so easy to carry or hide. With 98 grain ammo I sure wouldn't want to be shot by it close range . My local gun show always has 32 long ammo available and in a pinch you can use 32 ACP. I've shot 150 rounds through it since I purchased it a month ago she's a good little shooter and if your into polished SS a good looker to. Have fun......practice.......think safety !