We know that while Accurateshooter.com focuses on high-accuracy rifes, many of our readers also enjoy handguns. We are frequently asked “What’s your favorite handgun? Glock?” HK? SIG Sauer?” This answer may surprise you. This Editor’s favorite, or at least the handgun that is shot most often, was a rimfire wheelgun — yes, a wheelgun. This Editor’s very first accurate handgun was a.22 LR Smith & Wesson model 617, which could stack ten rounds in a nickel at 10 yards. It is still my favorite and most used handgun. What can we say of the Model 617? The single-action pull is excellent, and the accuracy exceeds that of most semi-auto rimfire guns, except for some very expensive target pistols. The 6” version is better for its longer sight radius, but we also like the 4′”-barrel 617 because it is more accurate and balances better. S&W Model 617 has a 10-round cylinder now, but early versions were six-shooters. We recommend that new pistol-shooters start with a.22 LR rimfire. The.22 LR cartridge has a low recoil and less “bark” compared to a centerfire. It also produces very little smoke or muzzle flash. New shooters will not have to deal with muzzle flip and won’t flinch at the sharp recoil or muzzle blast that is common in larger calibers. The.22 LR allows the shooter to focus on sight alignment and breathing. Smith & Wesson Models 617 (6″ and 4″)
Dennis van Zuijlekom, CC-BY and photographs by Dennis van Zuijlekom. Here are three videos of the Smith & Wesson 617, both the 4” and 6′” barrel versions. All three videos show the 617’s accuracy. The handgun is expensive, but the reviewers agree that it will last a long time and retain its value. Hickok 45 Demos “Wonderful revolver”, a 4” Model 617. See also Hickok m617 part 2:
Popular YouTube host 22 Plinkster tests Model 617 with a 6” barrel:
22 Plinkster is a fan of the Model 617. “One of [his] favorites revolvers in all the world — a fantastic choice”. He says it “shoots pretty straight and functions pretty flawlessly” with any.22 LR ammunition. 22 Plinkster test a variety of rimfire ammunition types in this video including CCI.22 LR Standard Velocity,.22 LR Shorts,.22 LR shotshells,.22 LR stingers,.22 LR Super Colibri and.22 LR tracers. This Video Features the Smaller 4-inch-Barrel 617:
Other Rimfire Revolvers – from Ruger, Colt, and S&W. If you are considering a rimfire pistol but would like to know more about the options available, please read our Buyers’ Guide to Rimfire Revolvers. This includes the S&W Model 617 as well as the Ruger GP100 10 shot (5” bbl), Ruger LCX 8-shot (3″ bbl), Classic S&W Model 17 6 shot (blued 6″ bbl), S&W Model 63 3” bbl. Colt King Cobra Target.22 LR revolver At the NRA Annual meetings in 2022, Colt Manufacturing unveiled an impressive new rimfire rimfire revolver – the King Cobra Target 22 LR. Colt states that this baby Cobra is capable of doing it all, from competition to plinking or small game hunting. It also packs 10 rounds of.22 LR into its cylinder. The King Cobra Target 22 LR comes in two barrel lengths: 4.25-inch or 6-inch, both with a 1:16” twist on the rifling. The MSRP is $999.00.
This TFB Showtime segment examines the rimfire Colt King Cobra Target.22 LR. The King Cobra Target 22 LR features a 10-shot cylinder and the same adjustable sights as the.357 Magnum version. The King Cobra Target 22 LR is made of stainless steel forged in the USA. The new King Cobra Target 22 LR is designed and crafted to deliver outstanding accuracy. It features a one piece barrel/shroud, with a fiber optic front sight. The cylinder can hold ten (10) cartridges. The frame has an adjustable rear sight for the target and Hogue rubber grips. Ruger GP100.22 LR 10 Shot Revolver Ruger has a big stainless.22 LR revolver to compete with S&W Model 617. This rimfire revolver is based on Ruger’s trusted GP100 platform. The Ruger GP100 in.22 LR is a strong, versatile and intelligently designed firearm. In the video, Jeff Quinn from Gunblast.com gives the Ruger revolver high marks. The gun is not too heavy or large for a trail gun. It’s a well-made revolver by Sturm Ruger.” Jeff tested a gun with a 3.7-lb SA pull and a 9-lb DA. The.22 LR GP100 has a windage-and-elevation adjustable rear sight with a black outline, a fiber optic front sight that gathers light and the original full size GP100 rubber grips. The rimfire GP100 has a stainless steel construction that makes it easy to maintain. This gun will run forever if you keep the barrel and cylinder chambers clean. This Review of the.22 LR GP100 has been viewed over 6,8 Million times:
The Ruger GP100 is a well-engineered, durable wheelgun that can fire 10 rounds of.22 LR ammunition. Ruger engineers optimized the GP100 innards for a smooth, double-action pull. “The new GP100 uses a lighter mainspring compared to previous Ruger double action.22 LR revolvers… We’ve done a great deal of development in the firing pin location as well as geometries to be able to make this gun lighter than other.22 LR handguns.” We have a half-underlug, smaller diameter barrel that balances the gun well. We’ve added a narrow spur hammer and a smoothly-trigger.” Smith & Wesson model 648 in.22WMR We love Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers. We have fired thousands of rounds into S&W Model 607 revolvers with 4” or 6” barrels. These stainless.22 LR pistols are reliable and accurate. They also hold their value. Smith & Wesson rimfires are generally easier to use and less fussy about ammo than semi-auto rimfires. Bottom line, everyone should have a S&W rimfire revolver in their collection. S&W offers a new Rimfire Revolver in.22 WMR, along with its.22 LR Wheelguns. This stainless Model 648 offers a more powerful cartridge for S&W rimfire fans.
