

All of them are in blue steel (the 617 is stainless) and they often command premium prices because they are sought after by collectors. I have a 6-shot 4" 617-1 made back in about 1993 and I paid substantially less for it than I would have paid for a new one. There are, of course, numerous used versions of both guns out there for less than the current asking price. Some people love it, however, as a compact take anywhere gun. That's because the gun uses a coil spring rather than a leaf spring to activate the hammer. I'm not a huge fan of the gun for serious target shooting because the trigger is much heavier than the 617 trigger. It's a few (very few) dollars cheaper than the 617, and holds 8 rounds. The 63 is smaller, and much more compact. 357 magnum 686, and it feels exactly like the larger caliber gun when held, pointed, and shot. It is intended to serve as an analogue to Smith's K- and L-frame revolvers in larger calibers, like the. It is fairly heavy, weighing 40 ounces +. The gun has an excellent trigger and is exceptionally accurate, so much so, that it can hold its own with most target semiautos. You can buy a new one for about $650 or so, with a 4" or 6" barrel.

There are some variations, too, like the ultralightweight 317 (J-frame). 22 lr revolvers, the K-frame (model 617) and the smaller J-frame (model 63). Currently, Smith makes two basic models of. Yes, a Smith is more expensive (substantially more expensive) than Charter Arms or Taurus but it will pay for itself immediately, with its exceptional quality, and over time, with its durability. If you want a revolver that will last for thousands of rounds, shoot accurately, and not spray lead shavings everywhere, get a Smith & Wesson. Last edited by 22-rimfire Decemat 01:12 PM. I suspect it will carry real easy out in the field. Smith recently brought back the Model 63 22 revolver which is a 5" barreled J-frame and really a pretty nice little revovler. It is easier to hit what you are aiming at with the 4 or 6 inch barrel and they aren't really bad to carry in a belt holster. I learned that I prefer 4" or 6" revolvers for general use and ones made by either Colt or Smith & Wesson due to the overall quality of the product. We all play around which is part of the fun. But you will most likely shoot it in single action anyway unless you are playing around. Since I have never owned a Charter Arms 22, I would say you can expect a revolver that works and has a strong trigger. We all have to make our way in the gun ownership world and form our opinions based on our experience. I am not going to damn the less expensive 22 revolvers just because they don't say "Smith & Wesson" or have a Colt pony on them. I really liked it for a while until I shot some of the more expensive 22's and realized what I had been putting up with for the sake of price. My first 22 revolver was a H&R 999 Sportsman (6" barrel, 9 shot, top break design). Other short barreled possibilites include the Smith Model 34 (used). It is one of the better companions to have with you out in the woods. Yeah, I think you need a good 22 revolver. Last edited by 22-rimfire Decemat 12:20 PM. You never said what your intended use is which affects by choice of barrel length and so forth. Only Heritage Rough Rider will probably not stand the test of time. I have not seen the Pathfinder in the flesh and now you have me interested. Most will last you 40 years including ones made my H&R (used) which I consider about the best of the less expnsive 22 revolvers. Things like finish, cylinder gap, sights, and triggers tend to be better or more consistant with the more expensive product. What do you get for the higher price? You get a 22 revolver that is manufactured to a higher quality standard. Smith Model 17's (usually 6" barrel length the Model 18 was a 4".) can be found for under $500 but usually they are in the $400-$500 range these days or slightly more. Yes, it may slightly exceed the $500 budget. The Colt Trooper Mark III is also available in 22LR (used but in new condition) in 4", 6", and 8" barrel lengths. You can always buy rubber grips which is what I prefer on revolvers I shoot a lot. It does not have "cheap" grips on it if that is what you are concerned about. I went to their web site and they now have the 22LR version.

When the Charter Arms Pathfinder first came out, they were in 22WMR only which is why I fixated on the 22WMR caliber versus 22LR.
