LW RF Pistol Choices

[Jimbob2.0]

Want a very light, packable, traveling companion kind of handgun in .22 for a variety of out of Maryland expeditions. I have "heavies" that fill the larger caliber role.

Which would you go with?

Ruger 22/45 Lite (the talo version in black, not the pimping gold anodized version). Its about 23 oz and holds 10rds. Pros seem to be its a ruger, its semi. Cons are complex mechanism, pain in the but dissasembly (if you ever had to do it in the field). Overall solid reliable and accurate. I have a Mk III and its a solid gun but heavy! http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2934649/posts

S&W 317 its a revolver what can go wrong? Its S&W. Weight is a powerful 12 oz, not enough to pistol whip somone but handy. Cons its alloy, it only has a 3" barrel, is not as accurate as the 22/45 and more expensive.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[T 990TB]

I vote for the Ruger for 2 reasons.

1. I love mine
2.

is not as accurate as the 22/45 and more expensive.

 

[Boom Boom]

I checked out a brand new 22/45 Lite at my LGS a few days ago. From various distances and viewing angles, the finish looked dull silver to me. The large garish text was also absent. I'm not aware of Ruger releasing a new version, though.

 

[hvymax]

Your criterion: light,packable. S&W

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Your criterion: light,packable. S&W

Hmmm good point and usually revolvers go bang. Wish I could find an IP that had one, plus I would like to check out the trigger pull

 

[GNLaFrance]

Wheel gun. No bang? Just pull the trigger again. Light, easy to tote, simple to use.

 

[deMontjoie]

Taurus Model 94 in SS?

 

[rouchna]

I voted for the Ruger because I have one (not the Talo). I know revolvers are more "reliable", but the Ruger MK series guns are proven and are just as tough as any other wheel gun. My opinion only.

 

[FFMike]

Browning Buckmark Camper

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Taurus Model 94 in SS?

To heavy, weight is a factor here. I have other .22 guns with conventional materials.

Though it is interesting, the weight of the Sig 226 with the .22 upper is about the same as the Ruger. I would have expected it to be more (I have one of these already).

 

[BenL]

I have a 22/45 and love it, but for your purposes, I'd say the Smith.

 

[ifindppl]

I have the 22/45 and also love it. I may have gone for the Smith, which gets my vote here - but it cost almost as much as its' big brother, the 686. I really liked the Smith but could not justify the cost. That being said, the Smith is a fine pistol.

 

[Erno86]

If you want more bang for your buck...I would chose the Ruger Single Hunter; which I happen to own an cherish alot. Besides a six round, 22 LR cylinder --- it comes with an extra, six shot 22 mag cylinder. The stainless steel single action revolver, comes with 1" stainless steel scope rings. Its an accurate shooter, but it does have a tendency to spit.

 

[ADR]

Smith 351 C or 351 PD in .22 WMR?

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Smith 351 C or 351 PD in .22 WMR?

I like that but am looking for a little more barrel. Shame that no one is making a good lightweight .22 (or even somethign like a 32 H&R) for mild carry with a 4" barrel.

Weight is a factor here, some of the heavier selections are great, but then I would just carry something I already have.

 

[wasntme]

Ruger 22/45 is a decent pistol. But have you looked into building your own? Check out tactical solutions barrells and volquartsen lowers, you can build a super light tack driver for around $600-800 depending on options.

I just built this one:

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Ruger 22/45 is a decent pistol. But have you looked into building your own? Check out tactical solutions barrells and volquartsen lowers, you can build a super light tack driver for around $600-800 depending on options.

I just built this one:

I thought about that. After handling a lite, I am really leaning towards the S&W. I expected the Ruger to be lighter than it was.

 

[cb51]

I've had a S&W 317 since 1998. It's been a super reliable gun and shoots anything you can get into the chambers. All the reliabiltiy of the revolver with good accuracy for such a small gun. It's the three inch version with the blued front sight. Of course with such a light weight gun, you have to be very careful of your trigger pull. I've found a light weight gun like this will magnify any shooting bad habits.

The double actionis a little on the heavy side, typical for a S&W J frame, but the single action breaks clean as the preverbal glass rod. It took about 500 to 1000 rounds to really break in nice, with a bit of gun oil dripped in now and then.

I am very prejudiced toward wheel guns in general. I grew up shooting revolvers, and though I've had autos, I had enough malfunctions to cement my love of the wheel gun. I've used this little 317 as a travel gun and woods carry gun on day hikes and just woods rambling with the better half. Great little revolver, never a malfunction in 13 years of shooting.

 

[mrozowjj]

How small do you want it to be? Ruger makes their LCR pocket revolver in 22. I've never shot it, I have no idea how the trigger is or if it's even accurate. Ruger's website says it's 14.9oz

 

[Jimbob2.0]

I've had a S&W 317 since 1998. It's been a super reliable gun and shoots anything you can get into the chambers. All the reliabiltiy of the revolver with good accuracy for such a small gun. It's the three inch version with the blued front sight. Of course with such a light weight gun, you have to be very careful of your trigger pull. I've found a light weight gun like this will magnify any shooting bad habits.

The double actionis a little on the heavy side, typical for a S&W J frame, but the single action breaks clean as the preverbal glass rod. It took about 500 to 1000 rounds to really break in nice, with a bit of gun oil dripped in now and then.

I am very prejudiced toward wheel guns in general. I grew up shooting revolvers, and though I've had autos, I had enough malfunctions to cement my love of the wheel gun. I've used this little 317 as a travel gun and woods carry gun on day hikes and just woods rambling with the better half. Great little revolver, never a malfunction in 13 years of shooting.

How well has it held up, sounds like you put some serious rounds through it. Obviously I am looking for a gun for a use and I have several other .22 pistols (Sig 226, Ruger Mk III, H&R 999) for my higher volume shooting.