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So, almost 40 years ago I bought a Taurus Model 94 stainless steel revolver. A none-shot .22 Long Rifle. I was in the process of trying to get a .22 in every type of handgun and longarm action, and this filled the double-action revolver category. It was what I could afford at the time.
But the darn thing is the most ammunition-sensitive gun I think I own. For decades I could not find any ammo it liked. Groups were terrible. I finally found one .22LR it somewhat liked - Federal Lightning rounds - but even then, It is just not that accurate.
So, before I retire I'd like to pick up an accurate .22 double-action revolver. I just don't have a lot of experience with these guns. What do you all like and would recommend for consideration?
I admit that a S&W K22 or Model 17 is very appealing, as I like the K-frame size, and it looks like a fine target revolver. The cost is just scaring me... but you get what you pay for. I really do want accuracy though...
Years ago, I picked up an 1873 Copy made by Pietta at Cabelas. Price at that time was just shy of $300. It is a 4 3/4" barreled, 10 Shot, .22 LR with a .22 WMR cylinder as well. Fixed sights but shoots to POA.
Gun Control is not about guns, it is about control!
Ysabel Kid wrote: ↑Sat Sep 06, 2025 6:46 pm
So, almost 40 years ago I bought a Taurus Model 94 stainless steel revolver. A none-shot .22 Long Rifle...
But the darn thing is the most ammunition-sensitive gun I think I own...
Well, that last comment explains the "none-shot" description...
Look for a decent S&W 17 or 617 -- up here, everyone is buying up the plastic striker-fired 9's, and old revolvers can be found for really good prices, as not many seem to want them.
The H&Rs are just OK -- but you deserve a Smith, Jay!
If by chance you are considering an H&R. Skip right to the top and get a 999 Sportsman. Back in the late 70's early 80's I was on a .22 lr kick. I had picked up one of those special edition magazines (you know the ones with the slightly thicker cover) and the author (can't remember his name but he was a 30ish bearded fellow) spoke highly of the 999. Turned out he was correct on all accounts. I already had a MK I (still the finest of the MK series) and wanted a revolver. I had two kids at the time. While my fortunes were improving I wasn't in S&W territory yet. Being a southpaw the top break really appealed. Frankly it's still the most accurate .22lr revolver I own, and than includes some of the aforementioned S&W's.
Jeepnik AKA "Old Eyes"
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
.
I have no clue as to accuracy, but I've had people tell me the Ruger SP-101 with longer barrel is a super-well-made gun. It is on my probably-won't-ever-get, but still 'wish-list' type gun. Now the S&W K22 is also kind of on that list too, and has an even greater following/reputation. Kind of like the S&W 29 versus the Redhawk - probably either is going to be a firearm you're glad you own. I have more than one Redhawk and no Model 29's, so I guess with 44 Mag my priority was 'tough as a tank'. With 22 LR it might be more sensible to go for 'tough, but super-accurate', and I don't know what manufacturer/model really is best there.
It's 2025 - "Cutesy Time is OVER....!" [Dan Bongino]
I have (my second) Charter Arms .22 Mag Pathfinder 4in. (my first was loaned to my daughter and was stolen out of her vehicle in Houston) Great little revolver. Half the price of an S&W. I thinned the front sight blade and got better accuracy out of it. The frame is the size of a J-Frame Smith and will fit their holsters.
22 Mag.jpg
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Ysabel Kid wrote: ↑Sat Sep 06, 2025 6:46 pm
So, almost 40 years ago I bought a Taurus Model 94 stainless steel revolver. A none-shot .22 Long Rifle...
But the darn thing is the most ammunition-sensitive gun I think I own...
Well, that last comment explains the "none-shot" description...
Look for a decent S&W 17 or 617 -- up here, everyone is buying up the plastic striker-fired 9's, and old revolvers can be found for really good prices, as not many seem to want them.
The H&Rs are just OK -- but you deserve a Smith, Jay!
Old No7
"None-shot"! Subconscious suggestion I guess. Given you are my chief-enabler, I expected no less than the S&W recommendation!
My K 22 is probably the one firearm that I’ve owned the longest. I bought it at a show at 16,I was already 6’+and they didn’t check IDs at the time. My dad spotted me from a few rows away and came over to see why I was counting out the $250 l offered for it. My dad said to the dealer that “if anyone asks you sold it to me. He’s only 16”. The guy turned as white as a ghost.
It’s an old four screw and a tack driver when I do my part. That and the near new condition it’s in are the reason why I’ve kept it for over 40 years.
jb
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
Paladin wrote: ↑Sun Sep 07, 2025 4:40 pmI have (my second) Charter Arms .22 Mag Pathfinder 4in. (my first was loaned to my daughter and was stolen out of her vehicle in Houston) Great little revolver. Half the price of an S&W. I thinned the front sight blade and got better accuracy out of it. The frame is the size of a J-Frame Smith and will fit their holsters.
22 Mag.jpg
You know I didn't mention it, but I have a 6" blued Pathfinder from Charter Arms, and it has been a nice lightweight and accurate gun (mine has adjustable 'Patridge' sights). However, something in the timing/action has messed up (the gun is about 40 years old and has seen heavy use), and it does the same thing my NEW Ruger Redhawk in 45 ACP/Colt did - about once or twice per cylinder (not the same chambers consistently though) it will lock up on double-action pull. I don't know any gunsmiths I trust within my local area well enough to diagnose/fix things, so until I can figure it out myself, the gun sits on the shelf with a tag on it.
But yes, I would actually consider another Charter Arms in 22 LR - I shot a 6" one in 357 Mag many years ago and it was awesomely balanced and accurate (using 38 Wadcutters).
It's 2025 - "Cutesy Time is OVER....!" [Dan Bongino]
Doc, reach out to Charter. They have some pretty fine customer service, although they may not work on the earlier guns built by previous owners of the brand. Worth asking.
