Which .22LR revolver to choose??

I am going to get a new 22lr revolver. Looking at a double action. Will likely put a reflex sight on it for plinking and small game hunting. Between the Ruger SP101 and 4" S&W 617 right now. Also have looked at the GP100, but prefer a 4" barrel.

Any personal experience with any of these would be great.

617 is tough to beat out of the box for the price. If used is a consideration then, Colt Trooper, Colt Diamondback, SW17, Even some of the High Standards.

Trapr

I have no experience with the Ruger but my 617 6" which is outfitted with a Venom Vortex and a Raptor mount will shoot under an inch at 50 yards using Aguila HV ammo hollow pointed using a Waltz die. I have over 5000 rounds through it and it just gets better. Also it makes an excellent pairing with a 686.

The Colt's are a little out of my price range.

I do have a 686 already, so might make since to get a 617. It seems people that get a good 617 love it, but there are enough people that have had issues with the new ones that give me some pause. Of course that reading reviews online. That's why I was looking for real life use.

I have a 6" model 17... its a keeper... I had a 4" barrel on it but put the six back on...

I have a 617 and the GP100, I would say the S&W is the better shooter. Not necessarily more accurate, just easier shootin'.

I have a 617 with a 6" barrel and the six shot cylinder. Very accurate gun and drill and tapped for a scope base. Since you want to mount the optic, I wouldn't get anything that wasn't factory drilled and tapped.

I have used mine with a scope and red dot for squirrel hunting and have no complaints. The 617 would make the perfect companion for the 686 you already have. Same frame etc.

I had to search a bit to find the six shot version but I'm glad I did. You can still find them on the auction sites if you're willing to be patient.

John

I have a pre-lock S&W 10 shot 617 with a leupold delta point on it.It shoots really good but cleaning the 10 holes is a chore, I used to shoot ground squirrels with it but now we have to use those non-lead things here in khaliffornia and I can't hit a milk carton at 30 feet anymore.

If you want to mount a dot sight and have a great action, go with the Smith & Wesson 617. If you want to beat something to death, get the Ruger. It is tough!

You said 'Looking at DA" not has to be, so I'm going to take the liberty of suggesting the Ruger single six. About 42 years ago this was my first handgun, been a constant and reliable companion. It is my answer to the old question of If you could only have One handgun......

I will probably go with a 617. I want a double action so I can load easier and it would make since to practice with a 617 since I already have the 686. Now to find a decent deal on one.

Good choice.
You won't be sorry.

Well, somehow I ended up with a Ruger SP101 22LR today. So far I like it.

Ruger Bisley Single Six

I chose the Ruger GP100 at 42 ounces as I liked the 5 1\2 half-lug barrel better than the Smith and Wesson 617 full-lug 4 or 6 inch barrel choices. Just my preference is all.

I did like the GP100 quite a bit. I got the SP101 because I liked the smaller frame for packing all the time, and it was a good deal as I got it used. I still may end up with a GP100 someday. .22LR revolvers are just fun to shoot.