Everybody forgets Charter Arms 🇺🇸 They make an excellent DA/SA 8-shot .22LR revolver for only about $350. My Charter has been great- nice trigger, solid lockup, good accuracy even with a shorter barrel. You can’t beat the value. I highly recommend them. The aluminum cylinder on the S&W is an interesting design choice. I’m not sure the weight savings was worth the issues with spent casings binding up. I’m probably with the majority in saying that $700+ is steep for a .22 kit gun or range plinker. I love S&W products as much as anybody but this might be an instance of our favorable perception of the brand glossing over some of those rough shortcomings. Didn’t stop me from enjoying the video & learning a few things about a cool little revolver though 👍
Charter is how I was able to carry a 44spl revolver for cheap. My wife has one of their 22LR revolvers. It was her carry gun until she took my G43. So far, zero issues with the two Charter revolvers. Recommendations: keep it lubricated. Until a Charter is worn in pretty well, the cylinders are gritty when you are spinning them to reload. I ended up just lubing them heavy, then working the ejector and spinning the cylinders, a lot. I did not have any failures while using the guns, but they were not as smooth as I would like.
@ Good advice. The cylinder on my 2” .357 Mag Pug has always spun nice & smooth, although I do keep the gun clean & fairly well lubricated. It’s true the overall fit & finish of a Charter might not be up to the level of other revolvers 2-4 times its price but there is no greater value. Like yours, my Charter has run perfectly. I plan on getting at least one or two more- one in .22LR or maybe WMR & I’ve got my eye on the newer high-polish stainless 3” .357. I might also pick up one of the Undercovers in DA only, I like those too.
I had a heritage rough rider when I was a kid. I smoked a lot of rattlesnakes with shot shells while riding my horse around my parents ranch as a kid. 22 revolvers are great little snake guns.
Folks who dump on heritage always think of this gun, or the single six, the colt, etc., as better guns...they may well be, but we knew from day one we weren't going to shell out hundreds more for a .22 revolver...a .357, maybe, but a .22...? nope, not happening...
@ That just what they call small light 22 revolvers because, I guess they could be used for that. I personally would not just throw my beautiful Revolvers in a tackle box!
A tackle box gun to me is like a heritage barkeep lol This is maybe a hiking gun in non bear territory? My family member got one for when he lets his dogs out in the country to scare off coyotes when they come around.
My main carry is a S&W Model 351PD in 22WMR 7 shot revolver. I was looking at the 317 but I wanted 22WMR and one less round means nothing! The 317 is a very fine revolver and your review is awesome. Happy New Year.
I've been wanting one of those 351PD's for years but the price tag is so steep. I can afford it, but I don't want to lol. Good to know you don't have buyer's remorse for it! Maybe one day I treat myself. I would most likely use it for a trail gun when backpacking (no bears here)
@@demoncleaner80 Well I think if your into a sub nose revolver the S&W ones are pricey! Your looking at $810 plus depends where you buy from. I have several friends who shoot the Charter Arms Pathfinder Stainless in 22WMR. This is a very fine revolver for about $360. Plus this is also 8 shot capacity. Check it out.
I keep a rod and bore brush with mine to brush the cylinder after 50rds to help keep extraction easy. Its so much fun you can get to the bottom of a bulk pack pretty easy and it gets dirty.
Awesome Sootch《☆》It reminds me of my Taurus M94 9 shot 4" Barrel revolver in matte stainless. The S&W is about a Pound lighter but has about the same heavy Double action trigger pull. I paid $379 for it about 20 years ago to get my Son used to shooting🎉🍺Cheers Happy New Year Everyone✌🏼😎☯️
It will last a lot longer than the one with the aluminum cylinder. For that kind of money, S&W should have put steel inserts in the cylinder to not wear out the aluminum.
@@HarbingerOfDeath10-67 there are much better and cheaper options in semi-auto pistols. There are also revolvers with aluminum frames and steel cylinders which are more durable.
My wife has one. We're not crazy about it. I will say it has 100% reliable ignition. The big downside is we're constantly playing with the sight adjustment trying to get any kind of decent and centered group. We've tried shooting similar guns in the same outing from the same distance and do not have that problem with the others.
One of my most valued handguns is a 1953-vintage S&W pre-Model 43, the company's first really lightweight alloy revolver, Only about 5,000 were made before S&W began putting numbers on their handguns in 1957. Very light and very accurate. I also have a 43c DAO .22 with a trigger job that I like very much. I usually shoot only SV ammo in them because HV ammo, such as Mini-Mags tends to stick in alloy cylinders, making extraction a little difficult.
Just a note on the new Fiocchi .22 LR ammo; I had a number of FT eject with a Ruger Mk4 pistol. Never had that with the old box Fiocchi LR. My M63 is a fun shooter and has never failed!
First I love J frames. This is a fav for certain. I've had one several years now. You carry it and you can't tell it's even on you. Great for snakes small game two and four legged. I've taken rabbit groundhog and a few copperheads. I carry four and four, shot shell/solids HP. I also have the 60-15 in 357 with three inch barrel, deluxe, really nice but heavier. A winner. I wanted the 334/22 kit gun for over 60 years and finally got it in the 317. There are some nice wood grips on AMZ from Indonesia that are really well made, great fit and best of all fills the hand for better aiming and control. Yes, heavy trigger but it fires every time. You can put eight out in a couple three seconds. Hurt like hell on the other side. Trigger draw is too heavy for wife and a less weigh spring kit didn't fire consistently same for the 22 magnum J frame. Just so you know. They need to stay as from factory for reliable fire. A revolver is a well made manually operated precision machine. All good.
I had the Model 63 (same gun in a stainless steel frame). It was so much fun to play and plink with - especially when you stick .22 short ammo in there. With ear protection on, every .22 short shot feels like a misfire or a cap gun,
I always pictured a tiny .22 as a tacklebox gun. Like the S&W 43c -- basically a hammerless 642 but in .22LR. Great for the tacklebox, a small holster on your belt, or just in your pocket as you go out the door. I think I paid around $600 for mine...
Good video Sootch - I especially like the wheel gun reviews. I agree on this one - for toting extensively on the trail, this one makes sense but for everything else I'd rather have the model 63. The 3" 22lr lcr would make a good kit gun too.
I've got a Taurus 94 in .22lr and an identically set up model 85 in .38 special with the exact same grips. The Taurus is not as light as this aluminum Smith but is still very light. Light enough. My wife actually likes shooting the .38 special better because its DA trigger is lighter due to the .22 needing a bit more hammer spring to reliably ignite the rimfire cartridges. I wish she liked shooting the .22 because.38 special gets a bit pricey shooting a couple hundred rounds at the range compared to cheap .22 rimfire.
Opinion: you're wasting ammo if you are shooting hundreds of rounds in 1 range visit...we own a couple of .38s, and we never shoot more than half a box at a range trip, but we do get the guns to the range 3-4 times a year, so say two boxes a year...other than recoil, the .22 teaches the same things...if she insists on shooting the .38 in mass quantities, insist she buy the ammo...
@JohnPublic-dk7zd there is no such thing as wasting ammo unless you in a shortage situation (ie combat patrol) It's literally MADE to be shot. I would prefer that the wife(tm) shoot the .22 more but she does have a lack of strength in her fingers. It's not for sissies, the growing-old thing. Back when we were kids before we retired we had the strength and endurance of gods. Now, not so much. But I shoot my Polish P64 enough that my trigger finger at least is still as strong as ever. I've no trouble shooting a couple hundred rounds through that little guy with a DA trigger around 14.5lbs. The Taurus 94 DA seems fairly light to me after that.
Good review. The Model 317 Kit Gun is a fine revolver. I prefer, however, the Model 617 with a 4-inch barrel and 40-ounce (or so) weight. The Model 617 is very close to my 686 with regard to size and much more reasonable in cost to shoot.
The only 22 revolver that I have from Smith and Wesson is a Model 18 which is a K frame 4 inch barreled revolver, basically a shorter Model 17. This is an accurate revolver, and I have had it for several years. I have not owned a J framed .22 revolver but in time I may own one. The quality of the older revolvers is noticeably better.
It would be cool if they made a gun like this gun in .32 mag ( or even .32 S&W long but that's probably too old timey, but superior to .22 lr in a pistol.) I've a 3 inch .32 long hand ejector that is smaller than the kit gun, sweet to carry.
I own both a Model 34 Kit Gun (steel frame, cylinder, 4" barrel) and a Model 43 (aluminum frame and cylinder, 3.5" barrel) They are both 6 shot revolvers. I wish S&W would simply duplicate those. In the meantime, this would be a good substitute. I used my Model 34 to train my 3 sons and my wife to shoot handguns.
With those shot shells it would be great for me here in the UK for getting rid of the rats in the back garden and keeping the free range hens safe if I was able to own it in the UK. Thank you for the video. 👍
I know it’s not the focus of your video, nor your channel in general Sootch, but I gotta say I’m digging the stainless steel watch you’ve got on. If you don’t mind, mind sharing what it is?
I agree with not using a nice watch while shooting, his watch was made by BCMl ( I believe) which was just for shooting. Rolex can handle ir and so can Sekio, personally I wore a G shock when I was working over seas , but i do have a Sub Sea dweller and GMT Master , I know a certified use ROLEX guy who helps me get my watches at a reasonable ( for me ) Price
I have long been a fan of S&W revolvers. But lately I have had many problems. I own the 617 and it has gone back for repair and it is still not right. Just awful. They had to cut the forcing cone because it kept shaving lead and leaving large deposits on and around the forcing cone. It also appears that all of the cylinders are not cut to the same dimensions. The Cylinder sticks and becomes extremely difficult to open. 5 of the last 6 S&W revolvers had to go back. S&W knows how to build revolvers! They just need better quality control before they leave the factory. They have gone up $200 in price and come down $200 in quality. That is not a good formula. It's as if S&W wants out of the revolver business!
Would it surprise you if they did? It seems like most of their business lately is semi-autos and rifles. You can get a pretty comparable iron from Charter Arms for half the price
Sootch i know you have to make a living and S&W is one of your sponsors... however your audience is what keeps your channel going! Are you allowed to say something to S&W about promoting a 800.00 22 made off a lu minimum 😅!! It's a starter gun plane and simple!! It should have a starter price!!
You obviously don't have much experience with one of these guns. I got one in 1997. The first that my local shop sold. They ordered from the distributor for me. In all the years since then I have carried this for countless hours at my hunting shack and hiking trails. It is a fantastic gun for many purposes and I have found to be very durable. I have well over one thousand rounds through it.
Would be way more interested with fixed iron sights and a snubnose version that doesn’t cost a crazy amount for a .22. Taurus 942 for me until that day.
I yearn for a 3 inch LCR in 327. They made it at one point as a dealer exclusive for a company, but it seems they have stopped producing it. That just seems like a perfect combination to me.
I agree , if you're spending that much money, there are so many other 22's that hold more ammo for less . Taurus TX-22 16+1 and compact 13+1 , Beretta FSR-22 15+1 , Heritage Arms Colt replica SA revolver's 6 and 9 rds . For skill building practice and fun target shooting not many people are going to spend that much money on a 22 caliber non-defensive firearm. If you are going to use 22 for a defense firearm you want the highest capacity possible, 22lr. is however leathal and under estimated. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES REGARDLESS OF CALIBER SIZE !
Happy New Year, love your reviews and info! Had a question for ya. Ever shot the Sig p320 in subcompact? Kinda a cult following with those stubby 320’s. Super fun, super reliable, super accurate. Would love a retro review if possible. Thanks and best wishes in 2025.
my first double-action 22lr revolver was a taurus 94. its trigger was impossibly atrocious. i added some cash and traded it towards a s&w 317. the latter’s alloy cylinder heat-binded after shooting 4-5 cylinders while outdoors in winter. it’s a known problem and s&w used to replace the alloy cylinder with a steel cylinder, but no more now. $600-700 for a “carry alot, shoot little” 22lr handgun? no way. the s&w 317 was replaced with a ruger lcr 22lr, which is perfectly…acceptable, despite the long trigger reset that will bind the cylinder if short-stroked in rapid fire. my own, out of my own pocket, expensive conclusion for 22lr handguns: single-action revolver or semiauto pistol, preferably by ruger, nothing else. for this retail price a firearm needs an evenhanded review. this review is one-sided, no surprise as s&w provided the piece.
Nice review! ??? Where can you get an 8-shot speedloader for this revolver? ??? I remember when the "Kit Gun" came out. I ended up getting a 'used' Model 63 prior to Pandemic/Brandon Inflation (saved some money!). Glad to see you mentioned the Aluminum vs. Steel issue at 8:03 and several other times. I love J-frames and my '63' is good trigger training for my Model 60. I find the S&W factory grips 'cling' to my clothing, so mine is wearing Hogue Grips. Again, nice review!
Happy new year Sootch, i hope that 2025 can be an excellent year for the USA, and for the entire world. Cheers from Brazil, i will not say God bless because i am not a religious man, my lack of faith is too strong.
A bit pricey, I like my Rugar LCR 327. Well, it was mine till my wife claimed it as another one of hers. Lol, she does that with with most of my sub 38 caliber guns.
For $849.00, I'd opt for a revolver with much more stopping power, like the model 69, the model 686, or the model 60. It's nice, beautiful, and well-made, but it's rather pricey for a revolver chambered in .22lr.
For 800 bucks if you want a fine 22LR S&W revolver, browse the online auctions and find yourself a Model 17 or 18 from the 1960's or 1970's. Sure they are heavy (40 ounces), all steel and only 6 shots but they are the finest 22 revolvers ever made. I know I'm comparing apples to oranges here but which one do you think will appreciate in value over the years?
You’re better off with the 38 , that’s just way too much , but if it’s .22 lr that you want for a tackle box , probably get a keltec under $150 , especially if you considering to have, BUT shoot very little .
Smith and Wesson has a model that can handle 10 rounds of.22 Long Rifle, the model is the 617 with a 6" barrel, and there is also a.22 Magnum known as the 351PD which only holds 5 rounds, the 648 which holds 8 rounds, both the Model 17 holds 6 rounds of.22 long rifle, and the model 48 also holds 6 rounds of.22 Magum both the 17, and the 48 are blue, the 617,&,648 are stainless.
Stop saying S&W revolvers are better built then Taurus I've bought 2 of each brand so far in life neither of the Taurus revolvers had canted barrels one of my smith revolvers did and for the smith I even paid more just something to think on for future purchases
I had to purchase one despite the high price. Sight screws backed out and the front sight roll pin worked out after a few shots. Sights wont lower enough even when bottomed out. The action is fairly good and its nice and light but its overpriced by $400 in my opinion. This guy gets firearms hes not purchasing so keep that in mind.
It’s not worth the money. Now don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. It’s a nice piece, but way too much money. I also have the 43c which I prefer. But in all reality the Taurus 942 is a better buy, now the 942 is heavier in the 3”, but the 2” is offered in a ultralight model.
Everybody forgets Charter Arms 🇺🇸 They make an excellent DA/SA 8-shot .22LR revolver for only about $350. My Charter has been great- nice trigger, solid lockup, good accuracy even with a shorter barrel. You can’t beat the value. I highly recommend them.
The aluminum cylinder on the S&W is an interesting design choice. I’m not sure the weight savings was worth the issues with spent casings binding up. I’m probably with the majority in saying that $700+ is steep for a .22 kit gun or range plinker. I love S&W products as much as anybody but this might be an instance of our favorable perception of the brand glossing over some of those rough shortcomings.
Didn’t stop me from enjoying the video & learning a few things about a cool little revolver though 👍
I bought one a few years ago, great collectable. 🔫😎👍🏻
@@PreservationOfLiberty Even better, Diamondback sidekick 325. 9 shot double action with a second magnum cylinder
@ I’ll look for one! Thanks for the recommendation!
Charter is how I was able to carry a 44spl revolver for cheap. My wife has one of their 22LR revolvers. It was her carry gun until she took my G43. So far, zero issues with the two Charter revolvers. Recommendations: keep it lubricated. Until a Charter is worn in pretty well, the cylinders are gritty when you are spinning them to reload. I ended up just lubing them heavy, then working the ejector and spinning the cylinders, a lot. I did not have any failures while using the guns, but they were not as smooth as I would like.
@
Good advice. The cylinder on my 2” .357 Mag Pug has always spun nice & smooth, although I do keep the gun clean & fairly well lubricated. It’s true the overall fit & finish of a Charter might not be up to the level of other revolvers 2-4 times its price but there is no greater value. Like yours, my Charter has run perfectly. I plan on getting at least one or two more- one in .22LR or maybe WMR & I’ve got my eye on the newer high-polish stainless 3” .357. I might also pick up one of the Undercovers in DA only, I like those too.
I had a heritage rough rider when I was a kid. I smoked a lot of rattlesnakes with shot shells while riding my horse around my parents ranch as a kid. 22 revolvers are great little snake guns.
Folks who dump on heritage always think of this gun, or the single six, the colt, etc., as better guns...they may well be, but we knew from day one we weren't going to shell out hundreds more for a .22 revolver...a .357, maybe, but a .22...? nope, not happening...
700.oo tackle box gun. YOUR NUTS
700$ is cheap by S&W Revolver standards!
@tdennebaum Maybe so, but to call it a tackle box gun is ridiculous
@ That just what they call small light 22 revolvers because, I guess they could be used for that. I personally would not just throw my beautiful Revolvers in a tackle box!
I just googled the price and all I saw was three Taurus TX 22s.
A tackle box gun to me is like a heritage barkeep lol
This is maybe a hiking gun in non bear territory?
My family member got one for when he lets his dogs out in the country to scare off coyotes when they come around.
My main carry is a S&W Model 351PD in 22WMR 7 shot revolver. I was looking at the 317 but I wanted 22WMR and one less round means nothing! The 317 is a very fine revolver and your review is awesome. Happy New Year.
I've been wanting one of those 351PD's for years but the price tag is so steep. I can afford it, but I don't want to lol. Good to know you don't have buyer's remorse for it! Maybe one day I treat myself. I would most likely use it for a trail gun when backpacking (no bears here)
@@demoncleaner80 Well I think if your into a sub nose revolver the S&W ones are pricey! Your looking at $810 plus depends where you buy from. I have several friends who shoot the Charter Arms Pathfinder Stainless in 22WMR. This is a very fine revolver for about $360. Plus this is also 8 shot capacity. Check it out.
I keep a rod and bore brush with mine to brush the cylinder after 50rds to help keep extraction easy. Its so much fun you can get to the bottom of a bulk pack pretty easy and it gets dirty.
I have had the 317 for years. It is a great gun to keep on your side when hunting to get rid of snakes.
I just use a stick so I don't scare away the game.
@@PassivePortfolios same
The consistent sound when you click it repeatedly is very appealing. That thing sounds like a shooter. The click click click click is smooth
Awesome Sootch《☆》It reminds me of my Taurus M94 9 shot 4" Barrel revolver in matte stainless. The S&W is about a Pound lighter but has about the same heavy Double action trigger pull. I paid $379 for it about 20 years ago to get my Son used to shooting🎉🍺Cheers Happy New Year Everyone✌🏼😎☯️
The Model 63 is full stainless steel and lists for only twenty $ more.
It will last a lot longer than the one with the aluminum cylinder. For that kind of money, S&W should have put steel inserts in the cylinder to not wear out the aluminum.
And weighs more than twice as much......
@@HarbingerOfDeath10-67 Not a big deal for an outdoors hiking revolver, given it will be a lot more durable than the aluminum one.
@@PassivePortfolios It's clearly meant to be a Purse Gun.......
@@HarbingerOfDeath10-67 there are much better and cheaper options in semi-auto pistols. There are also revolvers with aluminum frames and steel cylinders which are more durable.
Price tag over $800 is a bit rough on the wallet for a .22
Yeah...a .357 or .44, that might be more understandable...a .22 revolver, that is steep, too steep for us poor folks...
Yes that's right. ESPECIALLY when it has an aluminum frame :|
Its the brand not the caliber
Especially with the key hole
@@BobaFettuccine3541bingo as to why I no longer support S&W !!
My wife has one. We're not crazy about it. I will say it has 100% reliable ignition. The big downside is we're constantly playing with the sight adjustment trying to get any kind of decent and centered group. We've tried shooting similar guns in the same outing from the same distance and do not have that problem with the others.
Heritage Barkeep... home of the 150 kit gun
One of my most valued handguns is a 1953-vintage S&W pre-Model 43, the company's first really lightweight alloy revolver, Only about 5,000 were made before S&W began putting numbers on their handguns in 1957. Very light and very accurate. I also have a 43c DAO .22 with a trigger job that I like very much. I usually shoot only SV ammo in them because HV ammo, such as Mini-Mags tends to stick in alloy cylinders, making extraction a little difficult.
Your outtakes at the end slay me!
Just a note on the new Fiocchi .22 LR ammo; I had a number of FT eject with a Ruger Mk4 pistol. Never had that with the old box Fiocchi LR. My M63 is a fun shooter and has never failed!
*sootch00* Way cool shooter you got there sootch, thank-you sir for taking the time to show us. GOD Bless brother & Happy New Year.
First I love J frames. This is a fav for certain. I've had one several years now. You carry it and you can't tell it's even on you. Great for snakes small game two and four legged. I've taken rabbit groundhog and a few copperheads. I carry four and four, shot shell/solids HP. I also have the 60-15 in 357 with three inch barrel, deluxe, really nice but heavier. A winner. I wanted the 334/22 kit gun for over 60 years and finally got it in the 317. There are some nice wood grips on AMZ from Indonesia that are really well made, great fit and best of all fills the hand for better aiming and control. Yes, heavy trigger but it fires every time. You can put eight out in a couple three seconds. Hurt like hell on the other side. Trigger draw is too heavy for wife and a less weigh spring kit didn't fire consistently same for the 22 magnum J frame. Just so you know. They need to stay as from factory for reliable fire. A revolver is a well made manually operated precision machine. All good.
I had the Model 63 (same gun in a stainless steel frame). It was so much fun to play and plink with - especially when you stick .22 short ammo in there. With ear protection on, every .22 short shot feels like a misfire or a cap gun,
The best and most fun gun ingot i can shoot all day glad you did this!! High dollar gun
I always pictured a tiny .22 as a tacklebox gun. Like the S&W 43c -- basically a hammerless 642 but in .22LR. Great for the tacklebox, a small holster on your belt, or just in your pocket as you go out the door. I think I paid around $600 for mine...
Good video Sootch - I especially like the wheel gun reviews. I agree on this one - for toting extensively on the trail, this one makes sense but for everything else I'd rather have the model 63. The 3" 22lr lcr would make a good kit gun too.
I've got a Taurus 94 in .22lr and an identically set up model 85 in .38 special with the exact same grips. The Taurus is not as light as this aluminum Smith but is still very light. Light enough. My wife actually likes shooting the .38 special better because its DA trigger is lighter due to the .22 needing a bit more hammer spring to reliably ignite the rimfire cartridges. I wish she liked shooting the .22 because.38 special gets a bit pricey shooting a couple hundred rounds at the range compared to cheap .22 rimfire.
Opinion: you're wasting ammo if you are shooting hundreds of rounds in 1 range visit...we own a couple of .38s, and we never shoot more than half a box at a range trip, but we do get the guns to the range 3-4 times a year, so say two boxes a year...other than recoil, the .22 teaches the same things...if she insists on shooting the .38 in mass quantities, insist she buy the ammo...
@JohnPublic-dk7zd there is no such thing as wasting ammo unless you in a shortage situation (ie combat patrol) It's literally MADE to be shot. I would prefer that the wife(tm) shoot the .22 more but she does have a lack of strength in her fingers. It's not for sissies, the growing-old thing. Back when we were kids before we retired we had the strength and endurance of gods. Now, not so much. But I shoot my Polish P64 enough that my trigger finger at least is still as strong as ever. I've no trouble shooting a couple hundred rounds through that little guy with a DA trigger around 14.5lbs. The Taurus 94 DA seems fairly light to me after that.
Good review. The Model 317 Kit Gun is a fine revolver. I prefer, however, the Model 617 with a 4-inch barrel and 40-ounce (or so) weight. The Model 617 is very close to my 686 with regard to size and much more reasonable in cost to shoot.
They need to bring the 2-inch version BACK.
It’s called the Taurus 942
The only 22 revolver that I have from Smith and Wesson is a Model 18 which is a K frame 4 inch barreled revolver, basically a shorter Model 17. This is an accurate revolver, and I have had it for several years. I have not owned a J framed .22 revolver but in time I may own one. The quality of the older revolvers is noticeably better.
It would be cool if they made a gun like this gun in .32 mag ( or even .32 S&W long but that's probably too old timey, but superior to .22 lr in a pistol.) I've a 3 inch .32 long hand ejector that is smaller than the kit gun, sweet to carry.
They do make the j frame in .32 H&R mag 432 uc
Smith & Wessen needs to get rid of the Hillery hole
I own both a Model 34 Kit Gun (steel frame, cylinder, 4" barrel) and a Model 43 (aluminum frame and cylinder, 3.5" barrel) They are both 6 shot revolvers. I wish S&W would simply duplicate those.
In the meantime, this would be a good substitute.
I used my Model 34 to train my 3 sons and my wife to shoot handguns.
I have an old Model 18. Its a K frame. Imagine if you will a heavy barrel Model 10 in 22 long rifle. Recoil? No. Mouse fart. Love it!
I've had mine over 20 years. Put Pachmayr grips on yours. It will feel much better.
Great video nice Smith and Wesson 22 gun thanks for sharing sootch00
With those shot shells it would be great for me here in the UK for getting rid of the rats in the back garden and keeping the free range hens safe if I was able to own it in the UK.
Thank you for the video. 👍
In some of the CCI shot shells you can get different size shot. Good review. That's how it is.
I know it’s not the focus of your video, nor your channel in general Sootch, but I gotta say I’m digging the stainless steel watch you’ve got on. If you don’t mind, mind sharing what it is?
Im a watch guy too , I said that a couple weeks ago on another video, im a huge watch guy...
Don't wear your nice watch when shooting unless you care more about impressing others than the life of your mechanical movement everyone!
I agree with not using a nice watch while shooting, his watch was made by BCMl ( I believe) which was just for shooting. Rolex can handle ir and so can Sekio, personally I wore a G shock when I was working over seas , but i do have a Sub Sea dweller and GMT Master , I know a certified use ROLEX guy who helps me get my watches at a reasonable ( for me ) Price
Happy New Year to you
I have long been a fan of S&W revolvers. But lately I have had many problems. I own the 617 and it has gone back for repair and it is still not right. Just awful. They had to cut the forcing cone because it kept shaving lead and leaving large deposits on and around the forcing cone. It also appears that all of the cylinders are not cut to the same dimensions. The Cylinder sticks and becomes extremely difficult to open. 5 of the last 6 S&W revolvers had to go back. S&W knows how to build revolvers! They just need better quality control before they leave the factory. They have gone up $200 in price and come down $200 in quality. That is not a good formula. It's as if S&W wants out of the revolver business!
Would it surprise you if they did? It seems like most of their business lately is semi-autos and rifles.
You can get a pretty comparable iron from Charter Arms for half the price
They lost all of their quality craftsmen to attrition, the coof and crap management.
Good luck overcoming that with any business.
Sootch i know you have to make a living and S&W is one of your sponsors... however your audience is what keeps your channel going!
Are you allowed to say something to S&W about promoting a 800.00 22 made off a lu minimum 😅!!
It's a starter gun plane and simple!! It should have a starter price!!
You obviously don't have much experience with one of these guns. I got one in 1997. The first that my local shop sold. They ordered from the distributor for me. In all the years since then I have carried this for countless hours at my hunting shack and hiking trails. It is a fantastic gun for many purposes and I have found to be very durable. I have well over one thousand rounds through it.
@@thirtynout709the aluminum type?
@@Jaybird-oo3ih yes
Was looking at the air light 22 with Tiger wood grips, and loved its feel, but that price point and tag was too much, but a neat gun.
$800 is a little too pricey for a 22lr
S&W has bumped their head if they think I’m paying that for a .22lr when their are so many good semi autos for $200-$300
If one is going to carry a .22 for whatever reason i think this is the way to go..
Happy New Year! 🥂
Would be way more interested with fixed iron sights and a snubnose version that doesn’t cost a crazy amount for a .22. Taurus 942 for me until that day.
There is a market for 9 mm revolvers. Just like Jerry Miculek world record pistol types. Light and with good triggers.
Next is the Ruger LCR in 327 Federal Magnum and SP101 in 327 Federal Magnum!
I yearn for a 3 inch LCR in 327. They made it at one point as a dealer exclusive for a company, but it seems they have stopped producing it. That just seems like a perfect combination to me.
@@Hankhillismrbig 🔥
I agree , if you're spending that much money, there are so many other 22's that hold more ammo for less . Taurus TX-22 16+1 and compact 13+1 , Beretta FSR-22 15+1 , Heritage Arms Colt replica SA revolver's 6 and 9 rds . For skill building practice and fun target shooting not many people are going to spend that much money on a 22 caliber non-defensive firearm. If you are going to use 22 for a defense firearm you want the highest capacity possible, 22lr. is however leathal and under estimated. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES REGARDLESS OF CALIBER SIZE !
Happy New Year, love your reviews and info! Had a question for ya. Ever shot the Sig p320 in subcompact? Kinda a cult following with those stubby 320’s. Super fun, super reliable, super accurate. Would love a retro review if possible. Thanks and best wishes in 2025.
NICE REVIEW.I HAVE A RUGER SUPER WRANGLER AND A H&R FORTY NINER.✌️🇺🇸
Buy a used Taurus 94 and you get one round more too
my first double-action 22lr revolver was a taurus 94. its trigger was impossibly atrocious. i added some cash and traded it towards a s&w 317.
the latter’s alloy cylinder heat-binded after shooting 4-5 cylinders while outdoors in winter. it’s a known problem and s&w used to replace the alloy cylinder with a steel cylinder, but no more now. $600-700 for a “carry alot, shoot little” 22lr handgun? no way.
the s&w 317 was replaced with a ruger lcr 22lr, which is perfectly…acceptable, despite the long trigger reset that will bind the cylinder if short-stroked in rapid fire.
my own, out of my own pocket, expensive conclusion for 22lr handguns: single-action revolver or semiauto pistol, preferably by ruger, nothing else. for this retail price a firearm needs an evenhanded review. this review is one-sided, no surprise as s&w provided the piece.
Good review….👍😊🇺🇸!
Id wrather get the TX 22 from Taurus, more magazine compacity super reliable and much more affordable.
I'd be concerned about that cylinder, not that I will ever buy a new s&w again.
Love it
Thanks for another great review. Don't forget to like and subscribe for our ole buddy Sootch00!!!
Nice review!
??? Where can you get an 8-shot speedloader for this revolver? ???
I remember when the "Kit Gun" came out. I ended up getting a 'used' Model 63 prior to Pandemic/Brandon Inflation (saved some money!). Glad to see you mentioned the Aluminum vs. Steel issue at 8:03 and several other times. I love J-frames and my '63' is good trigger training for my Model 60. I find the S&W factory grips 'cling' to my clothing, so mine is wearing Hogue Grips. Again, nice review!
amazon, made by speedbeez and 5 star.
@@jtns2845 Thank you!
I used to own a 317, it was extremely difficult to extract all the spent casings, I traded it for something else.
I like it how powerful is ti
Happy new year Sootch, i hope that 2025 can be an excellent year for the USA, and for the entire world. Cheers from Brazil, i will not say God bless because i am not a religious man, my lack of faith is too strong.
Great grandpa had an original Ruger iv. .22 can get you dinner
Hate to keep knocking S&W, but why can't they put that nice fiber optic front sight on the 617? Come on S&W! Unbelievable!
It was so light it made my wallet lighter. 🔫😍👍🏻
Howdy Sootch, could you review the Derya Dy9 appreciate your feedback on these fine weapons.
A bit pricey, I like my Rugar LCR 327. Well, it was mine till my wife claimed it as another one of hers. Lol, she does that with with most of my sub 38 caliber guns.
For $849.00, I'd opt for a revolver with much more stopping power, like the model 69, the model 686, or the model 60. It's nice, beautiful, and well-made, but it's rather pricey for a revolver chambered in .22lr.
If S&W doesn't offer this revolver with a .22 magnum cylinder included, then it seems less than interesting
For 800 bucks if you want a fine 22LR S&W revolver, browse the online auctions and find yourself a Model 17 or 18 from the 1960's or 1970's. Sure they are heavy (40 ounces), all steel and only 6 shots but they are the finest 22 revolvers ever made. I know I'm comparing apples to oranges here but which one do you think will appreciate in value over the years?
Would a little molybdenum disulfide on a pipe cleaner help with those extractions?
The biggest catch on this gun is the sights
Why does it have a level on the front
It's for the carpenters.
My tackle box gun is a Taurus g2😂
kinda wanted one of these..but the $$$ forget it..ended up with a P17..perfect amount of investment for a kit gun for me...
North American Arms .22 revolvers about $250 now thats a tackle box kit gun.
You’re better off with the 38 , that’s just way too much , but if it’s .22 lr that you want for a tackle box , probably get a keltec under $150 , especially if you considering to have, BUT shoot very little .
Very nice, but expensive, kit.
Well, i understand why Taurus revolvers are dominating the American market, US made revolvers are too expensive nowadays.
Do they make it in .22 Mag. ?
Use the .22 spent cases , cheaper then buying snap caps .
Smith and Wesson has a model that can handle 10 rounds of.22 Long Rifle, the model is the 617 with a 6" barrel, and there is also a.22 Magnum known as the 351PD which only holds 5 rounds, the 648 which holds 8 rounds, both the Model 17 holds 6 rounds of.22 long rifle, and the model 48 also holds 6 rounds of.22 Magum both the 17, and the 48 are blue, the 617,&,648 are stainless.
351PD holds 7 rounds of 22 WMR.
More reliable than the Ruger mark iv.
Stop saying S&W revolvers are better built then Taurus I've bought 2 of each brand so far in life neither of the Taurus revolvers had canted barrels one of my smith revolvers did and for the smith I even paid more just something to think on for future purchases
Umm… after we just got a $400 RXM, it’s hard to even look at this one.
The price of S&W and Ruger .22lr revolvers is ridiculous. Not paying big $$ for a 22.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I'd rather have 8 shots of .22 out of a 3" barrel than 5 shots of 38 out of a 1 7/8" barrel.
This gun but in .22 WMRF.
Why would you not have a Ruger .22 for $200?
#squirrelgun 🐿️ 🔫
Peashooter. Literally
That frame may be a j frame but it looks like a k frame
Happy New Year Sir 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
why kit?
I have several, all older ,those run great .sad to hear reviews from commenter's, just more of the less for more .sad .
I had to purchase one despite the high price. Sight screws backed out and the front sight roll pin worked out after a few shots. Sights wont lower enough even when bottomed out. The action is fairly good and its nice and light but its overpriced by $400 in my opinion. This guy gets firearms hes not purchasing so keep that in mind.
Sooooootch!!
I like revolves and 22's,but $700 is to much for my wallet.
OMG, how could YOU make it so exspensive? I won't contact smith & complain to THEM because IT'S YOUR FAULT🤦. Happy New Year to both of you
It’s not worth the money. Now don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. It’s a nice piece, but way too much money. I also have the 43c which I prefer. But in all reality the Taurus 942 is a better buy, now the 942 is heavier in the 3”, but the 2” is offered in a ultralight model.
800 retail price NO!!! GIVE US reviews that are joe shmoe
Aluminum framed revolvers 😐The model 63 is better.
I will not buy a Smith and Wesson with a lock on it.
Interesting but I'd pass.