So I'm thinking that I have a hole in my gun collection, a hole that can only be filled by an I-frame or J-frame .22 Smith & Wesson. This would serve the function of trail gun, tackle box gun, and maybe backup carry gun.

Questions:

1. How do you like 'em? and
2. Where can I get one?

Thanks,

AaronB

1. Love 'em.

2. With lots of searching at shows, shops, and on the internet, you can find one reasonably priced, but have your wallet ready. They don't last long when they are priced decently. They are extremely popular.

body here. It is a square butt and has been parkerized and shoots Winchester PowerPoints pretty well. FUN! I have another that is nickeled and it shoots pretty well, too. I'm a bit leery of hurting the finish though. It is like a little jewel.

It took me a long time to find these and we don't see them come in the shop often. I also have a Model 43 that sort of fell into my lap. These guns are just plain neat.

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Sincerely,

Hobie

While in South America I did some traveling and work in some very remote areas (rain forest and Andes mountains) and had plenty of time to consider what handgun I would want with me for all of those treks.

When I returned stateside in 81, I made a Bee-line for Carter Country in Houston and bought a Smith and Wesson 4" Kit gun in stainless steel. That handgun fit the bill for what I wanted. I still have it and would not git rid of it for love nor money.

It is as accurate as the heavier K-22, but due to the lighter weight, you need to get a steady position for fine and far shooting.

I have carried it on many hikes in the Rocky Mountains, the Big Bend country of Texas and here in the brush country of Deep South Texas.

I like it. It is a shame Smith and Wesson took them out of production.

nt

Mine are an 80s era M63 and a flat-latch M34-1. Both are wonderful shooters, and are probably the most practical revolvers that I own.

The M63, designed later, is hardly a clone of the M34, with heavier, wider barrel rib and a more modern front sight, and a smooth target style trigger. These slight changes aid in shootability, for me. I wouldn't swear that there is any weight difference, but the balance feels better to me, for whatever reason.

Mine both have Herrretts shooting star grips. Those on the M63, with nice quality walnut and wrap around hand checkering, are older and of much higher quality than the set on the M34. The older Herretts are a good fit for the kit guns, feeling much like full size grips on these small revolvers, and they are still relatively affordable.

Like Charles mentioned, mine give up nothing to my K22s, shooting just as well assuming I do my part.

My kids and wife claim the M63 at the range and afield. I shouldn't have, but sent my third Kit Gun to someone on the old board.

I believe the M63 is back in production as a seven-shooter. I would look at those if I didn't mind modern refinements. Otherwise, I would search high and low for a M63 and wouldn't batt an eyelash if I found a nice one under $700. They are worth it, in my opinion, considering how much and how well I shoot mine, and how inexpensive the ammo is.

....is a great little grouse-n-bunny gun. See:

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellThe32S-WLong.htm

I did add a J frame target trigger. I've carried in in a 70's model Safariland m-25 holster since the late 70's.

The old style Model 63s and other J Frames sell for $400.00 to $450.00 in my area. They turn up at the gun shows fairly often.

airweight...amazingly balanced, light weight, and terrifically accurate. my favorite of the kit guns.

if AK is real world ;)

I haven't seen a decent used S&W revolver for less that $600 since moving to IA, and in CA, they were even more... when they were legally transferrable.

I hope you have one, Ray.

......all you I-frame lovers!

Otony

Mine is surprisingly one of the most accurate guns I own. Most people cannot believe how useful the little thing is.

We are a fairly small market, with some enthusiasts, but many more casual gun owners. They might own something for hunting, or a handgun just because, but the variety is usually there at gun shows. I always see Smith & Wesson revolvers at our local shows and the ones in Anchorage. Model 28s and NM Frame 44 Specials don't command big prices here.

The practical side always says that if you can shoot Specials out of a Magnum, then buy the Magnum. The prices people are willing to pay typically fall far short of auction site prices too. Those who price their gun wares according to what they see on the auction sites still have their guns by Sunday afternoon. The people here know how much they want to pay, and they're usually on the low end of the price spectrum. What do you expect from a bunch who can make tears come out of Abe's eyes with the way they pinch their pennies?

J Frame 22s in my experience, no matter how nice, don't bring prices north of $500.00 here much less $600.00 or $700.00.

they just currently have a 3" barrel and 8-shot cylinder, which is preferable to the previous 5" barrel version. Still have those fiber optic sights that are just a blur to me, wish they would go back to a simple black patridge blade.

What everyone has said about accuracy and handiness. In the famous interogatory; "What would be your last [or only, etc.] gun?" , this little pocket sniper would do just fine. Has stock grips with one'o those little aluminum finger gizmos behind the guard.

also have the two inch version, which is prob'ly just as accurate intrinsically, but not for my eyes/shooting. But fast on close tincans. ;~`)

I've got a M63 that I bought for my dad in about '80 or '81. I've never been about to hit anything with it, too light I guess. I don't think my dad ever shot it much, and I have it again now that he's gone.

I wish I'd bought him a K-22 instead.