S&W 617 vs Ruger SP101 vs Ruger Single Ten

[Tennjed]

I am wanting a higher end 22lr revolver for plinking. I am looking for accuracy above all else. I think I have narrowed it down to a S&W 617, Ruger SP101, or a Ruger Single Ten. Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with these? Other suggestions?

[Oh Shoot]

Longer barrel and hence sight radius of the SW might be a bit more conducive to accuracy. Or not, if you're a generally steady shot period.

Lots of us, me included, have Single Six, great revo, and what little I've seen of folks talking about the Single 10, just as fine. Single action of course, though.

Of course the SP101 is excellent also, and double action. Both Rugers are rock solid for a lot less coin than the Smith.

All in all though, and sorry for punting your question, but since you say you want best accuracy, you've [i]definitely[/i] ruled out semi auto? I think many would opine a Ruger Mark III or Ruger 22/45 or Browning Buckmark will at least equal if not likely outperform any of the revolvers. Plus you can also rip a bunch off faster than even with a double action revo, whenever that might float yer boat.

- OS

Edited November 4, 2012 by OhShoot

[TNcitizen22]

I have owned all of them. Out of those options I would pick a single ten myself. I just happen to love single action revolvers, they just have that classic feel (though the single ten is pushing it). I find they are all more accurate than I am, especially if you are using quality ammunition. If you can, find examples of each and practice with them.

[Tennjed]

[quote name='OhShoot' timestamp='1351993375' post='838601']
Longer barrel and hence sight radius of the SW might be a bit more conducive to accuracy. Or not, if you're a generally steady shot period.

Lots of us, me included, have Single Six, great revo, and what little I've seen of folks talking about the Single 10, just as fine. Single action of course, though.

Of course the SP101 is excellent also, and double action. Both Rugers are rock solid for a lot less coin than the Smith.

All in all though, and sorry for punting your question, but since you say you want best accuracy, you've [i]definitely[/i] ruled out semi auto? I think many would opine a Ruger Mark III or Ruger 22/45 or Browning Buckmark will at least equal if not likely outperform any of the revolvers. Plus you can also rip a bunch off faster than even with a double action revo, whenever that might float yer boat.

- OS
[/quote]

I actually already have a Ruger mark III, and yes it is a fine pistol

[Oh Shoot]

[quote name='Tennjed' timestamp='1351998846' post='838683']
I actually already have a Ruger mark III, and yes it is a fine pistol
[/quote]

Cool. Well, then everybody oughtta have a cowboy gun, seems to me.

- OS

[I_Like_Pie]

Don't rule out a stainless Bearcat....awesome little pistols.

[LCPfraTN]

I don't have any of the revolvers in question, but have a few of their predecessors. Don't rule out something like this S&W Model 17 with 8 3/8" full underlug barrel.

[img]http://i45.tinypic.com/34hjeyc.jpg[/img]

[Mike]

I have a 617, wouldn't trade it for any of the others you have listed.

[cannoncocker]

617.

I have the Ruger SP101, a Ruger Single Six and a S&W 617 in 4 inch. I would never sell the 617. It is the perfect plinking revolver. The SP101 would be my last choice. I had $75.00 worth of trigger/action work done to the Ruger and it still doesn't equal the out of the box action on the 617. Close second choice would be the Ruger Single Six convertible with a 5 1/2 inch barrel.

In a semi, my favorite is the Ruger 22/45 with a 4 inch TB.

[I_Like_Pie]

[quote name='LCPfraTN' timestamp='1352002834' post='838722']
I don't have any of the revolvers in question, but have a few of their predecessors. Don't rule out something like this S&W Model 17 with 8 3/8" full underlug barrel.


[/quote]

Holy cow...I have the [u]identical [/u]twin of that gun....it is a great shooter. It would take quite an obscene amount of money for me to ever part with mine. The grips alone are worth over $100 if they are factory S&W

[Tennjed]

Thanks for all the info guys!

[BryanP]

I have a 6" 617 and it's a sweet shooting gun. I'd like to shoot one of the SP101's, but if the trigger is anything like my .357 SP101 there is no comparing them. Get the Smith.

[LCPfraTN]

[quote name='I_Like_Pie' timestamp='1352090095' post='839280']
Holy cow...I have the [u]identical [/u]twin of that gun....it is a great shooter. It would take quite an obscene amount of money for me to ever part with mine. The grips alone are worth over $100 if they are factory S&W
[/quote] It's one of my favorites too. I had to have it when I found it in a LGS about a year ago...and yes, it's all factory and wasn't cheap.

[DaveTN]

617

[graycrait]

617 also but if you run across a nice older 17 or an 18 they are nice too. Another nice .22LR revolver is a an older H&R Sportsman 999, try for early 70s to the late '30s. Between the other two I would opt for the Single Ten over the SP101.