Some of the most fun shooters can have is target shooting, plinking, and hunting with 22 LR and 22 WMR wheel guns. Many gun owners got their start with low-recoil, inexpensive revolvers, and they fondly remember those early days of shooting with friends and family.
Gun Tests shooters have fired dozens of these guns head to head over the last few years, including models from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, Heritage, Traditions, and more. Because we’re able to shoot several firearms side by side, we’re able to see the deficiencies and strengths of each firearm.
Of course, we haven’t tested every revolver on the market, so we’ll be interested to see which one in this listicle is your favorite. As always, prices reflect what we paid for the gun at the time of the test. — Todd Woodard
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This Heritage is a fun and inexpensive revolver. It shot to point of aim and can be upgraded with a 22 WMR cylinder. The grips were loose, and that is the trade-off for saving $500 compared to the Ruger.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Chiappa-made Traditions revolver is modified to a transfer-bar system. This makes the revolver more desirable. The Traditions revolver also features a hammer-spring tensioner. In all regards, it blows the similar Chiappa variant out of the water.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Sidekick’s switchable cylinders are quite an innovation. The double-action trigger press is nothing to write home about, while the single-action trigger press is easily the best of the test. The pistol is accurate enough for most uses. We found sight regulation to be slightly off, but it would have been easily fixed.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Wrangler re-envisions the rimfire single-action revolver in the same way Ruger did with the Single-Six in 1950s, but the fit and finish aren’t up to Ruger standards. However, it did shoot to point of aim, was accurate, fun to shoot, and costs a fraction of what a Single-Six does.
Gun Tests Grade: A-
We liked the accuracy and size of this diminutive stainless revolver. It was easy to shoot and carry in a coat pocket. We thought the sharp edges and ill-fitting grip panel were misses.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (BEST BUY)
We really liked this inexpensive but useful single-action revolver. Accuracy is good to excellent, and the sights are among the best in this list. The ability to mount a red-dot sight is very interesting. This is a lot of gun for the money.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Uberti is a traditionally styled revolver that is well made and accurate. The extra capacity is something the other revolvers fall way short of.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (OUR PICK)
The 617-6 is a hefty, medium-sized revolver with a good trigger in both SA and DA and a large, full-size grip. It was tight and offered good accuracy. This revolver is a must-have if you own a 686 or other L-frame 4-incher. We also think this would make a great small-game hunting revolver. The cost is high, but so is the quality and performance. It’s Our Pick of the three tested here.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The double-action M351 revolver offers light weight, 7-shot capacity, and a bright Hi-Viz fiber-optic front sight that we really liked. Accuracy was good for the length. The smooth grip allowed easy pants-pocket carry.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The 992 offers a lot of versatility with the extra cylinder assembly in 22 Magnum. We thought the trigger pull was too heavy in both DA and SA modes. It is heavy. Sights are good. The price is reasonable.
