Which .22 Revolver Is Best? 5 Medium Frames Tested

Published on March 4, 2026
Duration: 14:43

This expert review from Lucky Gunner Ammo's 'Project Rimfire' meticulously tests five medium-frame double-action .22 LR revolvers: S&W 617, Colt King Cobra Target, Ruger GP100, Taurus 992 Tracker, and Spohr 283 Carry. The analysis covers cost justification, purpose, and detailed performance metrics including reliability, speed, and accuracy. The S&W 617 Mountain Gun emerged as the top performer, praised for its exceptional accuracy and smooth trigger.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun was the most accurate .22 LR revolver tested, averaging 1.0-inch groups at 25 yards. It also featured a smooth 9-pound trigger, making it a favorite for enjoyable shooting, despite minor fouling-related reliability issues after extended use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Project Rimfire Overview
  2. 00:38Cost of .22 DA Revolvers
  3. 01:21Purpose & Appeal of .22 DA Revolvers
  4. 02:22Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun
  5. 02:49Colt King Cobra Target Overview
  6. 03:03Ruger GP100 Details
  7. 03:20Taurus 992 Tracker Features
  8. 03:41Spohr 283 Carry Premium Revolver
  9. 04:28Testing Methodology & Optics
  10. 05:02Reliability Test Results
  11. 06:02Speed Test Performance Analysis
  12. 07:32Accuracy Test Performance
  13. 08:24Practical Test Results & Factors
  14. 09:36Spohr 283 Carry Opinion
  15. 10:44Ruger GP100 Opinion
  16. 11:41Taurus 992 Tracker Opinion
  17. 12:36Colt King Cobra Target Opinion
  18. 13:24Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun Opinion
  19. 14:19Conclusion & Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are double-action .22 revolvers expensive?

Double-action .22 revolvers are not cheap because they are mechanically similar to centerfire revolvers. This complexity often requires more intricate machining and they are typically produced in smaller quantities, driving up their manufacturing costs and retail prices.

What is the purpose of .22 double-action revolvers?

.22 DA revolvers are excellent training tools for mastering double-action trigger pulls. They provide the weight and feel of a serious firearm without the recoil or high ammunition cost of centerfire revolvers, making them fun and practical for practice.

Which .22 revolver was the most accurate in testing?

The Smith & Wesson 617 Mountain Gun was the most accurate, achieving an overall average group size of 1.0 inch at 25 yards. It demonstrated exceptional performance with six out of eight tested groups measuring under one inch.

What were the key findings from the speed test of .22 revolvers?

The Ruger GP100 was the fastest revolver in the speed test at 7.62 seconds, attributed to its balance. The Taurus 992 Tracker was the slowest at 9.64 seconds, largely due to its heavy and uneven trigger action.

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