are several double-action revolvers available in 17 HMR caliber. With cylinder swapping options that exist for some single-action revolvers, a handgun in 17 HMR could use a cylinder chambered for the shorter 17 Mach 2 if one exists as an option. The 2005 Ruger catalog lists the 17 HMR/17 Mach 2 combination for the Single Six Hunter.
The Ruger Single Six Hunter has a 7.5-inch barrel. In 17 HMR caliber, the 17-grain bullets are given a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,000 ft/sec from a revolver barrel of this length. This represents a velocity that is about 600 ft/sec lower than the same load gives in a rifle. The 20-grain bullets, which are driven at 2,375 ft/sec from a rifle, achieve only 1,725 to 1,750 ft/sec from the handgun barrel. Much of the effectiveness of the 17 HMR that results from high velocity is lost in handguns. In fact, the velocity of the 17 HMR bullets from handguns almost exactly duplicates that from the 17 Mach 2 when fired from a rifle. While not equal to the performance of a 17 HMR rifle, the handguns offer flat trajectory when compared to any other handgun in a rimfire caliber. They are suitable for taking small game and varmints.
The Ruger Bearcat is a small single-action revolver that makes a good trail gun. The small grip allows shooters with small hands to fire it comfortably.
Available in 22 LR, the Smith & Wesson Model 617 makes a good choice for any type of shooting. The same gun is available in 17 HMR and 22 WMR.
If you are selecting a handgun specifically for hunting small game and pests, you may wish to consider a piece chambered for one of the magnum calibers. However, since the primary use of a rimfire handgun is for pleasure and target use, the caliber that makes the most sense is the 22 LR. With a good handgun chambered for the 22 LR, you can do a lot of shooting because the cost of ammunition is so low. In some cases, the rimfire handgun is an understudy for a centerfire piece and the choice of handguns in 22 LR is very broad indeed. Because of this, it is possible in many cases to select a rimfire handgun that operates in much the same way as a centerfire model which makes training with the rimfire have some carryover value.
Revolvers
The most famous single-action revolver of all time is the legendary Colt Single-action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, which was introduced in 1873 and was for a time a military sidearm. From 1957 to 1977, Colt produced a scaled-down model known as the Frontier Scout that was chambered for the 22 LR, but it was also marketed later with a cylinder that chambered the 22 WMR. Although these models have been discontinued, they are frequently found as used guns. Single-action revolvers of the Colt style (and Ruger single-actions made prior to 1973) allow a blow on the hammer to cause the revolver to fire. The firing pin makes direct contact with the cartridge. Even though the hammer can be moved back to engage a safety notch, this was not totally effective in keeping the firearm from being discharged. Accordingly, users of this “old style” revolver normally carried them with only five cartridges in the cylinder and an empty chamber below the hammer.
The Taurus double-action revolvers are available in blue or stainless steel. They are outstanding firearms at reasonable prices.
Ruger has offered the Single Six in 17 HMR caliber for a couple of years and in 2004 introduced the Single Six Hunter version which has a 7.5-inch heavy barrel. The top rib of the barrel has the curved grooves milled into it so Ruger scope rings can be attached, and it is also grooved for attaching the tipoff mounts. This handgun weighs about 45 ounces, and it is clearly intended for hunting small game and pests. It appears that this fine revolver will be made available with a second cylinder chambered for the 17 Mach 2 round. The Single Six Hunter is already available as a convertible model with 22 LR and 22 WMR cylinders.
By far the most commonly encountered singleaction rimfire revolvers at the present time are the Ruger Single Six in its various forms and the small-scale revolver known as the Ruger Bearcat. All current Ruger single-action revolvers are designed to be carried with all chambers loaded because the hammer cannot strike the firing pin until the trigger is pulled causing a transfer bar to be moved into position to transit the blow from the hammer to the firing pin.
Several years ago, the single-action Colt Frontier Scout revolvers were quite popular. Shown here are two fine examples of this model.
Many years ago, two of the most popular target revolvers were the double-action Colt Officer’s Model Match and the Smith & Wesson Masterpiece, both of which were available in 22 LR. These fine revolvers were capable of outstanding performance even in formal competition. In addition to these models with 6-inch barrels, both Colt and Smith & Wesson produced target grade revolvers with 4-inch barrels that were intended to serve as companion pieces to the centerfire firearms carried on duty by many police officers. The Colt Diamondback was available in both 38 Special and 22 LR as was the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece. None of these models is produced at this time. However, Smith & Wesson offers two types of double-action revolvers in 22 LR. The first is the Model 617 that is a full size revolver weighting 41 ounces and having a list price of $663. This stainless steel model with a full-length barrel lug can be considered as a modern replacement for the legendary K-22 Masterpiece target revolver. The Model 317 Airweight is a small frame eight-shot revolver that is available with a 3-inch or 1.88-inch barrel. Weights are only 11.9 or 10.5 ounces respectively. Large-frame revolvers are available in 17 HMR (Model 647) and 22 WMR (Model 648) from Smith & Wesson. In 17 HMR the barrel lengths are 8.38 and 12 inches with weights being over 50 ounces in each case. The 22 WRM is available with a 6-inch barrel length. List prices for these models are in the $650-$700 range. For defensive purposes, Smith & Wesson markets the Model 351 small-frame piece in 22 WMR that has a 1.88-inch barrel and weighs only 10.6 ounces.
Another fine double-action 22 revolver is the Ruger SP 101 which is available as a six-shot stainless steel model having adjustable sights. With a suggested price of $505, it represents the middle ground in the price range. This is a very sturdy revolver that weighs 34 ounces and has adjustable sights. It is an excellent choice for the backpacker and woods roamer. This model has recently been discontinued, but Ruger still has some warehoused, and it is still available from some dealers.
Taurus offers an extensive line of revolvers chambered in 22 LR, 17 HMR, and 22 WMR calibers. These include the Hunter (12-inch barrel, 56.8 ounces) and Tracker (6.5-inch barrel, 45.6 ounces) which are available in all three calibers. These models have list prices of approximately $400. In addition to these models built on large frames, there is also a series of rimfire revolvers that are built on medium frames that are available in a wide range of finishes, barrel lengths, etc. These models have list prices in the $350 range and weights run from 25 to 30 ounces.
Autoloaders
When it comes to autoloaders, the rimfire shooter has an enormous range of models from which to choose. Even if some of the classic models like the Colt Woodsman are no longer being produced, the spectrum of products available encompasses the Smith & Wesson Model 41, a high-level competition model, on one end and the diminutive Beretta Bobcat on the other. There are many models in between. The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is available in 5.5- and 7-inch barrel lengths with weights of 41 and 42 ounces and has a list price of $1,026. The Beretta Bobcat has a 2.4-inch barrel, weighs 11.8 ounces, and has a list price of $290. There is truly a rimfire autoloader for almost any taste.
Autoloaders from a particular manufacturer can often be considered as a family of related products that share many common features. For example, popular sport pistols include the Browning Buck Mark, which is available in numerous configurations from
