Why are .22 j frames impossible to find?

[willie]

I'm about a quarter inch from ordering one of these. My LCP2 .22 is just a tad too finicky.
I did break 1 second for a 3 shot FTS from the pocket at 3 yards into an IPSC target with it. That oughtta reset an OODA loop.

My lgs has had new and used versions of these revolvers. The ones that I examined had very heavy double action pulls. Hammer or main springs have a higher weight to set off the rim fire round. This weight coupled with a stout rebound spring causes a really heavy da pull. These statements have applied to rimfire J frames for decades. The Ruger LCR .22 has a strong hammer spring also. Though I like snub revolvers including these, I'm not certain how useful the rimfire versions are for self defense. Bulk is the same as a .38 Spl J frame.

[feudist]

My lgs has had new and used versions of these revolvers. The ones that I examined had very heavy double action pulls. Hammer or main springs have a higher weight to set off the rim fire round. This weight coupled with a stout rebound spring causes a really heavy da pull. These statements have applied to rimfire J frames for decades. The Ruger LCR .22 has a strong hammer spring also. Though I like snub revolvers including these, I'm not certain how useful the rimfire versions are for self defense. Bulk is the same as a .38 Spl J frame.

.38 is just a no-go for my arthritic thumb. As is .380 mostly and definitely the pocket 9mms.
The trigger pull weight is a concern. as is QC. I had a 43c about 5 years ago that had to go back to S&W-twice-before I got a cylinder shot through it. When it finally worked I'd lost interest in it, as I was still a LEO and carrying my service pistol. I'm retired into the "snubby lifestyle" and am all in on pocket carry(again, arthritis in the hip).

[willie]

I understand arthritis. I got enough for us both.

[willie]

@feudist. Look at the Bersa Thunder 22lr semi auto which is Walther PP size. Mine was reliable and accurate. I regret not keeping it.

[JJN]

They seem to make some of the lower demanded guns in runs, rather than all the time. They'll be everywhere and then nowhere. I work at an LGS and it stinks for people because some of the low-demand guns are high-dollar, so by the time they have saved up the scratch for a some really cool gun, they all dry up.

[feudist]

@feudist. Look at the Bersa Thunder 22lr semi auto which is Walther PP size. Mine was reliable and accurate. I regret not keeping it.

I actually had one of those a few years back. It ran well.

[jandbj]

KelTec P16 is surprisingly good too. A worthy replacement for the bersa.

[revolvergeek]

I'm about a quarter inch from ordering one of these. My LCP2 .22 is just a tad too finicky.
I did break 1 second for a 3 shot FTS from the pocket at 3 yards into an IPSC target with it. That oughtta reset an OODA loop.

My LCP2 22 was also until I started cleaning the chamber with a bronze brush wrapped in chore boy chucked in an electric drill. Runs like a sewing machine now with anything high velocity. I give it the drill cleaning every 5-600 rounds and lube it with a few dots of red synthetic grease.

.38 is just a no-go for my arthritic thumb. As is .380 mostly and definitely the pocket 9mms.
The trigger pull weight is a concern. as is QC. I had a 43c about 5 years ago that had to go back to S&W-twice-before I got a cylinder shot through it. When it finally worked I'd lost interest in it, as I was still a LEO and carrying my service pistol. I'm retired into the "snubby lifestyle" and am all in on pocket carry(again, arthritis in the hip).

Centerfire systems still has a bunch of old S&W 30 and 31 on their website in generally good condition at mostly reasonable prices. S&B 32 NP 100grn RNFPs are pretty decent in those little guns, and the Buffalo Bore .32 long stuff is no joke.

[Deaf Smith]

Did I miss something? Trying to find either a S&W or Ruger .22lr j frame revolver in stock is pretty much impossible. Found one site that claimed it was in stock until I ordered it… 😑

I’m not typically a wheel gun guy so what’s the deal with these?

I have both old J .22s and new J .22 (one of 'em.)

The old Js are 63 kit guns. A 4 inch and a 2 inch (and they are worth $$$.. yes ridiculous amounts, especially the 2 inch six shooter!)

Now the new S&W 63 3 inch (which has the hillary hole.)



When I got it it looked so pretty... then I shot it and found the cases stuck in the chambers and took a wood mallet to get them to extract.

Tried many brands of ammo, Remington, Winchester, CCI, Federal... no go.

Sent it back to S&W (they paid shipping both ways.) Works perfect now with Federal hps and pretty good with others.

Now the gun a bit looser (it was zero-zero tight when I got it.) They put in a whole new cylinder that I bet had polished chambers.

But it cost me $650 for that gun!!! Yes I use it now (was at range yesterday with Sig P365, HK USP Compact 40, S&W 66-1, and the S&W 63.)

That little kit gun is a decent hiking gun when you don't want a real gun with you...

And I now have found a 4 inch 34 nickle kit gun... $800!!! Dunno if I'm going to get that one!

Yes they are hard to find.

[mmc45414]

They seem to make some of the lower demanded guns in runs, rather than all the time. They'll be everywhere and then nowhere. I work at an LGS and it stinks for people because some of the low-demand guns are high-dollar, so by the time they have saved up the scratch for a some really cool gun, they all dry up.

Motorcycles are the same way. The first time I decided I wanted to buy a brand-new motorcycle I marched into the store, proudly announced my intension, and was told that they were all gone for that year (they did manage to dig one up for me).

Right now I also wonder if the process of transitioning most production to Tennessee and keeping the revolver manufacturing in Massachusetts might be a factor.

I have a 60 (no dash, was Dad's), a 638, a 637 and a 360PD and do want a 317, I even already bought the grips for it, so it will be twiner with the 637 and 360.