By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
I like moving off the beaten path and finding the road less traveled.
While peace is the object not being blind to possibilities I like to take along some type of firearm. Often enough the firearm is a .22, either a light handy rifle or an even lighter handgun.
One of these is a Smith & Wesson Model 317 revolver with a three-inch barrel. While they don’t call it the Kit Gun as often as we used to, that is exactly what it is; a Kit Gun as Smith & Wesson named their little “I” frame .22 in 1911.
Originally an “I” frame Hand Ejector six shot .22 with oversize grips, the Kit Guns are now built on the J frame. With adjustable sights the modern 317 model is a lightweight revolver with a fiber optic front sight and eight-shot cylinder. The most attractive feature is the 317’s light weight. At only 12.0 ounces the 317 is practically unnoticed on the hip.
The grips are hand filling Hogue types. They would be great for controlling recoil on a centerfire J frame and several of my J frame revolvers wear similar grips. (The modern guns are improved over the original I frame.) In such a lightweight revolver you need stability to enjoy any type of accuracy. Not to say this little wheelgun isn’t accurate—it can be—but you have to work for it and that means a solid grip and good sight picture.
The revolver isn’t whippy, it is well balanced once you get the work in. The Model 317 features a fiber optic front sight and very nice fully adjustable rear sight. The Kit Gun is intended as an outdoorsman’s emergency gun or a hikers gun. It is also popular riding in a fishing kit. It isn’t the best choice for small game hunting, but it will serve for those who practice.
On this particular model, the rear sight is a U notch instead of the usual square notch. This makes for fast shooting and aids in firing quickly with less than perfect visual acuity. The double action trigger is right at 12.5 pounds on the Lyman trigger pull gauge. The single action press is a nice 2.9 pounds. Don’t dry fire any .22 as the firing pin may damage the chambers, be certain to keep spent brass in the chambers if you dry fire. And don’t forget to use spent brass not live ammo! Firing the Smith & Wesson is a joy.
I kept the revolver in a death grip and maintained control of the double action trigger. It would not be a problem to keep all of the shots on a reptile or ring the noggin of a rodent at a few paces.
While the .22 is a stretch for larger animals, you are not hopeless. Accuracy can make up for power. I fired several groups at 15 yards using careful single action fire and taking every advantage for accuracy. CCI Mini Mags will group five shots into 1.25 to 1.5 inches at this range. Most any affordable bulk ammunition from Federal is nearly as accurate.
I especially enjoy firing .22 Shorts and .22 CB caps. They are quite, accurate enough for many uses, and affordable. In the end the S&W 317 is a great rendition of a Kit Gun and among my favorite rimfire revolvers. For carry [in the field I ordered a first class leather holster from Wright Leather Works. With good molding and reinforced holster mouth the Wright holster offers a good balance of speed and retention. The reinforced welt is a good feature, and the belt loops cinch up tight and keep the revolver close to the body.
A Neat and Affordable Long Gun
A recent addition to my .22 battery is the Citadel TRACKR. This rifle bears a resemblance to the Rossi RS 22.
Citadel chose a modern pistol grip stock with M LOK attachments. The TRACKR is supplied with a picatinny rail for mounting optics. The factory sights are a green fiber optic rear and red fiber optic front sight.
This self-loading rifle uses a ten shot magazine. I fired a good quantity of ammunition in proofing the TRACKR rifle, which has proven reliable with loads using bullets from 32 to 40 grains. CCI Blazer was used with good results and my favorite .22 Long Rifle High Velocity loading the CCI Mini Mag is a good choice. The rifle has fired several hundred cartridges with good results. The picatinny rail does not interfere with using the iron sights. The font sight is protected by a shroud, and this led my eye to the sight. I fired several five shot groups from the benchrest with results from 1.2 to 1.25 inches at 25 yards.
The TRACKR would do for small game hunting at moderate ranges. At only 3.6 pounds it qualifies as a camp or truck gun that will not prove a burden to carry. Spare magazines are readily available. I like this rifle. It is simply a friendly and affordable rimfire with good qualities.
Ammunition selection
The primary use for these .22 Rimfire firearms is fun shooting, but hunting, pest popping, and survival are legitimate uses.
I have taken a great deal of small game with the .22 Rifle. I usually use High Velocity 40 grain RNL loads. A head shot or a body shot properly delivered is a sure thing. For pest and larger game such as Racoon or Possum a hollow point or the fast moving Stinger is best.
I use Mini Mags in the revolver and rifle alike with good accuracy and function and in every .22 rimfire I own. I would not like to rely on a .22 for personal defense but penetration is there and shot placement and depth of penetration can work wonders. A rifle is more effective than a handgun as shot placement is much easier to come by and velocity is greater. In the end, everyone needs a good .22 and the S&W 317 and TRACKR both qualify.
Velocity testing
Citadel Trackr Rifle
CCI Mini Mag 36 gr. HP 1239 fps
CCI Velociter 40 gr. HP 1392 fps
CCI Stinger 32 gr. HP 1501 fps
Smith & Wesson 317 revolver
CCI Mini Mag 36 gr. HP 1070 fps
CCI Stinger 32 gr. HP 1043 fps
CCI CB Cap 29 gr. RN 460 fps
CCI Quite 40 gr. HP 603 fps
