Henry Rifle Forums

I've used all kinds of small 22 revolvers and tend to accumulate them. Just something about the little 22 revolvers I can't resist.

Right now, I have 3 Ruger Bearcats and they work great as a small 22 LR woods carry gun, but those tiny fixed sights disappear quick in the woods. I've also had one of the ultralight S&W 317 8 shot 22 LRs, but that was just too light, so hard to shoot. Wasn't impressed with the all aluminum construction, either. Next up is my recent OM Single Six 4 5/8". Now that's very easy to shoot, but not exactly compact. Have also done the Ruger SP-101 8 shot thing, but even after working on the trigger, it was still a rough shooter. So the search has continued.

Today, I hit the jackpot.


You're looking at a mid 90s S&W Model 63-3, 6 shot 22 LR, pre lock. Even better, it's the very hard to find 2" barrel version. We just happened to stop by our LGS and they had it sitting behind the counter waiting for me because I left word years ago to hang on to one if they ever got one. Today was the day. I would have been happy to get the more common 4", but the 2" is even better. Carries like a dream, even had a holster for it.



Got it home and went down by the dock just to test fire it. Perfect function in both DA and SA. How's the trigger, you ask? Folks, I have to tell you that in all my years of shooting 22 revolvers, this one has the finest trigger, both in SA and DA that I have ever owned. In fact, I have to wonder if a previous owner took this one to a gunsmith. Who knows?

As for the price, really hard to believe, thanks the good customer pricing I get from my LGS. No kidding, I could turn around and make a substantial profit if I sold this one. That's not going to happen, though. Not a chance. We don't call them grails guns for nothing.

I like mine too.

My 4" 22 Diamondback is my favorite 22. Trigger like oil on glass and as accurate as you could want for a non target gun. Congrats on finding one of your Grail Guns, and at a great price... I call them Bucket List, but I know what you mean. Great Job.

Congratulations on the find.

Congratulations on a grail gun find.
I've only ever seen one of those in a gun shop. When I did, I bought it. I had gone there for another gun and while talking to the counter person, he said they had about 2/3 more of the large collection not out in the cases. In checking the list there was a 4" and 2" model 63 S&W. The four inch was VERY tired, but the two inch was not. I didn't hesitate.
I think you will carry that one often.

Congratulations on your grail gun. Funny, I opened this topic to update my M/63 post and first thing I saw was yours. Very cool.

NCG, you inspired me to take my 2" when I went out to take down some fencing in the pasture, instead of the 4" one. Usually when it's cool, I take the longer barrel under a jacket. Today, the short barrel went. I use a Safariland paddle holster. It works great on any J frame.

I like the grip tap too. I had put oil and diesel in the tractor. Either of those can make grips slick. Yes, I wipe my hands, but.......

Very good to know that others on our forum also have these 22 revolvers. Guess we have good taste in 22 revolvers, right?