The only way to shoot shorts without a conversion (or manually working the action and/or single feeding) is a revolver and AFAIK any .22 revolver is going to have to be drilled and tapped for scope mounts. The S&W might already be d&t along the rear sight mount, I don't recall.
Accuracy. How accurate? Shooting bullseye, general competition or just plinking and pest control?
It doesn't get any easier than cleaning a revolver. I'm going to catch a load of shit for this but I prefer the Buckmark to the Ruger for ease of cleaning. I've had two Rugers, one new and one used, and they were both a PITA to take down and reassemble. Sure, there's tricks you can learn to make it easier but that's personal preference. The Beretta NEOS isn't bad to break down either.
Depending on the answer to number 2, you may have a lot or a little to choose from. I don't know what the Ruger conversion runs but the short conversion for 10/22s runs close to $200 last time I looked.
New Buckmarks can be had for under $350 and the used target models can be had for under that with smart shopping.
The NEOS can be had all day long for under $275 brand new around here unless you want the INOX finish and 6" barrel.
$900 for a new S&W 617 is nuts and very optimistic on their part. Used K22s in good condition can be had for half that and are just as good, if not better. They just don't have the 10rd cylinder.
I'm just getting acquainted with a Ruger Single Six so I can't offer much right now but shorts out of the 4" (or whatever Ruger used) barrel are quiet enough to pop rats in the garage without alarming anyone. All shots have been under 3" (they were cornered
) but it's accurate enough at that range...
Seriously though, I think it had potential as long as the trigger nut doesn't get loose.
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