I'm looking for ideas for a more current 22 pistol similar to the old Beretta 71. The key features are small, external safety, easy rack.

Browning 1911-22, they are small, easy to rack, external safety. I have a compact and a full size. The full size is petty small too. Mine are the standard A1 models

I would vote Ruger SR22 (small), or LCP (really small).

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

A while back I traded for a Beretta Model 70s, which I hear is similar to a Berreta 71 but with Steel Frame.
I was surprised at how much I like it!
So then I bought a Beretta 21a Mouse Gun, then a Walther PPK/S.
The 70s is a good Shooter. Getting Magazines is a challenge.
The 21a works well if clean, finicky on Ammo.
The Walther might be a good choice for you.
My only hit against it is the Double Action Trigger Pull. It is HEAVY!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I've got a PPK/s and Yeah that trigger pull is terrible! I also can't get used to the way the decocker works. I've got a 71 that my wife has taken over and it's a great shooter.

Bersa Thunder .22. The trigger is far superior to that of the Walther, and it has a steel slide versus zinc for the .22 Walther PPK of today (even the "stainless" version is nickel-plated zinc). Excellent accuracy and reliability, and affordable.

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Pisgah

I'm curious: what's wrong with the Beretta? Newer isn't necessarily better.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Nothing. It's been taken over by my wife :-) My wife has very severe RA in her hands and the 71 fits her pretty nicely. She's practicing holding it and trying to develop her version of a 2-handed grip. She can't rack the slide but I can rack it and lock the safety.

Excellent! So, get another one. They're cheap and reliable. I have several small .22 autos, including the vaunted Walther. The Beretta is the best of the bunch, IMO.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

I'm coming to that same conclusion!

I would have mentioned others but the 70 is single action, that's why I said browning 1911. The Browning it is the closet new production, action wise and to your specs, very reliable too. I do have a 71 and and 87. The 87 is the best of the best.

I've examined a couple of the Browning 380s. I did not like the fit and finish for the price.

Geoff
Who notes it was about double the price of a Ruger, before the crisis.

I have the Model 87 Beretta and it is the easiest-to-rack pistol I own. Accurate and reliable, too.

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Rule of law, not a man.

Look at the Walther P22, very easy to rack, DA/SA operation, 3.5 inch barrel, ambi safety, comes with extra backstraps and changeable height front sights, rear sight is adjustable,10 shot capacity.

It is small, I believe 85% size of a S&W / Walther 99.

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Tony

Lately, I've had a chance to handle (but not shoot, yet), a Taurus TX 22. It might be a little too big for your needs, but it has a nice ambidextrous safety, decent sights, is EASY to rack, has a 16-round magazine, and around my area, it goes for $250. Weighs just over 17 oz. Reviews run pretty positive. I see it as a 21st century Kit Gun.

I bought a new PPKS and am impressed. Have already bought and received the adaptor for my Sparrow can. Two magazines on the way, great fun shooter. As Pilgrim noted the DA is heavy, but I load and shoot without dropping the hammer. My Beretta 72 is also a great shooter but the mags are unobtainium, no threaded barrel either. TX 22 is a fine shooter also, thousands of rounds through mine.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

The Walther P22 has my vote too. I own 5 of them. I use them to teach beginners handgun shooting. The rear sight is fragile if dropped but so far Walther has replaced them under warranty. For your own fun, they are easily and cheaply adapted to a suppressor.

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

I have a Walther P22 Military (came with 2 mags and the frame is green, slide black) Walther has recently improved the pistol with a hammer drop safety (much safer) and a captive recoil spring. I just ordered a captive recoil spring from the aftermarket. According to reviews, <taking grain of salt> it improves performance, accuracy, makes the pistol more ammo tolerant, brings world peace and makes the pistol blessed by multiple deities.
One old fellow of my acquaintance likes the old, non-drop safety. His arthritis makes it difficult to pull the double action of the new QD model.
Geoff
Who will see and report what happens.

If you are looking for a new pistol that is "similar to" the Beretta Model 71 in terms of overall size, shape and layout in .22 LR, there's really only one option at present.

I bought a PPK/S .22LR several years ago with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It actually shoots as well as my Walther PP in .22 LR. it's almost as accurate, but is more reliable in general and far more reliable with 9 or 10 rounds in the magazine.



It also compares well to the Beretta 71. It's just as accurate and just as reliable. It is however slightly heavier given that the Beretta 71 uses an aluminum frame, and the PPK/S .22 LR DA trigger pull is a bit heavier than the typically heavy PP series DA trigger, but the SA trigger is fine.

My PPK/S .22 LR is also a better shooter than my FEG made, KBI imported SMC in .22 LR in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Here’s my PPK/S next to Beretta 70s.
Model 63 on left for size comparison.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I had just purchased a Walther PPK/s .22 a couple weeks ago, and finally got it to the range. It is a Made in Germany but imported to Ft Smith Arkansas. I am pleased with it's accuracy, not bullseye level but well within beercan accuracy. I do also agree on the double action trigger. I gave it to a couple friends to try, and watched their expressions trying the DA pull. They all looked down to see of the safety was on. Single Action was very good for a NIB gun, and it seemed to improve a little after just a couple hundred rounds. It definitely doesn't like Standard Vel ammo, would stove pipe nearly every one. CCI Minimags seemed the best, but Fed Automag did well also. I have a few more brands to try. All of the 1200 range rounds tended to shoot about 1" left and 2" high. I changed the front sight to the tallest one in the parts sent me and adjusted the rear sight windage. (Wish they weren't plastic).

Now to wait for the next warm up to get back out to the range to try the new sights and more ammo. All in all a nice little plinker.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244