Light Weight .22 Automatic Pistol

[clang444]

Look at a Browning Buckmark too.

 

[tbgunner88]

I would have to go with the ruger sr22. It wins all around for reliability, simple operation and it's easy to take apart and clean, which is a major aspect to ensure reliable function of any semi auto 22, especially one being considered for self defense.

 

[hoc9sw]

I'm not big on the Ruger SR22, as the safety is opposite what I'm used to. Other than that, not bad.

I've been very happy with the M&P .22 Compact. Have ~4400 rounds through it. The range guys have been impressed with it & accuracy.

It does NOT like Federal #510, #510B, #710, #745 or American Eagle HP.

It loves Remington GB, Thunderbolts, Win M-22, Federal Auto Match, CCI standard velocity and mini mags, Blazer.

The only issue to date (besides the ammo above) has been the recoil spring assembly, which has developed a cut that makes it difficult to reset the takedown lever. CS has promised a replacement, but they don't have part numbers yet to order it with. They offered to take it in as a warranty repair, but that seemed excessive.

 

[824tsv]

S&W M&P.22 compact would be my first recommendation.

 

[Marshwheeling]

My favorite .22s are Rugers. I should rephrase that: My only .22s are Rugers. They are both heavy, and I like them both.

Of the light .22s I have handled, the Ruger feels the best, so that is probably the one I would pick. Of course, YMMV.

 

[weblance]

How about one of the 22 Tip-ups like the Taurus POLY PT-22 or the Beretta 21a ? I have both and they are fun, accurate and reliable. I like the Taurus better, it holds one more round than the Beretta, has better sights, and is $100 cheaper. These pistols are great for someone who doesnt have a lot of hand strength, because they load the first round by tipping up the barrel. No need to rack the slide.

How about a revolver? Ruger LCR-22, S&W 317, Charter Arms Pathfinder. All excellent revolvers, and lightweight. How about a 22 Magnum revolver. Ruger, S&W and Charter Arms all have Double Action models chambered in 22 Mag.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

If she wants to stay with a similar gun, the Ruger MarkIII 22/45 Tapered barrel may be of interest. It has a grip angle to mimick the 1911. It weighs 26oz compared to the 5.5 bull she was shooting at 42oz. Ruger makes a polymer .22lr revolver at 15oz that I think would be ideal for anyone deciding to carry a rimfire.

 

[Dezfan]

Best 22LR semi on the market is the Ruger SR22p.

 

[Drm50]

Lite and accurate

Get Her S&W 422/ adj. sites. I bought one awhile back to carry
wade fishing. It's a lot more gun than plastic stuff and just as
lite. The Rugers, Colts, Hi- Sts are all good guns but a little heavy
for what you want.

 

[JaPes]

Given the physical condition of the individual:

A friend (female) would like a .22 semi-automatic pistol for defense and "Plinking".
She has weak wrists (senior citizen) and a Ruger Mk III with a 5.5 bull barrel is too heavy.

Sounds like a .22lr semi-auto pistol is a perfect fit for this individual with her particular physical challenges.

How about one of the 22 Tip-ups like the Taurus POLY PT-22 or the Beretta 21a ?

...These pistols are great for someone who doesnt have a lot of hand strength, because they load the first round by tipping up the barrel. No need to rack the slide.

^^^ +1

A former co-worker who happens to be a senior citizen with a touch of arthritis in her hands had the same dilemma presented by the OP. I took her to the range. I had her try to shoot and operate a Glock 19. While she could shoot it, the recoil impulse caused her some pain. Even with the proper push/pull slide racking technique, she didn't have the grip strength to rack the slide. Put a .38 Special revolver in her hands. The DA trigger pull + arthritis wasn't a good combo. Out went .22lr revolvers.

The one gun she had no problems with was the Taurus PT-22 with the tip up barrel. While .22lr wouldn't be anyone's first choice for self defense, sometimes physical limitations means it's the only choice. I think everyone will agree that having a firearm and training is better than having no firearm at all.

 

[alwslate]

Browning Micro Buckmark with a 4" slab sided barrel. I have one and
it's accurate and very reliable. I bought it several years ago at a gun
show for a very reasonable price. High Standard made some great
autos back in the day but the Dura-Matic wasn't their best effort for
sure. An economy model with some real cost cutting features. The
Buckmark comes in several versions including one with a reduced size
grip.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

You might want to write this on the wall-
These are words I seldom if ever say-
Yes, I would like to try out a PT-22 Taurus.

I already have larger, super accurate 22 revolvers and autos.
I don't have a small pocket piece.

 

[tops]

I looked up info on the Taurus PT22 and it stated to unload the gun to tip the barrel and pick the shell from the barrel. Does the gun not have an extractor? The tip up barrel Beretta 21A does not. Larry

 

[civil1977]

Here's another vote for the Browning Buckmark Micro with 4" barrel. It has an alloy frame with good ergonomics. I'd look for one of the more recent ones with the "ears" on the slide to make cocking the gun easier. If the 4" slab sided barrel is too heavy, Browning also makes a lightweight 4" barrel which is available from Midwest Gun Works:

Browning Buckmark, Micro Bull Barrel, Matte

Swap out the barrel and front sight and you have an accurate, lightweight gun.

 

[litenlarry]

I own a Walther P22, it eat's all 22 rimfire ammo..I mainly shoot CCI mini mag's and CCI stingers..
As far as the safety, the only issue I have had is the screw came loose in the beginning..Something to check...
Another pro It is very easy to rack the slide...
Downside..The rear sight notch is big, but it is not an issue for me..

 

[Hairtrigger]

I have a Ramline Synteck pistol Magnum Research also made a version
Mine is very light and reasonably accurate. I put it in the chest pocket of my carhart bibs when driving a tractor for small game
They are also very affordable

 

[Hairtrigger]

I know you said semi auto but the Ruger Bearcat would be a great choice

 

[625smith]

Buckmark Lite

Might look at a Buckmark Lite. Weighs in at 28 ounces.

Buck Mark Lite Gray URX, Semi Auto 22 Pistol, Browning Firearms Product

 

[Louchia]

Jimmy1, I would suggest the S&W M&P 22 if she has a hard time with wrist or grip. The slide is very easy to pull back. I have had no experience with the M&P 22 Compact. It may be the same. Other than that I would suggest the Rugar SR22. Very nice, light, accurate and eats most any ammo. The revolver triggers are a little heavy and may be a problem, although they would be my first choice. The go bang every time with any ammo.

 

[DUNTOV]

(hopefully this is on the correct S&W Site ?)

A friend (female) would like a .22 semi-automatic pistol for defense and "Plinking".
She has weak wrists (senior citizen) and a Ruger Mk III with a 5.5 bull barrel is too heavy.

I am thinking of a .22 Pistol with a four inch barrel and alloy frame ?
such as the High Standard Dura-Matic ?

Suggestions ?
Thanks,
Jimmy

Ruger LITE 22/45 ---23 oz, simple, accurate, easy to shoot well