Inexpensive .22 revolver for use as starter pistol

shinbone · #1 07-31-2016, 08:04 PM

Hi All,

I do a lot of bird dog training, and I make frequent use of a starter pistol which uses shotgun primers to simulate gunfire at a flushing bird. Works pretty good and is relatively cheap to operate, but . . .

I'd like to be able to also use the louder .22 blanks, and especially the variable power .22 blanks for nail guns like the Ramset. I figure probably the best way to access these .22 blank cartridges is an inexpensive .22 revolver. All of the .22 starter pistols I am aware have a reputation for poor reliability. I've got a few S&W .22 revolvers, but they are too nice for this type of work.

It needs to be a DA gun, and I am perfectly happy buying used, too.

Anyone got any suggestions for an inexpensive but reliable .22 revolver suitable for dedicated use as a stater pistol?

TIA

--shinbone

murphydog · #2 07-31-2016, 08:23 PM

Harrington & Richardson made a dedicated starter pistol in .22 Short, but if that is what you don't want I would opt for one of their .22 LR revolvers, plentiful on the used market.

gunnails · #3 07-31-2016, 08:24 PM

I thought about picking up the Heritage rough Rider >22 because they are so affordable at about $150 new, Cabellas had them for $99 I think last black friday.

I doubt they are any thing special but might fit the bill for what you need?

H Richard · #4 07-31-2016, 08:27 PM

Double check before you buy, but I believe the "ramset blanks" might be larger than any standard 22RF. I don't know if would fit in a .22 magnum or not. I recommend you verify before you search any further. If you want louder you might want to consider the .32 centerfire blank, and you could pick up any number of .32 CF revolvers inexpensively.

muddocktor · #5 07-31-2016, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

Double check before you buy, but I believe the "ramset blanks" might be larger than any standard 22RF. I don't know if would fit in a .22 magnum or not. I recommend you verify before you search any further. If you want louder you might want to consider the .32 centerfire blank, and you could pick up any number of .32 CF revolvers inexpensively.

They make different strengths on the ramset blanks and they should fit anything that will digest a 22 long rifle. I used to have a retriever dummy launcher that used them for the launching charge and seem to remember running a few through an old Marlin bolt action rifle I have.

ispcapt · #6 07-31-2016, 09:35 PM

The ramset .22 blanks will work fine and are a lot cheaper than buying regular .22 blanks. I use the DuoFast brand .22 you can find at any big box hardware store. When training the kids to shoot pistol I use them instead of the old ball and dummy routine in a revolver. They get the noise but no recoil. I can see who is flinching.