22 Long Rifle

[fyimo]

Well I own a bunch of handguns and I shoot about all the calibers out there but my favorite shooters and the caliber I shoot most is 22LR. I have a K22, Model 17-4, 18-3, 18-4,617, (2) Model 41's, and a Ruger Mark II so I guess I'm really hooked on them.

They are just a blast to shoot and I love handing my Grandson a brick of 22 ammo and telling him to shoot to his hearts content. Where else can you have that much fun for less then $20.

If I was forced to keep just one handgun it would be one of the above 22's.

 

[mkk41]

Another wonderful thing about .22s is they don't always intimidate the fairer sex. Had quite a few great dates taking a gal out to a secluded spot for a day of shooting .22s. I also knew a few guys that tried to impress a girl by handing her a .357 or .44 mag blaster , only to totally turn her off to guns , and them.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Surely you jest. You have led a sheltered life, a weekend with a K-22, 617,or 18, and you would be in love.

 

[deanodog]

How could you not love this for a nice stress free evening. Model 18-3

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I guess that some or most of the postings above give a feel for what's going on. Aside from the fact that .22 revolvers, autoloaders and single-shot pistols are useful for practice, less expensive to shoot than centerfires while giving most of the benefit of practice, and considered by most instructors to be superior for certain phases of instruction and continuing practice, they also remind many shooters of pleasant times in their youth, both while handling an unloaded pistol, and while actually shooting it. Others have pointed out their actual utility in other circumstances.

Their popularity should not be surprising. That said, I own only seven, and see no immediate need to change the situation.

 

[louisianacook]

One of my favorite times as a kid was like described above. 1000 rds of .22 400 acres and 4 22 pistols. Way better than sitting in the house watching movies!

 

[pilgrim6a]

Something everyone should keep in mind. I have been telling the Quack this for years. Burnt gunpowder is an antidepressant. .22s are used for maintaining a basic dosage. Larger cal. are used as needed.Beware!!!
It is VERY addictive.

 

[Grayfox]

I'm in total agreement with all that's already been said. I love .22s and have quite a few of them.
I have one Model 18 that the previous owner had modified. White outline rear sight, red ramp, polished trigger face and a really nice action job. Obviously it was meant to be a practice piece for its centerfire brothers. I give this gun complete credit for teaching me how to properly shoot a double action revolver.

 

[Yurko]

I think my original post was harsher than I meant it to be.

I cut my teeth on 22s as a Boy Scout back in the early 70's. That was one of the many reasons I looked forward to summer camp. I went to a place called Camp Sinawa on beautiful Pigeon Lake in Wisconsin. Heck the main reason I joined the army was to get to shoot more cuz I had such fun with the 22s.

The part I still don't get is the price tag on some of the 22s I've seen on gb. To pay $700 - over a $1000 to me just seems like wayyyy too much.

 

[mkk41]

Back when us older guys were in the service , many base armories had .22LR converted 1911A1s. Ya could usually go and shoot as much as ya wanted , but real .45 ammo was sparsely alloted , usually for qualifications only.

 

[wnc wheelgun]

In 1972 a 22lr bolt action rifle at Boy Scout camp had me hooked. Bought my 13 year old a walther 22lr semi in OD green, then bought my 9 year old a S&W m17-3 six inch since he got burned by big brothers semi throwing brass. A Marlin model 60 for the wife quickly followed by a M&P AR15-22 for me rounds out the choices at the range. Everyone goes home with a big smile.

 

[ab4ka]

While I have guns for SD/HD/CCW, my primary reason for shooting is because I enjoy it. I like shooting a variety of guns, and as much as I love to shoot my .357 magnums, I honestly can't afford to shoot them as much as I like (I know, I should reload, but I just don't have a space to do it in). That's where my .22's come in. They are fun, just as challenging, and a whole lot cheaper to shoot.

 

[gunlovingirl]

I love the .22. Handguns and rifles and books and articles about them. Even the ammo and ammo boxes are interesting to me. I used to hunt squirrels with one. Also great for target practice. And what better way to unwind than with a .22 and a couple boxes of shells. While I respect differing opinions, the way I was brought up, guns aren't just for killing. But, I have to say, I wish more people shared your opinion of the .22! They'd be easier to find and easier on the purse!

 

[fyimo]

I love 22 revolvers and pistols and of all my handguns they get shot the most just because it's just plain fun and cheap shooting. I love taking my grand kids out with a 22 revolver and a brick of ammo and telling them to "Have At It" and they shoot until they are done for less then $10.00.

I concurr with gunlovingirl that I wish more people didn't like them because that would leave more for me and at lower prices.

 

[ENGINE18]

I only have one .22LR revolver, a 63 no-dash I bought new when they first came out. It's the reason I have not yet made the move to reload! Shoot all day for zip.

While recently re-thinking my SHTF stash, I remembered to include the 63 in my "get outta Dodge" kit. "I'll be needing it for squirrels and such."

P.S. I would NOT want to be downrange of one either!

 

[cyriaque1946]

Basically, they're fun. But, until about 15 or so years ago, they accounted for more nonmilitary human deaths than any other caliber.

 

[Casehardn]

Is it the BEST caliber for self defense, obviously not.
But the .22 has always been a "right tool for the right job" kind of gun.
-If you have kids, it's a great caliber to start them off with so they don't pick up bad shooting habits.
-They are great fun to shoot and are still cheaper than your average reload in any larger caliber.
-They also put small game in the cook-pot better than any larger caliber.
-They are also pretty much indestructible since it's pretty much impossible to "Hot-load" a model 17.
A true classic.

 

[Slick Steve]

I use to have to have the biggest and the baddest of everything from guns to motorcycles. Now in my later years I find that I am content with less. While I have all the big and bad stuff I am gravitating towards smaller (much smaller). One of my favorite guns is my RWS .177 pellet gun. I have gone full circle and happy with that decision. What's next? A motorscooter perhaps???

 

[fyimo]

Your main sticking point seems to be the cost of a S&W revolver and they certainly have gone up in price this past 18 months. The reason for their surge in price is because center fire ammo is very expensive and dufficult to come by. You can still get 22LR ammo fairly easy and a brick is just less the $20 for most brands.

The other way to look at it is that whatever 22LR S&W revolver you buy will out last you so even on if you own one it will last forever. There are shooter grade 22's out there in the 90 to 92% condition that still can be found for around $500. I paid $500 for a Model 18-4 at the spring Springdale show and it's a 98% gun. You certaily won's find one these days for less then that unless you are lucky and buy one from someone who hasn't kept up to the current market.

For just plinking fun I've seen several semi auto Ruger Mark II's for sale locally in the $200 to $250 range and they are great shooters and very accurate and reliable.

18-4 bought at spring gun show for $500

 

[ENGINE18]

Not only will I never part with my 63 no-dash, but after reading this thread, I dug out my 28 year-old Marlin 60 from the back of the safe. I gave it a good cleaning, purchased 1000 .22LRs in various brands, and will head to the range this week with both. I don't have all I would like, but I'm happy with what I have!

 

[model70hunter]

22's are fun, cheap to shoot, bring in small game, control vermin, make ready beef and hogs for butchering and can be a defense weapon when used by a cool hand. I have 2 K-22's, my dad's 3 screw 4 5/8" Ruger, a Bearcat and my uncles High Standard Sport King. If I could only have 2 pistols one would be a 22 LR.