22 Long Rifle

[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.