does a man really need a .22 caliber revolver?

[Camster]

"There is no need to invest in other .22 handguns in my opinion. With little self defense value, my money could be spent better on other guns"

My opinion is virtually the flipside of this.
I have only a few centerfires,.22 handguns are virtually the only thing that I want to spend money on,and I have more than a few.Of all the guns that I own,only one has a secondary role as a self defense gun.

 

[Stainz]

One aspect of shooting hasn't been addressed... fun. Sure, it's fun to watch someone else shoot your loudenboomer - and shed tears. But, machismo be hanged, watching their face as they dot an i with a .22 rf revolver is better. And, carpal tunnel problems, arthritis, pins in the wrist, etc - and you'll love a .22 rf. It's a great way to find enjoyment shooting - when you have a physical reeason to no longer 'enjoy' centerfires.

My most important suggestion re a .22 rf - and this is from experience - is to not wait - get one as soon as you can. I started with .45 ACP - discovered revolvers in .45 Colt - eventually discovered .38 - then .32. Finally, after turning sixty, I bought my first DA .22 rf revolver - a 4" x10 617 - new 9/08. Don't do that! Get one soon - skimp elsewhere - sell/trade as necessary - but get one - soon. All of the reasons are good - ammo cost, especially. Even the local store's ZERO 148gr LWC @ $8/50 cannot compete with 525/550 rd bricks of .22 rf from discount stores at $16 - that's <$.03 per rd vs $.16/rd.

I followed up my first .22 with a LN 5" 63 - bought from a friend's estate. The 3" 63 finally became available just before last Thanksgiving - a keeper, for sure.

Do I 'need' any of them? Which 'one' would I keep, if I could keep but one? Hard questions. I hate to say this, as I love the 617, but that 3" 63, currently widely available, is a complete little package - even if I added the 60 Pro style grips to both 63's - the OEM rubber is fine.

I guess my answer is that every handgun shooter will benefit by buying a DA .22 rf revolver.

Stainz

 

[Jitterbug]

Unfortunately due to financial distress these past few years I had to sell a late 50's or early 60's model K-22.

I do still have a Ruger MkII that I've owned for close to 30 years and it still gets quite a bit of range time, often I will shoot it alongside a Compact Aluminum framed .45acp or Commander sized 10mm.

A mag in each then I switch, when I start with the inevitable flinch caused by heavy recoil the .22 quickly gets me right back on track with fundamentals.

I think a man should have both the revolver and semi...in .22. Not only for inexpensive fun, but as invaluable shooting aids.

Nice guns Stainz!

 

[Speedo2]

Does a man really need a .22 caliber revolver?

I've been reluctant to weigh-in on this discussion; mostly because I think that I know the answer to it and I don't really want to admit that some of the things that I consider to be important aren't really necessary. Heck, I went without a K22 for over 50 years! (But never without a 22 rifle; thanks Dad.) Then with a bit of age, I gained something that some people think resembles wisdom and I stopped fighting all that minimalistic BS. I'm much happier for it too. I know a few crazy, cantankerous and miserable old geezers that do not own K22's. Don't be like them; pursue what makes you happy. -S2

 

[Larry from Bend]

I bought a Ruger 22 (a FlatGate) from my uncle when I was 13 and have had at least one 22 revolver ever since (51 years). My Model 17 no dash was my gift to myself upon graduating from college (it was $60). My Model 34-1 was my motorcycle companion in the 70s and 80s. My Model 18-4 was almost a gift at the end of a many-year quest for one. And yes, there have been more Single Sixes and BearCats and the odd H&R, too. I still have most of them; and the ones that are gone I remember fondly. They remind me of a thousand adventures and friends who have gone on. Days in the woods, on the prairie, on long trips and in tented camps. I pity those poor souls who have never owned 22 revolvers.

 

[Andyd]

Every affluent shooter with good taste and above average marksmanship should have at least one.

I settled for a favorite rimfire revolver after a long search.

 

[ken158]

You only need a 22 if you enjoy shooting and will shoot it. Otherwise, put your snubbie or whatever in the nightstand if it makes you feel safe. Practice with a 22 and a little with your home defense gun will do wonders for your shooting ability.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Every affluent shooter with good taste and above average marksmanship should have at least one.

I settled for a favorite rimfire revolver after a long search.

What the heck is that next to the hammer? A full-auto selector switch? Don't tell me it's a safety? Is the world really coming to an end on the 21st of this month???

John

 

[SpeedBeez]

Let me join in if today I was told I could only keep one hand gun it would be a S&W revolver, my favorite the K22 Masterpiece. I have shot it more than anything else that I have and has been with me for a life time.

 

[xopher88x]

My answer: yes, duh!

 

[Camster]

What the heck is that next to the hammer? A full-auto selector switch? Don't tell me it's a safety? Is the world really coming to an end on the 21st of this month???

John

Never mind that switch.That's a Korth.Nothing more precision made than that...and no more to be made.
Welcome aboard Andy.

 

[yogiboobooranger]

As a Grandfather of several up and coming shooters, I have to say without a doubt, YES to having to own a .22 of some sort. A good .22 revolver, and a good .22 rifle are worth their weight in Gold when it comes to teaching youngun's how to shoot..and to see their faces when they touch off their first round is absolutely wonderful. Once they have fired their first, there is no stopping their enthusiasm and the willingness to learn proper shooting techniques, and to progress to larger calibers as well. I would not trade the experiences for all the gold you could give me...JMHO of course.

 

[Frailer]

My .22 revolvers serve multiple purposes:

1) Fun
2) Training
3) Teaching others to shoot
4) Fun

Not necessarily in that order. Does this constitute *need*? You be the judge.

 

[RAMS]

"Does a man really need a .22 caliber revolver?"

Oh, great! Now there are Communists on the Forum. Nobody asked that question after the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor, did they?

 

[David LaPell]

Oh yes, everyone needs a .22 revolver. There are too many grouse, squirrels, and bunnies out there to not need one.

 

[1aafan]

22 rimfire class in Steel Challenge and Bianchi now. A Bianchi match normally uses 200 rounds per match. Which would you prefer, buy 4-5 boxes of centerfire or spend about $5 for .22?

We also teach new shooters using our .22s. Low recoil, lighter weight, no "scare" factor...
Plus fun to shoot!

 

[glenncal1]

You need at least one in each barrel length:

 

[glenncal1]

And if you get nuts you can add a 48 in each barrel length too:

 

[Tom Kent]

In a word, YES.

 

[civil1977]

Does a man really need a .22 caliber revolver?

For the reasons posted above, most men who own one find the need to have more than one and I think that's the best answer there is. They are just that good.