I want to buy a .22lr handgun to carry when hiking with my dog. I have always wanted a K-22, but something more economical would be more logical. The main use would be for snake protection, and also plinking tin cans, etc. Is there anything, revolver or semi-auto, in the under $400 range? Do the poly-frame models actually hold up? I prefer S&W models, but there is a Walthers semi-auto that I also have seen that caught my eye. [I'm not interested in any of the .410 revolvers that are advertised as snake guns.] I have the 15-22 rifle, but I haven't actually seen the companion pistol.
Handgun shopping
- Thread starter harrym
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Bkreutz
US Veteran
The M&P 22 and the Walther P22 are essentially the same pistol. Walther makes them both, the M&P model has features that mimic the regular M&P line (mag release position being the most notable). I have a couple of P22's and have had no problems with them so I suspect the M&P22 would be the same. Not sure of the present list price but they both come up for sale used pretty regularly, check your local "Armslist" and you will probably come across something that will fit your requirements. ARMSLIST - Gun Classifieds
KKECK5
Member
I'VE had the Ruger SR-22 for about 2 years. comes with 2 sets of grips and 2 - 10 round mags. I've had zero problems with it. Unlike most .22 autos IT WILL SHOOT ANY KIND OF AMMO..I've put about 2,000 rounds through it with only 2 or 3 jams, mostly when i had gone a long time without cleanings. Retail for a new one is $329.00. Shoots straight and dead on as they come.
bulldogman
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You have a lot of choices. Browning Buckmark, S&W, Baretta Neos, Ruger SR22, MKII, MKIII, Bersa Thunder etc.. I went with the Browning Buckmark, extremely accurate and reliable. Some of the .22 pistols can be a little more difficult to break down and clean so you may want to take that into consideration. Good luck.
C17
US Veteran
I have a ruger MKIII 22/45 and it is AWESOME. It is a tack driver, and lightweight. You can get one for under $400 NIB.
I almost got a walther P22 until I tried the enourmous trigger pull it has. Go to your lgs with a spent piece of 22 lr brass and ask them if yoi can dry fire a p22.
I almost got a walther P22 until I tried the enourmous trigger pull it has. Go to your lgs with a spent piece of 22 lr brass and ask them if yoi can dry fire a p22.
ma deuce
Member
I've had an ATI GSG-1911 for several years now. Same pistol as the SIG/Sauer 1911 .22, but costs a little less. I'm a fan of the 1911 platform, so I've been very comfortable with this gun. The only drawback is that it wants high-velocity ammo - standard speed stuff may not fully cycle the slide. Other than that, a great choice IMHO.
jagular
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I've had my sig 1911-22 for a couple years now and has performed well with hv ammo. CCI works has been mostly flawless and federal hv works well. I have two buds that have the m&p 22 and theyve had mixed results with them. Check out the ruger mkiii. Good performing gun that don't have to push back and entire slide like most conventional semi auto pistols.
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Nothing much wrong with the old Ruger Mk III, is there? An S&W 617 is good also, if not a tad heavy. Too bad they don't still make the 4 inch Model 63. Three inch is too short and 5 inch is too long, in my opinion.
I suppose, for the use you are indicating, a Ruger Single Six is a decent choice also. As to the Ruger SR22, it is nice, but the idea that you can easily replace that friction fit grip is a bit optimistic! Fortunately, it seems to fit most hands without having to attempt removal of the one they put on when they ship the pistol.
Naturally, there are quite a few older S&Ws that would fill the bill. The 6 inch K22 comes to mind as does the 4 inch Model 18. The new Classics of these, if you can find them, are also good.
I am not particularly a fan of the little J frame Airlights in 22. Those little J frames make nice understudies for the 442/642, but they are just too light for target type shooting - for me anyway, they just don't lay out there on target the way a heavier gun will - sort of balancing out any tremors that you have, which to me anyway, seem amplified with the very light weight little guns. In addition, the barrels of those J frame Airlights are too short for good effect in the woods. Easy carry, but harder to shoot with.
Don't overlook a 1911 with a 22 Conversion kit. Very nice if you are a fan of the 1911. The S&W 22A and Model 41s are also good shooters, and should not be overlooked. The 22A is a fine little pistol and does not, in my opinion, get the respect it deserves. The 41 is as good as it gets, but some would balk at carrying it in the woods.
Those are some ideas for your particular needs.
I suppose, for the use you are indicating, a Ruger Single Six is a decent choice also. As to the Ruger SR22, it is nice, but the idea that you can easily replace that friction fit grip is a bit optimistic! Fortunately, it seems to fit most hands without having to attempt removal of the one they put on when they ship the pistol.
Naturally, there are quite a few older S&Ws that would fill the bill. The 6 inch K22 comes to mind as does the 4 inch Model 18. The new Classics of these, if you can find them, are also good.
I am not particularly a fan of the little J frame Airlights in 22. Those little J frames make nice understudies for the 442/642, but they are just too light for target type shooting - for me anyway, they just don't lay out there on target the way a heavier gun will - sort of balancing out any tremors that you have, which to me anyway, seem amplified with the very light weight little guns. In addition, the barrels of those J frame Airlights are too short for good effect in the woods. Easy carry, but harder to shoot with.
Don't overlook a 1911 with a 22 Conversion kit. Very nice if you are a fan of the 1911. The S&W 22A and Model 41s are also good shooters, and should not be overlooked. The 22A is a fine little pistol and does not, in my opinion, get the respect it deserves. The 41 is as good as it gets, but some would balk at carrying it in the woods.
Those are some ideas for your particular needs.
Thanks, everyone. Going shopping Monday. My wife has a compact .380 Llama [miniature 1911] that is easy to carry. Want a .22 to conserve ammo costs. My daughter has a Ruger MkIII, but I never cared for it. Only .22 pistol I have ever had was a High Standard 50+ years ago. It would be good if I still had it. Sold all my guns, and practically everything else I owned, to finish college. That includes a beautiful 9mm Luger with holster and extra magazine -- a WWII bringback -- a Marlin 336 and a Krupp 9mm/16ga over/under drilling. Such is life!
drinva
Member
RUGER MARK III 22/45LITE
There is no comparison. I just came in from the range with mine, I have never ever seen a pistol shoot as well as these do, period. Yet they weigh nothing. I would not even shop, just buy one and thank us later.
I did upgrade the sights on mine, but I have older eyes and needed it:
There is no comparison. I just came in from the range with mine, I have never ever seen a pistol shoot as well as these do, period. Yet they weigh nothing. I would not even shop, just buy one and thank us later.
I did upgrade the sights on mine, but I have older eyes and needed it:
I am an old codger that has yet to be convinced about polymer or aluminum weapons. I love my S&W 15-22, but it just doesn't look like a gun. So appearance is important to me, and the Ruger MkIII is just too weird-looking for me. I just can't help but compare everything to a K-22, so I may have to bite the bullet and go that route. Hardly ever see a used one for sale, and the new ones are gold. But then, gold isn't what it was two months ago either.
Where do you hike? .22 handgun in Arizona would not be recommended by anyone I know. I often hike into the Black River to fly fish. Steep and rugged. I have never not had rattlesnake and bear encounters! I carry a Python or a Kimber .45. On more than 1 occasion my lifesaver has been my Italian hogie/hero sandwich! Most recently I damn near stepped on a rattler with sandals, got my heart rate calmed and looked up to see a bear coming towards me 25 yards out and closing! Waving my arms and yelling did nothing. With .357 in hand I tossed my sandwich and backed off. Threat over and a $7 hero gone. I climbed out. 600' Straight up. Slightly winded (right) I was approached by 5 drunk native Americans that wanted any beer/liquor I may have in my RV. Probably 60 miles to the nearest 7-11.... Looking for my camper keys in pack and out comes Mr. Colt for the second time in a day! I was buried in dirt from their spinning tires! .22, no way! BTW, I left the area as soon as my buddy climbed out....
dullh
Member
I have both the P22 and SR22, they're essentially the same except the SR22 has a nicer grip. Nothing beats a MkII with a bull barrel, though...
Hiking along a Kansas river, we do encounter deer and turkeys -- and an occasional rattlesnake. Saw a cougar once years ago, but that was a rarity that few believe. My companion [golden retriever] is not much for protection since she would run to me to save her. She does have a mean bark, though. So a .22 is big enough. We are not out in the wilderness.
GypsmJim
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I have a Ruger SR-22 and like it a lot. Ditto for my High Standard .22 semi-auto and my Ruger MK1 and MK 11. Also like my Ruger Single Six. Carried them all and liked them all. Last year I bought a 1960 vintage K-22 and I don't like it. I LOVE it. Paid only 350, so it was about the same as the SR-22. Go that way and you'll never be disappointed.
If for snake protection you are talking shotshells, I would stick with a revolver. In fact, I would get a S&W or Ruger .38 or .357 and use the Speer shotshells. Try out some .22 shotshells sometime, they are a bit anemic.
If I lived in the west again and had to share gound with real snakes, the kind worthy of being made into belts, I would get a .45 and load my own Speer shot capsules.
If I lived in the west again and had to share gound with real snakes, the kind worthy of being made into belts, I would get a .45 and load my own Speer shot capsules.
I'm confused by the new Model 617: This satin-stainless steel 10-shot revolver is advertised as classic K-22 accuracy, but the K-22 was not 10-shot. So this is not the same gun. Is it as good as the K-22? Or should I check around for a used K-22?
Fishinfool
Member
For light weight, and ease of carry, I like these two. A Ruger Bearcat, and a Walther P-22. Both are accurate and reliable, have decent triggers, are lightweight and compact, and the Walther has the advantage of adjustable sights. Being suitable for pocket carry is a nice option when you don't feel like strapping on a holster and a heavy gun.
Larry
Larry
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2tango2
US Veteran
I am in the market for a 22 as well and was sure that the mp22 was going to be the one. After handling a Ruger SR22 today it looks like I will be going in that direction instead
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2tango2
US Veteran
Got my SR22 yesterday. 319 OTD. Love the feel, hope to get some range time in this weekend
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OpsMgr
US Veteran
I own several Ruger Mk II's and a Mk III 22/45. All are great pistolas for target shooting, plinking and walking around in the great outdoors. Plus, there is a lot of aftermarket parts available if you choose to modify them.
My favorite is a my Mk II MK512GC. In the pic below she is set up for target shooting/Steel Challenge matches. She is a tack driver with quality match ammo.
My favorite is a my Mk II MK512GC. In the pic below she is set up for target shooting/Steel Challenge matches. She is a tack driver with quality match ammo.
The ruger mark series are good guns.Even the fixed sight versions are accurate,just experiment with h.v. and s.v. ammo to adjust elevation.
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