BigBill
Absent Comrade
H&R 22cal revolver.
Looking for a plinking revolver
- Thread starter Mikeyfran55
- Start date
You can get a barrel anywhere for less than 20 bucks. A little wood, a nail and some rubber bands and you are good to go. We did a lot of "plinkin" back in the day in Brooklyn. My great uncle Fabio started with this and still rules Canarsie numbers.
Green Frog
Member
From the number and type of responses you got within the first 12 hours of your post, you can see that this question needs a bit of qualification. What kind of volume do you plan to be shooting, do you reload, and how much money do you consider "cheap?" At this point, you might well get a better than average deal on one of the S&W 22s and have something that would actually increase in value if and when ammo supplies catch up with demand... otherwise, a lesser 22 such as the High Standard (which would be my preference since it was my first handgun) or the H&R would work but still requires difficult to find (now) ammo.
A center fire revolver such as a Model 10 can be found cheaply as can Charter Arms, Rossi and Taurus, but ammo is more expensive if you don't reload and always will be. That part of the equation needs examining.
I'll mention my favorite plinker, which hasn't been mentioned. I reload, so it's center fire but it's not a 38. I like 32s because I can reload them cheaply and recoil is about like a 22. Keep in mind that I cast my own bullets though, so my cash outlay is only for primers and tiny amounts of powder. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Froggie
A center fire revolver such as a Model 10 can be found cheaply as can Charter Arms, Rossi and Taurus, but ammo is more expensive if you don't reload and always will be. That part of the equation needs examining.
I'll mention my favorite plinker, which hasn't been mentioned. I reload, so it's center fire but it's not a 38. I like 32s because I can reload them cheaply and recoil is about like a 22. Keep in mind that I cast my own bullets though, so my cash outlay is only for primers and tiny amounts of powder. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Froggie
Threads such as this always brings out folks wanting to post about their own favorites and tangent off to reloading or showing very expensive finds they picked up cheap.
Anyone who has reached the stage that he reloads and has the required equipment is not going to be asking about an inexpensive plinker, but someone unfamiliar with firearms would ask that question. The replies should be directed at realistic answers rather than an opportunity to show off pet setups.
I do enjoy seeing what some use for plinking, but most of the replies are not very applicable for someone wanting an arm to plink at cans with.
Anyone who has reached the stage that he reloads and has the required equipment is not going to be asking about an inexpensive plinker, but someone unfamiliar with firearms would ask that question. The replies should be directed at realistic answers rather than an opportunity to show off pet setups.
I do enjoy seeing what some use for plinking, but most of the replies are not very applicable for someone wanting an arm to plink at cans with.
bananaman
Member
I have got to say a 4" K frame in .38 Special. Yes, it does help if you reload. It is hard to find .22's in my area. Some ammo feeds poorly in some guns. My 22A was a prime example. As accurate as it was, it's gone. I am down to 1 .22, and sold off all, but 1 brick of ammo. Bob
WisconsinKen
Member
I agree on the Heritage Rough Rider. I picked up one at Cabella's on Black Friday for $99. There are lots of the 4.75-6.5' on our favorite gun action site for $119. Hard to beat this level of "economy." 22LR should come down some day. This is just like the black rifle hoarding days when basic ARs were over $1000 and now there are sub $500 deals out there. I also like 22 because it is the softest shooting for teaching purposes.
sarg1c
US Veteran
well,I have to agree with you on the 63 if you are in the need for a .22.Also a charter arms .22 stainless shoots great and a lot cheaper (less expensive) .The Rugers are great also. Best thing to do is go to a LGS. and hold one of your choice.You are probably like anyone else, There are some model you will like more than others. I reload so center fire like the .380 or.38Special are my favorite along with the 9mm.As someone has stated,the Heritage Rough riders are also great for single action plinking and very reasonable.
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NJM15
Member
Inexpensive plinker
I have a model 17 but wanted to try something different so I got a Rossi model 98 plinker 8 shot its not a Smith but it shoots straight and narrow for 338.00
I have a model 17 but wanted to try something different so I got a Rossi model 98 plinker 8 shot its not a Smith but it shoots straight and narrow for 338.00
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ColbyBruce
Member
I am a huge fan of S&W fixed sight, K frame revolvers. I currently own seven. Such a handgun will handle a wide variety of ammo from shot shells, light target, to self defense loads. Simply swap the stocks to fit the hands of anyone eight to eighty. The proper holster and belt combination allow it to be carried concealed.
The 3" heavy barrel, round butt, stainless versions are my favorite.
The 3" heavy barrel, round butt, stainless versions are my favorite.
Well, since I'm obviously one of these "show off" folks please note that my comments regarding reloading 38 spl. were prefaced with "IF you reload OR know someone who does".
And I still stand by my M10 recommendation. Good used ones can be had for the same price as a quality 22, and even if you only shoot factory loaded ammo, you can always sell your once-fired brass for 5-10 cents each and bring the cost to shoot it back down into the same ballpark as 22LR.
Not to mention that you can still find 38 spl. just about anywhere (Wallyworld) while 22LR is still as elusive as unicorn flatulence in a lot of places. And to reiterate; the 38 is a lot more fun to shoot and far more versatile than any 22LR IMO.
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bigtubby
Member
I would think a High Standard would fit the bill if you could find one local if not readily available on GB.
Well maybe so, but I sure would not recommend a zip gun 
After playing around with guns since 1951 and being able to collect a few for the range, I have definite ideas of what I enjoy shooting, but someone starting from scratch needs a reasonable recommendation as a starting point.
That is not to say I don't enjoy seeing the variety that others enjoy.
In this instance someone asked guidance for a simple, inexpensive plinker which is an excellent starting point. Mine was a used .22 Colt single action Buntline which still has a warm spot in my heart. Acorns, snakes, cans and a variety of targets provided fun for my wife and myself using everything from shorts to long rifles.
After playing around with guns since 1951 and being able to collect a few for the range, I have definite ideas of what I enjoy shooting, but someone starting from scratch needs a reasonable recommendation as a starting point.
That is not to say I don't enjoy seeing the variety that others enjoy.
In this instance someone asked guidance for a simple, inexpensive plinker which is an excellent starting point. Mine was a used .22 Colt single action Buntline which still has a warm spot in my heart. Acorns, snakes, cans and a variety of targets provided fun for my wife and myself using everything from shorts to long rifles.
ColbyBruce
Member
I also like the High Standard Sentinel revolvers but have not found one locally under $400.00 in the last five years. I have owned a few Charter Arms Pathfinders but had problems with them.
I recently found a local guy selling a High Standard Double Nine for under $200. Seemed like a pretty decent little revolver.
The cylinder, ejector, and crane/yoke looked pretty much identical to the ones on those sentinels others have posted. Frame & barrel look different, due to it being patterned more after the Peacemaker cowboy style guns.
Are the frames on the Sentinels aluminum like the Double Nine? I'd assume the quality would be about the same for both? If so, then that sounds like another good alternative for a beginner.
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jhcii
US Veteran
In .22 rimfire I like the SA and the semi auto. SW 41 is my favorite semi and my old Colt New Frontier .22WMR/.22LR fills the bill.
Nothing wrong with a 17 either.
In .38 it'd be the ceiling if it exists--to include all .357s.
Those two calibers, .22 and .38/.357 would be your next gun and it's going to be the funnest time of your shooting life.
Nothing wrong with a 17 either.
In .38 it'd be the ceiling if it exists--to include all .357s.
Those two calibers, .22 and .38/.357 would be your next gun and it's going to be the funnest time of your shooting life.
Backlighting
Member
My favorite plinkers are:
Ruger single-six and in semiautos the Browning Buckmark Camper.
Ruger single-six and in semiautos the Browning Buckmark Camper.
flagman1776
Member
4" M34-1 with factory targets. I bought mine in 1978.
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I don't reload, and even paying shipping charges, .22LR is still the cheapest for me to shoot (plus, you can buy the primo stuff that stores don't usually stock). With that said, I've been fortunate that in the last few months, I have started seeing .22LR ammo in a couple of my local big box stores again.
I own quite a few .22LRs, of all types. Taurus, is the cheapest I'd recommend to anyone. The Model 94s can be good, but like everything Taurus, it's a **** shoot whether you get a good one or not, and if you don't, there's a chance you'll have to pay for the trip to Florida to get it fixed, and that can be costly. Even a good Model 94 will have a stiff trigger.
My suggestion is you look for the most common, decent, .22LR handgun out there, and if you want to keep it cheap, look for a used sample in good condition. I suggest you look for a used Ruger 22/45, which is cheaper than a MKIII, or even the older MKIIs, or Browning Buckmark, and look for some ammo locally or online. My experience with the only Single-Six I owned was that it was inaccurate because the bore was oversized to accommodate for the .22 Magnum. One cheaper .22LR pitol I owned that was fantastic, and whose only fault were expensive spare magazines, was a Bersa Firestorm. If I had known I would eventually sell my Beretta 87, I would've held onto that Bersa.
Good luck in your search!
I own quite a few .22LRs, of all types. Taurus, is the cheapest I'd recommend to anyone. The Model 94s can be good, but like everything Taurus, it's a **** shoot whether you get a good one or not, and if you don't, there's a chance you'll have to pay for the trip to Florida to get it fixed, and that can be costly. Even a good Model 94 will have a stiff trigger.
My suggestion is you look for the most common, decent, .22LR handgun out there, and if you want to keep it cheap, look for a used sample in good condition. I suggest you look for a used Ruger 22/45, which is cheaper than a MKIII, or even the older MKIIs, or Browning Buckmark, and look for some ammo locally or online. My experience with the only Single-Six I owned was that it was inaccurate because the bore was oversized to accommodate for the .22 Magnum. One cheaper .22LR pitol I owned that was fantastic, and whose only fault were expensive spare magazines, was a Bersa Firestorm. If I had known I would eventually sell my Beretta 87, I would've held onto that Bersa.
Good luck in your search!
