Looking for advice - First .22 caliber handgun

[Fishinfool]

Limak

If you like the 1911 auto style, the GSG is a good choice, in my opinion. I have had one since they first came out, with about four or five bricks of 22's thru it, and it has worked well for me.

The Ruger MK ll's and lll's are nice as well, and as others have said, are a great choice, with great durability.

If you can find a S&W 22 revolver in your price range, grab it. That said, another vote for the Ruger single action - well within your price range, especially used, and they are about as reliable as an anvil. The smaller Bearcat model is also a good choice.

Pictured is my old MK ll tree rat killer, Bearcat, and my GSG 1911 .22 along side a real 1911 for comparison.

Larry

 

[824tsv]

Thank you all for your help. I will need to do more research.

I wanted to ask your advice about two 22 models that I found.
Colt,
Colt 1911 A1 .22lr 12rd by Walther 5170304

Gsg
GSG M1911 HGA .22LR 5'' Woodgrips GERG2210M1911

They are both on sale and look pretty good. The colt looks nicer but I cannot find much info about it online and not many reviews. The gsg is selling on other sites for 350, and has pretty good reviews. What do you think?

Thanks

I'm a big supporter of the Colt/Umarex (Walther) Gold Cup Trophy. I bought it new when they first came out and now I have over 10,000 rounds through it and it's still going strong. I've only just replaced the recoil spring. For the money you can't beat it.

I just clicked on your link: $229.00 is quite a good deal in my book. I would think that for your "1st" .22 something with adjustable sights would be better.

 

[Marshwheeling]

Here's another vote for Ruger, either the Mark III (or better yet, Mark II if you can find one used.

For a revolver, the Single Six is hard to beat. I don't mean to disparage other choices, but these are what I have, and both the auto and the revolver have been excellent. The auto is the easier gun to shoot accurately, so for instant gratification, that would be my pick.

The Gander Mountain in Woodbury has a good selection, but their prices are high. Cabela's at 94 and Radio Drive has an even better selection, and slightly better prices. Joe's Sporting Goods, at Rice and Co. Rd. B, has not quite the selection, but better prices. I have bought a couple of guns there in recent years.

 

[Brian41]

My first handgun was a Ruger MKI in bull barrel and a good gun to learn on. A little tricky at first to reassemble but after a few times quite easy to do.
I have the Sig 1911-22 as well and it's taking a bit of a break in period too. My favorite though are my S&W Model 17s but unless one has a lot of wear and tear cosmetically is probably out of your price range. Too bad as until the last couple years they were still affordable guns.
Take a class or get instruction from a seasoned shooter if you can. I had training in the service with a S&W model 15 but was on my own after that and some instruction when a new shooter would have been better. Good luck and welcome to the forum and shooting sports.

 

[GregoryJ]

My first 22 handgun was a Ruger SR22. It is definitely within your budget with some money left over for ammo. I have subsequently obtained a few 22 revolvers including a SP101 however the SR22 is much more fun to shoot than the wheel guns.

Just a word of caution, 22's are like rabbits, they have a way of multiplying very quickly.

 

[Limak]

Thanks everyone for your help. After a lot of back and forth, I ended up choosing a ruger single ten, thanks matt2009 for the idea. I wanted something simple, reliable, and fun to shoot. I choose this model because I found a good deal. Additionally I have friends who have many of the semi-autos that were suggested that I can borrow. Now I can't wait to get the gun and go to the range. Again, thanks.

 

[matt2009]

Thanks everyone for your help. After a lot of back and forth, I ended up choosing a ruger single ten, thanks matt2009 for the idea. I wanted something simple, reliable, and fun to shoot. I choose this model because I found a good deal. Additionally I have friends who have many of the semi-autos that were suggested that I can borrow. Now I can't wait to get the gun and go to the range. Again, thanks.

You're welcome. You made an excellent choice and will not be disappointed. With the SA revolver you will never have to worry about what kind of ammunition you shoot and these guns are well made.

Here's a few pictures of some targets.

Last time I shot it. Off hand at seven yards. I think that was 30 rounds and also after a slight rear sight adjustment.

Also last time I shot it. Off hand at 25 yards and before the sight adjustment.

And this was earlier in the year off hand at seven yards. Me and my cousin had a little friendly competition. My single ten vs his model 17. I had this ten shot group of 1.25" and he had a 1.5".

 

[STCM(SW)]

"The GSG is selling on other sites for 350, and has pretty good reviews. What do you think?"

I have one and it's great for the money.
If they put the SIG name on it, it goes up $50-$60 and it's the same pistol.....

 

[hkcavalier]

Good choice!

I had a blued Ruger Single Six but it developed rust really easily. Next one will be stainless, and probably the Single Ten. I no longer see the advantage of shooting .22 Mag from a pistol. It's a rifle round IMO.

If you're looking for a "fun gun" it's really not that, can't exactly rapid fire. But while all the semi auto guys were crying about the shortage I was out shooting .22 Shorts through my Ruger...

 

[inspcalahan]

I really enjoy the Colt/Umarex pistol. I've heard good things about the others as well.

 

[hoc9sw]

The Single ten is (at least in my mind) a good choice.

I bought a Single Six because of the extreme deal that day. It was problematic, with two trips to the mothership, but now is just at perfecr.

My last trip to the range had a 100% fire rate on some really marginal ammo. I am pleased with my Single Six purchase.

 

[Limak]

I bought the single ten instead of the single six since I found it at the same price. I wanted something that would shoot cheap 22 ammo, the recent shortage makes reasonably priced ammo hard to find. I initially did not want a single fire gun, but i think it might be a good way for me to focus on each shot a little more. I cannot wait to pick up the gun this weekend.

 

[Brian41]

"The GSG is selling on other sites for 350, and has pretty good reviews. What do you think?"

I have one and it's great for the money.
If they put the SIG name on it, it goes up $50-$60 and it's the same pistol.....

I paid more for the Sig as it was in stock plus it may have a better resale value because of the name if I were to sell it some time.

Congrats on your Ruger Limak as you made a good choice. I have a few Ruger SAs and they are good guns. I like too they have a ten shot model as reloading after six is somewhat a pain.