Looking for advice - First .22 caliber handgun

[Limak]

Hi,

I am looking for a good .22 caliber gun for me to learn with. I am new to guns and I am looking for a good reliable gun for a newbie, maybe a revolver. I do not care about the cosmetics of the gun such as scratched but do not want anything that would impair the function of the gun. I on a budget and I am looking to spend less than what a new 22 gun would cost me, I live in Minnesota. Thanks

My budget is about 400-500, thanks

 

[JJEH]

Welcome aboard.

What exactly is your budget? That would help...

 

[Limak]

Thanks JJEH

 

[ma deuce]

There are all sorts of options out there in your price range. It's a little low for a S&W revolver, but more than enough for my top recommendation, a Ruger 22/45. You can find them for under $300 new, they're accurate with decent triggers out-of-the-box, and you'll have money left over for plenty of .22 ammo, if you can find it. The Browning Buckmark is another top choice.

 

[matt2009]

My wife bought me a NIB Ruger New Model Single Ten last year that was priced $485. It is a sweat gun, holds ten rounds and has awesome sights (green fiber optics).

 

[sophie]

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

 

[hoc9sw]

I have a Ruger Single Six that meets the criteria. You should find one new in the $325-$400 range. They handle all standard .22 short, long, or LR ammo. Hard to find something it won't shoot. Good training gun.

Heritage Arms makes a lesser quality, but still functional, single action .22 at a much lower price, but it has a limited warranty.

 

[Ranger17]

i second the suggestion of a Buckmark; and as many models are in the $300's new, you'd be able to find one that fits the bill. It's been an excellent gun for myself to learn on, one that i enjoy shooting. In fact i'm not sure used ones would be a whole lot less for cost.

 

[ibewbull]

Ruger also makes the SP 101 in .22 in a 4.2 inch barrel.
I have seen them new at $550 but there may be a used deal somewhere.
Welcome aboard.

 

[Ranger17]

OP, as you're in MN go check out an area Gander Mt if you have one close by (easy enough to browse their site as well). They have several models of Rugers and Browning Buckmarks (and others as well) all in the $300's. They'd be great first handguns: cheap, reliable, and accurate to shoot and should last a long time.
In fact i got in this sport less then 2 years ago already in my 50's; 1st gun was an old Colt challenger handed down from family and i picked up my Buckmark shortly after and just love it.

Anyhow good luck on finding the right one for you. Maybe try your local range to see if they have rentals, a nice way to compare a couple models before purchase. Practice when you can, it makes a big difference. Heck i hit the Gander range in Wi every time i go back to visit family to get more time in when i can and allows me to shoot with someone else to make it more fun. And get some good training/help to make sure you learn the right way and not pick up poor habits that are hard to break later (just my .02 lol).

 

[Limak]

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

 

[Limak]

My wife bought me a NIB Ruger New Model Single Ten last year that was priced $485. It is a sweat gun, holds ten rounds and has awesome sights (green fiber optics).

That is one nice looking gun.

 

[Adk Mike]

My first revolver is a Ruger Single Six. To this day it's a favorite. I have others but a walk it the woods the old Ruger is my go to gun.

 

[ma deuce]

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 have no personal experience with the "Colt", but from what I've heard you should not be fooled by the use of that name on this gun. Both from what I've read and from two people I know who've had one, experience of quality and function has been spotty, to say the least.

I've owned a GSG 1911 for at least four years. It's been pretty good, but nowhere near as reliable as a Ruger Mark II/III, Ruger 10/22, or Buckmark would be. On the other hand, my experiences with the customer service of ATI, the importer, have been very good.

 

[Ranger17]

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 dont have near the experience many on this forum do, but in a year have fired close to a couple thousand rounds in my Buckmark and except for a handful of ammo issues (common with .22's until you find what your gun "likes" and dislikes) it's been perfect. As others have said, a Buckmark as well as the Rugers (and potentially a couple more) can give you rock solid performance in a good price. Most research i did suggested same models as you're seeing in this thread; i stayed away from lesser known or cheaper brands, as I wanted my true 1st piece to be something i'll have and enjoy for years, even at my age lol. It's good you're asking questions and doing research, mix that with some actual, experience with some of these listed (if available) and you'd be all set to make a decision that works for you.

 

[mbliss57]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 about 2 years ago. New for $299. Its the Mark III.
Very bare bones as far as upgrades but my wife took 3rd place with it last week in steel (iron sights) challenge out of about 20 shooters. I was shooting center fire. It's been super reliable. A pain to take apart but that get easier. That would be my 1st recommendation.
You can learn to shoot, plink or compete if you wish.

 

[ma deuce]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 about 2 years ago. New for $299. Its the Mark III.
Very bare bones as far as upgrades but my wife took 3rd place with it last week in steel (iron sights) challenge out of about 20 shooters. I was shooting center fire. It's been super reliable. A pain to take apart but that get easier. That would be my 1st recommendation.
You can learn to shoot, plink or compete if you wish.

That is part of the beauty of the Rugers or the Buckmark - they're accurate enough out of the box for casual or even fairly serious competition. With a few, relatively inexpensive tweaks, they, especially the Rugers, can be made into fairly serious competitors.

 

[sodacan]

Start with a revolver. The manual of arms with a wheel gun makes it much simpler to master.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I think a Smith & Wesson might exceed your budget a little, unless you shop around, and take your time. I agree with everybody that a revolver, particularly, a Ruger, might be just what the doctor ordered. They're incredibly durable, quite accurate, and the fun-factor is beyond cool. Check them out.

 

[hoc9sw]

Limak,

I own a Sig 1911-22, which is effectively the GSG, just different labels. I would not call it the best starter 22. Mine, up until I hit 4000 rounds, would choke on anything less than CCI Mini Mags, It is better now, but break-in was painful.

I bought (and keep) it because of the 1911 frame, which is the grip and layout that I am used to.

Based on my experience with the Sig/GSG, considering your being a new shooter, I would lean to the revolvers, or a SW Model 22A. I have fired the 22A, and find it very accurate and tolerant of even marginal ammo.

 

[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.