Selecting a 22 lr handgun - Suggestions?

[pcgunner]

I've zero experience with 22 lr Semi Auto, and could use some advice/suggestions on which to consider in my purchase.

Used is fine with me - I have no problem going to a pawn shop/gun show or whatever to find a used one.

I've seen a few threads about the 22, but not really interested in a conversion or 1911 style or SA.

The criteria is kinda odd as the purpose of the purchase is primarily to enter a contest - I'm far from being a pro obviously - it's a local shooting contest and has to be with a 22lr.

I'd like to get one with a relatively small grip so the wife could use it also - I think her grip is probably more important than mine - I just don't want to buy his and her guns if possible.

Another criteria is I don't want to break the bank.

I need one very inexpensive since I'm also in the market for a new Springfield 1911 A1, Peacemaker replica in .45 colt (x2) as well as a .45 colt lever action - but that's for another thread

Thanks as always in advance

 

[star1]

I'd advise going to gun store and see what feels right. I'd personally stick with a name brand like S&W, Ruger etc . I bought a S&W M&P 22 FS LR a couple of months ago and am very happy with it so far

Norm

 

[murphydog]

You're asking for a few widely differing features in the same gun. Also, you didn't mention if you want a revolver or semi-auto?

However, if you have no preference, a Ruger Standard Auto/Mk I-III seems to get closest. Accurate, a relatively small grip frame, and inexpensive. Any quality revolver will run you more, or a lot more. Others will have good ideas, I'm sure.

 

[arjay]

I would look for a used Ruger mark 1,2or 3.They are usually very accurate and inexpensive

 

[pcgunner]

I'd advise going to gun store and see what feels right. I'd personally stick with a name brand like S&W, Ruger etc . I bought a S&W M&P 22 FS LR a couple of months ago and am very happy with it so far

Norm

Yah, I'm going there today but the local stores have very little inventory

This weekend is a show in Tallahassee I'm going to as well - so pricing information is more than welcome as well

 

[pcgunner]

You're asking for a few widely differing features in the same gun. Also, you didn't mention if you want a revolver or semi-auto?

However, if you have no preference, a Ruger Standard Auto/Mk I-III seems to get closest. Accurate, a relatively small grip frame, and inexpensive. Any quality revolver will run you more, or a lot more. Others will have good ideas, I'm sure.

Thx, updated the post with semi

Those ruger are Luger look alikes you're talking about?

 

[ky wonder]

a trip to a gun show would be a good outing to look at and discover a 22 that you would like.

the j frame or k frame smiths are excellent revolvers with the j frame being smaller, but a k frame with magna grips is a very shoot-able pistol

there is also the Ruger, browning buck marks and high standard autos that have small grips and are very accurate.

there are dozens of newer autos that are on the market that I have not looked at, however I would not advise you to buy a Sig mosquito since they have a 20 lb trigger and no good way to lighten it, the mosquito is a 3/4 size copy of their 226 feels great but trigger is bad and very picky on what it will feed

there are literally hundreds of fine shooting old revolvers from firms like high standard, H&R, Ruger, Iver Johnson, and many others that are accurate as well.

so again my advise would be a trip to a gun show where you can see many and pick one out that has target sights that will fit your needs..

there are also old colts like the diamond back and woodsman but you said you did not want to break the bank, while they want break a bank they will leave the door propped open

 

[tayninh69]

The steel Ruger 22s do have the grip angle of a Luger. Like several others it would also be my recommendation for a first 22 auto. The only down side of the pistol is it can be a pain to disassemble/reassemble. It is not complex, just sometimes requires a soft faced hammer to line up the upper assembly and the frame. I've read this isn't as much of a concern in the stainless models but having never have owned one in SS I can't verify this as fact.

 

[tbgunner88]

I have a Ruger SR22 and it has been a great pistol. If I'm not mistaken they recently made a version with a longer barrel and slide that may be more in line with what you are looking for to use in a shooting contest.

 

[Rpg]

Since you are willing to consider used guns:

My first choice would be a Colt Woodsman. A functional, but cosmetically challenged prewar Woodsman can be had for less than $500. I use one for beginning shooters. The women in these classes prefer it to most alternatives I offer including Rugers

The High Standard model b is a close second and less expensive than the Woodsman.

Both these are head and shoulders better than current models.

 

[Targets Guy]

Smith and Wesson SW22 Victory. My wife loves mine.



first time I shot it

 

[BigBill]

Colt Woodsman
Ruger target MkI, MkII, MkIII.

 

[star1]

I paid $369 for my M&P 22


Norm

 

[Mule Packer]

You've gotten some great advice. I'm not going to suggest one particular brand because all of the brands listed thus far are high quality, reliable .22 handguns. Personally, I think you'd be satisfied with any of the brands suggested...i.e. S&W, Ruger, Colt, Browning, High Standard.

Also, as you continue to do your research, you'll find that used guns of those brands are usually still in great shape. With basic care, they were made to last a lifetime, and then some. It's not uncommon to find someone using an old Colt Woodsman that once belonged to his grandfather.

I have a Ruger MkII with a 5½-inch bull barrel that I've had for several years. It's accompanied me on several outdoor excursions. It rides well on my hip, in my tackle box, or in my saddle bags. It's a heckuva lot of fun to shoot and, more importantly, it's as accurate as all get out. Of all my handguns, this is the one my wife prefers to shoot over all others.

All of those brands, though, will fit that criteria. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Besides, in my opinion, everyone needs a .22 handgun.

 

[pcgunner]

Thx all - yah some really good suggestions - much appreciated.

Went to the LGS and looked at a few - both of us liked the Rock Island 1911 XT-22 (349.99), Browning Buck Mark (419.99), and the Ruger Mk II (549.99)

Rock island is closer to our budget however - at least now I have an idea for the gun show this weekend.

 

[Jebus35745]

The Ruger mk 2 is the preferred out of the mk 1&3. Great entry level bullseye gun and lots of parts to customize as you go. Let her pick one up to see if it's OK for her hands. My wife has a 22/45 w/4" hvy bbl, it's a little lighter for her. I shot the heck out of a Smith 41 over the years, too heavy for her. I'm actually looking for a Ruger MK 2 government model target right now, always wanted one. Good luck, Larry

 

[Jim1392]

Take a look at the S & W M & P 22C. I bought it last year and have about 8000 rounds through it with no problems. It eats just about any ammo you put in it. I started taking my wife to the range and she has just about taken over the gun she likes it so much. She has stated calling it her gun. Her hands are small and she has no problem shooting it. Plus it's not a heavy gun for her to handle.

 

[Old cop]

Another vote for the S&W .22 Compact. I got one a few months ago and it runs every kind of .22 LR I put in the mags, and is very accurate. Just shot it yesterday and had a lot of fun.

 

[tlawler]

I've had Colt Woodman's and Browning Buckmarks in the past and loved them. I now have a Ruger mark II that is a blast to shoot. I actually think I like it more than the two aforementioned brands. If you're a 1911 guy, pick up a Ruger 45/22. Same grip angle and ergonomics.

 

[tlawler]

Thx all - yah some really good suggestions - much appreciated.

Went to the LGS and looked at a few - both of us liked the Rock Island 1911 XT-22 (349.99), Browning Buck Mark (419.99), and the Ruger Mk II (549.99)

Rock island is closer to our budget however - at least now I have an idea for the gun show this weekend.

Take a look on gunbroker. There are a bunch right now in the sub $400 range. Othet good resources are armslist and florida gun trader. Not quite the selection, but I've found some real bargains on both.