Selecting a 22 lr handgun - Suggestions?

[Comrad]

I like my Walther PPK/s a lot. Not sure what you are looking for, serious target shooting, plinking, or the cool factor of a 007 gun.

Tough first pull in DA but I like that for safety sake, there's no negligent discharge problems with a gun that needs a block and tackle to pull the trigger. LOL

Seriously, it's a very comfortable feeling pistol that I enjoy and highly recommend, but I'm not a serious bullseye target shooter. If they all hit the paper I'm pretty happy.

 

[long colt frazier]

Browning Buckmark.
Mark

 

[fyimo]

I like the S&W M&P 22 as they eat anything are accurate and not to expensive.

 

[Bugkiller99]

I 've a M&P full size 22lr auto. It's made by Walther. Been a good one, when I can get it away from my wife.

 

[pcgunner]

Thanks all for the great responses (even the biased ones LOL) - love all the info - takes a lot of time to get through it all and take it all in.

I'm not against or leaning towards any one particular style at the moment - I just don't have a big budget for this particular gun at this particular time.

I like 1911's because everyone I have held just "feels" right - mostly though, the one's I've been working towards is the Springfield .45 A1 - I really like this one a lot but that is for a different purpose and reason not related to the .22 purchase.

That being said, I do like the SA's cowboy models - but don't think they would work well for me and I'd end up buying it just because I like those kinds of guns - kinda defeats the purpose.

So far the Ruger MK II is the preferred for both of us - the wife held it and liked it (very small hands), and it was fine for me also.

The MK III target neither of us really felt good about - it was heavier and the grip was too large for her (I know we could probably change it out)...

Oh, and used is fine - I've purchased a few used guns and still have them - SW 686-4 .38/.357 - wifes favorite gun lol - bought about 15+ years ago for $350 in a pawn shop in Cal.

 

[eveled]

You've gotten some good advice, but not enough pictures. IMHO. My policy has always been to buy any .22 that looks like fun.

I like mkII's, but the Ruger mkIII, is probably your best option.

 

[Faulkner]

I also recommend you get something with a threaded barrel because once you get a .22 semi-auto you'll be wanting a new suppressor to go with it. I only wish I'd bought one years ago.

 

[BearBio]

OK==you want an auto, you want reasonable to good accuracy, you want 22 lr, you want a relatively small grip and you want reasonable expense.

Those criteria fit just about a dozen or so. I have (or have had) a S & W 41, High Standards, Iver Johnsons, Rugers (standard and target), Colt Woodsmens, Ruger revolvers, S & W revolvers, High Standard revolvers, Iver Johnson revovers, Browning autos, and even a Flobert. Ignoring expensive (and not necessarily high end), all the revolvers, and generally "weird" stuff, you basically end up with S & W, Colt, Browning, and Ruger. Price pretty much eliminates the S & W 41, and the Browning Medalist (I don't know anything about the cheaper S & W and Brownings). So, you are left with Colt Woodsman (and variations), Ruger iterations and High Standards. Using the premise that older is better (which seems to be the case), the only "new" gun appears to be the Ruger. Used High Standards and Colts will be comparable but magazines can be hard to find, especially for the Colts. H-S mags also can be hard to find, sometimes. All three will generally be more accurate than you are=grips will be comparable and target grips are readily available. Rugers, as a drawback, are hard to clean. The Ruger bull barrel are very accurate (we used to used mine to shoot ground squirrels at 50-65 yards). On the other hand, Colts are "classier". Price-wise Rugers will be the best (=lowest).

Considering everything, the Ruger looks like the best fit!

BTW: If you want something smaller, look at the Bersa Thunder. Should be able to find one well under $300. A real "sleeper". (PS, so are used Berettas)

 

[scoobysnacker]

Ruger and Browning seem to be the consensus picks, I think you have to decide between the grip angle and how much ease of takedown is important (I think the Rugers are supposed to be tough in that regard). Don't get a 22 version of a different gun, get the dedicated 22 model- Ruger Mk (whatever version you find), or Browning Buckmark.

Other options that I have- old Hi Standard; I have a Sportking and both these and Duramatics are found fairly cheap, and tend to be good guns. But don't shoot hi-velocity ammo, and the magazines are very picky and pricey, so this isn't probably a good idea.

Also, I have a S&W 22A; which is really a reliable and pretty accurate pistol. I've not had a lot of failures, it's less finicky than the High Standard, so there's that. It's also discontinued, so it should be pretty cheap to find one in good shape (mine was $175). It's not a particularly attractive firearm, but sometimes, that isn't the priority.

 

[Chubbs103]

I have always liked the Ruger MkII. That being said, the last pistol I purchased was a pawn shop Browning Buckmark. I paid $240. It has proven accurate and reliable. Take-down is easy.

There is a lot of aftermarket support for both the Ruger and the Browning .22s.

It should be easy to find examples of each for your wife to handle before purchase. I say whichever she prefers, go ahead and purchase it(although you can likely find a used Buckmark a little cheaper). You won't regret either one.

Chubbs

 

[model70hunter]

22's?????
Let's see-I've got.....

Mk1 Ruger
MkII Ruger 45/22
Mk III Ruger
K22
63
SP101
317
317-1
617

Thought I had everyone I could want but that S&W victory 22 is a callin.....

If I had to only keep one it would be the MkI (1952 gun that was my fathers) and the 63 which was the first gun I ever bought with my own money all by myself.

Based on my experience-I'd go with a nice Ruger

If you get one of the 22 Victory's let me know how it shoots. It seems to be calling my name. Hopefully it shoots one ragged hole and not shotgun groups.. Thanks.

 

[SweetMK]

I avoided Ruger,,, until I found that little orange box on Amazon,,,

My thumb thanks me EVERY time I take a Ruger out shooting,,,

 

[Cyrano]

Don't know whether this woud fit your needs or not, but I just got a Kimber 22 conversion unit for a 45. It ould fit your Springfield very nicely. Mine is accurate and sights look a little like they're made by Bo-Mar.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Get a Ruger and put a can on it.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
A Ruger Mk.1 is a good solid weapon.

**** Caution: DO NOT disassembly it until there is a room reserved for you at the insane asylum

 

[K Frame Keith]

Be careful, you can't stop at just one.

 

[teletech]

I'd say ditch the budget requirement and buy a S&W Model 41 after all, if you like your new .22 enough you might just forget you wanted a 1911.
. The gun seriously shoots itself. Plus it looks great and everybody who uses it is impressed by it. It's reliable and accurate with a wide variety of ammunition, just fit a new extractor once in a while. Plus they hold their value really well.

Of course, this IS a S&W forum after all.

 

[OLDSTER]

.22 LR

No need to look any further than this

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Be careful, you can't stop at just one.

Oh sure.... NOW you tell me!

 

[pawngal]

My vote would be either the Ruger Mark II or Browning Buckmark. Have owned both, foolishly sold the Ruger years ago. For the money the Buckmark is a great gun. My 14 yr old grandson shoots it more than me, (and better too!) You should be able to purchase a new Buckmark Camper for $350-400. MSRP is only $389.