[RockyTop]

What do you all think of a .22 as a fun gun? I was contemplating a plr .22 or Ruger mark III mainly due to the ammo prices, but didn't know how enjoyable it really would be or if I'd get bored with it too easily.

Opinions?

[JCisHe]

They are a blast. It's a BANG!

[LRaccuracy]

I have great fun with .22 LR pistol, and it seems most of them are pretty acccurate. If I am not shooting .22 LR pistol or Rifle I am shooting .45 ACP revolver or .308 M1A.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Build a fire for a man and keep him warm for a night. Set him on fire and keep him warm for the rest of his life.

[MovedWest]

The MkIII is a wonderful weapon. Probably one of the most reliable and accurate 22lr pistols out there. I fired my dad's MkII when I was 4 and purchased my own MkIII when I was 30. It comes with me on nearly every trip to the range.

-MW

[tguil]

I have two Ruger .357 magnums, a Ruger .44 magnum and a .38 S&W snubbie as well as a Ruger Mark II. No question about which one is shot most. As a matter of fact, almost all the time. The .22 Ruger. Go for it.

[hanno]

My .22 plinker is a CZ 75 SA with a Kadet Kit and yes, spending the whole afternoon shooting without worrying about the cost of the ammo or chasing brass, is worth it.

[bigfatdave]

Rimfire remains fairly cheap even when ammo is scarce.
I would say that anyone without a rimfire plinker is missing out on a lot of range time.

[BCRider]

I've got a couple of .22 pistols as well as a .22 revolver. They aren't going anywhere any time soon other than with me to the range.

But I have to admit that while fun and a great training gun just putting holes in paper gets a little old. Lucky for me there's a speed steel event that has a .22 class and when shooting in that it's all about hearing the target go BING!. Rim or centerfire suddenly become a lot more similar in terms of grin ability when shooting like this.

Even so they are fantastic for working on training, sight aquisition and flinch control. All in all everyone should have one.

[Vern Humphrey]

You're kidding, right?

A .22 pistol is a must have.

1. .22 LR ammo is cheap. You can afford to shoot a lot of it. And it is only through shooting you become proficient.

2. The .22 LR has a low report, little muzzle blast, and can be shot in places where people frown at larger calibers.

3. There are probably more matches for .22 pistols than for all other calibers combined.

4. The .22 LR is a fine small game round -- I have killed a lot of squirrels with .22 hanguns.

5. The .22 LR with it's low report and minimal recoil is the best cartridge for introducing women and children to shooting.

6. The .22 LR is just plain FUN!!

[CWL]

but didn't know how enjoyable it really would be or if I'd get bored with it too easily.

It's like heroin, but cheaper. If you are worried that .22lr pistols are for "wussies", don't. They are fun and cheap to shoot. Because of the low recoil, you will find new challenges to shooting .22lr guns accurately, and it can all be applied to improving your larger bore pistolcraft.

[bigfatdave]

5. The .22 LR with it's low report and minimal recoil is the best cartridge for introducing women and children to shooting.One of the best reasons to own a rimfire pistol (or seven) I've seen here yet.

Seriously, you'll recoup the cost of a .22 pistol in a few months of shooting, if you compare the cost per round of your centerfire pistol vs. cost per round fired through a .22.

Check out rimfirecentral (http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php) for a forum devoted to all things rimfire, if you want to do some pre-purchase research. If you really like the Ruger design, used mkII models have a lot less lawyer-designed "safety" features, the only real improvement from mkII to mkIII was to move the magazine release from the heel to behind the trigger. Check out this chart (http://www.guntalk-online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=934) for a breakdown on the different Ruger models.

[non2os13]

my rimfire pistols go to the range with me every time.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

also because it is so cheap you can practice much more compared to a 45 acp or 9mm.

i built my marlin M25 to copy my stevens 200 in .223. made a copy stock etc so i can practice at 1/16th of the price.

first gun i grab when headed to the range is the .22's

[C-grunt]

My MkIII is one of my favorite guns. Not only is it cheap to feed and reliable, its also very accurate. First time I showed up to the range with it, my father kind of laughed at it. Until my 290 dollar .22 out shot his 1200 dollar Kimber Gold (something) .45 with a trigger job.

But then again, my dad is blind in one eye and three of his fingers have been sewn back on from the last knuckle up. I can usually out shoot him with my duty Glock............. but the Ruger is still my most accurate pistol.

[Walkalong]

You're kidding, right?

A .22 pistol is a must have.Agreed.

[oneounceload]

If you don't currently get bored with your other handguns, why do you think you would get bored with a .22?

All the same challenges are there, the only difference is the caliber

[Magichelmt]

they are addictive as hell though. I have a Ruger 22/45, 10/22 and I just bought a Taurus Tracker 990 revolver. I go to the range with at least one of them every time. I just got home after shooting 350 rounds of walmart bulk federal for less than $15. I will go again Friday and shoot the 22 and maybe a few mags of .45, but the 22 will always be there. Go get yourself one or two.

[SaxonPig]

I'm sorry, what is a plr?

[Muddflap]

Glad someone besides me doesn't know.

[bigfatdave]

PLR-22 (http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/plr22.htm) from KelTec, I think.
Not my idea of a fun toy, but whatever floats the OPs boat.

[hanno]

I'm sorry, what is a plr?

Well, I thought it meant "plinker" but that was just a wild stab.

[Isaac's Grandpa]

I probably shoot my Beretta 101 more than the big bore stuff. I used a Ruger MKII to keep the gophers out of the cemetary across the road from the farm. I wish I had kept that one.

[aka108]

Sold off most of my centerfire handguns except for a S&W 625 and a Star M30. Keeping my Colt SM Ace, K-22, MT Woodsman and a cheap little S&W 422. Started out with rimfires and never became tired of them.

[jad0110]

As of this writing, I've got 4 22s and love every one of them. I don't think I can pick a favorite, they are each fun in my own way. I suppose my K-22 is my most prized 22 though (and the priciest). My Marlin 60 is the best value; paid $65 for it a few months ago at a local pawn shop. I hope to add more 22s to my collection, such as a Browning Buckmark and a Marlin 39A.

The other nice thing about 22s is that generally the ammo is pretty clean, so cleaning is not required as often, though I do clean my K-22 after every range outing due to it's value.

As for fun, shooting tin cans, CD ROMs and water filled bottles is at least as much fun with a 22 as most any other handgun cartridge. Granted, blowing apart a computer keyboard with a 12 gauge is hugely satisfying :evil: ... until you have to pick up all the little pieces.


Heritage Rough Rider, 22 LR / 22 Mag


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Heritage%20Rough%20Rider%2022LR%20and%20Magnum/094.jpg


CZ-452 Trainer


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/CZ-452%2022%20Long%20Rifle/GunPics080.jpg


S&W K-22 (Model 17-0)


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20K22%20Model%2017%2022%20LR/K22_12-1.jpg


Marlin Model 60


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Marlin%20Model%2060%2022%20Long%20Rifle/057.jpg

[RockyTop]

Thanks guys for the responses. I'm looking for another fun gun and have been debating getting a .22 or a 9mm carbine like the Kel Tec sub2000 or Hi Point 95

And yeah, the plr I was asking about is the Kel Tec PLR22. It's definitely not your basic target pistol, the draw to me is it's 27 round magazine.

Right now, I currently have a 9mm pistol, a Mosin and a shotgun. While I do enjoy target shooting with the pistol, I can only go through so many rounds without it starting to add up now days. Plus, I have to admit, some of the most fun I'm having shooting is with the shotgun and Mosin and blasting things to kingdom come. I know that sounds rather neaderthalish, but what can I say? Nothing like seeing things get annihilated or blown 20+ ft into the air.

Anyway, I know a .22 has it's place and benefits, and buying 550 rounds for less than $20 is appealing. I just don't want to get one and get bored with it fast. But, I think I'm getting talked into one. Just have to decide between the PLR 22 or something like the Ruger Mark III.

[weisse52]

my rimfire pistols go to the range with me every time.

+1

I may question what else goes, but one of my .22's always goes.

[jfrey]

I recently bought a Buck Mark Practical and a friend bought a Ruger Mk III Hunter. I shot both last week and will take the BM over the Ruger. It's just a better pistol. Better trigger, fewer malfunctions, better grip and sights.

We used to go out and shoot several hundred rounds of 9mm and .45 ACP in a couple of hours. Now we may shoot 50 or 100 rounds total and then several hundred rounds of .22 each. Shooting the .22 is just as much fun with less recoil and a lot less cost.

[VeggieH]

of my six guns 4 are .22s,I have a 10-22 in camo with 30 rd clips,a 22a S&W auto pistol, a P-22 walther, and a .22 mag derringer. My others are for rare occasions P-95,and marlin 336.Bought 5,500 rounds for $200 cash,can't do that with any other caliber...........H

[lions]

It is absolutely worth it! I can guarantee that I will always have a .22 pistol with me every time I go to the range.

[gpr]

i got one out of the first batch...i really is i nitch gun between a handgun and a rifle...the ten inch barrel is pretty accurate...it does turn a lot of heads at the range...as with most 22's it is ammo sensitive...bulk federal work best...it is not my only 22...sp22...ruger rst...pt22..naa mini...tec 22..hi standard derringer...marlin 60...as ammo prices go up will be adding to the list...gpr

[SaxonPig]

Thanks. That PLR would not be my cup of tea.

JAD0110- is that S&W really stamped 17-0 or is that your way of saying it's an original M17 with no engineering changes? I ask because there actually are S&Ws stamped -0 and they are special order guns for shooting clubs or for presentation and command a hefty premium among serious collectors.


These are some my 22s. You can tell my tastes run towards the classics.


http://www.fototime.com/1CF219B6DBBACB9/standard.jpg


http://www.fototime.com/C12FFC020A1B14C/standard.jpg


http://www.fototime.com/A3EEB6596B95EB1/standard.jpg


http://www.fototime.com/452379B6DFDF1E8/standard.jpg


http://www.fototime.com/9C3C544A81BF300/standard.jpg


http://www.fototime.com/4A723F87DA5729E/standard.jpg

[CajunBass]

22's? TWENTY TWO'S? You won't catch me with a single 22 handgun.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/003.jpg

A half dozen or so...that's different.. :p :D

[czrami9]

CB, is that a 50th anniversary single six? Nice collection you have there.

[Vern Humphrey]

Ah, but where are your Colts?

I have a Ruger Automatic MK II

A Colt Officer's model Target

A Colt Woodsman

An Argentine M1927 (an M1911 made in argentina on Colt machinery under Colt supervision) with a Colt Service Ace conversion kit mounted on it.

A Fed Ord kit-built gun with a Ciener conversion kit.

[TCB in TN]

Love the .22 pistol. have had a hand full of Ruger MkI or II's, several Buckmark/Challengers, and love shooting them. For a while I went the single 6 route, but like the semi auto platform better. Now one thing I do consistently suggest for new shooters is to buy a primary defense handgun, and then a .22 on the same or a similar platform, to give them MORE and CHEAPER practice.

[nulfisin]

BUT, get yourself good ammo, especially if you're using an autoloader. Also, keep them clean. 22s can be finicky and, in my experience, jam a little more than other rounds. That said, they are great for practicing or simply for fun. Set up some water bottles or comparable targets with your buddies and you have your own informal competition

[jad0110]

SaxonPig,

First off, I have slobbered all over my keyboard staring at the eye candy you've posted ... VERY nice.

My 17 is just a 17, not a 17-0. Oh well. It wouldn't matter to me either way, since I'll never sell mine. For me, it is priceless.

I did have a chance to buy an 18-3 about 2 years ago for $275 in about 90-93% condition. I kick myself for not buying it on the spot.

[SwampWolf]

A .22 pistol? Everybody should have at least one! And the Ruger .22 auto is a very good one, indeed.

[Marcus84]

Does anyone have experience with the Smith and Wesson 22A or Beretta Neos?

22A
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/15669.jpg

Neos
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/26549.jpg

[searcher451]

I've got half-a-dozen .22s that regularly make the trip to the range these days, even though finding .22 ammo is becoming increasingly difficult to do. My favorite is a Walther PP, though the Browning Buck Mark Hunter and a Colt Challenger also are getting a regular workout. I also bring along a Ruger Bearcat from time to time; it's still one of my all-time favorites.

You can't go wrong with a .22 fun gun, IMO.

[BENELLIMONTE]

I shoot my .22s more than any all my other calibers combined. Much, Much cheaper to practice with. The only hunting I do with a .22 is with my .22 Trailside pistol when I am big game hunting and I want to take the occasional forest grouse for the "meal pot" back at camp.

[BCRider]

Marcus, I shot a couple of thousand rounds through the range's Rent-A-Gun 22A. I had the occasional jam about once every 3 to 4 magazines on some days but not others. Keep in mind that this is a gun that has seen probably in excess of 100,000 rounds through it during its lifetime and does not receive the same sort of attention that a typical owner would give in terms of cleaning and oiling. Yet despite this it was an accurate shooting gun and operated mostly reliably. And all this was with only their CCI Standard ammo that they use. Given that all .22's are somewhat picky about ammo I don't doubt that trying some other options would make this gun even that much more reliable.

They've got a second one with a red dot on it that I don't bother with due to the red dot. From talking to them it's just as reliable or better than the one I was shooting.

Once I got my own PAL and could buy my own guns I was going to buy a 22A but found a very nice used 422 instead.

[MCgunner]

Got more .22s than anything else. .22s are the only way to play. I ALWAYS have a couple with me on a range trip. Great tools in the field for small game, too.

RUGER, you won't regret it.

[Marcus84]

Thanks BC!

[PaladinTX]

Marcus84: I bought a 22A a few months ago on a whim. I figured I'd shoot it a couple of times then put it up. Well, now I'm just like most of you and take it to the range every time. Its pretty accurate with good ammo; seems to like high velocity and hyper velocity better then standard velocity for good functioning. In particular some of the target ammo like Eley Orange, while very accurate, produce an FTF about 1 in 20 rounds. It shoots CCI mini mag very accurately with perfect functioning. I mostly shoot hyper velocity because its just plain fun to do even though not as accurate. I have not had a single problem that was not ammo related. I don't clean it very often either.

I'm hooked.

[HB]

I love my Buckmark Hunter model. Nicer than the standard Camper, with a 7'' barrel and great sights. I also have a Charger, Single-Six, and more .22 rifles than I can remember. .22 LR is by far my favorite caliber!

[Ballistic Mule]

I too am a rimfire addict, HELP ME!................Find bulk ammo!

[CajunBass]

CB, is that a 50th anniversary single six? Nice collection you have there.

Yes it is. It's my wife's actually. First gun she ever bought. Here's a better picture, with it's little brother the Bearcat.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/Rugers2.jpg

Ah, but where are your Colts?

I had a steel frame, Colt New Frontier (with the "safety" in the loading gate) with a 4 5/8" barrel in 22 LR, at one time and traded it off LIKE AN IDIOT!! :o:o :banghead::banghead: One of the few guns I'd REALLY like to have back.

The only Colt revolvers I've got now are a Pocket Positive in .32, and an Official Police in .38.