Nube...

Ruger MkIII with a 5 1/2" barrel would be my first choice due to price and availability. Second would be a S&W Model 17.

Welcome to THR!

For .22's, I've always liked the S&W 617 revolver for plinking/target work, if you can stand the stiff trigger pull.

But, for semi-auto, I like my Browning buckmark, or my Beretta Neos.

Since money's no issue and you'll be target shooting...

Among semi-autos, I'd recommend the S&W Model 41. More exotic semi-auto target .22s include the Walther GSP/SSP, Feinwerkbau AW93, Hammerli SP20 and Pardini SP1. If all these are too expensive, I'd go with the Browning Buckmark, or the Ruger MkIII.

In DA/SA revolver, one of the S&W Model 17 or 617 variants. Or their granddaddy, the K-22 Masterpiece. I understand both Korth & Manurhin made a outstanding .22LR revolvers, too, but they're likely to be very tough to find and priced accordingly.

In SA (i.e. "cowboy") revolver, look no further than Freedom Arms.

highpower said:

Ruger MkIII with a 5 1/2" barrel would be my first choice due to price and availability. Second would be a S&W Model 17.

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Are you sure? The S&W Model 17 is a .22 revolver. I'd recommend a GLOCK Model 17 for outback defense.

otasan56 said:

I'd recommend a GLOCK Model 17 for outback defense.

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Read the OP before posting, please. Pinghat clearly asked for .22 pistols recommendations for sport/target. Nothing about centerfire pistols or "outback defense" was mentioned.

Most Glock fanboys answer everything with G something without considering the topic.

Ruger and Walther both make a great semi-auto .22LR pistol. Won't be as accurate as a pistol designed for target shooting such as a Ruger Mk III but they are accurate enough and they are much more ergonomic and easier to take apart. Of the Ruger SR22 and the Walther P22 I would lean more towards the Ruger since the frame mounted safety is a little easier to reach than the slide mounted one on the Walther.

My first choice would be a Ruger MKII with a 5 1/2" bull barrel. For me the barrel length and configuration gives a great balance to the gun. Add a set of target stocks and you'll be ready to go.

For basics, nothing beats the slow and steady rhythm of a Single action revolver, but it can be a little slow for some people. (which is kind of the point ) My eldest's first pistol is a Ruger Single Ten. You might consider as well a single Six convertible .22 and comes with the magnum cylinder to swap. Well made, very accurate, not too expensive.

Unless you can afford the above-mentioned Freedom Arms. 22, I'm turning green with envy at the thought.

Other than the go-to Ruger Mk II/III, In Semi-Auto, Bersa makes a solid .380, and the .22 version is essentially the same gun if you compare the schematics.

Welcome to THR Neighbor!

Some of the brands and models mentioned so far may not be available down in Aus.

I'll echo the thoughts on the S&W Model 41 for semi auto and 17/617 for a revolver. Superb shooters that don't look like something from a Sci-Fi movie.... But none of the other options mentioned are at all bad either. And in truth unless it turns out that you're rather a gifted and natural shooter it'll be some time before the superiority of any of the better guns shows up as tighter groups anyway. But if the money isn't an issue then go for the best now instead of later.

If your clubs host action shooting events of any sort then you may want to get one of the more compact guns for that. The 41 is a lovely gun, but it's a trifle long and front heavy for swinging rapidly between targets without a little muzzle overshoot of the sights picture. For that sort of activity a Browning Buckmark or Ruger 22/45 with a moderate length barrel is going to fit the job description a trifle better.

There's some lovely older guns around as well. WHile I've got a modern Ruger the pride of my rimfire handgun fleet is still my S&W 422 and 2206 combination. They've served me well for reliability and are accurate shooters. So if some of the older stuff becomes available see if you can do a little research ahead of time. You might just find something a little on the classic side which does the job admirably.

Ruger MK II with bull barrel. Everything you need and nothing that you don't.

Pinghat,
I went with the S&W 41 as my first expensive target shooter. Problem is I am more accurate with my Ruger Standard I grew up with. So as mentioned earlier the front heavy 41 messes with me. For true balance add a Hogue grip to a Ruger MK II and you truely have a shooter worthy of years of service. My 41 just sits on the shelf in the safe. I would recommend a vacation to a US range that rents guns to try as many as you like, and see for yourself what fits you best.

I also suggest the S&W 41 for a semi or the 17/617 for a revolver. These have a very long history and track record for accuracy and durability. I just don't think you get better out of the box 22s.

otasan56 said:

I'd recommend a GLOCK Model 17 for outback defense.

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Under current NSW law, being in possession of a pistol (even if legally owned) of will get you YEARS in prison.

126 Non-commercial transportation of prohibited firearms and pistols—prescribed safety requirements

(cf 1997 cl 101)

(1) For the purposes of section 57 of the Act, the following safety requirements are prescribed:

(a) the firearm must not be loaded with any ammunition while it is being conveyed, and it must be kept separate from any ammunition,

(b) while the firearm is being conveyed:

(i) it must be rendered temporarily incapable of being fired (eg by removing the bolt or the firing mechanism or by using a restraining device such as a trigger lock), or

(ii) it must be kept in a locked container that is properly secured to, or is within, the vehicle being used for transporting the firearm.

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If 22WMR falls under the category of 22 pistol, then I would highly recommend any of the Ruger Convertible Single Six revolvers. Get the Hunter model for the best accuracy, as it can easily mount a scope. The convertible with the 4 5/8" barrel length is very handy. The Single Ten holds 10 rounds of 22lr only, and the Single Nine holds 9 rounds of 22wmr only.

22wmr is significantly more powerful than 22lr. Also, it has a much more satisfying "bang" than 22lr. Cost of ammunition for low end 22wmr is similar to the highest quality 22lr.

Welcome aboard

You did not mention what is available to you--that is a significant detail. If we recommend "X" and "Y", and you cannot own either, how much have we helped you?

Next, do you have any preference between single action or double action revolvers...or semi auto pistols? You said that your experience is limited, but most people can at least look at several different types (and they really are quite different in both looks and feel, as well as method of operation) and be "drawn" to one or another. Although I have never driven a Bentley or a Ferrari, I know that I would prefer a Ferrari.

If there is a range (or shooting club) where you can join, look around, and perhaps rent several different things, you will very likely figure out what you like pretty quickly.

If you are contemplating competition, there will be rules that determine what you may shoot in what class (barrel length, action type, etc.)

There are a lot of positives to a .22LR--ammo is dirt cheap compared to anything and everything else. The recoil is minimal, so you can focus on fundamentals. Same with the noise--no distraction from deafening report. The handguns themselves are (generally speaking) very reasonably priced, so you can own one of each type (providing your laws permit this).

Some people allow their ego to intrude with common sense and logic, and sell their .22s when they "move up". Others hang on to their .22s, shoot frequently and keep their skills sharp without breaking the bank...

If you want some light reading, try: http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php
Tons of info and good, knowledgeable folks.

Magazine fed handguns are easy to limit. Revolvers? I have no clue.

One other handgun popped in my head, the Baikal MP-35M
http://imzcorp.com/en/company/45.html

This handgun is on my Bucket list. My problem is that no one is currently importing them in the US.

MrBorland said:

Read the OP before posting, please. Pinghat clearly asked for .22 pistols recommendations for sport/target. Nothing about centerfire pistols or "outback defense" was mentioned.

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Oh. now I see. The poor guy is limited to a .22LR

For me it doesn't get better than a Browning Buckmark.