Most reliable .22?

My Ruger Standard bring a smile to my face every time.

Sig Mosquito. No idea how well they perform.

Adjustable sights on a Ruger MK 1

The Ruger SR22P is kind of fun, but it may frustrate you if you are expecting to shoot 1" groups at 25 yds. But it is a fine little pistol.

The Sig Mosquito had issues when they first came out and I haven't paid much attention to them since. But they are a nice package.

CZ 75 (I believe that's offered in 22LR), is one that I would like to pickup, but they are pricey.

I have a Ruger Mark II that does pretty much what I need done. Keep wanting to buy a Ruger 22/45 with a bull barrel, but that hasn't happened. But it is about the same size as the Mark III but with a 1911 grip angle.

Whether any of these is "most reliable" is another question.

sidheshooter said:

Now that .22lr seems to be coming back online slowly, but surely, I am considering a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22. Thoughts on a piece that won't frustrate too much at the range, assuming ammo at the CCI HV level?

Thanks in advance for the opinions.

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In the size your looking Id say a SR22 and Bersa 22.

I have both and like them both. The Bersa is built on the 380 platform. (over built)

My SR22 is an ammo eater. 100% with all ammo Ive tried.

My Bersa (Firestorrm model actually) have been 100% with CCI mini mag and Blazer but not so much with the really cheap stuff. Others, such as Aarondgraham, has had good luck with the cheap stuff too.

Any action other than automatic.

Read your post other than the entry topic.

The 4" Buckmark would be my pick if they still make them, but I'd have to go with the Bersa if you want smaller. I do not own one, but I own a 380 Thunder from Bersa, and I could not be happier. I do plan on owning a .22 LR Bersa for training if .22 LR ammo becomes more available.

M&P22

There are also different sizes for the Ruger Mk line.

I have four Ruger MKII's, and a CZ Kadet, and all function flawlessly except for the occasional dud round when I use bulk ammo. I never get a malfunction with CCI stuff, however. .22's can be very reliable with good ammo.

From what you've posted and as some others have responded - a Bersa/Firestorm .22 that isn't picky is what you're describing.

Trouble is, nobody can guarantee that yours won't be picky. Most seem to like CCI (MiniMag/Blazer) fine, and curiously many like Remington Golden Bullet. Past that, all bets are off. Things may improve with use over time.

Fortunately mine is easy to please. I like it, but knowing the finicky nature of the model I don't usually recommend it to others. If a .22 won't shoot most any common bulk, that's a big minus in my book (occasional individual exceptions notwithstanding).



The other route I would recommend is to get a Buckmark and then get the shortest aftermarket barrel I could find, or one from the Micro model. That might end up being a bit more $ than you wanted to put into this, though (understandable). Good luck, whatever you decide.

The Ruger SR22 and Walther P22 are both excellent guns that will fit your criteria.

Any action other than automatic.

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My Ruger Mark III is just as reliable as my brother's Single Six or my father's Bearcat. The only time any of them ever fail to operate is when the primer fails to ignote, and that's an ammo issue, not a firearm malfunction.

For me the most reliable small to medium frame semi-auto is my Beretta Model 70S. It has provided exemplary service with every brand of .22LR ammo available for well over 20years now. It is capable of very decent accuracy (primarily with CCI MiniMags), and has been my favorite choice as a kit gun on many a walk through the woods.

...a plinking .22. I'd like it to be smaller than buckmark/Ruger ii-iii and bigger than 21/PT22.

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My suggestions;
The new Walther Arms PPK/S
Bersa T22
One of the Walther PP series, (German made).
My personal favorite; Daewoo DP52
Both the Mosguito and P22 were a disappointment.
Old Beretta 948, 70s series. Excellent pistols.

Pardini SP. There's a reason you see these almost exclusively in the Olympic rapid fire event.

My Ruger MKII and MKIII are also really reliable, but the Pardini is even better.

One that doesn't come up much is the Beretta Neos. It is about the size of a buckmark but is much less expensive. Mine will eat any ammo I put in it. I don't like the site but a $50 red dot fit the bill for me. It has some different features like right hand magazine ejection button and it looks like a laser tag gun but it is really fun to shoot and is extremely inexpensive. They also make a carbine conversion kit for it. It is really cool but costs around $250.

If you are willing to spend the $ and can find one... the Beretta 70-series are very well regarded and would be a good pick for what the OP is describing. I always tend to forget about them.


I don't believe they are available new anymore, although I could be mistaken.

tubeshooter

The Beretta Model 70S was discontinued in 1985, being replaced in the line-up by the Model 87 Cheetah in 1986. This is my Model 70S which has been well protected for many years by Ron Mahovsky's SS Chromium Metalife hard chrome finish.

Ruger SR-22 fills that role for me very well.

Thanks, bannockburn - for both the clarification info and the picture. Beautiful gun!

The model 87 (non-target) was also well-regarded. Either would be good for the OP. I'm sure they both cost a pretty penny...


Looks like they still make the model 87 Target, but I think it is larger than what the OP was looking for. Also not nearly as handsome of a gun, IMO.

I have a Browning 1911-22 Compact (85% copy of a 1911) that sounds like exactly what you're looking for. Mine has been a great little gun, kids love it, it's super light (less than a pound), and everyone who shoots it won't give it back. It's gone through several thousand rounds of Federal bulk ammo with no hiccups. Only aggravating thing is a magazine safety, but that's easy to get rid of by removing a bump on the back of the trigger.

I've never bothered shooting mine at anything other than cans and steel plates, but American Rifleman did a test on one of the early ones and got groups right around an inch at 20 yards with it.

http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/browning-1911-22-review/

arizona98tj said:

Sig Mosquito. No idea how well they perform.

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Everyone I know that had one said it's a jam-o-matic.

Along the lines of the Browning 1911 and for less $$$ take a look at the GSG 1911
http://gunshero.com/gsg-1911-22-lr/

The best thing is a visit to your local gun store and get them in your hand. Everyones favorite will be suggested but they not be your style . If your at a range shooting and someone is shooting a 22, talk to them most of the time they will let you try theirs. That will speak volumes and you'll either add one to your list or cross one off.
good luck

Have you considered a .22LR revolver? At least you won't be limited to one or two brands of ammo it likes.

You may not like the design, but the Beretta Neos has been super reliable for me.

Jim