Let’s see and hear about your favorite Rimfire handgun.

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I'm not sure I could pick a favorite, especially since I have a couple I've yet to shoot. One of those is a Ruger Mk-II Target, but I expect it will be as boringly reliable and accurate as the Mk-II Standard I have shot.

I have an FEG AP-22 (Interarms version, not SMC) that is downright handsome. It's a rimfire version of their PA-63, and I find it slick and solid-feeling in hand. The DA trigger is all-but unusable, but the thing is pretty accurate. It's only for HV ammunition, and that's stamped on the mags.

I have a beautiful Smith and Wesson 63-3, bought a year or so ago, but haven't gotten around to shooting it. My guess is it might be "the one" for this thread subject if I do.

I really like both my Heritage Rough Rider revolvers, one of which is a "birdshead" 3.5" model. They're hard for me to put down once in hand. But, I also have a Ruger NM Single Six among those guns I have yet to shoot.

For now, I guess the Interarms FEG. But that might change when I fire the 63-3...
 
The story behind the guns...

1) I bought the Beretta Model 70S shortly after I read about it in an issue of Guns and Ammo, back in the late '70s. It was one of the first guns to arrive here and not too long after that I started having a problem with the bluing. Beretta acknowledged the trouble and reblued it under warranty. Everything was okay for awhile until the problem returned at which time I decided that maybe bluing wasn't such a great choice for this gun! I remember reading about something called Metalife that was like armor plating for your gun. Well not quite but it was hard chrome plating done by Ron Mahovsky and it's held up so well over the years (and carried many a mile too), that it still looks as good today as when I first got it back from them! The gun itself has been like 100% reliable with any .22 ammo I ran through it and capable of some very surprising accuracy that it will always be my favorite!

2) The Ruger Mk.II was my once in a lifetime find at a gun show, probably over 30 years ago. On this one table a gentleman had two limited edition Rugers: the Mk.II and a Bisley Single Six. Both had a polished blue upper receiver and a polished stainless steel lower grip frame. They were the same price and I only had enough money for one of them. Since I really wanted a target .22 to replace the MK.II I had sold I went with the MK.II but it was a tough decision to make, I'm telling you!

3) A very good friend of mine gifted me the Single Six as he had been using it for when he was running his trap lines. He had bought it used (and had no idea how many rounds have been through it), and while it functioned fine it was much the worse for wear in the looks department. When he got out of the trapping business he really didn't have any other use for the gun so he gave it to me. The original grips were broken and the replacement ones, some poorly fitted wood grips, made the gun appear to be sorely neglected. First thing I did was clean the gun completely then gently took some Flitz Polish to the bluing to remove the years of dirt and grime that were on it. Next I found a great set of factory grips that fit perfectly and finally I had a .22 Magnum cylinder fitted to it.
 
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It would be hard to choose which is my favorite out of what I have. I always liked my Ruger MkII and my old H&R 949 9 shot revolver. I kind of rediscovered my S&W 22A after putting a micro red dot/reflex sight on it. I also find myself grabbing the Glock G44 more often lately when I go fishing or hiking.
 
Well I guess I already have worn out this picture, but maybe one or two of you haven't seen it yet.

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One way or the other, I suppose this is my favorite rimfire handgun. It is old and ugly, so I feel a certain kinship with it, and it has sided me for more years than I care to recall. It is an old friend and I hope to spend many more years with it in my holster.
 
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It is old and ugly, so I feel a certain kinship with it, and it has sided me for more years than I care to recall. It is an old friend and I hope to spend many more years with it in my holster.

Oh au contrarire mon ami c'est vintage et beau!

Like my Ruger Single Six your S&W has served you well for many years and will continue to do so for many more!

Profitez de votre temps ensemble!
 
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S&W model 17 from 1959.
 
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3) A very good friend of mine gifted me the Single Six as he had been using it for when he was running his trap lines. He had bought it used (and had no idea how many rounds have been through it), and while it functioned fine it was much the worse for wear in the looks department. When he got out of the trapping business he really didn't have any other use for the gun so he gave it to me. The original grips were broken and the replacement ones, some poorly fitted wood grips, made the gun appear to be sorely neglected. First thing I did was clean the gun completely then gently took some Flitz Polish to the bluing to remove the years of dirt and grime that were on it. Next I found a great set of factory grips that fit perfectly and finally I had a .22 Magnum cylinder fitted to it.

If the Single Six is the one you've got pictured a few posts above, you did a heck of a job restoring it, looks great!

My favorite rimfire would be the one I let get away, a High Standard Victor. One of the nicest guns I've ever owned.

Okay, can't dwell on the past. I currently own a Browning Buckmark I'm very happy with. Quite accurate and devours everything without a burp.
 
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