Help me pick out my next handgun

Kentucky_Rifleman · Jun 27, 2010

I have several handguns already, so there is no "hole" I need to fill. This is simply a handgun I want.

I want a .22lr to which I can mount a scope without too much fuss.

My budget is 300.00 - 600.00 for the pistol. I already have the money for decent optics.

I'm leaning towards a SA revolver, but wouldn't mind a DA wheelgun or an automatic I like the looks of.

I'm old-school on my guns; I like blued or stainless steel and wood. I like guns that at least look like they might have been around 50 years ago.

I'll use this for plinking and maybe as a beltgun to take on hunting trips in the fall and winter.

What would you buy?

Thanks in advance!
KR

ClemY · Jun 27, 2010

For autos, I recommend for your consideration the Ruger MK III series. I personally like the Hunter best, but there are a number of choices.

In revos, single action the Single Six Hunter. It will easily take a scope. In double actions, the 617s are probably the best of the current production, and they can easily take a scope. A Model 17 would be terrific, but you would have to have it drilled and tapped to mount a scope. The 617s are drilled and tapped at the factory.

BCRider · Jun 27, 2010

Assuming a scope you're obviously looking for performance at longer ranges. In line with that I'd say a longer barrelled version of what ClemY suggested.

And to the Mark III suggestion I'd toss in the Browning Buckmark. Not because it's any better but it's certainly no worse. I prefer the angle of the grips on the Buckmark over the regular Ruger or the light "top heavy" feel of the Ruger 22/45 with the plastic frame.

gbran · Jun 27, 2010

gbran · Jun 27, 2010

Kentucky_Rifleman · Jun 28, 2010

I recommend for your consideration the Ruger MK III series.

I've been thinking about the Ruger autos. I've looked at the Pac-Lite barrel/receiver combinations, which are already drilled and tapped for an optics rail. The pill is that I'll have to buy a Ruger Mk x pistol to get the "lower" necessary to turn the Pac-Lite into a pistol.

gbran, I'll admit an unhealthy envy for that Ruger wheelgun in particular

KR

wow6599 · Jun 28, 2010

I only have 1 .22 revolver and it's a .......Rohm.
I have had plenty .22 auto's and, IMHO, I think a like new Ruger MKII is the way to go. I also like Browning & S&W, but stay far away from the Walther P22.
YMMV

heron · Jun 28, 2010

I'd go with a revolver, due to ammunition concerns. Rimfire autos are notoriously fussy about their diet; a revo eats anything. Easier to clean, also.

As an example, my Ruger 22/45 Mk III. I tried quite a few kinds of ammo in it before I settled on CCI MiniMags. Problem is, it only likes the solids; if I feed it hollowpoint MiniMags, it fails to feed about two or three out of ten. I never could figure that out.

I have another problem with that particular pistol -- I can't hit anything with it. I used to think it was the gun, but I'm now starting to think that it just fits my hand wrong (frame/grip too narrow) and I'm unable to stabilize it properly. This means, try out the feel of as many as you can get your paws around.

Quadkid · Jun 28, 2010

I'd try out the Beretta Neos. I got mine for around $260 (new) and it's been a reliable little sucker. It can be a little fussy about ammo, but no more than any other rimfire (it gobbles up Federal by the brick). Stripping it is real easy, takes seconds after the first time. I mounted a red dot and makes for a good squirrel gun.

Kentucky_Rifleman · Jul 6, 2010

I decided

Well, after hashing it all over, reading lots of reviews, and getting some really good advice, I decided on the Browning Buckmark 6.5 inch barrel.

I bought the pistol brand new a week ago, and it shoots great! I got the Millett scope and mounted it today. I'll post a range report after I get it sighted in.

KR

Arkansas Paul · Jul 6, 2010

Nice.

Skinny 1950 · Jul 6, 2010

I started a thread about the Buck Mark Camper and the response was %100 positive so I am going to get one as soon as possible. See the thread at Handguns; autoloaders

Kentucky_Rifleman · Jul 6, 2010

I started a thread about the Buck Mark Camper and the response was %100 positive so I am going to get one as soon as possible. See the thread at Handguns; autoloaders

A lot of guys complain about their .22 autos being finicky about ammo, but I have an O-L-D Ruger Mk. I that has never hiccuped on anything, including Rem GBs and Bulk-pack Federals.

So far I fed the new Browning Fed BPs, Rem GBs, CCI MMs, Win Targets, and Win Super-X HPs, (about a hundred or so of each, just to see what it liked) all with no incident at all.

It did hold the best pattern with the new (around here) Federal target-grade ammo (Wal-Mart bulk packed in a white box with 300 odd rounds). It's straight-up lead RN, but it groups significantly tighter than any of the others. I'll see what kind of groups I can get at 25 and 50 yards with the new scope.

The same Fed ammo also gave me the best groups yet out of my T/C .22 Classic autorifle. Mind you, I don't typically shoot any of the premium grade ammos, but after trying the Fed I'm now anxious to try some of the others, even if I have to cough up a little more for them.

KR

searcher451 · Jul 7, 2010

Good call on the Browning and Ruger lines: You simply can't go wrong with the Browning Buck Mark or the Ruger Mark series of .22 pistols. I've got a couple of each, have had them for a long time now, and have been 100% percent satisfied with their function and performance, 100% of the time. You can't say that about every handgun you pick up, but IMO you can sure say it about the Brownings and Rugers.

Help me pick out my next handgun

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