.22LR Handgun Suggestions

if you want a nice 22 handgun just get a Browning Buckmark, first gun i bought last gun I'd sell.

Buckmark or Single Six.

Takedown procedure should really not be a factor in your decision. Each gun is what it is for takedown. Instead you should be looking at grip angle, if you're looking towards compatibility with future center fire guns, reliability and cost of accessories like mags and holster.

From that perspective the GSG could be a contender depending on mag cost. On the other hand Ruger and Browning are the most often recomended .22 handguns for a number of VERY good reasons. Both are well deserved classics in their own right and both will continue to be major players in the field of .22 handguns for many years to come. And more importantly for you both come in models that closely replicate the grip size and angle of the majority of center fire handguns.

A nice Llama .22LR is also a good choice. It's controls are 1911 like and they are just fun to shoot. They also break down like a 1911. They have become very popular these last few years as the new 1911 crowd hasn't been tainted by the Llama bashers yet. They go for about $300-$350 now.

Colt Cadet or High Standard might be worth looking into.

For the use you described, the S&W M&P 22 sounds logical. It's the size and feel of a full size duty pistol. The P22 and SR22 are much smaller guns. The only downside to the M&P are the price of extra mags, and it only comes with one. For the record I own an M&P 22, P22, and Mark III.

63

I think I Have tried about everything and have quite a few different ones from Ruger 22/45 Comp Targets to Jim Clark tuned 617 Wanted to find an all around 22 to have my two sons become familiar with and enjoy plinking etc . My sons now each shoot S&W 63-3, no lock. Not cheep but they can hand them down to their grandchidren

I have several different .22's, my daughter loves my Buckmark and can't for my demise to get it. I love to carry around a little Beretta Tomcat in my front pocket about the property, but when I want to fun shoot, a Taurus Tracker is always with me. A great target revolver, I have found I can regularly hit 6" targets, at rest, from 70yds. Though it is DA/SA, I shoot it pretty much only as a SA. One of my sons has been trying to "trade" with me for years to get it, but I think I'm going to hold on to it. I'd recommend it to anyone as a great pick up although, I think they now come std. with two cylinders, one .22 and one .22 mag. Still I wouldn't trade my old one (for my son who'll read this!).

If I were going to get a .22 these days it would be one of:
S&W K-22
H&R 999
Colt Woodsman

The ones being made currently aren't bad, it's just that it's so easy to find something so much better.

I have an AA .22lr kit and a .22lr P229R kit. Both work very well. I prefer them. Practice is directly transferable other than recoil.

Only one comment for the Bersa Thunder 22, so Ill add another. Its an excellent value, and a wonderful pistol.

http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa-Thunder22.htm

I went for a MK III 22/45 when looking for a .22 LR gun and I'm very happy I decided to get it. It has the 5.5" bull barrell, adjustable sights, and replacable grip panels. The take down was a bit of a pain the first couple of times but its really not that bad. There are lots of resources on the web to help you out if you get stuck. The gun was great out of the box but a few simple mods made it a real shooter. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

I have a walther p22q and have had no problems with it while following ammo recommendations. It is a little small but I got used to it very quickly. I'm not sure if I've just been lucky, if the newer "q" model has improved over the older ones, or if most of the people who speak poorly of the p22 just don't know how to read manuals.

Good luck with your choices.

The question about Taurus handguns was brought up. I would stay away from their automatics, but their revolvers are much better made IMO. I got a .22 Mag., Model 941 with a 4" blr. .So far it has been a great purchase. I just hope nothing happens as Taurus has a horrendous reputation when it comes to C.S. Dept. I still will take a chance on their Rov.s. I believe that they are built by what used to be Rossi FireArms. But not sure, Someone here should know. I have had no problems with the ones I have owned. These are good to learn both double or single action shooting. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!