.22 for the range

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Good idea on getting a .22. Bad idea to learn to use the laser as a crutch for avoiding learning to shoot well using basic iron sights. Learn the basics first and then add the stuff that can break or otherwise get in the way later so it's an option to use it and not a requirement.
 
I have 2 Rugers that I take to the range. My blue MkIII 22/45 w/short slab-sided bbl is my backpack/plinker pistol. My stainless MkII Comp Target Model is my target/hunting pistol. Both are fun/reliable to shoot. I have shot Brownings and found them to also be fun/reliable. My good shooting buddy likes his Brownings and curently owns 5.
p.s. no lasers, just a scope for the MkII when benching or hunting.
 
I would get a Walther P22. Then learn to shoot it well with irons and then buy a laser for the rail.
 
I have a walther p-22, my first gun... as a plain fun gun that actually feels like you are shooting a real gun, it shines... IF those are your criteria, then it will serve you well...Also, there is a laser available for it for around $100. (it is specific to the walthers.)

If, however, you want something that is more accurate and potentially more durable, it would be better to opt for a Ruger Mk III, or perhaps a Browning Buckmark... Either of them will refine your handgun shooting and really stack the bullets at handgun ranges... they, however are not made for mounting lasers.
 
Unless you always plan to use guns with laser it is somewhat silly to put one on the practice gun. Take that with a grain of salt since I am just getting back into shooting/hunting. I do agree with the 22 for practice, it has help a lot for me and is much cheaper to get a lot of trigger time. After running about $60 through my .45, the first handgun I had ever purchased, it was easy to justify a $200-300 .22 for personal improvement :)
 
I just dont see a laser on a .22 used for practice. A .22 is great for getting more rounds down range thus getting more trigger time. In my opinion a ruger MK III is the most acurate auto for around $400.00 new. If price is important the S&W .22 is also an accurate auto at a much cheaper price. Although as mentioned above neither accepts a laser. I myself carry two ruger single six revolvers every time I go to the range and love them. I do own a sig sauer .22 mosquito which you could put a laser on the rail underneath. I do not recomend this pistol. It rarely gets range time.
 
I'm a big fan of (good) lasers on defense guns for low light/dark shooting.
All my defense guns (handgun, rifles and shotguns) are equipped with lasers or laser/lights if available for the gun.

For quieter, cheaper laser/light practice I have lasers on several 22 rifles and pistols.
The 22 is a little more neighbor friendly at night that a 9mm, 38, AR, etc.

S&W M&P 15-22.
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Beretta 21A. I use this a lot for small semi auto rapid fire laser practice.
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S&W K-22 with a Crimson Trace laser.
It's a good big size revolver for laser practice.
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I had to mount a rail under the barrel, on this Ruger 22/45, for laser/light practice.
Besides being a larger semi auto laser/light practice gun, it's also handy as a walking around the place at night gun (light).
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Just a few things not mentioned or almost.

A bit pricy but still an option are centerfire guns w/ 22 conversion kits like a CZ P01 (railed add Kadet kit, many on the boards think highly of this particular kit). Sig has their conv. kits for their 220 series (228, 226, 220). Ceiner and Advantage Arms (name, I think) have had 1911 and Glock conv. kits for years (both designs have railed versions or Crimson Trace).

Previously mentioned S&W J and at least K frames have Lasergrip options (Smith 317, 63 and 17, 617's).

Otherwise a simple, cheaper Ruger MK series w/ Crimson Trace are probably the best/easiest and, only opinion/experience, but I have avoided both the Mosquito and Walther P22 for problematic reputations over the years.
 
What sort of gun do you have besides the 22? If you have a Glock or something similar, the ISSC M-22 Austrian Sporting Arms pistol emulates a Glock in .22 caliber.
If you run to Sigs a Mosquito would be similar.
If you want a Walther or SW99 style the Walther P22 works fine.
The Beretta Neos .22 is kinda funky looking but works.
The S&W 22A is a good solid target pistol.
Colt Woodsman, Browning Buckmark, High Standard all good guns.
You also have the Ruger Mark II and III or the 22/45 if you like the 1911 style.
There's also a number of people making 1911s in 22 caliber now.
Plus the 22 conversion sets for 1911s, Sigs, etc.

Then we get into revolvers.
Single action- the Heritage is not bad and inexpensive. The Colt New Frontier and the Ruger Single Six & Bearcat are great. There's more I can't think of.. Plinkerton by Cimarron?

Double Action- the S&W K17 and K22 types, and there's the H&R 22s, the High Standard revolvers, there's a Taurus 22 revolver.
 
Sorry, I don't get the "iron sights first" analogy.
Dry firing with a laser teaches trigger control and shows any gun movement way more than any irons would.

Learning to drive...learn on a standard, the right way, and then get an automatic.

I used to wet my pants and get a nice warm feeling, but my mother taught me a better way.
Try a laser(or Red Dot), then you'll know.

My rant for the day YMMV
 
I would suggest you consider either a Ruger Mark III or II (5.5" bull barrel) or Browning Buckmark in the semi-auto choices OR a Smith 617 double action revolver (or one of its predecessors-Model 17 or 18). It is hard to beat a Smith Model 41 for general range shooting, but they are pricey. It depends on your budget and your personal tastes.
 
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