22 help

[danprkr]

I'm thinking of buying a 22 handgun. I've always wanted a Ruger 22/45, and that's my most likely choice. You're mission, should you choose to accept it, is to convince me that I should go for a revolver of some sort instead. I know you'll probably say 'both,' but economic realities set in so it's one or the other for the time being. If you think I should go with the revolver which one?

Thanks

 

[crazy-mp]

I would get the 22/45, but if you really want a revolver look for a S&W model K22. The only bad thing about the K22 is you can almost get 2 22/45's for the same price. I have a 22/45 and I love it. Depends on what your going to use the gun for, just plinking, hunting or teaching someone to shoot for the first time. Your $ will also play a factor in which one to get.

 

[22-rimfire]

Your average Ruger has always cost about 1/2 of a Smith or Colt 22 DA revolver.

Get the Ruger. I prefer the Mark II or III, but that is my personal preference.

 

[CB900F]

Dan;

As crazy said, the S&W will be significantly more expensive, particularly if you opt for the 10 shot version currently available. That's a question you need to answer: Is the difference between the 22/45 10 shot capacity or a typical revolver's 6 shot cylinder a major point? Revolvers generally are going to be easier to clean than the Ruger semi-autos, does that matter?

T'were me, and once upon a time it was, the first .22 handgun I got was the Ruger 6.5" Single-Six. My only regret was that I didn't get it in stainless. It's been years & years, and I do have semi .22 handguns now, but the Ruger is useful & stays active.

900F

 

[noskilz]

The S&W 617 is sweet. If you can find a K-22 Masterpiece, much less afford one, jump on it. And if a Ruger SP101 in 22 pops up for something reasonable, I'd grab it as well. But in the world of 22 affordability, don't overlook the Buckmark, and also the Beretta Neos. But if you insist on spending revolver type money on a .22 and want a bottom feeder, I say go with the S&W Model 41. Ten years from now you'll thank yourself for being a genius.

 

[MrBorland]

I've always wanted a Ruger 22/45

Sounds like a good enough reason to me to get one.

You're mission, should you choose to accept it, is to convince me that I should go for a revolver of some sort instead.

First question I'd have is whether you know if you'd enjoy shooting a revolver or not. Any trigger time with one? Maybe you'd hate it, in which case, the point is moot.

I have a 10-shot 4" S&W 617 and a 1951 6" S&W K-22. I've enjoyed informal target shooting, and both guns are very accurate. Most of the time, I shoot them double action, but the single action triggers on both are superlative Over time, though, I started to develop an interest in trying some formal bullseye shooting, so even though I love revolvers, I bought a Ruger MkIII. So, after very minimal trigger time with the Ruger, here are my relative Pros/Cons:

Ruger:
Pros:
- Affordable. $325 + tax. A new 617 will likely cost you twice that
- Inherently accurate. Very first time out, with zero trigger time with it, no adjustments of the sights, and no experimentation with ammo, I shot a 1-handed 272/300 on an NRA 20-yard slow fire target.
- I didn't have to shoot DA or reach to cock the trigger (and adjusting my grip)
- Lots of aftermarket parts available, so the action can be tuned relatively easily. If you're mechanically inclined, you can likely do it yourself. Lots of aftermarket grips available, too.

Cons:
- A bit sensitive to the ammo I was using. I was using CCI standard velocity, and had a number of jams. Maybe that'll get better with use, or when I find it's preferred ammo.
- Assembly/disassembly is a PITA.
- Compared to my revolver, it actually takes more time to send a box of ammo downrange; it may be quicker to slam a mag home, but the mags to have to be loaded, and that takes time.
- brass cleanup. It gets scattered, and if you're not gonna leave it lying around, you'll have to pick it up.

S&W Revolver:
Pros:
- Revolvers are just flat-out cool, and not many can shoot them well.
- inherently accurate guns
- can shoot in double or single action
- There's a certain zen to the double action trigger.
- The SA triggers are terrific right from the factory
- The 617 is a k-frame, so it would make an excellent "understudy" to k- and L-frame centerfire revolvers.
- much less ammo-sensitive
- brass cleanup is much easier
- lots of aftermarket grips available.
- will probably hold their value well, especially if you buy an older K-22/M17.

Cons:
- Some people hate shooting double action, and if you hate shooting double action, you'll have to cock the hammer every shot.

- If you shoot in formal bullseye, you'll likely have to cock the hammer every shot

- If you want to improve the trigger, VQ doesn't make drop-in kits - you'll need a gunsmith.

- The grip angle is pretty slack compared to the 22/45 & 1911. If you're already used to the grip angle of, say a 1911, the grip angle of a revolver may feel very odd. Maybe not a big deal, but it might be for some people.

 

[xstuntman]

I encourage everyone to start with something like a Single Six. You'll have it forever and its a great learning platform. I went shooting with two younger guys from work, both had autos, and couldn't hit for crap. One guy was missing the target half the time with his Glock .45 compact at 10 feet. Both eventually got .22 revolvers and accuracy improved dramatically. Its easier to concentrate on sight picture with such a light SA pull. X

 

[bigfatdave]

Get the one that is happy in your hand and has some training value (meaning it replicated the controls and handling of a defense gun)

Personally I prefer the traditional Ruger grip angle, but the 22/45 models are fun as well. Really, a .22 will pay for itself in ammo savings rapidly, so if you want it, and have some practical use for it, just go buy it!

 

[danprkr]

First question I'd have is whether you know if you'd enjoy shooting a revolver or not. Any trigger time with one?

One of the reasons I've been thinking of a revolver is that I find myself through a series of trades for the first time EVER with no revolver in the safe. A buddy once commented that I should only be allowed revolvers because no matter which one I pick up I shoot well with it.

 

[22-rimfire]

Wow. Back to revolvers... Okay

I hate picking up brass at the range! It may seem like you can't shoot the revolver as fast, but reloading clips is a pain. Good enough reasons?

I am not going to convince you how to spend your money. But I would choose a good clean Model 17 Smith and never look back. Get the Model 18 if you prefer a 4", but they are harder to find.

I prefer Colts in general. But if I were buying a new DA revolver TODAY, it would be a 4" Model 617. I would save the money and buy one when you can.

I prefer Colt Diamondbacks, but they cost too much these days. The Colt Trooper Mark III is not a bad choice either for a full sized frame 22 revolver. Hard to beat an Officers Model Match. But that is me. Enjoy.

 

[BCRider]

Well, I enjoy shooting .22 but I like it to match the bigger stuff as much as practical. For me this means I prefer a lighter pistol so I can feel more recoil from the little .22 rounds. I've shot the Ruger and thanks to its weight it really did not have a lot of "life" in my hands. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely gun and shoots excellent. It just doesn't recoil enough for me to feel like I'm shooting a "proper" gun. I know, I know, legions of Ruger owners will say otherwise. But this is what I felt.

So... After trying a few others I picked up two .22 semi pistols. One is a model that is not sold in the US. But it's 29 oz with the mag but no cartridges. Then I found and bought a S&W 422 and oddly enough it is also 29 oz. Both of these guns provide a kick that is only a bit less than shooting a .38Spl through a K frame revolver.

So if the shooting experience is just as important as the grouping I would look at some of the lighter pistols such as a nice used 422, the new S&W 22A (a very nice gun. I shot around 600 rounds though one), Browning Buckmark or something similar. I'm guessing you want the 45 like grip angle so you'll want to avoid things like the Beretta Neos with the rather radical grip angle.

Of course it's up to you but you DID ask! ! ! !

EDIT- Just saw your bit about the pain of loading magazines. With most .22 mags the follower has a little metal button that you can pull the follower down with. So to load it becomes more a case of picking up two or three rounds and literally pouring them into the top opening while you pull down the follower enough to make room for them. Makes for very fast mag reloading.

 

[Boba Fett]

Personally, I'd get the Ruger 22/45 and if you really want a revolver, get something other than a 22.

Suggestions for your revolver:
- If you want a "western style," try shooting a couple if you can. They feel quite a bit different to shoot than your standard revolvers IMHO.

- Get a 44 magnum revolver. They are a riot to shoot and they will turn every head on your side of the range and probably make the people next to you flinch. My friend's Ruger Blackhawk 44 mag was the most fun I've had shooting a revolver. Again, the western style is a bit rough on the hands especially with the 44 mag.


Other calibers I enjoy are the 357 magnum and the 38 special. Also a lot of fun to shoot.

- My final suggestion is, if you can find one and if you can afford one, get a Mateba Autorevolver:


On my list of firearms to get, but just not quite on the list of what I want to get for the price.
For example, the only one on GunBroker I saw at the time of this post is at $725 and hasn't reached the reserve yet.

Good youtube clip on how the Mateba works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0zxgyim_g4


So, in conclusion, get the Ruger 22/45, save up, get a revolver in something other than 22 (preferably in something in the 3's or higher), and try shooting the standard revolvers and western styles (if you haven't already) to get a feel for both.

 

[numaone]

Why has the S&W model 22a been left out? The gun may not be a tack driver, but it's reasonably priced. OP never mentioned shooting competition and most likely the gun will be more than accurate for his needs. I have one, my first gun infact, and I have no signifcant complaints for a less expensive .22.