.22 pistol purchase

[mack69]

Hi all, I know I am doing this all backwards as I have numerous large caliber guns already, but I have been kicking around buying a .22 pistol for a while now. I know how much fun they are to shoot/plink with and wanted to add one to my collection so that those whom I take shooting that are gun shy or larger caliber challenged or afeared can also join in the fun. Plus it would be a good starter gun for my kids even thou the little ones are only 4 and 22 months, they'll be shooting early on. Good to start my older boys with too, they are 18 and 15...(yeah they are old but their momma, my ex is a super anti). I would like to solicit recommendations for which models to look at (Rugers are high on the list). I would like to buy new, however will consider a used .22 in excellent condition. Anybody got one for sale??? heheehee....thanks ....mack

 

[rem]

Check out a Ruger 22/45 or a Ruger MK II. I prefer the 22/45.

 

[NoVaGator]

I got a 22/45 a few weeks ago (my first rimfire pistol ever) and all I can say is it's a blast. I went to range on Sun. with a AR, 1911, and an HK USP (in addition to the 22) I ran two mags throught the AR, shot about 40 rds between the two .45s, and put about 300 through the .22. It's just so much more fun.

 

[jefnvk]

Can't go wrong with the Ruger. I have a 22/45, my father has a MKII. He likes his, I like mine, and they both shoot awesome.

 

[foghornl]

Mack:

My humble 1/50th of $1.....

For fun shooting with a .22 auto, Ruger MKII or the 22/45. Haven't shot one, but the 22/45 is supposed to be similar in feel to 1911-style pistols.

For revolvers, the Single-Six, or for folks with really small hands, the Ruger Bearcat. The Bearcat is about 3/4 to 7/8 the size of the Single Six.

 

[sfhogman]

I have a 22/45 and absolutely love it. Having said that, it's the 5.5" SS Single-Six that makes it with me to the range every time. You might want to check one out.

 

[spook]

I've owned a Ruger 22/45 for 15 years and find it a most enjoyaple pistol and accurate. I recently purchased a S&W M-17 and I doubt the 22/45 will see much use from now on. I own and shoot many fine pistols and revolvers, but the M-17 is the one I will shoot on every trip to the range.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a Ruger Competition model and a Ruger Single Six, but my favorite is a S&W 35-1 a blue J frame with a 6" barrel and target sights.

 

[Majic]

Semi-autos are great fun, but that fun is usually translate to just rapidly pulling the trigger. As a trainer nothing good is learned that way. I always recommend a revolver for training as the shots will then be more deliberate and basics can be instilled.
Very few used .22lr handguns are actually hurt and there's no need to purchase a new one. For the price of used Rugers you could probably get a single action for training and a semi-auto for fun at the price of a new one with some careful shopping.

 

[CAS700850]

Since you mention teaching your younger children with it (once they are old enough) I say the Ruger Mk II, because of durability and accessory availabiity. You can keep that gun running forever.

 

[krusty311]

I would also recomend the MKII.You just can't beat em.


krusty

 

[m39fan]

A friend loaned my 9yr. old daughter and I his Walther P-22 for an afternoon of fun. It was great. It's got interchangable backstraps so it'll fit anyone. I've shot for years but was very impressed. My daughter, who had never shot a handgun, loved it and did well with it. Base models can be had around here for $269.00.

HTH,
Mike

 

[proletariat]

have you seen the trailside???

Ruger's are good .22 pistols but for my .22 pistol shooting I have a Sig/hammerli trailside. Ive had no problems with it and it has shot everything Ive put through it. The accuracy is awesome and right out of the box it was bulleyeing. Hope that helps

 

[Nick96]

Little doubt in my mind (and I expect many others) that the Ruger .22 auto is probably the best value out there in terms of quality, reliability, ease of use, availability of after market & accessory parts & supplies. If you want something that is configured most like modern centerfire auto loaders (as a transition piece to larger caliber auto loaders), the Ruger 22/45 is the best choice.

If you can swing the additional cost though, a high quality SA/DA .22 revolver is going to be the best choice. Learning to shoot a DA revolver well will transition to better skills with any other handgun - auto or revolver.

The key word here being "quality". S&W probably has the best variety of SA/DA .22 revolvers (new or used). I also greatly like the Ruger SP101 in .22. I do not care for the Taurus .22 revolvers (the only other popular maker out there with a wide variety of .22 SA/DA revolvers).

SA revolvers ("cowboy" style guns) are probably the most versitle and simple to use of the .22 revolvers. They are fun for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting - but as instructional guns for transition to larger calibers - they are pretty useless (unless of course one actually chooses to carry an 1873 Colt .45 "Peacemaker" as a defensive weapon).

 

[MrMurphy]

Autos:

Browning Buckmark, Ruger 22/45 Ruger MkII or Ruger MKIII in that order.

Revolvers:

SA: Ruger Single Six
DA: S&W 617 or Ruger SP101, Taurus 94.

 

[MrMurphy]

Autos:

Browning Buckmark, Ruger 22/45 Ruger MkII or Ruger MKIII in that order.

Revolvers:

SA: Ruger Single Six
DA: S&W 617 or Ruger SP101, Taurus 94.

 

[MrMurphy]

Autos:

Browning Buckmark, Ruger 22/45 Ruger MkII or Ruger MKIII in that order.

Revolvers:

SA: Ruger Single Six
DA: S&W 617 or Ruger SP101, Taurus 94.

Whoops sorry for the double post.

 

[444]

I started shooting with my dad's S&W Model 17. Before long he bought me a Ruger Standard Model. Since that time I have always owned at least one .22LR handgun. I don't even know if I can name all the one's I have right now: S&W Model 617, a couple Model 17s, Ruger Single Six, Ruger Bearcat, Ruger Single Six Bisley, Ruger Mk.II, Ruger Standard Model, some kind of High Standard, Ceiner conversion for the 1911, and I have a suppressed Ruger Mk. II ordered but I think I have been ripped off and probably will never get it. Oh, and the little NAA mini-revolver. That is close. Of course I have owned other ones over the years.
So, based on my own experience I would buy a Ruger. I don't know if I can narrow it down any further: I love my Single Six. It is stainless, 4" barrel. I also love the Bisley Single Six. It is blue with a 6.5" barrel. I don't shoot the Mk.II very often, but consider it the best thing going in an autoloader of reasonable cost.
Have fun.