22 trail gun

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nemoaz

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I'm gonna blow part of my income that was seized by Uncle Sam for a year without interest on a 22 for use as a trail gun, pest control, and plinking (especially teaching my young kids). I'm really surprised that I cannot get comfortable with a decision. I think I need a 3-4 inch barrel and light weight. The ability to use S/L/LR and snake shot would be a bonus. An interchangeable 22 mag cyl would be even better. I'm a cheap bastard and $300-350 is just about all I want to pay. I just cannot justify paying what some of these guns are tagged. Basically, a Smith 317 kit gun would be perfect, but for the $700+ price tag.

These conditions are pretty solid:
1. I don't buy Ruger,unless Ruger takes the lead in opposing the Democrats' next gun ban.

2. I don't like the toy phaser looks of the Neos.

3. I don't want a single action revolver. (But I might make an exception for a NAA 4" barrel Mini-master. How accurate are those things? Just doesn't seem like a plinker though. How accurate are these?)

4. I don't want a K or L sized frame.

Anyway, I'm interested in these handguns:
1. Buckmark
2. Taurus 94
3. Walther P22
4. Charter Arms Pathfinder (is a longer barrel available now?)
5. Smith 22A (trying to get used to the look of that whatever rail on top)
6. NAA 4" mini-master

Any thoughts?
 
I don't like the recent revivals of Charter Arms products. Terrible trigger, dubious reliability. On the one hand, this isn't a self defence gun. On the other, it is a terrible gun to learn proper shooting mechanics with - sometimes people develop bad habits to compensate for specific gun problems.

The Buckmark does have the Camper model, with rubberized grips. I think that would be a good way to go - I do like my Buckmark. I'd say get a fiber optic front sight - you can get that seperately if it isn't already on the gun.
 
Nemo, I'd look for a used older J-Frame Kit Gun. It'll cost less than the new ones and be much better made as well. Alternatively Ruger also offered the SP-101 in .22 LR for a while. If buying a used Ruger is acceptable that would be an option, but I understand your political concerns.
 
+1 ugaarguy
Used older J-frame kit gun. They can be had for about $200-$250. You didn't say if you were opposed to autos, if not, I have a S&W 622 that I like alot. Good luck with your search.
 
You say that you don't like Ruger, but both my Single-Six and my 1958 Standard Model have have served me well for years, and will still be doing the job for my grandchildren.
 
small, accurate well built, economical semi = Firestorm

economical wheelgun = Taurus 94
 
1. Buckmark
2. Taurus 94
3. Walther P22
4. Charter Arms Pathfinder (is a longer barrel available now?)
5. Smith 22A (trying to get used to the look of that whatever rail on top)
6. NAA 4" mini-master

Buckmark and the S&W 22A are nice semi autos , but if had to choose I would go with the Buckmark.

Walther P22, I have heard conflicting reports with them. Some love them, some say they are complete junk. Its a crapshoot.

I don't like the recent revivals of Charter Arms products. Terrible trigger, dubious reliability. On the one hand, this isn't a self defence gun. On the other, it is a terrible gun to learn proper shooting mechanics with - sometimes people develop bad habits to compensate for specific gun problems.

Ironically I compared the Taurus 94 and the Charter Arms Pathfinder and find the pathfinder actually has a better trigger. .22 revolver triggers are usually heavy and in general stink, and unless you want to pay over $500 for a new S&W .22 revolver to get a "decent" trigger, your stuck with Taurus , Charter Arms or buying used. I like the Taurus out of the 2 because it has 9 shots and speedloaders are available. The pathfinder only has 6 round cylinders but for the cost of the bottom of the line blued Taurus 94 weighing 24 oz, you can but a 19oz Stainless steel pathfinder. The 18oz Taurus 94 ultralight will cost $100 more. Taurus comes in various barrel length, but the pathfinder as far as I know only comes in 2" barrels. Charter arms is America made but Taurus has a lifetime warranty. Its pretty much a toss up.

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pathfinder.html

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=387&category=Revolver

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=382&category=Revolver
 
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Word of advice, most of the guns you've listed are autos and as such won't handle anything other than plain .22 LR ammo. No shorts for you, and no snake shot other than the first shot in the chamber, as it often won't cycle the slide on an auto. The stuff wouldn't even feed from the magazine out of my P22.
 
Word of advice, most of the guns you've listed are autos and as such won't handle anything other than plain .22 LR ammo. No shorts for you, and no snake shot other than the first shot in the chamber, as it often won't cycle the slide on an auto. The stuff wouldn't even feed from the magazine out of my P22.

Good point.
 
Since you mentioned that you'd like the ability to use .22LR/Long/Short, that rules out a semi-auto. They tend to be very finicky about the ammo put in them, but a revolver will shoot just about anything well.

Look around in Gunbroker, Gunsamerica, et.al., and you should be able to locate a Smith M34 or M63 in your price range.
 
First join the Libertarian Party. That way you can dislike both Republicans & Democrats. :evil:

Then buy a Ruger Bearcat or a Single Six.
 
As others have indicated, semi autos don't do well with or can't shoot longs, shorts, and shot.

As you indicated, Ruger is out of the question and so are any other SA revolvers and S&W K Frames.

That REALLY narrows it down to only DAs from Charter Arms, Taurus (94 and 970), Rossi, and J Frame Smith Kit guns. Of those, my choice would be for a S&W J Frame, such as a 22/32 Kit gun or later Model 34. It would typically have the most decent trigger pull of all the above.

You mentioned you didn't want a K Frame Smith, which I assume is because of its size. S&W did make a 4" K-22, the Model 18 Combat Masterpiece that may be worth considering, as it would have a about the nicest trigger pull of any 22 revolver out there.
 
I'd go with the Taurus M94 revolver. The Smiths are too high, even used ones down here. I have a good little kit gun that is VERY accurate and rugged built of stainless. it's a Rossi M511, got it used for 200 bucks at a gun show. Guy I bought it off of wasn't a licensed dealer, so no paperwork was a bonus. :D I shoot the thing nearly every range session. It's amazingly accurate. I don't keep guns that don't meet my accuracy standards, my number one deal.

I, too, would also like to hear about the NAA mini master. Have been thinkin' about this one for a long while. It should be more accurate than the 6-8" groups I get out of my tiny little NAA mini 1" barrel at 25 yards. If it could shoot 3" at 25 yards, that'd be adequate, but my little Rossi is a sub 2" gun at that range.

You said no single actions, but the little Ruger Bearcat is a small .22 that I've always considered neat. Its fixed sights turn me off, though.

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my choice would be for a S&W J Frame,

Yeah, me too. But I can buy three Buckmarks for that price.

you didn't want a K Frame Smith, which I assume is because of its size

Exactly. Want something a little smaller. Did they make an airweight K22? I had a 2" model 12 once that was a nice carry gun.

I'd go with the Taurus M94 revolver.

I'm leaning that way. I've heard many say the DA trigger pull isn't great, but I guess I'll have to live with it.

I'm voting Buckmark all the way.

Like I said, I'm leaning Ruger... unless I get the Browning. The snake shots and s/l/lr utility of a revolver is a consideration. But I wonder how much I'll really need that. A nice trigger will be a bonus on every single shot.

First join the Libertarian Party. That way you can dislike both Republicans & Democrats.

Yeah, maybe. Right now it's a choice between the party that often disappoints me and the one that always disappoints me.

I, too, would also like to hear about the NAA mini master.

Yeah, cannot find any accuracy reviews of one of these. Surely someone has tested one.
 
Just noticing some S&W 317's for less than $500 on gunbroker. Maybe I spoke too soon about hte price.
 
I would go with the Taurus M94. I have one myself and I am very happy with it. So far I have put about 500 rounds of ammo through it, and I have only had one misfire. The M94 is extremely accurate and reliable. It has a great single action trigger pull. The only downsides to it, are that it has a rather heavy DA trigger pull, and the grips are a bit small for me.
The Heavy DA pull is not really an issue for me since I shoot the M94 for accuracy, and that is a Single Action job.
All in all I have been very pleased with my Taurus, and would recommend it.

Edit: Before you buy, go ahead and perform The Revolver Checkout. It is stickied at the top of the Revolvers sub forum. I have heard from people that have had horrible experience with the M94, and people like me who have had a great experience. I would perform The Revolver Checkout, to make sure you pick up a good one.
 
From Gunsamerica.com:

Colt Woodsman (Gun Number: 976846801) Classified Ad
Colt Automatic Pistols (1911 & Var)
Colt Woodsman Sport Model Serise 2 with 4 in. barrel in 22 LR this one has fixed rear sights and the mag. release is on the left side of thr frame, th ...(read more)

Seller: Bill Thompson (FFL Dealer) $399.00
GA Sales: 225

There is an early Woodsman on the same site:

Woodsman .22 Target, 1920 (Gun Number: 976809518) Classified Ad
Colt Automatic Pistols (22 Cal.)
TARGET .22LR , a nice 6” pencil barrel w/very good bore, 2-tone magazine, 75% orig. blue, very good orig. checkered walnut stocks, 1920 production s/n ...(read more)

Seller: Surf City Firearms (FFL Dealer) $295.00

This is a great buy, but limited to standard velocity ammo, only.
 
I have a S&W 22A and it's great. There are many models in a big price range so you will be able to find one you can buy.

Taurus makes a good .22 revolver but like you said, the trigger isn't great.

I would suggest looking for an older .22 model from S&W. Used .22's won't break the bank and the triggers are so smooth you will be able to teach the childern proper shooting.

BTW, if you are thinking about snakes I would suggest CCI Shotshells. They use #12 shot and are very reliable. The product # is 0039. They work very well out of a revolver.
 
Thanks, all. Pretty much ruled out the longer barrelled mini revolvers after reading more.

Adding a Smith 63 to the list. It's an airweight and may be just the ticket. Heading the gun store today to look around, check for bargains, and see what feels right.
 
others

How about an old High Standard Double 9 (looks like a single action, but is actually double action) or High Standard Sentinel? Buckmarks can be had at gun shows in the $220-$350 range(new).
 
Quote:
I'd go with the Taurus M94 revolver.

I'm leaning that way. I've heard many say the DA trigger pull isn't great, but I guess I'll have to live with it.

My Rossi's DA ain't great, stiff and rough, but the SA is excellent. I've tried a couple of Smith kit guns and while smoother than the Rossi, weren't a lot less effort/pull weight. I think it's a thing with the J frame guns in .22, maybe has something to do with the geometry of the pawl/trigger, etc. I've fired an old K22 masterpiece a lot, though, and the trigger was smooth and light as a .38 masterpiece. But, it's a bulky gun for a .22. I just figure in the field I'm going to be shooting SA anyway. I really don't care about DA in a .22 as it ain't exactly a defense revolver and practicing with it will make my defense guns feel light and smooth. :D I've popped quite a few rabbits with the Rossi, all fired single action. It's a nice little field gun/plinker and I shoot it a lot. I'm sure the Taurus 94 is as good or better. Taurus fit and finish seems to be a lot better than your average Rossi. But, for what I gave for it, the Rossi was a deal and gets the job done. :D
 
Your price range

If you can find it, for around $300 you should buy a Colt 21a or as it is sometimes called a cadet (few are actually cadets). It is the best gun I own, and for a kit gun even the older kids wanna turn with it. Its mag release, bull barrel, and stainless design are great but hitting the target is what this gun was made for.
 
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