.22

[mdaniels]

I presently have a Ruger LCR, my first handgun, and have been receiving instruction on shooting, carrying and basic defensive tactics. My instructor suggested that I also get a .22 for target practice, only because the ammo is a bit cheaper and I will be able to shoot quite a bit more, as well as continuing to practice with the LCR.

Any suggestions for a .22? I'm clueless. I'm sure he will have some suggestions, but thought I would post here as well.

 

[Shadow 7D]

can you be a little more specific,

Do you want an auto or revolver, if you want a revolver, what size

For basic target plinking, the Ruger MK (mark) series is reasonably priced with lots of options, Taurus, S&W or a number of other makers of revolvers may be an option, but you should also be aware that a number of guns are considered notorious lemons (RG), either being extremely finicky with ammo or generally poorly made.

 

[308win]

I have had good service from my S&W 22A and I still shoot a High Standard Sentinel (a lot) that I have had for 35 years. There are a lot of good pistols and revolvers at a lot of price points. If you are using it as a practice substitute for your carry gun a .22 that is similar in size and operation and points similarly will give you more realistic practice.

 

[mbopp]

It's tough to beat a Ruger for a .22 autoloader. I prefer the MK1 or MK2 over the current MK3.
A friend of mine has a S&W K-frame (M-18?) It's nice for a six-shooter.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I bought a S&W Model 617

The 617 ,6", .22lr mirrors my S&W Model 586, 6", .357.
Both are full lug and the 617 is heavier than the 586 empty. Sights are different but I probably won't change them.
I put the same Hogue grips on both and am very glad of my choice.

IMHO take your Ruger with you and find a .22lr that matches its size, feel and weight as close as possible.

 

[Jim Watson]

A S&W M317 would be a close match in size and weight to your .38.
If you truly wanted to do a lot of close range double action practice, it would be a good choice.
If you want more range and accuracy, the M63 or 617 would be better choices; or a good automatic mentioned in other posts.

Let's look at the cost side. At Midway, .22 LR runs from $45 to $70 a thousand. Plain Jane .38 roundnose practice ammo is about $18 a box, $360 a thousand. So a .22 would save you about $300 a thousand. That would pay for a new pistol in one to three thousand rounds, depending on how deluxe you went. Other sources might vary a bit but that is the general idea.

Of course you should still shoot some .38s to stay familiar with that individual gun and centerfire recoil.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Try to get as close to what you carry. If a revolver is your CCW, get a .22 revolver. If your CCW is a semi-auto, get a semi-auto .22.

Personally I practice with what I carry. Of course I practice with the rest of my handguns and rifles too, but mostly with my carry piece.

 

[RatDrall]

The 617 ,6", .22lr mirrors my S&W Model 586, 6", .357.
Both are full lug and the 617 is heavier than the 586 empty. Sights are different but I probably won't change them.
I put the same Hogue grips on both and am very glad of my choice.

The 617 is actually built on the smaller K frame. The 586 is an L-frame, which is bigger. They are pretty close though.

I am currently hunting for a S&W 317, which is built on the small J-frame, which should match the LCR better than anything else out there. You can find them in 2" or 3" barrels, the 2" would be very close to most carry snubbies, but hold 8 rounds.

Ruger has done limited runs of SP101s in .22lr. I handled one a few months ago at a gunshop, but it was already bought by someone else.

 

[moxie]

Ditto on the 317 for your purposes.

 

[pikid89]

maybe try to find one of the older Ruger SP-101 in .22LR or a S&W Model 63 like mine, which is awesome btw

 

[Salty1]

Although I agree on the Ruger Mark series of 22 semi's I would hesitate telling a person who is not mechanicly inclined to buy one, thet are a bear to breakdown and put back together. I would look at a Sig Mosquito, just remember they need to shoot CCI mini mags, about $6.00 per hundred versus the bulk ammo. I have one that was purchased as a training gun for my wife and it fit that need perfectly. Everytime we go to the range it comes with us and it is actually fun to shoot. I just wish somebody would make a 22 cal handgun that holds more than 10 rounds. Even with 4 mags it seems we spend more time reloading than actually shooting.

 

[maroast]

I just wish somebody would make a 22 cal handgun that holds more than 10 rounds. Even with 4 mags it seems we spend more time reloading than actually shooting.

You could get something like this..its called "The Ultimate Cliploader" (stupid name)

I have one for my Ruger MkIII and it works great. I can burn through hundreds of rounds of bulk 22 in no-time.

http://www.gunblast.com/Cliploader.htm

 

[LeontheProfessional]

As for a .22lr pistol you really can't beat a Browning Buckmark. The Camper model is the most inexpensive and it is reasonably priced. For around 300 it is one of the best bang for the buck .22 on the market.

 

[mdaniels]

To answer Shadow 7D, I wasn't sure if I wanted a revolver or a semi-auto. I did give my instructor a call and he told me two guns to look at might be the Ruger MarkIII or the 22/45. I'm open to looking at a semi-auto or a revolver--again, this is my first move in to handguns, so its exploration time for me.

I appreciate what everyone has written so far, thank you. My husband and I took a trip to the local gunshop just a bit ago, but there were very few .22 handguns, and the man behind the counter chuckled and said he was looking for one too. I guess they don't sit for too long. But I will keep researching for the time being and we'll see what we come up with.

Again, appreciate any input. Have the fun is the research and the hunt...

 

[Ben86]

Since your carry gun is a revolver I'd suggest getting a snubbie .22 such as one of these: http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=387&category=Revolver&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

As for autos, I'd go with a ruger 22/45.

 

[Shadow 7D]

go to rimfirecentral.com and put up a WLTB add in the trading post, or post one here, never know what you may get.

 

[warnerwh]

The Ruger MK series or a Browning buckmark are good guns and inexpensive. They will out last you and your kids too. There are revolvers like H&R that are relatively inexpensive and decent little guns if you're on a budget.
Shooting a handgun with any proficiency takes lots and lots of practice. Dry fire practice at home with your LCR is highly recommended. It's free too. The .22 will pay for itself in saved money so it's basically free. Plus a .22 is just a fun round for recreational shooting at cans etc.

 

[ArthurDent]

mdaniels,

Congratulations on your new LCR. You should be very happy with it! (I recommend the S&W 642 to new shooters because of its simplicity and quality. I consider the Ruger LCR to be another very fine choice and quite close to the 642.)

I agree with The Bushmaster that you should probably try to get something as close to the feel of your LCR as possible. The S&W 317 or 43C should do nicely, but these are both quite expensive. A much cheaper option would be to look for a used H&R revolver in .22LR. These old revolvers are not built to anywhere near the quality level of your pretty new LCR, but they work fine and are usually quite inexpensive. You might check gunbroker or a similar sight. Also, Taurus seems to make several suitable revolvers. I very much like your recommendation from another post to actually "try-on" a gun to see which model fits you the best!

I totally agree with the advice to get a .22 for practice. The day that I bought my first gun (a S&W 642) I went to the range with a friend and between us we burned through $100 worth of ammo in just a few of hours. I immediately realized that it would be a very good idea to get a .22 pistol to practice with! (about $0.04 per round for .22LR vs $.35 per round for .38 Special... nearly 9 times cheaper!) I bought a Walther P22 for around $300, new. This little pistol is a LOT of fun, but it is not accurate at all, and it is a semi, not a revolver like you should get. (I did not know enough back then to try to match the platform... live and learn.)

Based on your other posts, you seem knowledgeable about bigger guns. I don't want to insult your intelligence, but be sure that what you are getting is chambered in .22 LR and NOT .22 WMR! The Long-Rifle rounds are much cheaper than the Magnums.

Good luck, and welcome to The High Road!

 

[mdaniels]

Thanks very much! All very helpful and don't worry Arthur, no insult to my intellect. I'm learning!

 

[Pat-inCO]

I'll second several of the previous comments about .22lr AND revolver. One other consideration is to get a revolver that is capable of double action. One of the single action revolvers will be far less effective for you to learn with.