.22LR autos for SD practice?

[mr.72]

hey-

I am considering a .22LR autoloader to use for practice for myself and my family. Not looking for something for a hobby, but practice applicable to SD handguns that we have or will likely have in the house (compact and sub-compact 9mm). So looks like the Ruger Mk3 are out, but maybe a S&W 22A? Firestorm 22LR? Any other good choices?

Again I am not looking for a "target pistol" or something used for a sport in and of itself. Just a tool for practice learning trigger control, point of aim, sight acquisition, etc. without spending a small fortune on ammo.

 

[creekerdoug]

The S&W 22A is good solid choice. It is durable and much, much easier to take down and clean than a Ruger. I don't know anything about your third choice.

You are wise to use a .22 for an entry level practice gun.

 

[johnson_n]

Youre not going to get the sound, muzzle flash, muzzle flip, etc like you would with your HD gun.

 

[OMGWTFBBQ]

There are also a few options for SD suitable guns that have .22lr conversions available for them. CZ puts out their Kadet kit, there are a few different .22lr conversion available for 1911 type pistols, a couple out there for Glocks, and probably a few others.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Again I am not looking for a "target pistol" or something used for a sport in and of itself. Just a tool for practice learning trigger control, point of aim, sight acquisition, etc. without spending a small fortune on ammo.

Sounds like a good idea...I can't recommend a .22LR autoloader since the last 2 I've owned were "jamomatics". In revolvers, you can accomplish the same thing and have less trouble in terms of reliable shooting...

 

[Pilot]

A .22LR is a great practice and plinking tool as well as a great target round. I use my Ruger MK II's for this as well as a CZ-75B with .22 Kadet Kit installed for practice.

 

[mr.72]

I guess I should add to my list: Sig Mosquito, Walther P22 ... FWIW my wish list includes a Sig P6, a Kahr CW9, and I have a S&W SW9VE. if I get a CW9, the S&W will stay home for HD... so something with the feel of a medium frame poly auto would be good. If I get a Sig P6 then it will be the HD gun and the Sig Mosquito makes a whole lot of sense as a practice tool. Of course considering the $300+ price tags of these, it makes me wonder if it's not false economy. Maybe $100 on a metal-slide blowback airsoft pistol would be better in the long run.

 

[AdamSean]

If you are considering using a 9mm for the real thing, I would buy a Glock and then buy the .22lr conversion barrel for the practicing. I am considering a Sig Mosquito for .22lr practice.

 

[Confederate]

No one makes a good, small pocket size .22LR that's reliable. You can find some Walthers and Berettas that come in .22LR, but they're a bit on the expensive side. Of course, I believe that the .22LR is a more-than-adequate home defense round. I have a 10/22 rifle with a Ramline stock and a 25-round magazine. I also have complete confidence in any Ruger .22LR pistol, though I would stop short of recommending a revolver.