hermannr
Member
That Charter Arms target pathfinder combo (22lr and 22 mag) does look good doesn't it. Anybody know what the trigger is like?
22lr handgun suggestions?
- Thread starter Searcher1970
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I picked up a Ruger MKII Target a while back, and it was decent. But I wanted a nicer trigger on it, so I got a Volquartzen kit for it. It helped, but needed some break-in time to smooth out. However, I also got a Ruger MKIII Hunter with the 6-7/8" barrel, and the trigger is pretty decent. Very little creep. Nice and smooth. I'd recommend the MKIII Hunter as a good choice.
You could also go with a Single Six, if you'd prefer a revolver.
You could also go with a Single Six, if you'd prefer a revolver.
steven58
Member
Here's an option, I recently got a chance to try a Harrington & Richards model 686 22LR / .22 WRM convertible.
The H&R triggers are not to bad. A bit heavy in DA but a clean 4 lb break SA. SA was very accurate! 2-3" at 25 yds
They are on Gunbroker all the time in the $200 to $300 range.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=221028193
I have hunted small game with a Ruger Super Single Six using the 22 Mag. cylinder. This gives 22 LR rifle velocities out of a pistol when using standard 22 Mag. fare. With the latest short barrel .22 Mag cartridges that should be even better.
http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx
http://www.hornady.com/store/22-WMR-45gr-Critical-Defense
The H&R triggers are not to bad. A bit heavy in DA but a clean 4 lb break SA. SA was very accurate! 2-3" at 25 yds
They are on Gunbroker all the time in the $200 to $300 range.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=221028193
I have hunted small game with a Ruger Super Single Six using the 22 Mag. cylinder. This gives 22 LR rifle velocities out of a pistol when using standard 22 Mag. fare. With the latest short barrel .22 Mag cartridges that should be even better.
http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx
http://www.hornady.com/store/22-WMR-45gr-Critical-Defense
BCRider
Member
I'm going to suggest two options for a pair of guns instead of just one to try to do it all. So one gun as the dedicated hunter and a second as the light trail carry gun that can still put a grouse or rabbit in the pot at need.
If you prefer revolvers over the other semi auto options and if you really want a nice hunter gun then I would find a nice S&W K22 or Model 17. They really are superb guns to shoot. A equally suitable alternative for the hunting aspect would be a Ruger Single Six with the longer 6.5 inch barrel and the adjustable sights. Or if you'd want to fit a scope then the Single Six Hunter. THey make one with a 9.5 inch barrel but really I'd say that it's overkill and the 6.5 should give you a long enough sight base to get shots as accurate as you'd require.
But all of these guns for the hunter are fairly heavy to carry if you're not out for an actual day of hunting. For the trail and dinner targets of opportunity you want something smaller and lighter. For this I'm going to suggest something a bit odd. A North American Arms 5 shot mini revolver with a 5 inch barrel. They make such guns in two styles. The Mini mag and a model called "The Earl". The 4 inch barrel makes these tiny guns surprisingly decent for sighting and for getting the bullet sent on it's way in a truly consistent manner. I find that I can produce 2 inch groupings or better at 12'ish yards easily and 1.5 inch groups are not at all uncommon once I learned how to hold the darn thing decently. So the gun itself can deliver the goods. It's just that they are hamstrung by the stylish but hard to hold grips that are scaled to the gun's overall size. But if you don't mind fabricating a new set of grips or having someone make such a thing for you the result would be so compact and light that you could easily forget that you've got it with you.
If you prefer revolvers over the other semi auto options and if you really want a nice hunter gun then I would find a nice S&W K22 or Model 17. They really are superb guns to shoot. A equally suitable alternative for the hunting aspect would be a Ruger Single Six with the longer 6.5 inch barrel and the adjustable sights. Or if you'd want to fit a scope then the Single Six Hunter. THey make one with a 9.5 inch barrel but really I'd say that it's overkill and the 6.5 should give you a long enough sight base to get shots as accurate as you'd require.
But all of these guns for the hunter are fairly heavy to carry if you're not out for an actual day of hunting. For the trail and dinner targets of opportunity you want something smaller and lighter. For this I'm going to suggest something a bit odd. A North American Arms 5 shot mini revolver with a 5 inch barrel. They make such guns in two styles. The Mini mag and a model called "The Earl". The 4 inch barrel makes these tiny guns surprisingly decent for sighting and for getting the bullet sent on it's way in a truly consistent manner. I find that I can produce 2 inch groupings or better at 12'ish yards easily and 1.5 inch groups are not at all uncommon once I learned how to hold the darn thing decently. So the gun itself can deliver the goods. It's just that they are hamstrung by the stylish but hard to hold grips that are scaled to the gun's overall size. But if you don't mind fabricating a new set of grips or having someone make such a thing for you the result would be so compact and light that you could easily forget that you've got it with you.
Hunter125
Member
For those of you who have experience with both the Buckmark and the Ruger Mk II and III, which would you suggest? Pros and cons of both? I have usually heard that the Buckmarks are higher quality guns, but with my experience with .22 autos, I am very impressed with ToeJamm's claim of no misfires with the Ruger. What do you guys say?
What's your price range Searcher? If you can afford one, you might check out a pre-lock stainless S&W model 63 kit gun. They're very expensive but they're the definitive revolver for what you want to do. My other choice, possibly even my first choice, would be a stainless Ruger Single Six convertible. The Ruger is nearly indestructible, gives you the choice of two calibers and is as accurate as you will ever be. The Ruger weighs more but would be better for hunting. There's just something about carrying a SA on the trail or in camp that fits like a glove. If you hit your financial limit at around $300 a Buckmark would be okay too.
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smallbore
Member
Original poster. . .I'm very satisfied with my Rugers (22/45 and MkII target model) and use both for small game hunting.
Hunter125. . .I have experienced plinking/hunting with both brands, finding them to be equal to the task at hand. Choosing the Ruger was a matter of personal preference and had nothing to do with the quality/performance of the Browning.
Hunter125. . .I have experienced plinking/hunting with both brands, finding them to be equal to the task at hand. Choosing the Ruger was a matter of personal preference and had nothing to do with the quality/performance of the Browning.
Armored farmer
Member
I don't have much that hasn't been said already.
I have both MKII and Single-Six.
The versatility of the Single-six capable of shooting everything from cb to magnum is useful. I keep .22shorts on hand for it. The .22mag is downright impressive for a potent trail/hunting gun.
The MkII is more accurate, and usually gets to go hunting more than the Single-Six.
I have both MKII and Single-Six.
The versatility of the Single-six capable of shooting everything from cb to magnum is useful. I keep .22shorts on hand for it. The .22mag is downright impressive for a potent trail/hunting gun.
The MkII is more accurate, and usually gets to go hunting more than the Single-Six.
C5rider
Member
I've heard really good things about the buckmark and the Ruger 22s. I've looked at purchasing a few but, I've got to say, for the money, the Heritage Arms 22 has been great for me. It's not a spring-feeder and it won't hold more than 6 or 9 shots (depending on what you purchase) but, it'll tell me exactly where the gun was pointed on the target when I pulled the trigger. Maybe not where I wanted, but that's where it WAS pointed! 
Our LGS has them for around $150 right now. Yes, you can pay more and get better quality and more "goodies" and POSSIBLY, better accuracy, but I really like mine and checking one out before you purchase won't hurt. It's not like having your biker buddies spot you riding on a moped.
Our LGS has them for around $150 right now. Yes, you can pay more and get better quality and more "goodies" and POSSIBLY, better accuracy, but I really like mine and checking one out before you purchase won't hurt. It's not like having your biker buddies spot you riding on a moped.
Lobo_79
Member
A lot of good suggestions popping up for sure. My favorite is this 10-shot, all stainless S&W model 617. This one has a six inch barrel, and it's almost like shooting a rifle in terms of its accuracy. Revolvers can be easier to maintain, and they are inherently more reliable compared to some semi-autos (no feeding issues with different types ammo). Obviously this is subject and experiences vary. LOL, I am not anti-semiauto.
On the down side this particular gun is heavy (44 oz) but I use it as a trainer for my Model 627.
I have shot a lot of .22 pistols, starting competitive shooting with them when I was 9 with a Ruger Mk1. I'm now 46 and I couldn't even begin to guess how many rounds I've fired. My personal opinion would be the Ruger (I currently shoot a Mk3 Bull) or a Browning Buckmark. If you can find one, the High Standard autos were always highly regarded in competition. The Ruger and the Browning are also both very affordable. Things like the NEOS, the P22, etc I wouldn't consider seriously. They're plinking guns. I also have a conversion kit for my Glock which is great for inexpensive practice on the frame of my carry pistol. There is a company that now makes a very reasonably priced Glock copy in .22 that would probably be good for the same sort of practice and for fun shooting. They aren't what I would consider target pistols though. The Browning, High Standard, and the Ruger can do it all.
John
John
Boomerang
Member
Smith 317 Kit gun. 8 shot stainless J frame with fiber optic sight and 3" barrel,
or a Ruger Bearcat with 4" barrel.
I use my K-22 for rabbit hunting with beagles and it works well, but it's only drawn when the dogs are on scent. I keep it tucked in the game pouch of my vest. It feels too big to take fishing. When I'm feeling a bit more flush, I'll get that Smith 317 too.
hermannr
Member
The only problem I have with a bearcat is it has very small grips. Good to teach young people with small hands, but if your hand(s) have any size at all you will find holding a bearcat uncomfortable.
Maybe I should say that my bearcat was one of the originals from the 60's. Maybe the grips on the new version are slightly larger grip?
Maybe I should say that my bearcat was one of the originals from the 60's. Maybe the grips on the new version are slightly larger grip?
BCRider
Member
Hermanr, the Bearcat grips are still really small. But with a bit of wood working you could easily make up a set of custom wood grips that suit adult size hands and turn the gun into a great light and compact trail and fishing gun. The new wood grip would add a little size to the gun but not all that much. And wood is light so any added weight would be minimal.
For about $100 one can get Hi Standard 'Sentinel' (aka JC Higgins Model 88) with alloy frame steel barrel and 9-shot steel cylinder. While it will not outshoot K22 it will likely shoot right along with S&W 'Kit Guns'. It is the best bang for the buck in second-hand .22 handguns.
BQuiz
Member
I have been quite pleased with my little S&W 22A plinker. It has the fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear, but I put a Millet Red Dot on it and it's a real tack-driver. I shoot CCI for the most part....had a few FTF's in the first 500 rounds, but now it's rare. It's a pretty heavy gun, fair price, take-down isn't bad, and I like the trigger. The grip is mediocre, but I haven't found a target-style .22 with a grip that I really liked anyway. Might be a little big/heavier than you want for a trail gun, but I'd be bad news on some squirrels with this little guy.
hermannr
Member
BC Rider. I left my bearcat grips original and used it for training my daughters when they were younger.
I might try that now that they all have their own families, or maybe I'll just keep it the way it is for the grandkids to learn with. Thanks for the idea.
I might try that now that they all have their own families, or maybe I'll just keep it the way it is for the grandkids to learn with. Thanks for the idea.
BCRider
Member
Keep in mind that it's not like you can't switch the grips back and forth in a matter of a minute or so. The Bearcat can serve all the generations of your family that way.
Searcher1970
Member
My price range is right around $450 so the S&W is out. A local shop has a single six I'm gonna go check it out.
Win1892
Member
I have about 20 .22 handguns and my carry gun at the farm is a High Standard "convertible" in .22 LR.
Steel frame, 6 inch barrel, 9 shot, reliable, and the swing out cylinder lets me index the snake shot or the 40 grain solid quickly. Double action makes it fast, single action makes it accurate.
Kudos to my girlfriends MKIII Hunter, also.
Steel frame, 6 inch barrel, 9 shot, reliable, and the swing out cylinder lets me index the snake shot or the 40 grain solid quickly. Double action makes it fast, single action makes it accurate.
Kudos to my girlfriends MKIII Hunter, also.
Tentwing
Member
Well at the risk of sounding like an echo in here I'm gonna have to throw my support toward the Ruger MK-II 22/45 crowd.
I absolutely love mine, and thats saying something cause at heart I'm a "rifle guy" who kinda thinks of pistols as self defense only type weapons
, but the 22/45 frequently makes it out to play and probably burns through as much of my 22lr ammo as any of my 22 rifles.
Tentwing
I absolutely love mine, and thats saying something cause at heart I'm a "rifle guy" who kinda thinks of pistols as self defense only type weapons
, but the 22/45 frequently makes it out to play and probably burns through as much of my 22lr ammo as any of my 22 rifles.Tentwing
BeerSleeper
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I've got a browning buckmark, and it's great. I don't get to shoot it much, but I think I've put three bricks through it since new, and I don't remember a single malf with that gun. Tack driving accurate, too.
More recently, I've acquired an ISSC M22. It has had difficulties with it's break-in, and malfunctions abound. I hope it will get better, but I'm afraid in the end it's going to turn out to be as cheap on quality as it was on price. If I had that gun purchase to do over again, I think I'd save up another $100 or so and try out a Sig Mosquito.
More recently, I've acquired an ISSC M22. It has had difficulties with it's break-in, and malfunctions abound. I hope it will get better, but I'm afraid in the end it's going to turn out to be as cheap on quality as it was on price. If I had that gun purchase to do over again, I think I'd save up another $100 or so and try out a Sig Mosquito.
hermannr
Member
Wife just spent a bunch of my money on a LNIB (well custom lockable metal case) High Standard Trophy and Olympic, 3 barrels, compensator, extra slide....I have a feeling all the 22 shooting from now on will be mostly with them...and even though I have several thousand rounds of 22LR, I had to buy 22 shorts for that Olympic today.
Ruger!
Although I'll admit I'm slightly biased.
The wife has a single six in .22, she likes it but it's a pain to load/unload compared to something like a 617. If you're dead set on a revolver I'd highly suggest trying to find one with a swing out cylinder.
Although I'll admit I'm slightly biased.
The wife has a single six in .22, she likes it but it's a pain to load/unload compared to something like a 617. If you're dead set on a revolver I'd highly suggest trying to find one with a swing out cylinder.
BCRider
Member
The Single Six is a nice gun. But it truly is a pain to reload if you're shooting a lot of ammo at any given range session. A Smith may be more money than you want to pay but they really are the Rolls Royce of the more widely produced revolvers. I've tried a few of the more budget minded wheel guns and found all three of them fell short compared to my Model 17 once I got one. And somewhere along the way someone will let you try their Model 17 or K22 and then you too will realize that you will want to own one somehow, someday....
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