a good, inexpensize auto 22?

[spankaveli]

any suggestions? ive already decided on a 9mm makarov for carry and sig 229 in .357, just need something to kill those pesky squirrels and to target practice.

any suggestions would be nice. i REALLY wanted a p99 then decided on a p229, so would a walther p22 be a nice buy?

thanks for the help!

 

[Pilot]

Ruger 22/45 with a 4 inch bull barrel and adjustable sights.

 

[Gusgus]

I picked up a Browning Buckmark last spring for $209.00 NIB. The dealer had several more expensive Rugers (22/45s & Mk IIs), but the Browning just felt and pointed better for me.

You can't go wrong with either brand, but try to hold and point both, before making a decision.

 

[Handy]

Having a 4" 22/45, I would actually suggest the longer 5.5" barrel for the better sight radius, but both are good.

Off the wall suggestion: KBI used to import a Walther PP style by FEG that was all steel, nicely blued and generally really nice. A good used one would only cost $200 or less.

Along similar lines, here's a nice Astra Constable:
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976307669.htm

There are also nicely made Bersa .22s made like a PP as well for less than $200. I think all of these cheap Walther clones are cool. Otherwise, get the inexpensive Ruger. You could shoot it in a match, if you wanted.

 

[10-Ring]

The Rugers & the Brownings are choices #1 & #2 for 22lr pistols. Get the one you can get the better deal on & you're set.

 

[spankaveli]

how is the walther p22?

 

[RON in PA]

My advise get a Ruger, there are enough variations to satisfy anybody. A proven 50 year-old design.

I have handled the Walther P-22 and was not impressed, seems toy-like. But that's my opinion and it's worth what your paying for it.

 

[Plan-B]

P22 = Fun, fun, fun...

If you're talking about pure fun factor, it's the best gun I've purchased.

 

[Tropical Z]

If you can find one,a FEG SMC-22.It would complement your Makarov perfectly.Mine cost me $140.00

 

[SoDFW Jason]

Just bought my 9 year old a Buckmark Camper for his b-day. He loves it, so does dad. That's a hard one to beat for around $250.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Buckmark

My favorite .22 autoloader is my Buckmark. Very reliable and accurate with ammo it likes.

The Rugers are also very good, but the Buckmark feels better in my hand. YMMV.

 

[Gerald McDonald]

I own both a Ruger and a Browning Buckmark. My take is they are both great shooters. I shoot the Browning a little better than the Ruger but then it feels more like a 1911 to me, the Ruger 22/45 might be a better fit for me than the MKI that I have. The Browning seems more tolerant of different ammo and less tolerant of dirt. If you dont keep the Buckmark oiled it will rebell, where my Ruger just keeps on plugging. They are both a PIA to clean well. Either one would make an excellent sidearm.
Gerald

 

[Bainx]

P22, [read] choke factor is really high. Most of um have problems right out of the chute.

Do youself a favor and get the Ruger MKII, 5 1/2" bull in stainless and don't look back.

It is now my favorite pistol.

 

[cheygriz]

I've owned one Ruger Standard, one Ruger "long barrel" target model, one Ruger bull barrel target model, and one Browning Challenger.

I still have the Browning.

 

[trvlr905]

Got me one of those Beretta Neos. Love it, it feels nice, shoots nice, and can't wait to get the neon blue grip panels. Now, if it weren't such a bear to disassemble for cleaning. Oh, year, wasn't a bad deal for $239.

 

[care-less]

want a great small, slip in your pocket 22? Beretta.

 

[spankaveli]

Originally posted by care-less
want a great small, slip in your pocket 22? Beretta.

I like the Beretta, but I don't understand the flip-up barrel. is that to expel the spent cartridge?

 

[gryphon]

I have the Browning BuckMark Camper. It was $200 new and has been a very accurate and reliable auto. It felt better to me than the Ruger did, and at the time the price was right.

 

[VHinch]

About six months ago I found a 70-ish Ruger Standard in a pawn shop. I asked the owner about it and was told it was a "no good unreliable POS". I wound up getting it for $75 out the door, took it home cleaned it (which by the way it looked had never been done) and have had ZERO failures from it. I think I'll probably have a hard time trying to beat that deal.

Vance

 

[Calanctus]

I've had very few teething problems with my Walther P22. As long as you stay with High Velocity ammo (as recommended in the manual) and keep it clean, it's a blast to shoot. Also, make sure you get the new style magazines (serial # ending with -A). Definitely less problems than my friend's Ruger Mark II. Plus, it's so cute!

 

[Steelharp]

spankaveli, the tip up barrel is to load the first shot; subsequent shots will load from the magazine.

Mikey D...

 

[firestar]

I have owned many different .22s. I have had everything from a Jennings J-22 (tiny cheap pocket type pistol) to full sized heavy bbl Ruger MK IIs and S&W revolvers.

I really like my Bersa 23 but if I had to keep only one or recomend a first/only pistol for someone, it would be some variation of a Ruger .22. There are many bbl lengths and weights to choose and two different frames (alloy and plactic).

I have not shot a Walther P-22 but I have handled them and seen people shot them at the range. They do feel pretty toy-like and I haven't seen one that could match the accuracy of any Ruger Mk II or 22/45. They would make a great trainer if you have a S&W 99 or Walther.

 

[Blackhawk]

My sentimental favorite is the Ruger MkII, but I'm interested in getting another .22 auto, Ruger or otherwise.

 

[Detritus]

speaking from experience

the tip-up barrel on the Barretta, also makes it REAL easy to clean or to clear a stuck case. my father bought one in '95. we found it to be surprisingly accurate, lots of fun and easy to maintain.

i'm hoping he doesn't sell it before he decides to pass it on!! same holds true fro the other two .22 pistols he has as well. a High Standard "Supermatic Citation" (a .22 built to have the same basic grip and heft as a NM 1911A1), and one of the "pre-MK1" rugers, (9-round mag, no last round hold open), built after the death of Alex Strum (black grip eagles). the ruger needs to see a smith (feeding trouble).

as for my recomendation for a .22 RUGER all the way. got my eyes set on one of the "competition" models (the ones with the "slabside barrel")

 

[Blackhawk]

Matter of fact, I've long wished that somebody made a .22 Magnum pistol. Last time I checked, nobody did. Anybody know of one?