The Bushmaster
Member
Wife carries a Bobcat and loves it.
A Small 22lr
- Thread starter tws3b2
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chicharrones
needs more ammo
A good point. I keep thinking of centerfire when I mention my like of double strike capability.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
You make a good point, and that is normally the case- IF you get a good, solid hit. I have .22 rifles with external cocking knobs that HAVE fired on the second or third attempt. If you got a light strike the first time, for whatever reason, the second may work. Also, Ive had batches of .22s (Armscorp comes to mind) which seemed to have thicker (or harder) than normal cases which have required a second hit to ignite.
doubleh
Member
Yes, it does but triplebike makes a good point. Without changing the impact point on the round nothing is going to happen. The safety is a de-cocker. Put it on safe and the hammer drops and the trigger does nothing. I don't remember ever having a fail to fire using CCI mini-mags.
OP
OP
tws3b2
Member
I like the Ruger 5410 revolver but $580 MSRP is a little pricey. I'm sure it could be found for a little less but still high. The Beretta bobcat at around $400 seems a better deal to me. I have not been able to find a price on the Phoenix hp22a and know nothing about that brand.
triplebike
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- Mar 21, 2010
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- 549
I agree 100%. I found about 500 rds of CCI MINI MAGS in my attic recently. I figure they've been sitting up there for at least 9 years. Baking in the summer and freezing in the winter . All fired flawlessly.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
The Ruger LCPII .22 (Lite Rack) is in the Bobcat's price range. Gun-demic prices being what they are, of course.
ulflyer
Member
I recently bought a new Ruger LCPII 22lr and it functions extremely well on good ammo and is more accurate that I would have ever expected.
It weights about 10oz empty and has a nice safety which I like. I carry it almost all the time.
It weights about 10oz empty and has a nice safety which I like. I carry it almost all the time.
jonnyc
Member
Not the newest gun out there, but you couldn't go wrong with a Beretta Model 71.
usp9
Member
Seecamp and PSA still make tiny pocket .25acp pistols. Worth a look maybe.
L.W. Seecamp Co. - Official Company Website
PRECISION SMALL ARMS, INC. > Categories
Pricey but small, light, thin and reliable is the Walther TPH in .22lr. If I were to carry .22lr it would be in this. Maybe a Beretta 70S
L.W. Seecamp Co. - Official Company Website
PRECISION SMALL ARMS, INC. > Categories
Pricey but small, light, thin and reliable is the Walther TPH in .22lr. If I were to carry .22lr it would be in this. Maybe a Beretta 70S
bannockburn
Member
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,299
If you're looking for a small .22 that is flat out reliable, accurate, and just plain old fun to shoot, then you'll definitely want to check out the Beretta Model 70S!
You see it's always been a pet theory of mine that the smaller in size you go with a .22 semi-auto the more problems you have with reliability. I believe that by reducing the interior operating space for the .22, there isn't much room for error for the gun to function properly. That and the tolerances have to be mighty tight both with the design and overall build quality.
Now I have had a number of tiny .22s (Sterling Model 302, FTL Auto Nine, Iver Johnson TP22, and a couple of Beretta Bobcats), and none of them were reliable enough so that I would use them in any sort of CCW role. Enter the Beretta Model 70S. Built on a medium size frame (used primarily for .32 and .380 caliber guns), there's more than enough room in the interior space of the gun for it to function properly and without any feed or extraction problems. Granted with it's all steel construction it weighs more than twice what a Bobcat weighs (23 oz. to 11.5 oz.), but did I mention that the Model 70S is incredibly reliable and the extra weight is barely noticeable, even after carrying it all day (which I frequently did when I went on long backwoods hikes with it).
If I had to choose one .22LR gun to have and to use forever and ever, the Model 70S would be it!
You see it's always been a pet theory of mine that the smaller in size you go with a .22 semi-auto the more problems you have with reliability. I believe that by reducing the interior operating space for the .22, there isn't much room for error for the gun to function properly. That and the tolerances have to be mighty tight both with the design and overall build quality.
Now I have had a number of tiny .22s (Sterling Model 302, FTL Auto Nine, Iver Johnson TP22, and a couple of Beretta Bobcats), and none of them were reliable enough so that I would use them in any sort of CCW role. Enter the Beretta Model 70S. Built on a medium size frame (used primarily for .32 and .380 caliber guns), there's more than enough room in the interior space of the gun for it to function properly and without any feed or extraction problems. Granted with it's all steel construction it weighs more than twice what a Bobcat weighs (23 oz. to 11.5 oz.), but did I mention that the Model 70S is incredibly reliable and the extra weight is barely noticeable, even after carrying it all day (which I frequently did when I went on long backwoods hikes with it).
If I had to choose one .22LR gun to have and to use forever and ever, the Model 70S would be it!
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aarondhgraham
Member
I'm one more person who likes their Taurus 22-PLY,,,
Mine is eight or nine years old now,,,
It has never failed me.
It is DAO with 2nd strike capability,,,
I've only had problems with Remington Thunderbolts,,,
And that bad year of Really terrible Remington Golden Bullets.
I had several fail to fire with those brands,,,
Pulling the trigger again almost always fired the round.
It's discontinued now,,,
But they did make a .25 ACP version.
I saw a used 25-PLY go on Gunbroker,,,
IIRC it was just a bit over $250.00.
I own them both and really like the pistols,,,
They are both proven performers.
Aarond
.
Mine is eight or nine years old now,,,
It has never failed me.
It is DAO with 2nd strike capability,,,
I've only had problems with Remington Thunderbolts,,,
And that bad year of Really terrible Remington Golden Bullets.
I had several fail to fire with those brands,,,
Pulling the trigger again almost always fired the round.
It's discontinued now,,,
But they did make a .25 ACP version.
I saw a used 25-PLY go on Gunbroker,,,
IIRC it was just a bit over $250.00.
I own them both and really like the pistols,,,
They are both proven performers.
Aarond
.
ThomasT
Member
For the money and quality of service if ever needed its going to be hard to beat the Ruger LCP II. I want one and will eventually get one if and when the panic slows down a little. I have also owned a couple of Iver Johnson TP-22s whick are a copy of the Walther but made from ZMac on the frame. But both worked perfectly and were dead nuts reliable.
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OP
OP
tws3b2
Member
Thanks guys. A lot of good suggestions. I'm gonna take her out and let her pick out the one she wants. Now, using all the knowledge and suggestions I got from you guys I can act like I know what I'm talking about when she asks me what I think about each gun. But on the other hand if it turns out bad I can say "Well everybody said".
2nd. After looking for a few years I got one with .22 and .22 Mag cylinders with 1 1/8 inch barrel. Not a powerhouse, but it fits with the clip on flip out holster inside the watch pocket on a pair of jeans. Shirt covers it, no printing, if seen looks like it could be a pager or pocket knife, maybe a multi tool. Thinking I'll actually put it in my pocket hiking this summer etc. Something bigger I just don't bring or end up leaving in the car.
GeoDudeFlorida
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- Dec 1, 2020
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- 11,067
Not sure if it's too big for what your wife wants to do but my wife really enjoys her Walther P22's - so much she bought two. 
TOU
Member
ALWAYS loved the lines on these as well. Classic
VERY, VERY nice!
Did they ever make it in a DA/SA?
MedWheeler
Member
My Taurus PT22 (made in 1998; pre-lock) runs perfectly with quality ammunition. I've only tried it with MiniMags and AutoMatch. I'm not dumb enough to try running cheap, bulk-pack ammo in a tiny .22 and then complain that the gun is crap when it chokes on it. Little blowback rimfires need good ammo.
My wife likes this gun, and won't shoot anything bigger, so an identical gun in .25ACP (made in 1996) that also runs perfectly became the gun I leave out when I'm not at home (this is a thread on small .22LR guns, though.)
My Beretta Bobcat, also bought used, doesn't work at all, though, barely getting through three or four rounds of MiniMags (the only round I've tried so far) without a malfunction.
I also own the already-mentioned Phoenix HP22A. Great range and trail gun. Horrible for carry, though, due to its weight, sharp edges, and like 64 built-in manual and passive safety features.
My wife likes this gun, and won't shoot anything bigger, so an identical gun in .25ACP (made in 1996) that also runs perfectly became the gun I leave out when I'm not at home (this is a thread on small .22LR guns, though.)
My Beretta Bobcat, also bought used, doesn't work at all, though, barely getting through three or four rounds of MiniMags (the only round I've tried so far) without a malfunction.
I also own the already-mentioned Phoenix HP22A. Great range and trail gun. Horrible for carry, though, due to its weight, sharp edges, and like 64 built-in manual and passive safety features.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,299
TOU
Yes Beretta did, but not as the Series 70. In the mid-70s they came out with a new line-up of medium frame size, DA/SA pistols. The .22 version was the Model 87 and held 8 rounds in it's magazine.
Yes Beretta did, but not as the Series 70. In the mid-70s they came out with a new line-up of medium frame size, DA/SA pistols. The .22 version was the Model 87 and held 8 rounds in it's magazine.
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Great Scot
Member
I think the SR22 is the best of the breed. Safety is backwards, but the hammer allows for second strike capability which is good for a .22. I KNOW clearance drills are the way to go, but in a threatening situation, it’s human nature to pull trigger again on a “dud” round. With a .22 it usually goes off. The SR22 is also a reliable feeder and ejects shells well.
Beretta, Taurus and Ruger make excellent small .22 LR pistols. I did a review of the Ruger for the Backwoodsman last year, it ought to be in the next copy. drop me a PM if you'd like me to email the electrons
If you want second strike get a revolver, no second strike but right on to the next one lcrx in 22 or 22mag. Pistol the Sr22 is nice wife has and loves. I don’t like the reversed manual safety but it does Decock.
wife did not like the heavy trigger on the lcr so get the lcrx if yours doesn’t.
the Naa firearms are hard to shoot well with that spur trigger for me.
D
wife did not like the heavy trigger on the lcr so get the lcrx if yours doesn’t.
the Naa firearms are hard to shoot well with that spur trigger for me.
D
danez71
Member
If my wife said that and knowing my wife of many years,,,, she likes 3's
I'd have her try the LCR, LCP, and the SR22 (and anything else she wanted after that)
I have the Bersa 22 but it'll be too heavy as compared to the others. Never jammed with CCI mini mags or blazers but has with others.
She (we) shot the Walther P22 and she did really like it. I did buy the SR22 for a few years and know she likes it just as the P22, and its better all around. My SR22 ate everything and never jammed through a few thousand rounds.
The SR22 had better sights than the Bersa but the Bersa had a better trigger in SA and almost equal DA. I let emotions get the best of me & kept the Bersa as it tickles the PPKs bug & sold the SR22. Dont know why... shoulda kept it.
Of the 2, the SR22 is the better CC because lighter and better (bigger dots) sights makes a better package, imo.
I've never shot the LCP 22 but I suspect that would be an even better CC package and she (my wife) would choose it overall because of size and weight with the SR22 a close 2nd.
My wife isn't a revolver gal but if she suddenly was, the LCR ang S&W air weight Light and reliable.
Keeping with the theme of 3,,,, if a light weight Charter Arms was there, I wouldn't hesitate if she liked it.
If my wife said that... I'd be happy she wasn't without and very supportive of any reliable pick.
I'd have her try the LCR, LCP, and the SR22 (and anything else she wanted after that)
I have the Bersa 22 but it'll be too heavy as compared to the others. Never jammed with CCI mini mags or blazers but has with others.
She (we) shot the Walther P22 and she did really like it. I did buy the SR22 for a few years and know she likes it just as the P22, and its better all around. My SR22 ate everything and never jammed through a few thousand rounds.
The SR22 had better sights than the Bersa but the Bersa had a better trigger in SA and almost equal DA. I let emotions get the best of me & kept the Bersa as it tickles the PPKs bug & sold the SR22. Dont know why... shoulda kept it.
Of the 2, the SR22 is the better CC because lighter and better (bigger dots) sights makes a better package, imo.
I've never shot the LCP 22 but I suspect that would be an even better CC package and she (my wife) would choose it overall because of size and weight with the SR22 a close 2nd.
My wife isn't a revolver gal but if she suddenly was, the LCR ang S&W air weight Light and reliable.
Keeping with the theme of 3,,,, if a light weight Charter Arms was there, I wouldn't hesitate if she liked it.
If my wife said that... I'd be happy she wasn't without and very supportive of any reliable pick.
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