Back to the basics...I need a .22

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Quintin Likely

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So I got centerfire rifles and pistols. .308s, .223s, shotguns, 1911s. They're all lots of fun. Problem is...

I suck. I can't hit the broadside of a barn from the inside with birdshot. I jerk, I flinch, I have poor breath control. So it's time to get back to the basics. Got the .22 rifle covered, but now I want a .22 pistol. I'm not really brand loyal, but I'd prefer to stick with an autoloader. Looks like lots of people like their Rugers, but I see Buckmark fans, I see Trailside fans, I see Neos fans. So y'all holler out, whaddya like and why? Pros and cons?

Help me out. :(
 
The great thing about .22 rim fire guns is that even the inexpensive ones usually shoot better than most people can hold. Everybody has their favorite, but nobody can tell you what you like. Ask around and see who's got what you can handle or maybe even try out at the range. If it feels good in your hand you will likely be happy with it. I currently have 8 .22 handguns, 4 autos and 4 revolvers so obviously I can't decide which I like best.
 
I have a Ruger, a Buckmark and 2 S&Ws ... (autoload and revolver).
I would suggest the Buckmark, it's not too expensive, feels good in your hand, easy to takedown for cleaning, and accurate enough for training.
Just my opinion.
 
You might give some thought to a Marvel conversion kit. Very accurate, and the practice would be more directly applicable to trigger time on one of your 1911s.


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I don't have the Marvel, but I do have a Kadet conversion for the CZ 75. money very well spent.
 

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Since you have 1911's a Ruger 22-45 would be a good choice.
The grips and controls are made to simulate a 1911.
Plus they are fairly accurate and don't cost a arm and leg...
Ken
 
Another thread that can go for days. Everybody has their personal favorites.
Go try your choices and see what you like. Your hand will know the moment it picks the right one up. If you still can't decide then toss a coin to choose. You really can't go wrong with any of your choices as a pliner.
 
I'm gonna 2nd the Marvel .22 Kit for the 1911. I have a Unit 2 and the thing is accurate! Ontop of my Colt Government w/ a trigger job, the thing is just too sweet to shoot!

Switching slides takes 10 seconds, but I usually have my Kimber to shoot .45's with.

Its honestly a great feeling shooting .22's out of something that once shot .45's. With the familiar controls, what more can you ask for? :)
 
Though this probably goes without saying, don't buy a gun sight unseen. You can read all the reviews and everything else online that you want about the model, but you actually need to get out and shoot it before you plop down your (hopefully) hard-earned dollars for it. I almost purchased the widely-heralded Ruger MKII until I shot a friend's and could not stand it.
 
I'd 3rd the Marvel conversion. Super accurate, so when you start to hit that barn, you'll know it's you and not the gun.

Otherwise, I have a Buckmark too and they are nice. I just don't like the grip on the Ruger, and I hate the Neos.
 
Hi
I'm very new to shooting, [started last month] since then I've put a few hundred rounds through least three Ruger MkIIs. Each one was very different. They can be a bit heavy [bull barrel] when shooting one handed[just a matter of practice] , but two handed it's not that noticeable.
I have had lots of malfunctions with standard vel solids from both PMC Scoremaster and Winchesta XTR, The guys at my club reckon that the Ruger has a heavy bolt and likes faster ammo, CCI standard Vel solids always shot perfectly.:) The Slide and Butt Mag release take a little getting use to. The other day at the range I put a couple of mags through a SS MkII with 6+inch flat sided barrel and thumb ledge grips and a really nice trigger [owner claims it hasn't been modified]. This baby could really make the 6inch plates dance at 50yrds shot after shot .... then the owner wanted it back:mad:


Conclusion; Again to be honest they are the only .22 autoloaders I've shot even so I'm not fussed on them LOL I want a .45 not a .22:D :D :D but it has potential to be a nice gun if you like the position of the controls, Can be fussy about ammo. Get the right grips, barrel length/balance, a good trigger and the gun will shine.... but you definitely need to shoot it before deciding to buy one.

I've also used a S&W double action .22 doh can't remember which one... a K frame :confused: with a full lug doh! Nice gun, with only 6 shots it doesn't go through from the ammo so fast! but the the chambers are pretty far apart so if the ejection wasn't done properly and and definitly the star could slip over the rim, and half eject...not saying that it isn't operator error though:rolleyes:



Hope this gives you a few ideas.

regards
Josh
 
I've never shot one of the 22 conversons for the 1911 so I can't comment on them, but for your purposes this seems like the ideal option, but let me comment on the .22 LR auto-loaders I am famliar with.

I'm always a big fan of "try it out" if it's an option. I like my Buckmark 5.5 Target with it's dot scope for fast work. I always felt the Mk II slab side my Dad had was nose heavy. My Dad's S&W A22 has been a great gun but from reports online they seem to be hit or miss.

Of those 3 autoloaders that I have experiance with the A22 is the easiest to clean and least picky with ammo, the Mk II slab side and Buckmark are more accurate (but not by a signifigant ammount) with their tighter chambers, longer barrels, and longer sight radius.
 
Lots of good advice here for a .22, after you get it you might consider joining a target league for some winter matches. That will do a lot to improve your accuracy.
 
Another reccomendation for a .22 conversion kit for your 1911!

I bought the Ceiner model and my shooting has improved exponentially.
 
You might want to consider practicing with lower-power ammo as well. If you are using hot reloads, or any hot ammo in general, that's a good way to cut short your skill-development and increase bad habits.
 
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