best 22. cal pistol

[supraneurotoxin]

I'm on the prowl for a 22. caliber pistol, and I wanted to see what the general consensus was as far as reliability and preference. I think I have narrowed down to either the Ruger 22/45 or the Walther p22, but I haven't had the opportunity to handle either yet.
I plan to use it for general plinking and small pest control, and also as a training tool for the kids.

what's the best option, in your opinion?

 

[SniperStraz]

In general Walther P22 owners are saying that they're a crapshoot. Not to be trusted.

 

[vnepilot]

I have a P22 with the 5 in barrel, Ive shot many Ruger mkII and MkIIIs. I think the Rugers are better. But i haven't any problems with my P22 either.

 

[Tom488]

I don't have any experience with the P22, but I can give a big thumbs-up to the 22/45 Mk3. I have the Hunter version, which has a 6-7/8" fluted barrel (keeps the weight down - good for kids) and a fiber-optic front sight (rear is adjustable)... VERY easy to see, even in not-so-good lighting conditions.

The only downside is the way it disassembles - it can be a little tricky for some people. However, if you get yourself a boresnake or an Otis cleaning kit, you can clean it up between sessions very quickly, and only take it down every few thousand rounds or so for a detailed cleaning.

 

[onemsumba]

I've had my Rugger MkII since '93 and really like, still my favorite pistol of all times.

 

[Pebcac]

I've got a MkII 22/45 Target and love it. I've considered picking up a P22 for the kids, though, since the grip is much smaller. Might get a suppressor for it, too, just because I can.

 

[0007]

If you can find one I'd go for a Hi-Standard Supermatic or Field King.

 

[brentn]

Sig mosquito? Heard good things but don't know anyone with any real experience with them.

I was thinking of buying one but they are quite a bit more than the ruger, and the rugers have bull barrels and the .45 grip which I like. I would think the ruger is probably best for training someone how to shoot, such as myself.
What do you guys think?

 

[Justin]

I'd take the Ruger over the Walther P22.

 

[glove]

I like my P-22.

 

[KINGMAX]

P22

Walther P22

 

[Jason_G]

Sig mosquito? Heard good things but don't know anyone with any real experience with them.

You must know different folks than me . SiG generally makes a top notch high quality product, but I've almost exclusively negative comments about the Mosquito. YMMV.

Jason

 

[19112XS]

Browning Buckmarks are very accurate, reliable, reasonably priced and are available in a variety of barrel lengths. They’re darn fun to shoot too!

 

[The_Shootist]

Depends..

...on what your budget is. I have a Beretta Cheetah in .22LR that is terrific. No problems with any .22 ammo (so far - really likes the Aquila Super Max)
and is really like shooting a compact size type handgun you might be liable to use as a CCW piece.

But it IS pricey - mine cost me about $ 500 I think a couple of years ago, all in. But its one of the few purchases I simply have no regrets over at all. That pistol always go to the range with me, as .22 is so cheap to plink with.

 

[4fingermick]

Baikal 22 target pistol, awesome accurate, zilch recoil, a very well sorted pistol.


I have a Browning which shot way better than my old Ruger, and this baby shoots wayyyyyyyyy better than the browning. I'm extremely happy with it. Performs as well as the real expensive guns at a fraction of the price.

 

[edmorales]

colt woodsman match
smith & wesson model 41

 

[jimmy]

In contemporary terms, I think the Ruger has pretty much become the standard .22 autoloading pistol, by virtue of its solid design, many configurations, longevity, number produced, and reasonable price. It represents a good, practical choice, though admittedly field-stripping can be a bit of a nuisance until it becomes familiar.

 

[bluetopper]

I'm sorry, I love posting this pic.

High Standard Supermatic Trophy Model 104

 

[BamBam-31]

For what you're describing, the Ruger and Browning are prolly the best bets. Ignore the Olympic-style pistols listed above--they're fairly specialized, expensive, and not really ideal for pest control or teaching young kids how to shoot. I'd also consider a CZ Kadet as a third option.

 

[Legionnaire]

I'd opt for a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger Mark III (or II).

 

[Black Adder LXX]

I was facing the same choice, and REALLY wanted to the p22 to be good, b/c it looks so good and fits nice. I just shot a buddy's p22 last weekend, and I'm so glad I bought the Buckmark for the money. My buckmark fits great, and is very accurate. The Ruger would be second for me, b/c I don't care for the 1911 style grip. Also, I don't hear of many Buckmarks or Mark IIIs breaking down. The p22 to me is not a bad gun, just not a good one. Pretty inaccurate compared to the other ones, But what do I know...

 

[Shipwreck]

U missed the Browning buckmark - I was gonna buy a RUger, but preferred the Buckmark

I think the Buckmark grip is more comfortable.

 

[KHawk]

I like the Smith & Wesson model 41. It is available used a very reasonable prices, or new a little pricey. Very nice balance and very accurate.

 

[a1huntingsupply]

Out of the two I would go with the 22/45. I have a Mark II that is over 20 years old and I have never had a single problem with it.

 

[Baneblade]

My wife and I each own a Walther P22 and I am not really satisfied with either pistol. Both have trouble cycling cheap ammo and I have tried most types of bulk 22lr. We also found it to be lacking in the accuracy department. I have been told it does much better with higher end ammo, but at the price it isn't worth it. If I can't shoot the 22 for cheap, it defeats half the purpose. The best 22 pistol I have ever used was an advantage arms conversion kit on my Glock 23/19. It eats the cheap ammo without any problems.