Best all-around 22LR plinker for Dad, Mom & Daughter

[Stealthfixr]

I am looking for a reliable, accurate and fun to shoot 22LR that will not break the bank. Of course, there are many options out there, and I've listed the main ones I've looked at--mainly semi-auto ones. This pistol will be used by me, my wife (who is not a shooter currently, but shot about 100-rnds through a friend's Ruger MkII and liked it!), and my 8-yr old daughter as her first firearm. Lots of roles to play. Anyway, what's your vote & advice? I am swayed by the Ruger 22/45 Great Eight and the Walther P22 w/5" barrel, but I might be selfish for my reasons for each. I list the 10/22 as the only rifle because I had one as a kid and loved it, but I am not sure a 8-yr old or a first time shooter (my wife) would like a rifle. Thanks!

 

[9x19]

I vote Browning BuckMark... mine have been excellent performers and they are available in a wide array of barrel lengths.

 

[AZ Husker]

You can never go wrong with a Ruger Mk or 22/45. Another good handgun choice is the Ruger revolver with .22lr and .22mag cylinders. As far as starter rifles go, see if you can't find a Chipmunk to buy or borrow. It's about as safe and simple as they come. Great .22 auto is the Remington Nylon 66.

 

[10-Ring]

The Rugers (Mk II, 22/45 & 1022) make good choices. Simple to use, reliable & confidence inspiring. Of the 3 tho, I'd go w/ the 10/22.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

From your list I voted for the Ruger MK-II; in particular
Ruger's KMK-512, or the bull barreled 5.5" model.

However, if money is no object then I would suggest
seeking out a pre-agreement Smith & Wesson 6" model
17; or a 4" Smith & Wesson model 18*. Hours of fun
can be had with either of the aforementioned excellent
choices!

*FootNote- I use to own one of the now discontinued
S&W 4" model 18's; and I couldn't begin to tell you how
many rounds of .22LR rounds I sent downrange?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[cool45auto]

I love my Neos. After over 1500 rounds it hasn't given me any problems. Sure it looks like something from Star Trek but fits just about everybody's hands!

 

[Number 6]

I'll second the Neos. While all of the other guns on your list are excellent firearms I love my Neos. I have put well over 4000 rounds through mine without a failure and it will feed anything I give it. The Neos is also very easy to takedown. I've heard that the Rugers and the Brownings can be a tad more work to take down than other firearms, but everyone I have talked to loves them. A Browning or a Ruger would definitely be my second choice.

 

[Tommy Gunn]

Marlin Model Golden 39A

Caliber: 22 Short, Long or Long Rifle

The Tubular magazine holds 26 Short, 21 Long or 19 Long Rifle Cartridges.

 

[Jaco]

Stealth,

Was in the same quandary earlier this year, wanted to get a firearm for my wife, which would be my plinker and her self defense. Looked at a lot of .22's and decided on some full or medium sized revolver, because when it comes to rimfire reliability, I believe in a guy called Murphy in bad situations. Looked for two months and could only get a Arminius with a 4" barrel and an Astra snubby. Bought the better quality Astra snubby, and after a few 1000 SV and HV can say no problems so far.

And I still think 9 rounds of HV .22 rounds will not be good for a rapist's sex drive...

 

[Bullet Bob]

I'm in the Ala Dan camp, myself. Revolvers are generally safer for inexperienced shooters, particularly young ones. The Ruger single Six is a good gun, but I personally find S&W's much easier to shoot (better triggers, shorter/lighter hammer fall).
Here's a model 17:



And a model 18:



And a model 617 (the gun on top)



You can usually find a very good used one for about $300.00, plus or minus; and it's unlikely you'll ever wear it out - a good .22 is a joy forever.

 

[Berg01]

For me, a FAMILY FIREARM is fun and cheap to shoot, easy to maintain, and simple to operate. This means REVOLVER; I'd go with a Ruger Single Six .22LR; a great little gun.

 

[Soap]

Personally, I would suggest a rifle over a handgun for a brand new shooter. The 10/22 or any Marlin would be good.

 

[Moparmike]

Marlin model 60. Light gun, only problem is that it doesnt like anything but bb gun scopes.

 

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

I was also going to suggest a .22 revolver, but obviously you want an auto, not a wheel gun or lever rifle. That's fine, my first gun ever was a Ruger MKII.

The Buckmark and 22/45 are both going to be tough, accurate guns for less money. For Ruger, the 22/45's take down latch is easier to use than the MKII, which the wife and kids will appreciate. The Buckmark uses some allen screws for take-down, which is easy enough. Make sure to get the 5.5" barrel or longer.

Leave the P22 or any similar junk for the "tactical" guys. It's not exactly heirloom material. The Ruger, for instance, will never wear out.

 

[4v50 Gary]

10/22. Rifles are easier to shoot than handguns. For women who don't have much upper body strength, it's also easier considering it's a two handed firearm. Put a small scope and you've just made a sharpshooter out of them. Fires up their enthusiasm and encourages more range time (nothing more disheartening than to do poorly all the time).

 

[No4Mk1]

4v50 Gary beat me to the punch, but I voted 10/22 because it is the only rifle you listed. I too think that the best place to start new shooters and have them learn fundamentals is the 22 rifle.

While a person can spend a lifetime mastering the "Art of the Rifle", just about anybody can become reasonably proficient with a 22 rifle in a single afternoon. It is a great confidence builder and will keep them coming back.

On the flip side, there are a lot more things to master with a pistol, and even becoming reasoably proficient with one takes time. This can be discouraging for new shooters and can take a lot of the "fun factor" out of it.

That's what works for me....

 

[Detritus]

rifle first, pistol later!!!

get the 10/22 and put a scope on it! explanation below.

i'm going to try and articulate this the best i can, no promises though, pm me if you need it clarified

it is safer for all involved if first time shooters start with a light easy to handle .22 rifle. it is just SO much harder to have a muzzle control accident with a rifle, and so much easier to catch a lapse in muzzle control before it becomes a sweep, when there is 16+ inches of barrel, with a stock ont eh other ends, as opposed to a 5-8 inch barrel that for all intents and purposes can be pointed like a finger.

it is also much easier to learn the basics and SEE improvement in skills at a faster rate with a rifle. difficulty in getting started and slow progress of improvement are pretty much THE biggest killers of interest in beginners. therefore you want to make it EASY to get started and be at least hitting the target. and you want the person you are teaching to see their own skills progress. this is where the scope comes in, a scope allows not only easier aiming but with a .22 rifle it allows most shooters even beginners to SEE the bullet holes (oh btw use Shoot-N-C targets at first) without having to shift their head etc and change their focal point.


these are the decisions and tools i used to get MY wife adn step-daughter shooting, so far they've worked rather well, neither of them currently shoot but that's due to one being a 17 year old (wandering interests) and the other having just come out of shoulder surgery...

well i hope i have been helpful

 

[foghornl]

For the auto-pistol handgun division, the Ruger 22/45

Revolver, the Ruger Single-Six

Autoloader Rifle Either the Marlin or the Ruger 10/22

Other 22 Rifle..Marlin Lever action

Or for the absolute beginner, inexpensive category, one of the Romanian .22 Bolt-actions

 

[Ala Dan]

ATT: Bullet Bob-

Mighty fine pic's there my friend, of some beautiful weapons!

The last S&W model 18 I saw in this area, was about a 98
per center with "triple T's" and the going price was $509.95
(and not a dime less) out the door! I was tempted,
but kept my mouth shut and my money in my pocket.

Stay tuned for a PM, from me!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Harrison]

1. 10/22
2. Single Six
3. 22/45

 

[chaim]

For someone who is totally new, especially an 8 year old, a .22 rifle would probably be better than a handgun. My favorite isn't listed. I absolutely love my Marlin 60, it is a ton of fun to shoot. However, for an 8 year old girl I think the Ruger 10/22 would be better simply because it is a little smaller and lighter (a Chipmunk or some other youth sized .22 bolt rifle would probably be even better). So my vote, get yourself and your wife a Marlin 60 (if you don't have one) because it is a ton of fun and get your daughter either the 10/22 (if she is big enough for it) or a youth sized .22 bolt rifle.

 

[stevelyn]

I voted for the Browning Buckmark because that's where I'm leaning. But really I'm torn between the Browning and the Ruger 22/45.
As for rifles for an 8 year old try a Henry Youth bolt rifle. Well made, cheap and indestructable. They also come with Williams Fire Sights which makes it easier to teach kids how to shoot.

 

[Pheonix]

Winchester 597, I just bought one and love it!

 

[Bullet Bob]

Ruger 10/22's are good guns, but all 3 I've had had terrible triggers, which are not conducive to anyone, let alone beginners. I know aftermarket items are plentiful, but I would go with the Marlin for an inexpensive fun .22 auto.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I'll echo sentiment of the others in this thread who suggest a rifle as the best way to start of new shooters. Learning to shoot on a rifle is much easier than with a handgun. It's also safer, as it's easier for new shooters to maintain proper muzzle discipline with a rifle. I'd go with a bolt or levergun.

That being said, if you want a .22 handgun for plinking, I voted for the Buckmark out of the choices you gave. Other great choices would be a S&W K-Frame in .22 or a Ruger Single Six.