Easy .22 Semi for New Shooter?

[defense2]

I've been teaching a friend of mine the ins and outs of firearms for a little while now. We started with a simple, bolt-action .22 rifle, moved to a semi-auto rifle of the same caliber, and have recently covered .22 and .38 SPL revovlers. I'd like to introduce him to the workings of a .22 semi-auto pistol, but I haven't looked at them in so long I don't know what to check out seriously.

I have a Baikal IZH-35M Standard Target, which might be a little much (top hammer pin, adjustable grip, etc.). I'm looking for something with a decent ease-of-use and ease-of-cleaning - the Baikal requires removal of both wood grips and a rather complicated slide removal as well.

It doesn't have to be the most accurate thing in the world, nor does it have to meet any other stringent criteria. Just something easy and simple, with a traditional semi-auto action.

Any recommendations?

 

[Drifting Fate]

I know a lot of people of love the Ruger MkIIs, but after owning multiple copies of each - my vote goes for the Browning Buckmark.

The Ruger is an excellant pistol, but the Buckmark just seems like it's more fun to use. And, in particular for you, novices always seem to prefer it.

 

[10-Ring]

I like the Ruger & the Browning Buckmark. They may not be the most simple, but they are fun & reliable and as an added bonus...ACCURATE

 

[Remander]

I love my Ruger Mk II. Also hear good things about the Browining Buckmark. Folks gripe about the Beretta Neo trigger, but it sure feels nice in the hand and looks cool. Cool is always a plus for gaining new shooters.

 

[coldshot03/04]

I like to recommend revolvers to new shooters.

 

[45R]

Any of the Ruger MkII variants will work.

 

[Outlander]

Ruger MarkII or the Buckmark. You'll enjoy either one.

 

[P95Carry]

I'd also suggest Ruger MkII or 22/45 ...... but would add that IMO for a newbie ... something like a Single Six is also a good starting platform ..... even tho a revo.

 

[Tropical Z]

Ruger .22lr's are great guns but can be a real pain to sucessfully take apart and get back together.I love my Beretta Neos and its a piece of cake to take apart and put back together.Reliable too!

 

[Jake]

I picked up a Walther p-22 to teach the kids with and love it. Basically a smaller version of the p-99. DA\SA operation, easy takedown and a whole lot of fun to shoot. Comes with either a 3.5 or 5 inch barrel or as a set with both.

 

[Sven]

Which gun listed is easiest to field strip and clean?

I've heard bad stories about the 22/45.

 

[Chris Rhines]

Lots of people seem to have a hard time reassembling the Ruger MkII. I don't exactly know why - it's not hard. A small piece of brass tubing comes in handy for prying up the dissasembly latch without maring it. The MkII is accurate (I've shot 1" groups at fifty yards off a bench with mine), easy to shoot, and very reliable.

The Buckmark I always recommend against. Every one I've ever seen (four) has been unreliable in high-volume shooting. They're easier to field-strip and reassemble than the Ruger, but they also have many more small parts. The triggers are generally pretty poor (conversely, I've been pretty impressed with the out-of-the-box Ruger triggers lately.)

- Chris

 

[defense2]

All repsonses are appreciated. I know I can get my hands on a Ruger to get the feel for it, but I'm not sure about a Buckmark. The Walther is tempting as I have lots of experience with a friend's P99, but I'd prefer something with a manual safety for a beginner. I like to get them into the habit of engaging the safety when it's there.

I also thought about a .22 conversion kit for my Colt 1911 or my HK USP Tactical (if available...I haven't checked). Any thoughts on that?

 

[farscott]

A couple of ideas, but neither is really inexpensive.

1) The S&W M41, especially used. Really easy field strip and a manual safety that works like a 1911. Not to mention all of the polished blued steel and walnut. I use my M41 with a red dot sight for new shooters because it allows them to get on target quickly with no recoil. It is hard to shoot an M41 poorly, so it makes new shooters happy. Happy makes them come back for more.

2) The Marvel .22 LR conversion kit. I have one, and it is Bullseye accurate. This also has a really easy field strip.

 

[Jake]

p-22 has a slide mounted safety. I forgot about that difference with the p-99. p-22's is about the same position and operation as the ones on 92 series beretta's but is not a decocker.


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