I'm purchasing my first .22 handgun. I'd like your input.

Which .22 handgun would you choose?

  • S&W M&P .22

    Votes: 7 6.5%

  • Sig 1911-22

    Votes: 10 9.3%

  • Sig P220 .22 that converts to a .45

    Votes: 12 11.1%

  • S&W 617 10-shot revolver

    Votes: 34 31.5%

  • Intrepid Dad, you're way off base! Consider something else entirely!

    Votes: 41 38.0%

  • Skip the .22 handgun and buy that dang Marlin 30-30!

    Votes: 4 3.7%
  • Total voters
    108
  • Poll closed .
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I

Intrepid Dad

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Nov 28, 2006
Messages
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Location
Dallas, Texas
Hi everyone,

As the title says, I'm planning to purchase my first .22 handgun. I already own three Springfield XDs (.45/.40./9mm) and a S&W 629 .44 revolver. My primary reason for purchasing the .22 is to be able to shoot a lot more while using cheaper ammo. I'd also like to use a .22 that is somewhat like my EDC (the Springfield XD45) with one exception that you'll note below.

I'm listing a poll but will explain below my choices and the pro's and con's of each, along with the cost in my market area:

1. S&W M&P .22 ($399)
Pro: Most like my Springfield (of the choices I'm considering).
Con: Still has a Windex bottle trigger which is one of the reasons I didn't go with the M&P in the first place.

2. Sig 1911-22 ($399)
Pro: Looks and feels like a "real" gun. Seems to be well made.
Con: It might make me want to buy a real 1911. Costs $50 more than the GSG model imported by ATI but allegedly has better grips.

3. Sig P220 .22 with the option to convert to a .45 ($540)
Pro: Looks and feels like a real gun (hey, it is!)
Con: Unlikely that I'll spend the extra money to get the conversion kit. Mags cost over $40 each if I need replacements. Slide doesn't lock back.

4. S&W 617 4" .22 revolver ($740)
Pro: Finely crafted revolver that I'd be proud to hand down to one of my children. Would complement my S&W .44. There's just something about a shiny, stainless steel revolver that I like. I can't explain it.
Con: Most costly option of the four choices. Also is the furthest away from replicating the feel and action of my EDC.

Now, a word about some other choices that are likely to be mentioned. I looked at the Rugers and Brownings (e.g. Mark III and Camper). I seriously considered a Browning with fiber optic sites, but ultimately decided to look at the four I've listed above.

Also, I've seen many recommendations for a Ruger Single Six. I'm sure they're great guns but I'd prefer either a semi-auto or a revolver with a double action.

Finally, I have money for any of the choices, but one of the lower cost options would let me set aside some money for my designated purchase after the .22. That would be a Marlin lever gun in 30-30.

I'm leaning towards one of the choices but I'd like the opinions of the group before I show my hand. So, if you were in my shoes, which one would you choose? Or, if you can't stand to pick any of them, what other gun should I consider? Please take into consideration what I've written about the Rugers and Brownings.

Thanks to all for your input.

Intrepid Dad
 
One more for the list!

One more option.

If you are considering a wheelgun, and you want one that will arguably outshoot most Smiths, try to find a used Dan Wesson. I just picked up a model 15 .357 and everything people say about quality and accuracy are true! Super sweet!

There's one on Gunsamerica right now for $499. If you look hard you can probably do about 50-$100 better.:cool:

Happy shooting!
 
I don't know why you ruled out the Ruger MKIII. Great pistol. But the Sig is a good choice. But still, when you talk about autoloading 22 pistols, the two that come to mind are the MK series and the buckmark. There is good reason for this; they are very good pistols.

If you want a really ACCURATE 1911-22, then the only real choice is to get a 1911 frame and a Marvel conversion for it.
 
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The S&W M&P .22 is made by Umarex. Much like the Colt M4 .22 rifles, it's a cheap implementation of the real thing.

The SIG 1911-22 departs too far from the real 1911 design for me to ever consider one. The price, compared to SIG's real 1911s, is a clue to the quality of materials used.

If you like DA/SA guns, especially those with frame mounted decockers, go for the SIG P220 .22 LR. I'd rather have the CZ-75 Kadet which is also a real gun, but that's just personal preference.

By eliminating the Browning Buckmark & Ruger MKIII you've turned down two of your best low cost choices.

The S&W 617. Neat gun. You wanna drop $700+ and get a family heirloom? Forget the new 617. Go spend that money a real K22 Target Masterpiece, or at least a Model 17. Both are true pieces of American Craftsmanship from the Golden Age of the DA revolver.

If you want a new DA revolver in .22 LR, and this coming from an SCSW toting die hard Smith & Wesson fan, save a few bucks & get the Ruger SP101 .22 LR.

If you can stomach dropping a little over $700 anyway, go ahead and get a real 1911 .22LR in the Kimber Rimfire Target. I also wouldn't turn down a decent used Colt Ace Service .22 LR conversion on an old USGI or Essex frame (like the two on Gunbroker right now :D ).
 
Sp101 22lr

I heard nothing but good things about this revolver. I handled one at the local shop. It is number one on my to buy list.
runs about 500-550$
 
Thanks to all so far for giving early feedback. I didn't know that Dan Wesson and Ruger made .22 revolvers. I will definitely look into those.

I also see I'm getting some push back on the exclusion of the Ruger and Browning pistols. I look forward to getting more feedback about this issue.

Intrepid Dad
 
You listed an expensive Smith so what about a Colt Officers Model Match. They can be had for that price or less and are really fine handguns.
 
The Ruger MKIII has been a mainstay for many decades. They run slightly less than your first two options, and they are well made, accurate, functioning .22 pistols. The Sig P220 was interesting in that you had the option of conversion, but the price would probably be more than buying the Ruger and a good used Glock, or a good, used revolver in a SD caliber. I'd suggest that you get the Ruger, and a used revolver in the .38/.357 family as reloaded target ammo is inexpensive for the revolver, and spend the money saved on ammunition and practice time. :D Get good with both, and you will then have trained yourself on a light target trigger, and with a single action/double action trigger on the revolver, and thus be able to transition (if and when you wish) much more easily to any other handgun.

LD
 
an old k-22 or 17.

New Smith revolvers are garbage but once upon a time they were arguably the finest ever made.

For less cash than the trash would cost from the new case, you can have a finely made, hand-fitted piece of art made from real steel. No MIM or crush fit/two piece barrels and no hillary hole.

I have shot some accurate guns but my 1953 K22 is like a laser.

Buy em while you can.

You can buy the crap out of the case at your local gun store anytime. The good old stuff is a diminishing resource.
 
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Can't go wrong with a k22. Of your listed choices I'd personally be inclined toward three or four.
 
Not sure why you ruled out the Ruger Mark III 22/45. I just grabbed a new one for only 200 off gunbroker, very reliable and accurate. The 22/45 variation of the mark III has a grip much more similar to a normal semi than the standard mark III. After the first 500 rounds I am extremely satisfied with my investment. pix209941032.gif
 
I my opinion, you are missing out by leaving out a Ruger MKIII 22/45.....
You asked!!

Pud
 
If you're looking for a gun with a trigger more like your XD you may be in for some trouble finding one. Other than the S&W M&P .22 most are hammer fired guns rather than striker fired like your XD. The ISSC gun MAY be striker fired though. I don't know enough about that one.

The rest being hammer fired you'll find that the trigger has a feel more like a single action 1911 where there's a little takeup, solid resistance then a sudden break. So they won't totally and accurately mimic your XD trigger.

I'd also suggest that you add the Ruger option back onto your list. But rather than the one piece "skinny" 22/45's with the integral grips go for one of the models with the interchangable wood slab grips. The final grip feel is "fatter" and more like a true 1911. The integral grip models are really skinny and don't fit big hands all that well.

As for 1911's in .22 my pick would be the GSG model. Of a number I've seen recently the GSG has the nicest machining and fit and the magazines are more stoutly built. One in particular is surviving well at my local Rent-A-Gun range where it's shot more rounds thorugh it in the past year than a privately owned gun would shoot in any two lifetimes. To me that says a lot about its durability and lack of wear with lots of use. The only other guns at this same range which have soldiered on for longer and with even greater reliability are their 4 or 5 Rugers which they've been using for just about forever. Even the lovely looking Buckmark couldn't stand the pressure of such frequent use and was gone from the lineup after about a year.
 
MKII here but it is a tack driver and astonashing reliable, i would have to reccomend one as well. buy the cheapest bull barreled model for under $300 then start looking at your next gun, thats how we dooze it.
 
... consider something else.

CZ75b plus a Kadet Conversion...or

a dedicated CZ Kadet.

Full size weight and feel, accurate, reliable. I bought the conversion for my 75b as a spur of the moment purchase. I've never been disappointed with it.
 
:DWell, now that we've gone far off the path, I can't resist saying "Get a Colt".:D

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Ruger or Browning

The Ruger MKII or III, or Browning Buckmark. Both are excellent, and there are plenty of options should you ever want to built them up, even compete with them. I have an MKIII and Buckmark. The Browning has a 5.5" barrel, and fiber optic front sight, and feels wonderful in the hand. It shoots amazingly well! The Ruger is old, it was my dads for years, and it was his first .22 auto, and still ticks along without problems, and is more accurate than I am.
 
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