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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Oh man... don't limit yourself... consider a Ruger MK III Hunter. The gun is a tinkers dream; add a set of VQ innards (dump the LCI and the mag disconnector), a custom set of Esmerelda grips, a VQ brake and a Burris Fast Fire II red dot... you have a shooting machine! Everyone that shoots mine LOVES IT. The trigger, the balance it is really unbelievable. Saturday, we were hitting a 22 caliber spinner at 50 yrds with a gun sighted in for 25 yards (yes holding over the target). Really give it a consideration...

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I don't know how big a .22 spinner is, but right out of the box with zero mods these guns are beer can busters at 50 yards.

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consider a Ruger MK III Hunter. The gun is a tinkers dream; add a set of VQ innards (dump the LCI and the mag disconnector), a custom set of Esmerelda grips, a VQ brake and a Burris Fast Fire II red dot... you have a shooting machine!
Click to expand...


This!!!!


Yeah baby! And it is drilled and tapped. Only advantage over a MK II, but if you replace the innards like you said, no worries mate!
 
Ok,... I'll jump in on this one too and say, ANY of the Ruger .22 auto pistols ( .22 std. Mk1 Mk2 or Mk3 ) in any barrel / sight options would serve you well.
Bull barrel vs std. barrel seems more of a weight & balance preference, rather than accuracy. They are all tack drivers in capable hands. Also, don't be afraid of a nice used one either, as they do seem to last for ever.
There is a good reason why they are the most popular .22 auto pistols ever made.
 
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Browning Buckmark.
Have not handled one that wasn't a shooter.
Superb accuracy.
 
My first recommendation is the Ruger 22/45. Excellent pistol, accurate as some guns costing many times as much, and reliable as all get out. Tough, too, and can be had for under $300 brand new.

Second recommendation is a used K22. I have one dating from the early 50's and it is an amazing handgun. I paid $480 two years ago for it, and it's in well-used condition.
 
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Thanks for the responses so far

I really appreciate all of the responses so far, and I have to confess that I'm a bit surprised at the results. At the time of this writing, 45% of you have told me that I'm way off base. My wife tells me that all the time but apparently the problem is more wide-spread than I thought.

I've clearly underestimated the passion many of you hold for the Ruger Mark III (and the Mark I) as well as the Browning handguns. The other surprise is that out of 44 votes cast so far, only one has voted for the S&W M&P 22. I really thought that option would be more popular.

Please keep the responses coming. I'm learning a lot from your input and I appreciate it very much.
 
Yeah - I think it's just a case where you happen to have dismissed two of the most conventional choices out-of-hand.

Outside of the 617, I guess you could add most proven and time-tested also. Lots and lots of Ruger MKs and BuckMarks out there.

I was in a similar boat. I'm a revolver guy overall, but I didn't really want a single action.


Finally got that revolver eventually... but also deferred (caved?) and got a couple of BMs later. I have to say, they have both been great from Day 1.

Will probably get a Ruger MK one day - just because. There are things I like about them also.


You could almost get a Ruger/BM and that .30-30 for the price of the 617 (or other K-frame .22, which will probably cost about as much). Especially with a little patience and shopping around. So keep your options open...
 
What about the NEOS?

I am very happy with my Beretta Neos. Its more accurate than I am (not saying much), easy to shoot, easy to clean. Only thing that I do not like about it is the factory front sight (black) needs replacement with a color sight (available from Beretta) or some paint. These guns also beg for a red dot sight. I think mine will eventually get one.
 
Hmmmmm,... I'm thinking the conclusion here is just one .22 handgun just isn't enough, and a Ruger .22 auto is a great 1st choice.
 
I've clearly underestimated the passion many of you hold for the Ruger Mark III (and the Mark I) as well as the Browning handguns.
Click to expand...

I actually don't like the looks of the Ruger. I find them to be rather clunky looking and heavier than they need to be. But I'm willing to admit that I fully understand why so many assume the "form follows function" posture. There's absolutely no denying that it's a highly reliable and rock solid performing firearm in any of it's models. Ruger really nailed it with the Mk whatever as well as the 22/45 setup if you're looking for extreme durability, reliable performance and darn good accuracy.

Me? I tripped over a S&W 422 and later on a really sweet 2206. They are my main "go to" .22's and I don't see that changing any time soon. For me they've been as rock solid as the Rugers for many others. And I really like the look of them and they fit my hands superbly.
 
Ruger 22/45 is my vote. Same grip angle as your XD. Reliable, accurate, and available in a number of configurations.
 
Pud,

Thanks for the tip. When I've held the Ruger before I noted that the grip was pretty skinny so it's good to know there are options to solve that.

Intrepid Dad
 
If you had S&W M&Ps then the M&P 22 would be great. Skip the sig 1911 22 and get a 1911 in 45 and then get an Advantage Arms conversion Or Get a SIG 220 in 45 and get the SIG 22 conversion for it. Trigger time is trigger time, if you find a low cost 22 that you like and fits your hand well, buy it. Me, I really love my S&W K22, but my semi 22s get shot also.
 
I'd look at one of four options.

First would be a Ruger - and a full set of Volquartsen internal lockwork. The basic Ruger is not that great.

Second would be a S&W Model 17. An older version. Fantastic guns, and not terribly expensive.

Third would be a used CT-made High Standard. Those were the best American-made .22 pistols for a long time.

Fourth would be a S&W Model 41. Another great gun.
 
Gotta throw in with the Ruger semiauto fans here. They're the best combination of value, accuracy and ruggedness on the market. For wheelguns, I like the Ruger Single Six, but I'm an SA fan. Stay away from the .22LR 1911 clones that aren't built on a real 1911 frame- I get too many horror stories from friends about broken parts and poor accuracy.
 
I carry an XD45C daily. My next handgun will be a Ruger 22/45 as it most closely matches the feel and operation of what I carry. It's sole purpose will be cheap range practice so it will probably remain stock, though you can buy virtually any 'trick' part you can think of for them.
 
I have a Smith and Wesson 422 and a Ruger Mark 1 and a standard model as well as the Mark 3 22/45. I would take anyone of these guns as it is hard to pick the best as they all have fixed barrels. That helps tremendously on accuracy and ease of use .I have a soft spot for the S&W 422 though they are getting harder to get. Any Ruger 22 semi auto would be a great choice .No problems and standard was built in 1948 .and I still shoot it regularly
 
My Vote is for Sig 1911-22 . If you haven't had a chance to handle each of thees guns, you may want to stop in at a gun show. They are a great place to find a wide selection of firearms. I find shows at http://gunshowsnow.com/

Good luck with you purchase.
 
Why was the Ruger 22 semi autos left out of the poll.I have a Standard model made in 1948 and is still a tack driver and shot at least once a week
 
Another good place is to go to your local shooting range and try the guns they have for rent .You can get a good idea of what you like that way for cheap before you lay out $200 to $400 for a plinker
 
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