Is there such a thing as a reliable, tiny, semi-auto pistol?

[arinvolvo]

handy, would just using a primed brass sans bullet/powder, and dropping the pistol tip down be a good test?

Of course, I dont think I would be willing to do that....I assume to get a good test, the gun would have to be dropped on something hard, such as concrete....and a piece of wood would not do.

I dont want to wreck the crown or muzzle of my gun.

 

[yzguy]

It shouldn't have anything to do with hammer mass as the gun is DAO, so the hammer must be resting against something as it follows the slide. Otherwise, machinegun.

actually it can have a lot to do with hammer mass, and the hammer spring if it "preloads" the FP as it rests against it.

And not not necessarily machinegun. If you look at a P-11, it is DAO and the Hammer rests on the FP when the pistol is at rest. So after you fire a round, the hammer does fall back on the FP. What prevents slam fires is the fact that the hammer is fairly light, and not top heavy. Also the strength of the FP spring helps to prevent slam fires (one fellow KTOG member tested firing his P-11 with no FP spring to see if it would slam fire, and it did not).

How I know the hammer affects drop fires, is because I tested it!!

With the hammer resting on the FP spring it fired at a lower height than when I removed the hammer altogether. Also the fact that the P-32 is pretty much drop proof (would not fire from 10 feet) because the hammer block keeps the hammer off of the FP, unlike the P-11.

here are the results of my drop tests:
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/droptestresults.htm

and here is how I did it without ruining my guns:
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/droptest.htm

 

[TheMariner]

I have a Jennings J22.... works fine on FMJ and JHP...

 

[makdaddy03]

Taurus PT22 Junk?

I think not! I have the PT 22 and Love it.

 

[Handy]

Arin,

The 'guy' I was speaking of is YZGuy. If you look at his links you'll see just how to do what you're talking about without damage. He did a really great job.


Yzguy, thanks for chiming in. I don't know how the P11 works, but a normal DAO pistol works by essentially decocking on every shot, with all the usual hammer intercepts and such to prevent the hammer from even getting close to the FP. I'd have to look at the P11 to see how it actually follows the slide without impacting the FP.

In terms of the hammer affecting the drop test, I think that it is mainly "pre-positioning" the FP closer to the primer, rather than "preloading" by contributing mass to its movement. Again, I have never taken apart a P11 and can only generalize from other hammered pistols.

 

[Waitone]

PT-22 is not junk!

It is my wife's always pistol. If she is out of the house, it is in her pocket or car.

When we first purchased the gun I had problems all of which disappeared when:

--changed to high volocity ammo exclusively
--cleaned is regularly
--changed lubricant from oil to grease
--lubed the mag

Great pistol for someone who needs a small, break top barrel pocket gun. 'Side that it is just plain fun to blaze away.

 

[KevlarSix]

I agree with Smoke and GrandmasterB. My Colt Mustang .380 has been perfect for the past 15 years. Only had to replace the plastic trigger once.

 

[bpisler]

With high quality 22lr ammo my beretta 21-A
functions 100%.I only run into problems with
the cheaper bulk value packs.Using those i'll
have a few that fail to fire.

 

[usp9]

Seecamp is legendary for reliability, and is certainly small.
Beretta 950 has a great reputation.
TPH is known for reliability but is .22 or .25, and that bothers some folks.
Colt Pony is a fine gun, but on the big side.
These four have decades of rock solid reputation, any would be a good choice.

Any blow back action can be hampered by limp wristed technique, that is why is is important to find a reliable gun and practice with it to eliminate poor shooting technique. Regular cleaning, quality ammo, and proper lube are all important factors in reliability of course.

 

[Pilot]

With high quality 22lr ammo my beretta 21-A
functions 100%.I only run into problems with
the cheaper bulk value packs.Using those i'll
have a few that fail to fire.

I've had the same experience with mine. 100% reliable with CCI Minimags. The 21A is a nice little back up.

 

[COK]

I have had a Colt Mustang for 8 years and around 1100 rds. 100% reliable.

 

[browningguy]

The smallest Berettas have always enjoyed superior reliability, as well as the Browning (FN) .25.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Funny this:

My 1908 Colt Vest Pocket pistol had a Schmeisser marked magazine in it (modified) and it worked just fine... no jams. I replaced the mag with a Colt repro.. still no jams.

But when you take it apart and look at the striker-fired mechanism... I don't think I'd want to carry it cocked and locked in a vest pocket.

 

[grimjaw]

My friend has a Beretta 21 that is pretty reliable but it stills jams once in a while.

Mine does too, if I use the most 'economical' ammo I can find. With higher velocity ammo from CCI or Federal, it works like a top. I preferred the sights on the PT22, but either was just as reliable as the other. Neither is my first choice for self defense, but for a plinker/range/fun gun, PT22's are good choices.

jmm

 

[MICHAEL T]

I go with the Colt Mustang also . I have a PPK/s I pocket carry most of the time and will be picking up a Beretta 950 jetfire I put on lay a way this week. This is my 2nd Beretta I was a fool and sold the first one years ago.

 

[1 old 0311]

Guardian, .32 or .380
Taurus,
Beretta,
Colt,
Kel Tec,
Rohrbaugh,
Makarov,
PPk/S,
These are proven winners. It's your life, stick with them. Avoid cheap guns, and shady companies.

Kevin