jennings j-22 a decent cheap plinker?

[megatronrules]

I just saw some these on gunbroker and was wondering how they are? I realize jennings guns are regarded as junk by most but I am only wondering how well these little guns work? I'd only want one for plinking because .22 is dirt cheap to shoot.

On the other hand I've heard of raven guns that work fine from day one go figure. I know most will say these guns suck but what other .22 can I get for plinking for around a $100 or so?

 

[WonderNine]

Spend a little more and get a decent used Ruger. It will work much better, last much longer and you will be able to actually hit things more than ten feet away.

 

[dsk]

I'm almost ashamed to admit I have one (or at least my mother does now). Bright polished chrome too, no less. In my hands it's been reliable ever since I did a slight tweaking of the magazine's feed lips. However, I'm also aware that these guns aren't especially durable and are highly prone to small parts failure. However, I know that the next six rounds in mine will fire without failure, which is why my mom has it.

 

[beemerb]

Jennings and other guns like it make good fishing weights.I kno wsome people out there has some that work bu tI think that is a matter of luck.
I just picked up a used ruger mark 2 standard model that is around a 90% gun.2 mags with it for 125.00 out the door.That is a gun that will last a lifetime and you can depend on.Wait and buy something good. You will never regret it.
bob

 

[Okiecruffler]

For just abit more money you can get a Pheonix HP22. I think most people who have one have been pleasantly surprised. I sure wish I'd have kept mine. But if you look around you might get lucky. I just bought a LNIB S&W 22A for $150 and I'm having alot of fun with it.

 

[Wildalaska]

Dont pay more than $25 for a Jennings....

WildthatsalltheyareworthAlaska

 

[denfoote]

You would be better off getting a (gack choke) Hi-Point!!!!

 

[mini14jac]

I've owned two J22s.
Never had a problem with either.
They are not as cheap to shoot as you would think though.
Both of mine would only cycle CCI Minimags reliably.

Gun show and Pawn shop prices for new ones around here run $69.00. I certainly wouldn't pay more for a new one.
Used should be $30 - 40.

For around $100 the Phoenix is an excellent gun.
There again, the one we have only cycles CCI reliably.
Very good customer service, lifetime warranty.
(Unless they get sued out of business. :banghead: )

A used Ruger is the best bet, but...
I've seen 30 year old Rugers, with all bluing worn off, that people wouldn't take less than $200 for!

 

[Longbow]

I second the Phoenix Arms .22, I used to have one and it was a reliable cheap .22 (' was my pocket gun for a while). It just that it has too many safety and the mag doesn't drop freely out of the gun when I hit the mag release. Otherwise it was a reliable gun.

 

[WonderNine]

Never had a problem with either.

Both of mine would only cycle CCI Minimags reliably.

 

[Coronach]

jennings j-22 a decent cheap plinker?

No.

Mike

 

[SASS#23149]

A total waste of money,IMHO.
I would find a used ruger and put it on layaway with the money I had on hand.Most shops will work with you,at lest mine do.A plain-jane ruger can be had for just a bit more,and will last almost forever.
Mike

 

[The Mighty Beagle]

It sounds as if you're looking for a pocketable .22, which the Ruger Mark II certainly never will be.

If you want a small .22, you might try the Beretta 21. The one I had worked flawlessly, but lacked any real sights so I sold it. I am missing it though and will probably pick up the Taurus PT22 as a replacement.

I had a Jennings .22, it was the first gun I purchased on my own when I turned 21. It worked great, and I'd still be shooting it today, but the truth is these guns simply aren't made to last even when they do work, which mine quit doing after a brick or so. It degenerated into unreliability, so I got rid of it.

Please, please save your money a little longer for something that wasn't meant to be disposable.

 

[WonderNine]

It worked great

mine quit doing after a brick or so.

 

[firestar]

I think it is a waste of money also. I wouldn't let a friend of mine buy one. I had one so I know what I'm talking about.

BTW, mine would consistantly hit a half gallon plastic bucket at 100yards 5 out of 7 times and the two misses would be close!

They can be surprisingly accurate but are not reliable and they WILL break if you shoot them a lot.

You won't regret buying something better even if you have to pay more. Just go get a Ruger 22/45, I paid $199 (new) for mine from Ks Merchandise.

 

[Tropical Z]

denfoote,i'm shocked and appalled that you'd say such a thing!

 

[Apple a Day]

I have one. It is fun to cuss at and play with. Spend a little more $ and get something else which is a lot more reliable and durable. If you want something dirt cheap in a .22 to shoot with, look into a used Ruger or a new Heritage SA revolver. Not much more money and you can go Western instead of wasting time cussing and fiddling with a J-22.

 

[roscoe]

its a cheap, decent throwdown piece

 

[cratz2]

If you're wanting a cheapie small 22, the Phoenix HP22 has been pretty reliable for me. I own one and have owned another in the past. Failures are few and far between, at least for me. One of my shooting buddies has one that has been almost 100% reliable as well.

As noted above, it has about 18 safeties. Actually, just about three. But that's two too many. For $105, it ain't too bad for a plinker.

 

[bigjim]

Critical thinking

mini14jac said: I've owned two J22s.
Never had a problem with either.
Both of mine would only cycle CCI Minimags reliably.

then

For around $100 the Phoenix is an excellent gun.
There again, the one we have only cycles CCI reliably.

 

[Nick96]

One of the nice things about a .22 is inexpensive ammo. You can get 500 rounds most anywhere for under $10. So, it stands to reason that your best bet would be to get a .22 that will hold up to thousands and thousands of rounds without wearing out. Why buy a $100 gun that may be worn out with less than $50 of ammo run through it.

For around $250 (+/- $50) a new or in like new condition Ruger Auto can be easily found. That's a gun that will take thousands and thousands of rounds - and thousands more. Mine is almost 30 years old, has had thousands of rounds through it, is very accurate & reliable with any ammo and shows no appreciable wear (other than some fading bluing & a few nicks and bumps from occasional rough handling).

S&W makes some nice revolvers and autos - but expect to pay in the $400+ range for a new one. Ruger also makes a DA revolver and several SA revolvers in the $300's+ range new. Anything from these two makers in a .22 caliber handgun could be considered a lifetime investment. And, they are makers that will likely be around 50+ years from now. Not necessarily so with the "off brand" makers.

The Jennings may be fine for a "drawer gun". But if you want something to keep and shoot a lot - get something more substantial.

 

[emann]

I believe for an inexpensive firearm Hi-Point's are pretty hard to beat. They're not real good for CCW though as they're a little on the big side.

 

[boondocker]

I have one or I can say My wife has one. She was doing a if you can buy guns so can I deal and came home with it lol. It works 80% of the time. If you want to plinking to improve your shooting skills forget it. Its a belly gun. You will probably get tired of it real quik unless you just are out making noise. Spend the extra and get a ruger as it always accompanies the big boys to the range and everyone love to plink with it. Boon