Just One .22lr Handgun?

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RatDrall

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What would you choose?

I'm shopping for a .22 handgun. I can only have one, and I honestly only want one. I don't particularly like rimfire handguns, but they have their uses (namely a quieter way of dispatching pests, without carrying a .22 rifle everywhere) so I am going to buy one, and only one. Cost is definately an issue, I'm trying not to spend too much more than $300, but I won't skimp on quality.

I'm specifically looking at a Ruger Mark III. I owned a Mark II for a number of years, and would appreciate it if anyone could compare the two and explain any differences to me. The only thing I would have changed about mine was the damned take down lever thingy in the back of the handle, it was such a pain to reassemble.

So....If you could only own one rimfire handgun, what would it be and why?
 
Tough call. I'd really want one suitable to competition, else I wouldn't be able to shoot Bullseye. So I'd probably pick my Model 41.

But I sure do like having a good DA .22 revolver, not just because I like revolvers, but because it's an ideal firearm for introducing newbies to the game. The autopistols "hide" the cartridges, and I've found that the whole autoloading concept is hard for a lot of folks to visualize. The revolver is simple enough that everyone gets it right away, so there is no time lost to the "is it loaded" guessing game that so many newbies play.
 
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I have the MK II with 5.5 bull barrel - very accurate, but also a PITA to disassemble. I also have a little Beretta that is easy to clean. Unless you get a suppressor, a pistol will be louder than a rifle.

You can also look at some nice revolvers that might be in your price range
 
If I had to only own one .22 would be a S&W M17 6" barrel. There are others I like also but we said just one!
 
H&R and NEA made some very nice little revolvers, model R92 and R93 I believe, that you can often find used in good condition for very reasonable prices. 9 shots, 22LR. Well built and accurate.
 
If I only wanted one 22 handgun, the Ruger MK anything would do the job for me. I, II, or III wouldn't matter, just whichever one I could find and get the best price on. To narrow if down more, the 4" barrel, fixed sight model is about perfect for a "knock-around gun."

For a revolver, a Single-Six would be my choice.
 
The Ruger MKII or the Single Six. I'd be fine with either one, the MKII is more accurate but the Single Six gives you the .22Mag.
 
It has become a tough question to me. I have a cute little Beretta Model 75 .22 with a sound suppressor that helps me clear critters from the yard. I have two beautiful revolvers, a 6" S&W K-22, and a Colt Diamondback 4" .22, that I cannot even choose one over the other. They are all fine guns, amazingly accurate, and equally fun to shoot. I'm glad I don't have to choose........
 
.22s are like potato chips in that whole you can't have just one:
Ruger rimfire
Either a Smith & Wesson or Harrington & Richardson revolver (pref top break H&R)
I couldn't suggest it, but I have grown rather fond of my J-22 and couldn't imagine my collection without it.
Definantly need a semi-auto and a revolver;)
Just my 2¢
 
I've got about a dozen .22 handguns. I've got some that are worth a lot more and are a lot prettier but if I could only have one I would probably choose one of my Ruger MK II stainless 5.5" bull barrels. They are fine pistols.
 
FYI, the main difference between the Mark II and the Mark III is the addition of a loaded chamber indicator and mag disconnect safety in the Mark III.
 
I'm a fan of Browning Buckmarks. If I could only have one, it would be my target model.
 
My first handgun was a S&W Model 18 I got as a teen
in the mid'60s. After some years w/o a .22 LR handgun, I
got a 617 w/6" Bbl. If I were to limit myself ot one, I'd get a 617 with a
4" BBl. for a handier size. Everybody who shoots my 617 really like it
they most often first say FUN. gun.

I'll probably get a Kadet Conv. kit for my CZ 75B.

Randall
 
You wont be disappointed. I recently bought one and its the most accurate pistol I have ever fired. My first time out with it I was shooting palm sized groups at 25 yards. Plus it runs great on Federal Bulk Pack.
 
At today's prices, if I could only own one .22 handgun, it would not fit within your budget. Get your Ruger. They are fine.
 
I'm specifically looking at a Ruger Mark III. I owned a Mark II for a number of years, and would appreciate it if anyone could compare the two and explain any differences to me. The only thing I would have changed about mine was the damned take down lever thingy in the back of the handle, it was such a pain to reassemble.
Click to expand...

My only experience with Rugers and disassembly is the Mk II. Yeah, it's not the most fun in the world. Maybe others can confirm with actual experience, but I hear the Mk IIIs are even more fun (challenging) to put back together. I could be wrong though.

Another option to consider in the same price range as the Ruger is the Browning Buckmark. The aforementioned Ruger Single Six SA revolver in 22LR/22Mag would also be a good choice.
 
Tough question, and no easy answer presents itself immediately. In my estimation, it would be among the Ruger Bearcat, the Ruger Mark series guns, and the Browning Buck Mark series. And if you had to boil it down to a single gun, well, let's see ... nope; couldn't be done.
 
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