Looking for a fun .22 pistol-- Help

[bulbboy]

I bought my 12 year old a Walther P22 last year - and its a blast to shoot. I decided I want to be a kid too - Whats a great .22 pistol that I could possibly put a scope on? Wanted to keep it around $500-600. The scope would be just for fun target shooting - no real hunting. I hear great things about Brownings and Rugers - but which models? Would appreciate any help!!

 

[LanEvo`]

I hear great things about Brownings and Rugers

You can't go wrong with either. The Ruger MkII series seems to be very popular with the local bullseye shooters around here (especially the bull-barrel models). They seem to have terrific accuracy out-of-the-box. And there are lots of options with respect to aftermarket parts and tuning.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Browning Buckmark for a number of reasons: it fits my hand better than the Ruger; it uses the same "manual of arms" as other JMB products (e.g., 1911 and P35); and, some models come with integrated scope rails.

 

[philbo]

I've had a lot of fun w/the Beretta Neos I picked up a couple of years ago. The existing sights are not too great, but the rail on top makes adding a scope easy.
It has functioned flawlessly with over 1500 asst rounds of cheap ammo, and accuracy with the little tip off scope I had has been more than acceptable. Add some cheap mags from CDNN (9.99) and just have fun!

 

[ZeSpectre]

I'm getting ready to pick up a Ruger MKIII with a bull barrel for just that sort of thing!

I seriously can hardly wait but the wallet is saying "woah big fella, not yet"

 

[ugaarguy]

If you aren't deadset on an auto and a scope the S&W K-22/model 17 is a fine 22 revolver. They have some of the best target iron sights you'll find on any handgun and they truly don't make 'em like that anymore. These are strictly a used a proposition, but well worth it.

If it must be an auto then the Ruger MKI/II/III, Ruger 22/45 and Browning Buckmark are all fine guns. Have fun bein' a kid again

 

[vito]

Consider at S&W model 617. Its a medium frame revolver, and you can get it with either a 4 inch or 6 inch barrel, six round or 10 round. I have the 4 inch 10 round and its a great, and accurate gun to shoot. And being a revolver, its easy to clean, and no hot cases hitting you in the face.

 

[Slugo]

I just sold my 15 year old S&W 617 >>

6" barrel, beautiful older S&W stainless finish and very rare S&W Goncalo Alves combat grips. Now I'm really pissed at myself for selling it, but it was too heavy with the 6" full under-lug barrel. If it been a 4" I would still be the owner!

Anyway, in the meantime I picked up this very cool little New Ruger Bearcat that I just shot last week. I love this gun and its accuracy although not near as good as the 617, it did pretty damn well on a bunch of tin cans at 15 yards. The Ruger Single Six would also be a fine shooter too!

 

[bulbboy]

I love Ruger revolvers and that is classy! Probably going to stick to autos. If I would have bought my daughter that one in the first place.. mmm.

 

[Slugo]

thanks bulbboy >>

I love the detail on the engraved cylinder. It's a great little gun for plinking and backpacking...

 

[grizz]

I'd highly recommend a Ruger Mk III with a bull BBL. I have the Mk III Hunter ($400 new). The sights are fully adjustable, and it comes with 3 or 4 different color fiber optic inserts. The pistol also comes with a Weaver style rail for mounting a scope. Accuracy is outstanding.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAPro...famid=55&variation=Hunter&bct=Yes&type=Pistol

 

[10-Ring]

Of the current crop of 22's, I like the P22, the Ruger Mkii (if you have the patience to hunt them down because I have no experience w/ the Mkiii), the Buckmark and if you'r'e so inclined, a nice 22lr DA wheelgun.

 

[weregunner]

So far there have been very good recommendations. My 3 picks would be either the Browning Buckmark with a 5.5 inch barrel, the Ruger MK III with 5.5 inch barrel, or the economy Ruger 22/45 with the 5.5in.barrel. All these are easy to use. They all sit in the hand rock steady and have excellent service records with the users.All the above models can be scoped or have red dot scopes put on. The Ruger 22/45 fits my wifes smaller hands and wears a Ultradot scope. Grip circuference on the MK III is slightly more thick. Weight was lighter, also, limiting fatigue while shooting. It was 85 dollars cheaper than my MK III and she has the stainless steel version. The blue version would save one even more money. So good luck and keep us posted on your choice.

 

[justin_ws]

I picked up a Browning Buckmark Standard Stainless UDX several weeks ago and am awfully happy with it. It has a nice "substantial" feel to it, the grips are very comfortable, it's easy to disassemble/clean, and just fun to fire. I picked up a set of HiViz fiber optic sights for it too (about $28 online).

 

[BeJaRa]

I have a Ruger MkII Gvt model that is an incredible target gun or just plain "plinking" It is a pain in the butt to disassemble and clean but after you have shot it it is worth the trouble. I am also not to keen on the magazine release but again it is worth the trouble.

 

[bulbboy]

Thanks guys for all your help. Yesterday, I picked up a Ruger Mark III Hunter with the fluted bull barrel. I also added a red dot scope to it as well. I appreciated all the help and ideas!

 

[greener]

You are going to love it. Drop in a VQ sear and adjustable trigger and a good trigger gets so much better.