i'm in the market for a .22LR pistol. i've wanted another autoloader in 9mm but ammo is hard to find and expensive as they come. so i'm going the .22 route. i just purchased a spikes tactical .22lr kit for my ar15 and next a handgun. the auto loader .22lr pistols are just too pricey so i think i'm going to stick with a revolver. i found one i really like, the heritage rough rider .22lr revolver. i like the fact that it can shot both the .22lr and .22 mag as i do intend to use it for small game hunting. it's cheap and it works. the only thing i don't like is the fact that the loading sucks. you have to load/unload each shell at a time. other than that it looks very promising. is there another budget ($200-$300)revolver .22 that you can reccomend that would be easier loading? that the cylinder would slide out like modern ones? also would prefer it to be .22lr and the mag interchangable.
need a .22LR pistol
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jad0110
Member
A used H&R double action like the 922 or 949 might meet your requirements: affordable ($150 or less), reliable and easier loading via a swing out cylinder. They are underrated guns that most folks seem to really like - I know 2 guys who have 922s and love 'em. They are no S&W K-22 or Colt Diamondback, but they are fun little plinkers. Check out your local Pawn Shops, Gunshows or gunbroker.com.
I own a 5.5" barrel Heritage Rough Rider that I paid $150 for from budsgunshop.com, including shipping. It has proven to be extremely accurate and 100% reliable, and is way fun to shoot IMO. I actually enjoy the slower loading/unloading process - helps to conserve ammo. And you gotta love the 4 clicks as you cock the hammer.
Heritage quality has been hit or miss in the past, but it seems to be improving as of the last year or two. Mine is assembled and finished reasonably well for a $150 gun. It is no Ruger Single Six, but it serves it's purpose - a gun that I can take out and shoot cans with and not feel the urge to clean after every range session, unlike my S&W K-22. Another possible option - a used Single Six 22LR/22 Mag. Only problem is that used examples sell for as much as new ones in my area (high $200 range).
I own a 5.5" barrel Heritage Rough Rider that I paid $150 for from budsgunshop.com, including shipping. It has proven to be extremely accurate and 100% reliable, and is way fun to shoot IMO. I actually enjoy the slower loading/unloading process - helps to conserve ammo. And you gotta love the 4 clicks as you cock the hammer.
Heritage quality has been hit or miss in the past, but it seems to be improving as of the last year or two. Mine is assembled and finished reasonably well for a $150 gun. It is no Ruger Single Six, but it serves it's purpose - a gun that I can take out and shoot cans with and not feel the urge to clean after every range session, unlike my S&W K-22. Another possible option - a used Single Six 22LR/22 Mag. Only problem is that used examples sell for as much as new ones in my area (high $200 range).
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XavierBreath
Member
If your budget is $200-300, and you really want a pistol, then I heartily recommend a used Ruger MKII. It's a durable gun, and the ones on the used market are generally good buys.
A 22 handgun is a wise investment in fun and marksmanship. You want one that is accurate and durable. You will be shooting it a lot, and it's no fun if it's not accurate.
To answer your question though, the older H&R revolvers are generally good guns. H&R made 22 revolvers with removable cylinders and swing out cylinders. Again, look on the used market.
A 22 handgun is a wise investment in fun and marksmanship. You want one that is accurate and durable. You will be shooting it a lot, and it's no fun if it's not accurate.
To answer your question though, the older H&R revolvers are generally good guns. H&R made 22 revolvers with removable cylinders and swing out cylinders. Again, look on the used market.
Guillermo
member
Browning Buckmark
keithslater
Member
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Inexpensive .22 Handgun
I have a H&R Model 622. I really like it and its pretty accurate. However you have to pull the pin out to remove the cylinder and reload. Its not that big a deal.
I also have a Walther P22. Pretty nice, out of your budget range though and not really a hunting pistol.
If I were you, I would look for a used Single Six. However, you can order those Heritage pistols with a 9" barrel. You can also get them in 17hmr. For the money, it may not be a bad investment.
Keith
I have a H&R Model 622. I really like it and its pretty accurate. However you have to pull the pin out to remove the cylinder and reload. Its not that big a deal.
I also have a Walther P22. Pretty nice, out of your budget range though and not really a hunting pistol.
If I were you, I would look for a used Single Six. However, you can order those Heritage pistols with a 9" barrel. You can also get them in 17hmr. For the money, it may not be a bad investment.
Keith
17hmr doesn't sound bad at all. i need the barrel at least 5.5'' measured from muzzle to firing pin. yeah i was thinking about a used one if i can find it for cheap. if it's only $50 or so more for a new one than i will get a new one instead. yeah this gun will go through a hell of a beating. i'm still favoring the rough rider reguardless of loading. it's a fun gun and that's the purpose. my ar on the other hand...
i've never really been a revolver guy until i shot a .357 mag and notice how much more accurate it was compared to my glock. i'm gonna pay a visit tomorrow and see what they have in stock.
i've never really been a revolver guy until i shot a .357 mag and notice how much more accurate it was compared to my glock. i'm gonna pay a visit tomorrow and see what they have in stock.
scottaschultz
Member
That's the way SA revolvers work! You might want to try and find (good luck!) a used Ruger Single Six. It has the same loading "issues" as the Heritage, but the construction quality is generally considered to be superior to that of Heritage primarily because they are investment cast. The "New Model" Single Six also comes with 2 cylinders so you can shoot .22LR's and .22WMR's.
Scott
yeah i looked into that. very appealing. if i can find one for a good price i might pick one up. new for about $400+ and used for around $300ish. i was also looking at the leather belt and holsters heritage had to offer and loved the pricing. i think i'm going to stay with the rough rider. unless i find a really good deal on a ruger. plan is to buy it now before season when everything is hard to find and gone. you know how that goes....
wnycollector
Member
The following H&R models are DA and came with both 22lr and .22mag cylinders:
-649/650 (nickel plated)
-666 (looks like a 922)
-676
-686
-949/950
H&R's are solid dependable workhorses. Are they finished like a S&W or Colt...nope. Do they have crisp light DA trigger pulls...no...but they do get better after a few thousnd rounds
Are they inexpensive...OHHHH YA!
-649/650 (nickel plated)
-666 (looks like a 922)
-676
-686
-949/950
H&R's are solid dependable workhorses. Are they finished like a S&W or Colt...nope. Do they have crisp light DA trigger pulls...no...but they do get better after a few thousnd rounds
Are they inexpensive...OHHHH YA!bad news, one shop had one with sights and grips for about $269 and gander had a plain one for $199. the finish look kinda rough like a die cast car type finish that i can see already peeling maybe because someone dropped it. it really breaks my heart but i think i'll pass. good news is right next to it was a EAA bounty hunter, pretty much identical side by side but the bounty hunter had a lot better finish. price was $299. the grip was bigger and more comfy also it was heavier and you could tell it was quality holding the two at hand. the bounty also had a shorter barrel but thicker. anyone have experience with these? (sad there was no single six at all, not even used) i also came across the Smith & Wesson Model 22A that was appealing, only $250 for an autoloader!
The 22A is a decent gun. The trigger pull is not a strong point, but typically it is not all that bad. And the price is certainly cheap.
I prefer my Model 41, but you won't find one for $300 unless it is completely worn out. A used Colt Diamondback would also be a nice .22 to own, but again, pricey.
In my experience, S&W .22 autoloaders are quite picky about their ammunition. YMMV.
I purchased two secondhand K-22s a year and a half ago, for ~$350 apiece IIRC. So you can afford a high quality revolver, if you're willing to pay a bit more and take the time to look. The same comments apply to used High Standard target autoloaders, which I do not own but like very much.
I don't know anything about the Rough Rider, but this thread may be of interest to you.
I prefer my Model 41, but you won't find one for $300 unless it is completely worn out. A used Colt Diamondback would also be a nice .22 to own, but again, pricey.
In my experience, S&W .22 autoloaders are quite picky about their ammunition. YMMV.
I purchased two secondhand K-22s a year and a half ago, for ~$350 apiece IIRC. So you can afford a high quality revolver, if you're willing to pay a bit more and take the time to look. The same comments apply to used High Standard target autoloaders, which I do not own but like very much.
No big deal for most people. For a relaxing plinking session, it just makes your ammo supply seem to go farther!
I don't know anything about the Rough Rider, but this thread may be of interest to you.
MCgunner
Member
.22 PISTOLS are too pricey? Have you looked at quality .22 revolvers????? Save some money and get a Ruger. I bought a used Mk II for 275 WITH a 30 dollar mount and 60 dollar scope on it. I could have sold the optics, but man, that thing shoots so good with 'em on it and considering my antique eyes, I kept the scope.
You're looking north of 300 bucks for a new Taurus 94 or Ruger single action and Smiths, well, don't even go there. Look to a used Ruger or Buckmark if your dollars are tight is my suggestion. Oh, sure, you could get a Heritage. I suppose they shoot fine. I've had a few cheap single actions like that that weren't bad. Or, maybe an old H&R, but a Mk II Ruger is one helluva fine shootin' gun. Even a new Mk III MSRPs for about $330 or so. Used Rugers can be had for in around 200-250 easily. They last forever and they're tack drivers.
So, after all that, I read that you bought an auto after all. Not a Ruger, but should work fine for you. Only Smith auto I've shot was a M41 and, well, it's a step above your average plinker.
You're looking north of 300 bucks for a new Taurus 94 or Ruger single action and Smiths, well, don't even go there. Look to a used Ruger or Buckmark if your dollars are tight is my suggestion. Oh, sure, you could get a Heritage. I suppose they shoot fine. I've had a few cheap single actions like that that weren't bad. Or, maybe an old H&R, but a Mk II Ruger is one helluva fine shootin' gun. Even a new Mk III MSRPs for about $330 or so. Used Rugers can be had for in around 200-250 easily. They last forever and they're tack drivers.
So, after all that, I read that you bought an auto after all. Not a Ruger, but should work fine for you. Only Smith auto I've shot was a M41 and, well, it's a step above your average plinker.
MCgunner
Member
Yeah, if that bothers you, don't even think about black powder handguns.
Danged kids, always in a hurry............
$400-$500 for .22 caliber is kinda pricey in my books. my pockets aren't as deep as some people so i try to limit myself to what i can get by with. i believe it's just a personal preference and has nothing to do with hurry or speed. i was taught to shoot semi auto at young age and that's what i'm use to, but its always fun to try new things. i still wouldn't mind a revolver though. maybe later in the future with a .44mag....
teetertotter
Member
I bought the S&W 22a , 7", this past summer due to price, easy take down, accuracy plus reviews. I use this pistol for steel silhouette and most pleased. There are many metal stamped parts, but that did not deter my purchase. Budget purposes plus accuracy, MarkIII, Buckmark, and 22a are widely used in our steel Silhouette league. I'm in iron sight class. At 77 and 109yds, I need a lot of practice! At 40 and 66 yds, I'm 10 out of 20. It is me and NOT the pistol. PRACTICE! I upgraded to wood grip that is bulkier for my long fingers. Feel and balance is perfect for me for $300.00 + $60. wood grip. My thoughts on selection for 22 pistol for my application.
frankiestoys
Member
Im not a big fan of the .22 cal, just not enough BANG!
But i do own one and will say that my kids enjoy it alot.
Ammo's cheap and most of the handguns are too.
I bought a Rough Rider noooooooooo problems at all 500 + rounds goes bang every time
even if it is a little bang
But i do own one and will say that my kids enjoy it alot.
Ammo's cheap and most of the handguns are too.
I bought a Rough Rider noooooooooo problems at all 500 + rounds goes bang every time
even if it is a little bang
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RidgwayCO
Member
I bought a Buckmark Camper years ago to have an inexpensive semi-auto for others to use when we went to the range. I really didn't like the fiber optic front sight, but thought I'd soon replace it with a proper black post. Well, my daughters and my shooting buddy's daughters loved the green dot, and said the Buckmark was their favorite handgun. I must admit, the green dot has grown on me as well, and the thing is just so darn accurate, it's hard to believe it cost so little.
I just checked, and GunBroker has several listed for $300 or less.
I just checked, and GunBroker has several listed for $300 or less.
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