recommendations for 22lr pistols

[arizonamailman]

I have a 13 year old grandson who would like to start firing pistols. He has a 22lr Marlin rifle. Can anyone recommend a good 22lr autoloader or revolver that he should be comfortable with. This is a starter for him to better learn handgun control and shooting.

Price is of no concern. You can't put a price on safety when it comes to yourself or your family.

 

[joepmo]

Depends on your price range. I started my son on a s&w617. I like the slower pace of using a revolver

 

[rule303]

I started my son on a Ruger Single Six. He also loves shooting my wifes Walther P22, but if you are leaning towards an auto I wouldn't recommend anything but a Ruger MK series, or Browning Buckmark.

 

[Kiln]

The Ruger MK series is well known for reliability and durability. You might prefer to grab the 22/45 instead though because it is lighter and has a more comfortable grip for most people. These will run around $350 or so new. Used prices vary but they often hold their value pretty well so a slightly used gun will run fairly close to new prices, especially with the gouging still going on.

 

[BLB68]

Can't go wrong with the Rugers or a Buckmark IMO.

 

[md2lgyk]

Another vote for the Single Six. First gun I bought my wife.

 

[oneounceload]

I own a MKII Ruger, have shot the Buckmark, and would love to find a S&W K17/22 Masterpiece. All go bang and do the , but if safety is of a major concern, I would opt for the revolver

 

[wep45]

quality, dependability, accuracy..............buy him a S&W model 17

 

[mr.trooper]

Ruger MKIII, Browning Buckmark, Walther P22, Sig Mosquito - they all have strong followings.

They ALL are simple blow-back machines... If any don't work right out of the box, there is a huge knowledge base online that can get them running right with little to know sweat on your part.

My advice is to pick the one that fits you best, and then move forward from there with the other mundane worries.

 

[Chopdoktor]

I would suggest the GSG-1911 .22. I have thousands of rounds through mine, and you've got accuracy, reliability, and the timeless feel and look of the 1911 platform. Plus, it's compatible with many 1911 aftermarket parts, if your grandson wants to learn a little gunsmithing.

 

[almherdfan]

Ruger MK Series = accuracy, reliability, value. Taurus 992 gives you .22LR/.22WMR. I really like the Ruger SR-22 for plinking. My son-13 prefers revolvers as the brass doesn't come back at him. There are plenty of good options for most every budget.

 

[theautobahn]

The only downside to a rimfire revolver is the double action pulls are usually heavier than their centerfire brethren - a stronger hammer spring is required to ignite the priming substance in the rim of the cartridge. - the heavier pull makes double action shots harder - but single action shouldn't be affected (a 13 year old ought to be more than capable of handling the slightly harder thumb-cocking).

 

[History.Doc]

I'd say the Ruger Single Six is the safest, simplest, gentlest recoiling, most reliable, gun for a new shooter with the bonus that you never outgrow it.

 

[shockwave]

While the Ruger MKII and MKIII have a good reputation, the Ruger SR22 is an easier gun to break down and maintain, and it is more forgiving of ammunition choice. Also, the SR22 is a good trainer for semi-auto handguns because it is more similar to the Glocks or M&Ps or SR9s in terms of handling.

That said, most people can handle .38 or 9mm from day one so starting out with .22 isn't necessarily a must.

 

[bannockburn]

1) Ruger Mk.III.
2) Browning Buckmark.
3) Beretta Neos.

 

[jack44]

Heres another vote for Ruger single six

 

[BYJO4]

A S&W model 17 or 617 makes an excellent 22 that holds value and are fun to shoot at any age.

 

[Tomcat47]

1) Ruger SR 22 1st Auto Choice
2) Ruger Mk.III. 2nd Auto Choice
3) Ruger Bearcat 22 Single Action

The Bear Cat is really my overall choice for a new shooter, while I like a single six The Bear Cat has a smaller grip profile and is easier for a new shooter.

I think the single action has a better platform for introduction to shooting pistols/revolvers.

I love any of the Ruger Mk 1 2 3 in auto

Just bought a SR22 and this has been an exceptional auto.. great accuracy and has been very dependable. at about 2000 round count .. no problems.

 

[DMH]

I myself prefer the revolvers, but the kids seem to like the semi-automatic pistols. When I take my kids or friends with kids shooting they like the revolver, but gravitate to the pistols. I have In 22lr a S&W41, JCHiggins revolver, Colt New Frontier and Two 1911 Brownings. The grip size on the Colt and Brownings are better for smaller hands. The semi-auto's are fun. The revolvers are more accurate. But for tin can stuff out to 30 yards they all do fine. The S&W is in a different class as far as accuracy, but its a big boy toy and hard to handle the grip size and weight. For a kid I would not recommend the model 41, unless you went with customer grips. As the kid ages the 41 would be a treasured gift. If I was to only have one and wanted it for kids to shoot it would be the 1911 Browning. If it was for me it would be a toss up between the S&W 41 and the Colt.

DMH

 

[Bill4282]

As one who worked at a range, autos are for adults and I've seen plenty adults AD with autos. Too easy for multiple shots astray plus too easy to muzzle sweep vs rifle. I'd stick with single six or heritage where must cock for each shot.

 

[Furncliff]

Ruger single six also called convertible six if it has the .22 magnum cylinder.

Not expensive
Very well made

The pistol above has rudimentary sights. I would recommend finding one of these (used) that has adjustable sights.These are made in several barrel lengths, and a very stylish stainless model is available as well.

 

[OleReb]

I recently bought a Heritage Arms 22lr revolver for my 12yr old and that has been a excellent choice so far. I really like the Heritage that I bought but if money doesn't matter i'd get the Ruger Single Six.

 

[Proline395]

S&W 22a has always been good to me as we'll as a single six. The 22a gives you the option to upgrade to an optic of some kind when he learns more. Easy disassembly and cleaning. I love my 22a.

 

[lhartman89]

Another vote for a Ruger SR-22. Has 2 slip on grips, one for smaller hands and one for larger hands.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO nothing goes as well with a levergun as a SA revolver. Since he already has the levergun I would add the SA revolver and a Ruger Single-Six is a very good choice. Mine is VERY old and I still shoot it.

If you're set on a semi-auto a Buckmark or a Ruger Mark III are both very good choices. (and the prices are right too)