Gordy Wesen
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- Feb 26, 2003
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I need a .22 autopistol and would appreciate your recommendation for reliability and accuracy.
The best .22 LR Pistol
- Thread starter Gordy Wesen
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browningguy
Member
I have several 22's at present.
The Sig Trailside is very accurate for a production gun and has a good trigger, although mine is a bit finicky about ammo. I have a red dot on this one and do quite a bit of plinking with it. I probably would not buy another one just because mine is so darn picky about ammo. Not sure on the current price but I think they are around $400 now.
Beretta model 76, excellent all round pistol but no way to mount optics if you need them, the newer model has optics mounting capability. It's more accurate than the Sig by a small bit and has an excellent trigger. I like this pistol a lot and would buy one again, or one of the newer versions with optics mount if I needed another 22. The current version goes for about $599-650 and it's actually worth that, they are hard to find as Beretta apparantly only makes a small number of them.
Early last year I managed to get an excellent used High Standard Military HD model with the long barrel and it's a superb pistol (for $325 this was the steal of a lifetime for me). Very accurate and the best trigger of the bunch. It's a little on the big side for kids to shoot, and even for me the Beretta seems more comfortable in the hand. I'd buy another one of these even though I don't need another 22. A more realistic price for these today is in the $450-550 range in excellent, some people will try to get more but that's what they actually sell for.
Ruger Mk1, 4 1/2" barrel, good plinker but certainly not in the same league as the Beretta, Sig or HS for accuracy or trigger. Not sure what to say about Rugers without getting flamed, I guess it's the best inexpensive 22, if you're spending around $200-225 you probably can't do any better.
I've also shot most of the current offerings and the Browning Buckmark seems generally ok, hated the trigger on the Walther, didn't care much for the trigger on the Beretta Neos. The inexpensive S&W models are ok plinkers also but nothing special.
If you are looking at high end pistols, of course the S&W Model 41 should be considered. If you want something really special then a Pardini is highly recommended. I sold mine to a friend several years ago in a moment of weakness and have regretted it ever since. Sure, it costs over a grand, but a better shooting rimfire pistol was never made in my opinion.
The Sig Trailside is very accurate for a production gun and has a good trigger, although mine is a bit finicky about ammo. I have a red dot on this one and do quite a bit of plinking with it. I probably would not buy another one just because mine is so darn picky about ammo. Not sure on the current price but I think they are around $400 now.
Beretta model 76, excellent all round pistol but no way to mount optics if you need them, the newer model has optics mounting capability. It's more accurate than the Sig by a small bit and has an excellent trigger. I like this pistol a lot and would buy one again, or one of the newer versions with optics mount if I needed another 22. The current version goes for about $599-650 and it's actually worth that, they are hard to find as Beretta apparantly only makes a small number of them.
Early last year I managed to get an excellent used High Standard Military HD model with the long barrel and it's a superb pistol (for $325 this was the steal of a lifetime for me). Very accurate and the best trigger of the bunch. It's a little on the big side for kids to shoot, and even for me the Beretta seems more comfortable in the hand. I'd buy another one of these even though I don't need another 22. A more realistic price for these today is in the $450-550 range in excellent, some people will try to get more but that's what they actually sell for.
Ruger Mk1, 4 1/2" barrel, good plinker but certainly not in the same league as the Beretta, Sig or HS for accuracy or trigger. Not sure what to say about Rugers without getting flamed, I guess it's the best inexpensive 22, if you're spending around $200-225 you probably can't do any better.
I've also shot most of the current offerings and the Browning Buckmark seems generally ok, hated the trigger on the Walther, didn't care much for the trigger on the Beretta Neos. The inexpensive S&W models are ok plinkers also but nothing special.
If you are looking at high end pistols, of course the S&W Model 41 should be considered. If you want something really special then a Pardini is highly recommended. I sold mine to a friend several years ago in a moment of weakness and have regretted it ever since. Sure, it costs over a grand, but a better shooting rimfire pistol was never made in my opinion.
How much do you want to spend, and what's it for?
Most .22lr pistols are absurdly accurate, compared to their centerfire counterparts. If you can cover a Hammerli's group with a dime, the Ruger might need a nickel or a quarter. Most of the difference is in ergonomics, trigger, adjustability, and the like.
I also have a Trailside, and I like it much more than my very heavy, but very reliable Ruger. If I were going to do it all over again, I might get a nice Diamondback. Boy, I like those...
Most .22lr pistols are absurdly accurate, compared to their centerfire counterparts. If you can cover a Hammerli's group with a dime, the Ruger might need a nickel or a quarter. Most of the difference is in ergonomics, trigger, adjustability, and the like.
I also have a Trailside, and I like it much more than my very heavy, but very reliable Ruger. If I were going to do it all over again, I might get a nice Diamondback. Boy, I like those...
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sm
member
Colt Woodsman
Old High Standards
Buckmark's
I know this is in Autoloaders...we all know how we find something "else" while shopping for something in particular- right?
If a Old S&W Model 18 is "there" - buy it.
Old High Standards
Buckmark's
I know this is in Autoloaders...we all know how we find something "else" while shopping for something in particular- right?
If a Old S&W Model 18 is "there" - buy it.
cratz2
Member
I've shot or owned most of them and I'd probably say for the least coin, the Rugers are the way to go. For rougly double the price, I like the Trailside which I personally can't shoot any better than the Ruger, but it feels much ergonomic and better balanced in hand than the 5.5" (maybe 5"?) bull barrel Ruger.
The 41 is a very nice piece and I will absolutely own one some day, but for a recreational shooter, they are overpriced in my opinion.
I greatly prefer autoloaders to revolvers, but the best 22 handgun I've ever shot is my old school Dan Wesson 6" model. Based on the small Dan Wesson frame (think 357 frame) which I can shoot more accurately from a rest than any other gun I've ever shot. Though I can't do it consistantly, I have many 5" groups shot at 100 yards. I don't know if it's the sights or the trigger or what, but I've personally NEVER shot a 5" group at 100 yards with any other handgun.
And it only cost me $150.
The 41 is a very nice piece and I will absolutely own one some day, but for a recreational shooter, they are overpriced in my opinion.
I greatly prefer autoloaders to revolvers, but the best 22 handgun I've ever shot is my old school Dan Wesson 6" model. Based on the small Dan Wesson frame (think 357 frame) which I can shoot more accurately from a rest than any other gun I've ever shot. Though I can't do it consistantly, I have many 5" groups shot at 100 yards. I don't know if it's the sights or the trigger or what, but I've personally NEVER shot a 5" group at 100 yards with any other handgun.
And it only cost me $150.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
WOW! You have opened a can of worms with this question, cuz
there are a lot of good ones out there. My particular favorites
are in order:
Any of those will serve you well, with the Colt and the S&W
being the most expensive. For example, a 2nd series Colt
in pristine condition very easily could be in the $895 range.
* FootNote- discontinued model
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
there are a lot of good ones out there. My particular favorites
are in order:
- Colt Match Target Woodsman*
- Smith & Wesson model 41
- Ruger model KMK-512
- SIG Trailside
- Browning Buckmark
Any of those will serve you well, with the Colt and the S&W
being the most expensive. For example, a 2nd series Colt
in pristine condition very easily could be in the $895 range.
* FootNote- discontinued model
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Jeff Timm
Member
The only pistol I traded and still miss, is a Ruger Mk. I standard, short barrel, fixed sights.
It was fun in a way the Heavy Barrel target version I traded for hasn't been.
Geoff
Who never bothered to add adjustable sights as the stock sights hit dead on with Winchester Power Points. I use Vipers now days.
It was fun in a way the Heavy Barrel target version I traded for hasn't been.
Geoff
Who never bothered to add adjustable sights as the stock sights hit dead on with Winchester Power Points. I use Vipers now days.
Let me put in my .o2 worth on what some (many) perceive as the low end choices. I have both a Beretta Neos and S&W 22A. Both are very very accurate, they are incredibly easy to take down for cleaning, and fun as heck to shoot and shoot and shoot. Cost new depending on model can be less than $300.
You asked for the best one for accuracy and reliability - Hammerli 208S or the Pardini SP. I've had both, there was no difference in accuracy but big differences in feel (ergonomics). I shoot the Pardini these days. Hammerli's 208's are no longer in producton, used ones are available. Don Nygord imports and sells the Pardini - you can see them here
Okiecruffler
Member
I had a S&W 22A, nice gun for the money, flawlessly reliable, dead on accurate. But that grip was WAY too big for my hand. Seems like most discussions on plinking 22's boil down to the ruger and the buckmark, and I doubt you could go wrong with either of those.
For myself, I'm partial to Mitchell's, but even though I've owned 2 that were perfectly wonderful guns, I can't recommend them to anyone. Apparently everyone else who's ever even shot within 5 yrds of one has experienced problems.
For myself, I'm partial to Mitchell's, but even though I've owned 2 that were perfectly wonderful guns, I can't recommend them to anyone. Apparently everyone else who's ever even shot within 5 yrds of one has experienced problems.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
You're not specific as to the needed degree of precision and accuracy, but as far as a balance of the two at a price point I'm still very pleased with the BuckMark. The trigger was pretty good right out of the box and continues to improve with use.
Regards,
Rabbit.
Regards,
Rabbit.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
doubletap.
22luvr
Member
Here's one I wouldn't recommend !!
I got a Beretta Neos U22 for Christmas last year and it has been somewhat of a disappointment for several reasons:
On certain ammo types, it has trouble chambering and going into battery.
I have FTE's in no discernable pattern on most ammo types.
It has a terrible SA trigger which stubbornly refuses to smooth out.
The radical ergonomics design that I "thought" I appreciated are now like a pair if ill-fitting shoes.......worse the longer I shoot the gun.
Yup, I should have bought a more conventional design such as the Browning or Ruger!
Oh well.........
I got a Beretta Neos U22 for Christmas last year and it has been somewhat of a disappointment for several reasons:
On certain ammo types, it has trouble chambering and going into battery.
I have FTE's in no discernable pattern on most ammo types.
It has a terrible SA trigger which stubbornly refuses to smooth out.
The radical ergonomics design that I "thought" I appreciated are now like a pair if ill-fitting shoes.......worse the longer I shoot the gun.
Yup, I should have bought a more conventional design such as the Browning or Ruger!
Oh well.........
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Anything but a Ruger.
phantom309
Member
I'd really like to recommend the Trailside, but mine has had nothing but problems since I bought it. Lots of failures to feed, slide won't lock back on last shot, slide to frame fit has so much play the rear sight never lands in the same place twice. It is ergonomic, has a fantastic trigger, and is very accurate with a red dot sight, however.
But you should probably go with the Mark II.
But you should probably go with the Mark II.
countertop
Member
The most accurate out of the box is my fathers old Colt Match Target. Its a mid 60s model. Its never had any work done to it and he still has the original box and papers (including sales receipt) with it. Its awsomely accurate and real pretty too.
Like othes, I can't say enough about my Ruger Mk II - except that taking it apart is needlessly difficult
Like othes, I can't say enough about my Ruger Mk II - except that taking it apart is needlessly difficult
SuperCollider
Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2004
- Messages
- 9
Under a $1000 = Trailside.
Over a $1000 = Hammerli 208 or the Pardini.
For those of you with problems with your TS, whay haven't you called SIG? Their service is excellent and will make it right, and sometimes, better than right!
Over a $1000 = Hammerli 208 or the Pardini.
For those of you with problems with your TS, whay haven't you called SIG? Their service is excellent and will make it right, and sometimes, better than right!
StephenT
Member
Baikal IZH-35M for about $400. Supposedly a real tack driver. I acquired one a few months back, but haven't had a chance to take it to the range yet. I want to scope it first and have a rail on order with EAA.
Gordy Wesen
Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2003
- Messages
- 422
Super input.
The Nygord site made me giddy.
I honestly never thought about a dot sight or holosight, but that's the way to go. There are patterns, groups, cloverleafs and bugholes and I think the latter will be more easily obtained with one of these.
I've had the S&W 41, Ruger MK II and Dan Wesson but my favorite in college was the Belgium Browning. Man I can't even remember the designation of that neat gun. I sold it to a (Forester) friend who trapped when I graduated. I am intrigued by the Beretta 76, the various S&W suggestions... the Diamondback(?) and I'll go touch a Pardini and Hammerli.
After all these years of big bores I'd like a .22 again and these suggestions have broadened the field for me. Thanks.
"Never brag, never quit. Never let them know you're hurting. Don't look down on anyone. Compete hard. Play to win. Give the other guy credit."
Barbara Bush's advice to her son George.
The Nygord site made me giddy.
I honestly never thought about a dot sight or holosight, but that's the way to go. There are patterns, groups, cloverleafs and bugholes and I think the latter will be more easily obtained with one of these.
I've had the S&W 41, Ruger MK II and Dan Wesson but my favorite in college was the Belgium Browning. Man I can't even remember the designation of that neat gun. I sold it to a (Forester) friend who trapped when I graduated. I am intrigued by the Beretta 76, the various S&W suggestions... the Diamondback(?) and I'll go touch a Pardini and Hammerli.
After all these years of big bores I'd like a .22 again and these suggestions have broadened the field for me. Thanks.
"Never brag, never quit. Never let them know you're hurting. Don't look down on anyone. Compete hard. Play to win. Give the other guy credit."
Barbara Bush's advice to her son George.
saltydog452
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2004
- Messages
- 1,707
'best' 22??
I don't know that there is a 'best' anything or what 'best' means to you, but, since you have eliminated a few great revolvers from the competition, the most reliable 22 semi that I am personally aware of is the Ruger Mk1. As for accuracy, Jim Clark set several National records with the Mk1. I think one or two still stand.
I only have had personal experience with the K22, Ruger Mk1 and their Super Single Six, S&W 41, and High Standard. The Ruger Mk 1 was the most reliable semi.
salty.
P.S. Once upon a time..I had a 22 Ruger Super Single Six with an interchangable 22 Mag cylinder. If I had to choose only ONE handgun, that would be it.
I don't know that there is a 'best' anything or what 'best' means to you, but, since you have eliminated a few great revolvers from the competition, the most reliable 22 semi that I am personally aware of is the Ruger Mk1. As for accuracy, Jim Clark set several National records with the Mk1. I think one or two still stand.
I only have had personal experience with the K22, Ruger Mk1 and their Super Single Six, S&W 41, and High Standard. The Ruger Mk 1 was the most reliable semi.
salty.
P.S. Once upon a time..I had a 22 Ruger Super Single Six with an interchangable 22 Mag cylinder. If I had to choose only ONE handgun, that would be it.
I use dots on my 22 target guns - I have two different brands, one is an Aimpoint and I don't recall what's on the Pardini (got it from Nygord) but it's better for me than the Aimpoint.
The newer S&W M41's I've seen come thru our club have had problems, one went back and forth a number of times to S&W before the owner gave up and sold it. We got the other one working - we're lucky to have the help of the former West Point pistol coach and he was able to get it running right after tinkering with it for a winter season of shooting.
You might want to look at the Baikal IZH-35m too - there is lots of info on it at this site http://izh.petebrunelli.com/
I've seen one shoot several perfect scores (100's) last year. They're about $400.
The newer S&W M41's I've seen come thru our club have had problems, one went back and forth a number of times to S&W before the owner gave up and sold it. We got the other one working - we're lucky to have the help of the former West Point pistol coach and he was able to get it running right after tinkering with it for a winter season of shooting.
You might want to look at the Baikal IZH-35m too - there is lots of info on it at this site http://izh.petebrunelli.com/
I've seen one shoot several perfect scores (100's) last year. They're about $400.
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