Walther, RIA 1911, or keltec?
- Thread starter Csinn
- Start date
Dave DeLaurant
Member
My friend has and likes his Walther P22 in LR, though it's quite different from the Magnum pistol and there are a bunch of older Walthers in .22 LR that I personally would much prefer, such as the Olympia or the PP. Theirs might be the best choice of the three if you want an auto.
I have a couple of RIA 1911s and have been impressed with their robustness, but no experience with their AL series of revolvers. FWIW, I understand they are made in the Czech Rep by Alpha Proj rather than Armscor in the Philippines and are of good quality. If I could get one in my state, I might be tempted.
A friend has the Grendel P30 predecessor to the PMR30 and still shoots it occasionally. The muzzleflash is impressive indoors!
I have a couple of RIA 1911s and have been impressed with their robustness, but no experience with their AL series of revolvers. FWIW, I understand they are made in the Czech Rep by Alpha Proj rather than Armscor in the Philippines and are of good quality. If I could get one in my state, I might be tempted.
A friend has the Grendel P30 predecessor to the PMR30 and still shoots it occasionally. The muzzleflash is impressive indoors!
Last edited:
doubleh
Member
I had the "sort of" 1911 RIA and found it to very selective of ammo that would make it work correctly. Keltec makes nothing that flips my switch in anything. I would have to look very carefully at the Walther and read a lot of reviews on it before purchasing. 22 mag has a poor reputation in semi-auto guns.
halfmoonclip
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2011
- Messages
- 2,808
How about a .22 Mag revo?
Moon
Moon
SterlingBullet
Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2015
- Messages
- 305
No matter which one you choose there are several factors for consideration:
Some 22 WMR ammunition has reliability issues from the manufacturer.
Muzzle flash at night can compromise your low light vision.
You lose velocity of the 22 WMR with a pistol barrel.
At least one of the guns, PMR 30, requires a 40 grain or higher bullet according to the manufacturer.
The PMR 30 magazine should be loaded with a special loader to avoid dented cases.
Personal experience with the Walther P22; worst pistol I have ever owned.
Browning might make a 22 WMR in a 1911 format.
RIA is a reliable option.
PMR is pure range fun, if you load the magazines right.
A revolver in 22 WMR is a great option; it reduces problems down to the quality of the ammo.
Your choices new would be the Ruger LCR, several S&W models, RIA, Diamondback Sidekick, then SAA convertibles such as Heritage Rough Rider, Chiappa, Ruger Single Six, Ruger Super Wrangler.
The best option for size/price/reliability is the Taurus 942 SA/DA, but they haven’t been available to order for a while.
For pure fun, the Heritage is under $200, no one ever complains about theirs not working, painted finish is crap though, dozens of models/styles, people love them with the 16” barrel (yes you read that right).
Some 22 WMR ammunition has reliability issues from the manufacturer.
Muzzle flash at night can compromise your low light vision.
You lose velocity of the 22 WMR with a pistol barrel.
At least one of the guns, PMR 30, requires a 40 grain or higher bullet according to the manufacturer.
The PMR 30 magazine should be loaded with a special loader to avoid dented cases.
Personal experience with the Walther P22; worst pistol I have ever owned.
Browning might make a 22 WMR in a 1911 format.
RIA is a reliable option.
PMR is pure range fun, if you load the magazines right.
A revolver in 22 WMR is a great option; it reduces problems down to the quality of the ammo.
Your choices new would be the Ruger LCR, several S&W models, RIA, Diamondback Sidekick, then SAA convertibles such as Heritage Rough Rider, Chiappa, Ruger Single Six, Ruger Super Wrangler.
The best option for size/price/reliability is the Taurus 942 SA/DA, but they haven’t been available to order for a while.
For pure fun, the Heritage is under $200, no one ever complains about theirs not working, painted finish is crap though, dozens of models/styles, people love them with the 16” barrel (yes you read that right).
Last edited:
Coyote3855
Member
The only .22 WMR I own is the KelTec. Loaded correctly with the recommended ammunition, it has been reliable enough to carry on the tractor for ground squirrels and feral cats. It's loud, I wear muffs in the tractor anyway. 30+1 is a hoot. Wouldn't feel unarmed in a defensive situation. I have better options off the ranch.
As stated, 22WMR can be finicky in a semi-auto. Part of this is due to the length and how skinny the cartridge is.
Here is a photo comparing several different calibers to 22WMR. And you can see 22WMR is the longest. In the photo from left to right: 22WMR, 38 Super, 45ACP, 40 S&W, and 9mm
Kel-Tec stating to use only 40Gr ammo and heavier is only partially correct and partially a CYA statement. My local enabler (FFL) bought three PMR30s, two for him and his dad and one for me. One functions well with 30Gr ammo , another functions well with 36Gr ammo and mine only liked 40Gr and heavier. There were enough complaints for Kel-Tec to recommend using 40Gr ammo and heavier.
Once you learn how to load the PMR/CMR magazines correctly and they are broke in one does not need a fancy or special loader for them. A loader definitely speeds things up but is not necessary. And the cases don't dent when loaded correctly by hand or with a loader once the mags are broken in. I don't use a loader and only get dented cases if I get in too much of a hurry loading the mags.
Here is a photo comparing several different calibers to 22WMR. And you can see 22WMR is the longest. In the photo from left to right: 22WMR, 38 Super, 45ACP, 40 S&W, and 9mm
Kel-Tec stating to use only 40Gr ammo and heavier is only partially correct and partially a CYA statement. My local enabler (FFL) bought three PMR30s, two for him and his dad and one for me. One functions well with 30Gr ammo , another functions well with 36Gr ammo and mine only liked 40Gr and heavier. There were enough complaints for Kel-Tec to recommend using 40Gr ammo and heavier.
Once you learn how to load the PMR/CMR magazines correctly and they are broke in one does not need a fancy or special loader for them. A loader definitely speeds things up but is not necessary. And the cases don't dent when loaded correctly by hand or with a loader once the mags are broken in. I don't use a loader and only get dented cases if I get in too much of a hurry loading the mags.
Yea I should’ve made that clear
, I’m just looking at getting a handgun in that caliber because I have the ammo already mostly. I’ve heard they are a blast to shoot