Want to get a new pistol in 22

[mouseman30]

hello everyone I'm new here i was thinking of getting a new pistol i thinking of a 22 was wondering what a good reliable 22 pistol would be, would it be semi-auto or revolver i have shot a few of my fathers he has a Ruger revolver that Chambers 22Lr and 22 mags , and a semi-auto Jennings that is a pos , and a few other i cant remember any suggestions
Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Depends a lot on what you want to do with it?

Trail gun? Plinking? Target shooting? Whatever?

Currently, in semi-autos, I believe the Ruger MKIII's, or the Browning Buckmark's are the best & only affordable semi-auto pistols.

In revolvers?
A nice used S&W K-22 or .22 Kit Gun, or a new Ruger SP101.

rc

 

[Fiv3r]

I've had a few of them, but my Ruger MkIII is all I have left. It's easy to shoot, runs forever, has a nice compact 4" bull barrel. It's a great camp/trail pistol.

 

[mdauben]

For semiautos, I think most people will recomend either the Ruger Mk III or the Browning Buckmark. Both are available in different configuations (long barrel, short barrel, heavy barrel, sight rails, etc.) so you can pick just what you want.

For revolvers, my first choice would be the S&W Model 617, although this one is kind of pricy (generally ~$700 or more). If that's too rich for your budget, you might look at the Ruger Single-Six (or similar Single-Ten) if you want a "single action" gun, or the Ruger SP101 in .22 if you want a "double action" gun.

 

[Kiln]

I agree with the Ruger MK3 and the Browning but would like to add the Beretta Neos. The Neos is easier to disassemble/reassemble than the other two by far and is very reliable with many ammunition types. They look kind of strange but they'll grow on you eventually.

Here's my wife's:


If scopes are your thing on handguns this one is ready to go with most optics out there. The design is interesting and original, while still being very functional. I've come to enjoy the Neos a great deal.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Don't rule out the S&W 22A if you are looking for a target pistol. They are, IME, comparable in accuracy and price to both the Ruger and the Browning.

There is also the Ruger Charger, which is a pistol based on the 10/22 action and receiver.

If CC or more general plinking is what you are looking for, the Ruger SR22 is pretty affordable. I have not shot one yet, so can't really recommend one.

If you can find one, the Whitney Wolverine is a blast from the past that is a lot of fun. I passed on one at a gun show early this year, and still regret it. It was the only thing worth buying in the whole place, and I walked on it. The Beretta Neos reminds me of the Wolverine a bit.

If you want something more unique in design, that is really just a fun range toy, the USFA ZiP.22 is worth a look. The marketing behind the gun is dreadful, but it really is a unique design that is sure to turn some heads. I'm looking at getting one myself.

If revolvers are more your thing, the only one I have much trigger time on is the Ruger Single Six. Great reliable gun, usually has a magnum cylinder to swap.

 

[BYJO4]

22s are just plain fun to shoot and ammo is affordable. Your first decision is whether you like the feel of a revolver or semi auto. After that, you need to determine your price range. There are many 22s they will provide good service but some are better than others.

 

[Liberty1776]

If you don't have a K22 or a Model 41, I'd start there. Everyone needs one of each. (to start)

 

[MedWheeler]

Can't go wrong at the Ruger counter. If you like target-style autoloaders, there are the Mk-III and the 22/45, and maybe a used Mk-II lying around as well.

If you like your autoloader to more-closely replicate a service or defense pistol, the SR-22 is waiting for you.

If you like revolvers, the SP-101 is your "general-purpose" performer, and the LCR-22 is your lightweight trail and carry snubnose. If you like your revolvers "old-school" (single-action), grab a used Single-Six or a new Single-Ten (Single-Nine if in .22WMR.)

You'll be good to go with any of the above.

Other good options that require you to stray away from the Ruger counter include the Bersa (also sold as Firestorm) .22 pistols, the Walther P22, and the GSG-1911-22 (that last one replicating in feel and MOA the 1911 design.)

 

[toivo]

Don't rule out the S&W 22A and 41 series if you are looking for a target pistol. They are, IME, comparable in accuracy and price to both the Ruger and the Browning.

I agree on the 22A -- it's definitely in the running. The Buck Mark has a better trigger, IMO, and the Ruger has more aftermarket options, but they're all pretty close, and it comes down to which feels best in your hand. The 41 is in another league: It's a great target pistol, but I think its $1000+ price-tag takes it out of the running for a first-timer .22.

Another to consider if you want more of a "defense" style pistol is the Bersa/Firestorm .22. It's similar to a Walther PP, but a lot cheaper.

 

[USAF_Vet]

LOL, I've looked at the 41 on the S&W website dozens of times. Not once did I see the 1 in front of the other three digits. So yeah, disregard the Model 41, but keep the 22A in consideration.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of SA revolver like the Ruger Single-Six. I also recently shot a M&P22 and I was really surprised how well it shot. If you're into semi-autos give the M&P22 a try...

I' also a fan of the S&W M17 and M18.

 

[mdauben]

Don't rule out the S&W 22A and 41 series if you are looking for a target pistol. They are, IME, comparable in accuracy and price to both the Ruger and the Browning.

I admit I'm not that familiar with the 22A, but comparing the Model 41 to the Ruger or Browning offerings is somewhat misleading, as the S&W has a list price over twice that of the other two guns (~$1350MSRP according to the S&W website versus around ~$400-600MSRP for the other two, depending on the specific model).

 

[ATLDave]

Ruger MK's and Browning Buckmark's are the standard choices. Rugers have a wider variety of aftermarket goodies available, though Buckmarks have some too. Buckmarks are easier to re-assemble after cleaning. The latter mattered to me, the former did not, so I got a Buckmark. Can't go badly wrong either way, though.

 

[Kahr33556]

ruger makes a good reliable 22

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I admit I'm not that familiar with the 22A, but comparing the Model 41 to the Ruger or Browning offerings is somewhat misleading, as the S&W has a list price over twice that of the other two guns (~$1350MSRP according to the S&W website versus around ~$400-600MSRP for the other two, depending on the specific model).

I own a S&W M22A that was part of a special run made for AccuSport. It has a 7.5" fluted bull barrel and a fiber optic front sight. It's also VERY accurate... (and with a lot of different .22LR ammo which is rare)

 

[bannockburn]

1) Ruger MK II or Ruger MK III
2) Browning Buckmark
3) Beretta Neos

All three are fine choices, and depending on the model configuration, can be great for plinking, target shooting, or small game hunting.

 

[j1]

If you want a little drop in your pocket and forget about it there is always the Beretta Bobcat. Both single and double action. Mine does not like hollowpoint but Blazers are always good to go. Walking on the road (I live in the country) it can make to scare dogs very nicely. I do not like carrying a staff while walking so it suits me just fine.

 

[BigJimP]

Another vote for the Browning Buckmark ....pretty easy to take down and clean...vs the Ruger especially.

For revolvers the older S&W model 17's or 18's ...and I like the model 18's a little better...or the newer model 617's...there are a lot more of the model 617's around.

Any of these 4 guns ...are guns you would probably keep for a long time.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I would first figure out what your budget is and then look at the choices in that category. I have three .22 pistols, one in each price category.

$400+ S&W M&P22 pistol (handgun, not the cut down AR-15)
$300-$399 Ruger Mark II 22/45 5.5" bull barrel
Under $299 Herbert Schmidt cowboy revolver

If you shop around, you can find a Ruger Single Six for $250-300. There was one in a local pawn shop with the .22 mag cylinder only for $150 last year.

 

[krupparms]

The Ruger MK.s & the S&W 22A are great buys &great guns. The Walther PPK/S is one of my most accurate, but hard to find & expensive but better than their P22. If you are into revolvers, check out RUGER, S&W, & TAURUS. I am sure you will find something that fits you're needs.

 

[almherdfan]

I own/have owned Ruger MK II & III, 22/45 & SR-22 & Single Six Convertible. All are great, reliable, fun and mostly affordable. I really like the SR-22 the most. Also have a S&W 22A-7 inch, sporting a Bushnell TRS-25 RDS--so much fun. The Taurus 992 is a fun revolver-very accurate, 9-shots, nice single action, so-so double action. The budget-minded Phoenix Arms 22 is accurate & reliable as long as the recoil spring is fresh.

I've heard many good things about the Smith & Wesson M&P 22, but haven't shot it (though I hope to change that soon).

 

[Captains1911]

I own a Ruger Mark III, Walther P22, and S&W M&P 22. They all have their place and purpose, but if I had to chose one it would be the Mark III, no contest.

 

[tobenheim]

I have a Ruger LCR in .22 and it's a fun little gun. It's got a 1 7/8 inch barrel so it's no target pistol but it works well as a training aid for other concealed carry sized revolvers. Of course, like with any gun, you can get pretty good with some practice. I can stay inside a playing card at 10 yards.