Which one to buy?

[Vector]

As some of you know from my starter gun thread I am looking for a starter gun for an 18 year old. I've decided on the caliber and now need opinions on which one to buy.

My choices are both lightly used with examples links of the guns below;

S&W Model 22-S with 4 mags for $250

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/smithandwessonmodel22s.asp

or a

Walther SP22 M2 with 2 mags for $275

http://www.waltherpistols.com/item/68809_Walther_Hand_Guns_Pistols_Walther_WAP22202_SP22_M2_.aspx

Now unless someone knows of a private party sale in my area for a better deal, I will be pulling the trigger on one of these two in the next few days.

TIA

 

[-eaux-]

Honestly, I'd hit the local sporting goods establishment and pick up a Heritage Arms .22lr/.22wrf convertable revolver NIB for a couple hundred bucks.
They're probably the best quality vs price rimfire handgun on the market, and there's plenty to be said for starting out by mastering the basics.
Just my $0.02

 

[Ala Dan]

Wait 'Till After Christmas-

and buy a Browning BuckMark; you won't regret it~!

 

[jdub3]

^ Agreed on the Buckmark. Its either that or a 22/45 for me.

 

[Vector]

I guess I should mention that I prefer to buy privately because there are no government records, and no sales tax. Additionally I find most used guns to be just as good as new ones, so why go through the aforementioned along with a premium price.

Both these .22's are supposedly in like new condition, and I think the prices are reasonable.

So which shall it be?

 

[Vector]

Well based on the responses so far most seem to think I should wait to find another choice.
Keep in mind that this needs to be a Christmas present so time is not a luxury I have. I probably should not have included that option in the poll.

The guy with the Walther lowered his price to $275 and it is a lighter gun by 13 oz.
However I know some here have said the similar model S22 is not made well, so that has me thinking I should strongly consider the S&W. Feel free to comment as I need to decide in the next two days if I am going to buy either of them.


Thanks

 

[hirundo82]

The S&W generally has the better reputation of the two you mention.

I'd look for a used BuckMark or Ruger; those seem to be the two most common .22 autos, so you should be able to find one for sale FTF. If not, I know you can get a BuckMark new for around $300.

 

[buck460XVR]

Wait 'Till After Christmas and buy a Browning BuckMark; you won't regret it~!

This.

 

[hirundo82]

You may have to buy the BuckMark new--the problem with trying to find a used one is that nobody wants to sell theirs.

 

[smallbore]

Vector, I vote the Smith. A few of the members at the local range use them for target and small game hunting. Besides, it's available to you now, has 2 more mags than the Walther and the difference could buy some starter ammo. Happy Holidays.

 

[oldfool]

check Buds Gun shop on-line, prices of models you name, but NIB, free shipping, no tax, but you pay maybe $20 FFL transfer fee to your local FFL

those guys with those used gun prices are doing you no favors
you can do new for <$300 on those and even maybe a Buckmark
tough to do an MK for $300 though

but nothing "wrong" with what you want, if that's your choice
even though light duy plinker class, lots of people enjoy 'em

(some reason it must be a private party sale ??)

 

[eng23ine]

MY choices in rimfire pistols:
Semi:
#1 Ruger Mk series (any of them)
#2 Browning Buckmark
#3 Walther P22

Revolver:
#1 S&W "kit gun" aka mod 63
#2 Ruger single six
#3 Heritage rough rider (cheapest of the bunch)

 

[doc2rn]

A Ruger MK II or Browning Buckmark will shoot rings around those two

 

[S. Hill]

Starter gun in Action



Sorry, couldn't help myself. I tried and tried to not do this....

 

[Jed Carter]

I would get a Browning Buckmark, or a Ruger MK something, but if these are the only choices, get the Smith & Wesson.

 

[9mmforMe]

I voted for waiting thinking of a Ruger, but if you are liking these two pistols you listed I would go for the S&W.

 

[Ghosty1]

i cant help, thus did not vote. like 9mm...id prolly go SW as well. but, its .22, and all good makes...so really more a question of 6 of one, half dozen of the other. good starter calibre, btw, imho.

i was about to sign this off, but then i got a bright (semi) idea. how bout we follow the old rule...obviously with YOU there...let him shoot them all, and see which "feels" right.
just an idea.

-G

 

[scallop]

Add another vote for the Buckmark. Hands down the best .22 semi auto you can get.