The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What are some of the cheap(er) 22 pistols that work well?

fender1974 · November 15, 2012, 10:14 AM

I picked up the Bersa Firestorm in November of last year. The Firestorm and the Thunder are essentially the same pistol - I believe the biggest difference is the grips? The Firestorm has a more rubberized grip which I liked the feel of better. I picked mine up at a show NIB for $249. It has been 100% reliable with Mini-Mags and the Federal bulk packs from Wal-Mart. My only complaint is with loading the magazine - it take a toll of your thumb trying to hold down the follower, but it's the same way on my Ruger 22/45.

Bottom line is that I'm very happy with the Bersa. I like the look and feel of this gun, it's reliable, fun to shoot, accurate and does not appear to be picky about what I run through her. I would not hesitate to pick-up another one.

I just recently had the opportunity to try out the Ruger SR-22 and I really liked the look and feel of it. I only shot two magazines through it (I was a terrible shot with it - not sure why?), but I liked how it felt in my hands and it appeared to be a very well built gun.

November 15, 2012, 10:14 AM	#13
fender1974 Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2009 Posts: 134	Bersa Thunder/Firestorm .22 I picked up the Bersa Firestorm in November of last year. The Firestorm and the Thunder are essentially the same pistol - I believe the biggest difference is the grips? The Firestorm has a more rubberized grip which I liked the feel of better. I picked mine up at a show NIB for $249. It has been 100% reliable with Mini-Mags and the Federal bulk packs from Wal-Mart. My only complaint is with loading the magazine - it take a toll of your thumb trying to hold down the follower, but it's the same way on my Ruger 22/45. Bottom line is that I'm very happy with the Bersa. I like the look and feel of this gun, it's reliable, fun to shoot, accurate and does not appear to be picky about what I run through her. I would not hesitate to pick-up another one. I just recently had the opportunity to try out the Ruger SR-22 and I really liked the look and feel of it. I only shot two magazines through it (I was a terrible shot with it - not sure why?), but I liked how it felt in my hands and it appeared to be a very well built gun.