Need A Good .22

KingDF · October 4, 2012, 07:22 PM

So far I've owned a Walther P22 (loved it) and a Phoenix Arms .22 (crap). Can anyone suggest a good .22 handgun for under $400? Thanks in advance.

Cheapshooter · October 4, 2012, 08:31 PM

Getting away from the more "tactical" designs you have had I would say either A Browning Buckmark, or Ruger Mk series. Both are more on the target pistol line than the rimfire version of a CCW gun.

sgms · October 4, 2012, 08:31 PM

Ruger Mark III or Ruger .22-45 very good, Browning Buckmark can be found in that price range, & Colts/Umerex .22-1911 rail gun come quickly to mind.

Krahling · October 4, 2012, 08:46 PM

The Ruger 22/45 works well for us.

TailGator · October 4, 2012, 08:56 PM

Beretta Neos is also well under $400. It is kind of funky looking, but quite accurate and reliable. It is also a very easy pistol to field strip and clean. Young people often like the looks, if you plan on teaching any kids or teenagers to shoot.

marine6680 · October 4, 2012, 09:02 PM

If you liked the P-22... then you will love the Ruger SR22. $330

Other than that, a Ruger MarkIII or 22/45. $275 and up based on model.

Dwight55 · October 4, 2012, 09:09 PM

Before you buy any of the others, . . . be sure to shoot first a Ruger target pistol, . . . then a Browning.

They are the top of the line in your price range.

The Browning has the better trigger, . . . and an easier mag change, . . .

May God bless,
Dwight

Super Sneaky Steve · October 4, 2012, 09:28 PM

If you want to shoot real cheap crappy ammo revolvers work best. They might be a little more expensive but it's worth it. Look at a single-ten, bearcat and the SP101.

TennJed · October 4, 2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

If you want to shoot real cheap crappy ammo revolvers work best. They might be a little more expensive but it's worth it. Look at a single-ten, bearcat and the SP101.

Don't forget the LCR. I love mine. I picked it up earlier this year for $450 OTD

marine6680 · October 4, 2012, 11:08 PM

The Ruger Mark III has the push button magazine release... so the mag changes are easier than the Mark II heel release.

Rspeters · October 4, 2012, 11:36 PM

Love my Ruger MKII. Great gun, and one you'll never want to get rid of. Oh and everyone else you let shoot it will love it too.

aarondhgraham · October 5, 2012, 08:09 AM

Mine has been absolutely reliable,,,
It's also easy to hit with,,,
And not too expensive,,,
Approximately $285.

It's almost identical in size/shape to a Walther PPK.

These are the 5 most common target style .22 pistols out there,,,
Any one of these 5 will give you many years of excellent performance.

I've not listed them in any order of preference.

Browning Buckmark = Great pistol but I found the grip to be funky.
Ruger 22/45 Mk II or MK III = Great pistol with a 1911-ish grip.
Beretta U22 NEOS = Great pistol with a very slender grip.
Ruger Mk II or MK III = Great pistol with a luger-ish grip.
S&W 22A = Great pistol with a very fat grip.

Any of these will serve you very well,,,
They are all reliable firearms that aren't ammo picky,,,
Rather than sweat over which one is better, get the one that fits your hand.

Aarond

.

dahermit · October 5, 2012, 08:18 AM

It depends on what you want to use the gun for. If you want to hunt squirrels and rabbits, or target shoot, size is not an issue You want one of the larger .22's Like a Buckmark are one of the Mark II Rugers. However, if you are like me and frequently go out to the barn to dispatch trapped 'coons, opossums, etc., the new Ruger SC22 looks like it would be better in that role. Or, if you carry it while hiking, or hunting but not as your primary, the SC22 may be a better choice.

kraigwy · October 5, 2012, 08:25 AM

I have a couple fancy target 22s, as well as a few others.

A while back I got a Ruger 22/45 and put a red dot sight on it just for kicks. Sucker cost about $268 at Cabala's.

Found out it pushed the rest of my 22 pistols to the back of the gun safe (except for my Model 18, I'm still a revolver guy). This sucker is nice, accurate and just plain fun to shoot. Plus, and this is a big PLUS, its reliable, not any jams if the ammo goes off, you'll get dud ammo with any 22. Though I can take duds that wont shoot in my HS Victor and get them to go off in the 22/45.

Its a great starter gun as well as a great competition gun. You sure see a lot of them showing up at bullseye and other matches.

Brian48 · October 5, 2012, 11:36 AM

I'm happy with my P22 and SR22 as well, but they will never replace my all steel Ruger 22s. I highly recommend the MKII/IIIs series and if you up for something else besides an auto, give the Single Six a look. It's one of my favorite guns.

willr · October 5, 2012, 02:35 PM

All the replies suggest semi-autos. There are some very good revolvers for 22.

willr

22-rimfire · October 6, 2012, 11:38 PM

My suggestion would be the top one in the picture above (Mark II/III) with 5.5" heavy barrel. Great 22 pistol. If you like the 45 grip better, go with the Ruger 45/22 in about the same configuration (5" heavy barrel).

My Ruger SR22 pistol is a lot of fun to shoot and I am quite pleased with it for general plinking and so forth. It wouldn't make much of a hunting 22 for me. The Mark II/III or 45/22 would be my choice for that.

I want to get a 22/45 and mount a red dot on it. I think it would be a blast to shoot.

In a revolver, it would have to be the new Ruger SP-101 in 22LR which will run you around $500 if you can find one. I have never seen one in the flesh yet. The S&W DA revolvers are better, but more expensive.

jsiberians · October 7, 2012, 12:32 AM

I have both a beretta 21a 22lr and a LCR22.
Bothcost about $429.
I have seen them both for $399 but when I checked them out
they (of course) were not in stock.
Both are fun to shoot easy to ccw.
The LCR shoots every thing I but in it Shorts, longs, long rifle, old and new ammo. Everything.
The 21a is picky but loves CCI mini mags and Stingers for carry and
Win. 333 for practice. The more I shoot it the better it behaves.

Pilot · October 7, 2012, 01:08 AM

I prefer the Ruger MK II over the MK III. No loaded chamber indicator, no mag disconnect, and the heal mag release works fine. I don't see the need for a push button on a .22 target pistol. It isn't really any faster once you get used to the heal release.

Obambulate · October 7, 2012, 10:26 AM

If it's for targets, I'd say Buckmark or Ruger Mark III. If it's for occasional carry, then Ruger SR22 semi auto or Ruger LCR revolver.

Winchester_73 · October 7, 2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

I prefer the Ruger MK II over the MK III. No loaded chamber indicator, no mag disconnect, and the heal mag release works fine. I don't see the need for a push button on a .22 target pistol. It isn't really any faster once you get used to the heal release.

I agree with this. Although I have a MKIII 5.5 bull myself, its only because it was my first handgun and so it has sentimental value to me. I had a nice approx 7 in barrel heavy taper barrel MKII which was a great gun. To some degree I should have kept it, but whats done is done. The side mag release really doesn't matter for target shooting. Also the loaded chamber indicator is more for people who aren't safe at the beginning. I never accident with a gun without that feature.

To the OP - maybe the best answer since there are so many options, is to be patient and wait for a great deal. I got this Hamden high standard trophy from the mid 70s for under $400. It takes some patience, but good deals are out there.

BigJimP · October 7, 2012, 11:17 AM

Another vote for Browning Buckmark ...over the Ruger option in semi-autos...

I also really like the older S&W model 18 revolver...4" guns ...a lot of them around ...and you might find one under $500 .../ but its worth a look.

j3ffr0 · October 7, 2012, 06:40 PM

I'm really happy with my Ruger Mark III. I have the "Target" model in stainless. You could probably pick up a standard for around $300.

Farm_Hand · October 7, 2012, 07:03 PM

I currently have 2 Browning Buckmarks, I liked the first one so much, I bought a second. I also have a .22 revolver (its garbage), and Ive shot the Rugers, I just like the Buckmark. Thinking about buying a 3rd, I have a habit of buying 3 of everything.

Got them new off gunbroker, $350 delivered with FFL fee included. Also came with the ergo grips and the tru-glo optic sight.

9mm · October 7, 2012, 07:07 PM

Ruger Mark III Can't go wrong, been around 40++ years, base price $260ish and target model $330ish

All metal, and will out last you.

October 4, 2012, 07:22 PM	#1
KingDF Member Join Date: September 21, 2012 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 29	Need A Good .22 So far I've owned a Walther P22 (loved it) and a Phoenix Arms .22 (crap). Can anyone suggest a good .22 handgun for under $400? Thanks in advance. __________________ Handgun: Kel Tec PF9 Shotgun: Mossberg 500A Rifle: Mossberg Tactical .22

October 4, 2012, 08:31 PM	#2
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	Getting away from the more "tactical" designs you have had I would say either A Browning Buckmark, or Ruger Mk series. Both are more on the target pistol line than the rimfire version of a CCW gun. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

October 4, 2012, 09:09 PM	#7
Dwight55 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,568	Before you buy any of the others, . . . be sure to shoot first a Ruger target pistol, . . . then a Browning. They are the top of the line in your price range. The Browning has the better trigger, . . . and an easier mag change, . . . May God bless, Dwight __________________ www.dwightsgunleather.com If you can breathe, . . . thank God! If you can read, . . . thank a teacher! If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a Veteran!

October 5, 2012, 08:09 AM	#12
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Bersa Thunder 22,,, Mine has been absolutely reliable,,, It's also easy to hit with,,, And not too expensive,,, Approximately $285. It's almost identical in size/shape to a Walther PPK. These are the 5 most common target style .22 pistols out there,,, Any one of these 5 will give you many years of excellent performance. I've not listed them in any order of preference. Browning Buckmark = Great pistol but I found the grip to be funky. Ruger 22/45 Mk II or MK III = Great pistol with a 1911-ish grip. Beretta U22 NEOS = Great pistol with a very slender grip. Ruger Mk II or MK III = Great pistol with a luger-ish grip. S&W 22A = Great pistol with a very fat grip. Any of these will serve you very well,,, They are all reliable firearms that aren't ammo picky,,, Rather than sweat over which one is better, get the one that fits your hand. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

October 5, 2012, 08:25 AM	#14
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I have a couple fancy target 22s, as well as a few others. A while back I got a Ruger 22/45 and put a red dot sight on it just for kicks. Sucker cost about $268 at Cabala's. Found out it pushed the rest of my 22 pistols to the back of the gun safe (except for my Model 18, I'm still a revolver guy). This sucker is nice, accurate and just plain fun to shoot. Plus, and this is a big PLUS, its reliable, not any jams if the ammo goes off, you'll get dud ammo with any 22. Though I can take duds that wont shoot in my HS Victor and get them to go off in the 22/45. Its a great starter gun as well as a great competition gun. You sure see a lot of them showing up at bullseye and other matches. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

October 4, 2012, 08:31 PM	#3
sgms Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Arizona or Ohio depending Posts: 1,021	Ruger Mark III or Ruger .22-45 very good, Browning Buckmark can be found in that price range, & Colts/Umerex .22-1911 rail gun come quickly to mind.

October 4, 2012, 08:46 PM	#4
Krahling Junior Member Join Date: March 28, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 7	The Ruger 22/45 works well for us.

October 4, 2012, 08:56 PM	#5
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	Beretta Neos is also well under $400. It is kind of funky looking, but quite accurate and reliable. It is also a very easy pistol to field strip and clean. Young people often like the looks, if you plan on teaching any kids or teenagers to shoot.

October 4, 2012, 09:02 PM	#6
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	If you liked the P-22... then you will love the Ruger SR22. $330 Other than that, a Ruger MarkIII or 22/45. $275 and up based on model.

October 4, 2012, 09:28 PM	#8
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	If you want to shoot real cheap crappy ammo revolvers work best. They might be a little more expensive but it's worth it. Look at a single-ten, bearcat and the SP101.

October 4, 2012, 11:08 PM	#10
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	The Ruger Mark III has the push button magazine release... so the mag changes are easier than the Mark II heel release.

October 4, 2012, 11:36 PM	#11
Rspeters Member Join Date: February 7, 2011 Posts: 72	Love my Ruger MKII. Great gun, and one you'll never want to get rid of. Oh and everyone else you let shoot it will love it too.

October 5, 2012, 08:18 AM	#13
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	It depends on what you want to use the gun for. If you want to hunt squirrels and rabbits, or target shoot, size is not an issue You want one of the larger .22's Like a Buckmark are one of the Mark II Rugers. However, if you are like me and frequently go out to the barn to dispatch trapped 'coons, opossums, etc., the new Ruger SC22 looks like it would be better in that role. Or, if you carry it while hiking, or hunting but not as your primary, the SC22 may be a better choice.

October 5, 2012, 11:36 AM	#15
Brian48 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2001 Location: Boston, People's Republic of MA Posts: 1,616	I'm happy with my P22 and SR22 as well, but they will never replace my all steel Ruger 22s. I highly recommend the MKII/IIIs series and if you up for something else besides an auto, give the Single Six a look. It's one of my favorite guns. __________________ Proud to have served.

October 5, 2012, 02:35 PM	#16
willr Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2006 Posts: 356	All the replies suggest semi-autos. There are some very good revolvers for 22. willr

October 6, 2012, 11:38 PM	#17
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	My suggestion would be the top one in the picture above (Mark II/III) with 5.5" heavy barrel. Great 22 pistol. If you like the 45 grip better, go with the Ruger 45/22 in about the same configuration (5" heavy barrel). My Ruger SR22 pistol is a lot of fun to shoot and I am quite pleased with it for general plinking and so forth. It wouldn't make much of a hunting 22 for me. The Mark II/III or 45/22 would be my choice for that. I want to get a 22/45 and mount a red dot on it. I think it would be a blast to shoot. In a revolver, it would have to be the new Ruger SP-101 in 22LR which will run you around $500 if you can find one. I have never seen one in the flesh yet. The S&W DA revolvers are better, but more expensive.

October 7, 2012, 12:32 AM	#18
jsiberians Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Posts: 15	I have both a beretta 21a 22lr and a LCR22. Bothcost about $429. I have seen them both for $399 but when I checked them out they (of course) were not in stock. Both are fun to shoot easy to ccw. The LCR shoots every thing I but in it Shorts, longs, long rifle, old and new ammo. Everything. The 21a is picky but loves CCI mini mags and Stingers for carry and Win. 333 for practice. The more I shoot it the better it behaves.

October 7, 2012, 01:08 AM	#19
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I prefer the Ruger MK II over the MK III. No loaded chamber indicator, no mag disconnect, and the heal mag release works fine. I don't see the need for a push button on a .22 target pistol. It isn't really any faster once you get used to the heal release. __________________ Pilot

October 7, 2012, 10:26 AM	#20
Obambulate Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Posts: 582	If it's for targets, I'd say Buckmark or Ruger Mark III. If it's for occasional carry, then Ruger SR22 semi auto or Ruger LCR revolver.

October 7, 2012, 11:17 AM	#22
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Another vote for Browning Buckmark ...over the Ruger option in semi-autos... I also really like the older S&W model 18 revolver...4" guns ...a lot of them around ...and you might find one under $500 .../ but its worth a look.

October 7, 2012, 06:40 PM	#23
j3ffr0 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2012 Location: VA Posts: 199	I'm really happy with my Ruger Mark III. I have the "Target" model in stainless. You could probably pick up a standard for around $300.

October 7, 2012, 07:03 PM	#24
Farm_Hand Junior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 11	I currently have 2 Browning Buckmarks, I liked the first one so much, I bought a second. I also have a .22 revolver (its garbage), and Ive shot the Rugers, I just like the Buckmark. Thinking about buying a 3rd, I have a habit of buying 3 of everything. Got them new off gunbroker, $350 delivered with FFL fee included. Also came with the ergo grips and the tru-glo optic sight.

October 7, 2012, 07:07 PM	#25
9mm Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2011 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 2,834	Ruger Mark III Can't go wrong, been around 40++ years, base price $260ish and target model $330ish All metal, and will out last you.