Recommend a .22 Semiauto Handgun

NovemberWhiskey870 · March 24, 2009, 10:41 PM

I am looking for a .22 Semiauto handgun to plink with at the range inexpensively. Targets only, but don't want something huge. Any input? Looking to keep it relatively inexpensive...

Singlesix1954 · March 24, 2009, 11:07 PM

The Browning Buck Mark is pretty nice, Ruger MK III is awesome! I have a good Walther P-22 but some say that it is hit and miss on good ones. If you can find a S&W 422 or 622 for the budget your in grab one you'll like it. I would steer clear of the S&W a-22 they just don't seem to be of hi-quality.
Now if you are looking for "NEW" and want the best made today S&W mod.41 but this will set you back $1000 to $1250 so I don't consider it inexpensive. You may run across a good Hi-Standard but even these have raised in value lately. Go over to Gunbroker.com and shop around. Find what looks good to you then comeback here and ask about known performance of that model. Choosing what you want is almost as much fun as shooting it. Good luck

scottycoyote · March 24, 2009, 11:09 PM

ive got a buckmark with the hooded sight and bull barrel, gold and black with the big wood grips, i think it was a special edition....but love it, shoots nice and i like it better than the ruger.

pilpens · March 24, 2009, 11:45 PM

I have several buckmarks (4&7 inch barrels), ruger MKIIs (5.5&7 inch barrel), and a SW41 (5.5 bbl).

S&W has the best trigger and sights out of the box.
Buckmark, depending on model may only need a spring flip to get near the S&W triggger
Ruger may require a sear mod and trigger mod to get near the s&W.
Reliability: ruger or buckmark.
Accuracy: depends on ammo, S&W likes SV. ruger and buckmark are equal.
Durability: not sure but ruger seems like it will last longer.
ERGO: S&W, buckmark, then ruger with aftermarket grip.

Buckmark after a while of shooting, screw loosens but easily fixed with silicon tape.
scary to shoot HV on S&W - feels way too strong for pistol.
ruger and buckmark eats both SV and HV ammo, cheap or expensive. both seem to do better with SV and does ok with cheap federal 550 bulk pack.

Buckmark - More pistol for less money.

darrentxs · March 24, 2009, 11:57 PM

+1 Browning Buckmark

Nikop23 · March 25, 2009, 12:10 AM

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=347298

Colt 22lr

Inspector3711 · March 25, 2009, 12:13 AM

Buckmarks are great but I love my S&W 22A.

darkgael · March 25, 2009, 03:46 AM

The Rugers are bomb proof and accurate. Super reliable. Great pistols.
Pete

jlj676 · March 25, 2009, 03:48 AM

I have a walther p22 they are a lot of fun to shoot

Dingoboyx · March 25, 2009, 04:22 AM

I have a Walther P22 5" which I have just this minute come home from the range with (its 8:18pm Wednesday 25th March, here in Oz). I took 450 rounds with me, I shot probably 250, the instructor used it to teach 4 newbies and I gave 3 other people a shot with it (ran out of ammo). It never missed a beat (I got a hot shell down the neck of mt T shirt tho..... nice burn tho

)

People say P22's are unreliable and inaccurate..... I beg to differ. They are cheap, nearly indestructible, easy to operate, reliable..... they look like a "real" gun, not like a target pistol. The P22 has a small grip (length) so if you have a really BIG hand, you might find the grip a bit short. My hands are medium to big, so my little finger goes under the mag butt comfortably. It is a great pistol to teach children and ladies with, but experienced shooters like it too.

It is a great "all rounder" or "plinker" I have never heard Walther say they are the "Ultimate Target Pistol".... probably coz they arent..... but the P22 is a fun workhorse. I use mine as a cheap alternative to hose ammo thru in practice for my Glock 34 (9x19)

When I first got it new, I tried using stingers and lightweight hollow point ammo and did have a few cycling issues, but after "running it in" 1000 or so, and discovering that the best ammo for it is the cheapest (CCI STD velocity solids) I have squirted probably 10,000 rounds thru it without so much as a single jam.

I have heard all the BS about how they arent that good, maybe I got a "good" one, I dunno? I reccommend them from my trouble free run to date. Have a look at one, rent one if you can, or try a buddies.... I think you will be pleasantly suprised

+10 P22

Muzza

Keltyke · March 25, 2009, 06:17 AM

My 17 year old daughter loves her Sig Mosquito. It's accurate, and after break-in is totally reliable. Be SURE to follow the ammo recommendations by Sig, and the oiling procedure, too. Keep it clean and it will serve you well.

cecILL · March 25, 2009, 08:06 AM

Mark II

hogdogs · March 25, 2009, 08:09 AM

Mark II or III standard skinny barrel also available in synthetic frame with the ergonomics of the 1911 as a .22/45 if you want to save a few bucks or don't like the ergo's of the luger shape...
Love my MKIII .22/45 with 5.5 inch bull barrel and adjustable target sights...
Brent

trader vic · March 25, 2009, 08:13 AM

I have a S&W 22A, no regrets, runs like a champ & very accurate. I wanted something inexpensive & fun to shoot, so far so good. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. NRA PATRON LIFE MEMBER

Dustin0 · March 25, 2009, 08:23 AM

+1 trader vic

love my S&W 22A

FrankenMauser · March 25, 2009, 09:51 AM

All the Walther P22s in my family are starting to crap out.

I highly advise getting a Buck Mark, if you want trouble-free operation.

Coming in a close second, the Ruger Mark II/III and 22/45.

Chris_B · March 25, 2009, 11:37 AM

Beleive it or not, my P22 has had less jams than my dad's Ruger MKII

I agree that the Ruger has got to be a higher quality pistol though

harlequineternal · March 25, 2009, 11:48 AM

+1 on dingoboy's post. Walther P22 all the way. Its not nearly as hard as the Ruger is to take down. I bought mine for $300.

Zhillsauditor · March 25, 2009, 12:07 PM

I like my buckmark (hated my ruger). I have not fired a neos or s&w 22a, but those are in your price range. I have a S&W that I love, but even used they go for $6-800.

NovemberWhiskey870 · March 25, 2009, 12:26 PM

The P22 looks like a nice little gun... I'm not a fan of the skinny barrel target look as much. Will have to check out a P22 in the store, anyone know if Gander Mountain carries them? Cabelas? From Gunbroker it looks like $250 to $350 is the price range for a new one, that's sorta what I had in mind.

csmsss · March 25, 2009, 12:31 PM

If you really enjoy adventure, the Jennings J-22 cannot be beat. Will this next round cycle the action, or will it stovepipe like Abe Lincoln's hat? Maybe, maybe not! Will the slide stay on the frame this shot, or will it come hurtling toward the bridge of my nose? Maybe, maybe not! Will the flimsy extractor bend itself into a pretzel and jam up the thing this time? Maybe, maybe not! That's just all kinds of fun.

JWT · March 25, 2009, 12:31 PM

The P22 is a great little plinker and not too expensive. Not as well constructed as a Ruger or Buckmark and not as accurate but definitely lots of fun.

If you want a more accurate and better built gun look at a Mark II or Mark III or a Buckmark.

janda187 · March 25, 2009, 12:47 PM

Beretta Neos

DarthTedd · March 25, 2009, 06:57 PM

I think I've answered a thread w/ this question over 50 times ...

Browning Buckmark

pacerdude · March 25, 2009, 07:39 PM

Definitley, a Ruger Mark III 22/45

March 24, 2009, 10:41 PM	#1
NovemberWhiskey870 Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 51	Recommend a .22 Semiauto Handgun I am looking for a .22 Semiauto handgun to plink with at the range inexpensively. Targets only, but don't want something huge. Any input? Looking to keep it relatively inexpensive...

March 24, 2009, 11:57 PM	#5
darrentxs Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 401	+1 Browning Buckmark __________________ Happy Trails to You

March 25, 2009, 12:10 AM	#6
Nikop23 Member Join Date: March 17, 2009 Posts: 80	http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=347298 Colt 22lr __________________ Between First and third, there is a Second

March 25, 2009, 12:13 AM	#7
Inspector3711 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2008 Location: Puget Sound Washington Posts: 1,553	Buckmarks are great but I love my S&W 22A. __________________ "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun." The Dalai Llama (5/15/01, The Seattle Times) "That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

March 25, 2009, 03:46 AM	#8
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	plinker The Rugers are bomb proof and accurate. Super reliable. Great pistols. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

March 24, 2009, 11:07 PM	#2
Singlesix1954 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: Rural Ne Posts: 580	The Browning Buck Mark is pretty nice, Ruger MK III is awesome! I have a good Walther P-22 but some say that it is hit and miss on good ones. If you can find a S&W 422 or 622 for the budget your in grab one you'll like it. I would steer clear of the S&W a-22 they just don't seem to be of hi-quality. Now if you are looking for "NEW" and want the best made today S&W mod.41 but this will set you back $1000 to $1250 so I don't consider it inexpensive. You may run across a good Hi-Standard but even these have raised in value lately. Go over to Gunbroker.com and shop around. Find what looks good to you then comeback here and ask about known performance of that model. Choosing what you want is almost as much fun as shooting it. Good luck

March 24, 2009, 11:09 PM	#3
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	ive got a buckmark with the hooded sight and bull barrel, gold and black with the big wood grips, i think it was a special edition....but love it, shoots nice and i like it better than the ruger.

March 24, 2009, 11:45 PM	#4
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,696	I have several buckmarks (4&7 inch barrels), ruger MKIIs (5.5&7 inch barrel), and a SW41 (5.5 bbl). S&W has the best trigger and sights out of the box. Buckmark, depending on model may only need a spring flip to get near the S&W triggger Ruger may require a sear mod and trigger mod to get near the s&W. Reliability: ruger or buckmark. Accuracy: depends on ammo, S&W likes SV. ruger and buckmark are equal. Durability: not sure but ruger seems like it will last longer. ERGO: S&W, buckmark, then ruger with aftermarket grip. Buckmark after a while of shooting, screw loosens but easily fixed with silicon tape. scary to shoot HV on S&W - feels way too strong for pistol. ruger and buckmark eats both SV and HV ammo, cheap or expensive. both seem to do better with SV and does ok with cheap federal 550 bulk pack. Buckmark - More pistol for less money.

March 25, 2009, 03:48 AM	#9
jlj676 Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: rhode island Posts: 95	I have a walther p22 they are a lot of fun to shoot __________________ When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

March 25, 2009, 04:22 AM	#10
Dingoboyx Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2009 Location: South East Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,513	+1 on the P22 I have a Walther P22 5" which I have just this minute come home from the range with (its 8:18pm Wednesday 25th March, here in Oz). I took 450 rounds with me, I shot probably 250, the instructor used it to teach 4 newbies and I gave 3 other people a shot with it (ran out of ammo). It never missed a beat (I got a hot shell down the neck of mt T shirt tho..... nice burn tho ) People say P22's are unreliable and inaccurate..... I beg to differ. They are cheap, nearly indestructible, easy to operate, reliable..... they look like a "real" gun, not like a target pistol. The P22 has a small grip (length) so if you have a really BIG hand, you might find the grip a bit short. My hands are medium to big, so my little finger goes under the mag butt comfortably. It is a great pistol to teach children and ladies with, but experienced shooters like it too. It is a great "all rounder" or "plinker" I have never heard Walther say they are the "Ultimate Target Pistol".... probably coz they arent..... but the P22 is a fun workhorse. I use mine as a cheap alternative to hose ammo thru in practice for my Glock 34 (9x19) When I first got it new, I tried using stingers and lightweight hollow point ammo and did have a few cycling issues, but after "running it in" 1000 or so, and discovering that the best ammo for it is the cheapest (CCI STD velocity solids) I have squirted probably 10,000 rounds thru it without so much as a single jam. I have heard all the BS about how they arent that good, maybe I got a "good" one, I dunno? I reccommend them from my trouble free run to date. Have a look at one, rent one if you can, or try a buddies.... I think you will be pleasantly suprised +10 P22 Muzza __________________ Muzza If you cant blind them with brilliance, Baffle them with BS Be alert...... there is a shortage of LERTs

March 25, 2009, 06:17 AM	#11
Keltyke Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 2,933	My 17 year old daughter loves her Sig Mosquito. It's accurate, and after break-in is totally reliable. Be SURE to follow the ammo recommendations by Sig, and the oiling procedure, too. Keep it clean and it will serve you well.

March 25, 2009, 08:06 AM	#12
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Mark II

March 25, 2009, 08:09 AM	#13
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	Mark II or III standard skinny barrel also available in synthetic frame with the ergonomics of the 1911 as a .22/45 if you want to save a few bucks or don't like the ergo's of the luger shape... Love my MKIII .22/45 with 5.5 inch bull barrel and adjustable target sights... Brent

March 25, 2009, 08:13 AM	#14
trader vic Member Join Date: May 16, 2007 Posts: 23	S&w 22 A I have a S&W 22A, no regrets, runs like a champ & very accurate. I wanted something inexpensive & fun to shoot, so far so good. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. NRA PATRON LIFE MEMBER

March 25, 2009, 08:23 AM	#15
Dustin0 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 701	+1 trader vic love my S&W 22A

March 25, 2009, 09:51 AM	#16
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	All the Walther P22s in my family are starting to crap out. I highly advise getting a Buck Mark, if you want trouble-free operation. Coming in a close second, the Ruger Mark II/III and 22/45.

March 25, 2009, 11:37 AM	#17
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	Beleive it or not, my P22 has had less jams than my dad's Ruger MKII I agree that the Ruger has got to be a higher quality pistol though

March 25, 2009, 11:48 AM	#18
harlequineternal Junior member Join Date: February 3, 2009 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 64	+1 on dingoboy's post. Walther P22 all the way. Its not nearly as hard as the Ruger is to take down. I bought mine for $300.

March 25, 2009, 12:07 PM	#19
Zhillsauditor Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2008 Posts: 635	I like my buckmark (hated my ruger). I have not fired a neos or s&w 22a, but those are in your price range. I have a S&W that I love, but even used they go for $6-800.

March 25, 2009, 12:26 PM	#20
NovemberWhiskey870 Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Posts: 51	The P22 looks like a nice little gun... I'm not a fan of the skinny barrel target look as much. Will have to check out a P22 in the store, anyone know if Gander Mountain carries them? Cabelas? From Gunbroker it looks like $250 to $350 is the price range for a new one, that's sorta what I had in mind.

March 25, 2009, 12:31 PM	#21
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	If you really enjoy adventure, the Jennings J-22 cannot be beat. Will this next round cycle the action, or will it stovepipe like Abe Lincoln's hat? Maybe, maybe not! Will the slide stay on the frame this shot, or will it come hurtling toward the bridge of my nose? Maybe, maybe not! Will the flimsy extractor bend itself into a pretzel and jam up the thing this time? Maybe, maybe not! That's just all kinds of fun.

March 25, 2009, 12:31 PM	#22
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	The P22 is a great little plinker and not too expensive. Not as well constructed as a Ruger or Buckmark and not as accurate but definitely lots of fun. If you want a more accurate and better built gun look at a Mark II or Mark III or a Buckmark.

March 25, 2009, 12:47 PM	#23
janda187 Junior Member Join Date: March 30, 2006 Posts: 6	Beretta Neos

March 25, 2009, 06:57 PM	#24
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	I think I've answered a thread w/ this question over 50 times ... Browning Buckmark __________________ Conservative Party U.S.A.

March 25, 2009, 07:39 PM	#25
pacerdude Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 607	Definitley, a Ruger Mark III 22/45