22 semi-auto pistol recommendations

[Free2Cari]

I'm looking for a 22 pistol for my daughter as a gift. There are so many choices I don't even know where to start. Not to mention lack of availability. Any suggestions are helpful!

[Zhillsauditor]

How old is she? How is her upper body strength? Small hands or large hands?

[Microgunner]

That's a tough one. I own about 50 22 handguns and can't figure out which is best yet, so I keep buying. I see this as a plus.
But if you're only going to buy one I'd stick with mainstream.

For a combat style I like the Ruger SR22. It's small lightweight, reasonable acurate and reliable.

For full sized target you might like one of the Ruger MK series or Browning Buckmark series. Full sized and hand filling.

The Beretta Neos is popular as well.

Stay away from the Walther P22 due to it's zinc alloy construction and any zinc pistol for that matter.

If you have the budget for it there are a plethora of high end 22 pistols to choose from and they all seem to be worth their toll.

[UtahHunting]

That is a tuff question to ask these days because there are a lot of options out there. I can say with certainty do not buy a Walther P22 - it is the most unreliable firearm I have ever owned and the only firearm I sold within 24 hours of buying it.

I have owned a Browning Buckmark, and a Ruger Mark I, II, and III over the years - all reliable guns. My current favorite however is the Bersa Thunder .22 - just as reliable as the others, comfortable in small hands and light weight. You can watch my review of it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn7LoPfbN4A

I have owned a Neos in the past and was a great gun as well. My advice, try and handle them all and pick the one that feels good in the hand and you are comfortable with.

[blchandl2]

+1 on the Rugers. My daughter loves shooting the 22/45 and the SR22.

[Free2Cari]

She is 13 and has been shooting for about 5 years. We shoot recreationally 22 revolver, 22 rifle, AR-15 223, and we also bird hunt and she shoots the 410 and 28 guage. She is small, but knows how to handle guns.
Any suggestions on 22 semi-auto pistols that have decent availability would be a good start.

[ksninew]

My vote is for the Ruger SR22. My grandkids love shooting it and so do I.

[Tad_T]

My 10-year-old daughter loves to shoot with me.

Her favorite .22 semi-auto is my 1977 Ruger MKI with the 4 3/4" barrel.

Her favorite revolver is my little 3 " Birds Head Rough Rider with the mother of pearl grips.

She has tried the whole "my pistol" deal with both of them. She must have learned that from her mother. She shoots both of them quite well.

I see a lot of the Ruger MK's around here, both new and used, at reasonable prices. As a matter of fact, yesterday I picked up a nice 1973 vintage 4 3/4" MKI with factory wooden grips and after market adjustable sights for $219, $232 out the door.

That one will probably wind up being hers.

[batmann]

I am thinking along the lines of a Ruger SR 22. Great little pistol, reliable, light, good sights and easy to take care of. Mine shoots a lot better than I do.

[boostedtt91]

Ruger SR22 would be perfect. Works flawlessly and a nice small gun

[Hawg]

Browning Buckmark

[jfrey]

I favor the Buck Mark. Great pistol and doesn't need all those after market gagets. Put a good red dot on it and she'll love it.

[dbldune]

Have the Ruger SR22, more fun to shoot than the 9s. Very accurate.. we use golf balls on strings for practice and at 33' we can nail them.

You won't go wrong!

[willr]

My granddaughter really likes the Ruger 22/45. The old Ruger action stands the test of time. I still have two from the 1950s that really perform well.

willr

[Zhillsauditor]

I suggest a browning buckmark, with an additional four magazines. It can be had in a number of barrel lengths and is quite nice out of the box.

If you daughter is a tinkerer, you might consider a ruger. They are cheap and can be modded without much fuss. The different mods will allow her to mod the gun to her standards. They are a bit rough out of the box.

Either gun will last.

Now, if you had asked about a revolver in 22lr, I'd heartily recommend a S&W model 63. Here's a cute video recommendation from a teenager:
http://youtu.be/vU2x7-ypzi8

[TailGator]

The Neos has been mentioned, and perhaps should be mentioned again for a kid that age. The grip just might be the smallest of the bunch, and the unusual styling might be appealing. There are after market grips in several colors, including pink.

The pistol itself is extremely reliable and quite accurate. The addition of an inexpensive red dot takes just a minute or two, and corrects the weakness of some not-so-great sights.

[JustABulletAway]

SR22 for sure. Super easy to handle, shoot and the breakdown and cleaning is totally painless.

I even ran across one with a purple frame at the LGS a few weeks ago...if she is into that sort of thing.

[rprouty]

We just got back from an afternoon of shooting and my wife fell in love with the SR22.

[dakota.potts]

I like the Ruger Mk I and II series myself.

My range uses the Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22, I think to prepare people for the handling of a full sized semi automatic.

[Cheapshooter]

The Ruger SR22 would be an excellent choice. I have the similar Walther P22 which has been flawless through over 2000 rounds in the past three or so years, so I don't agree with those who insist on condeming it. The Ruger however has some improvements that make it a better choice. Better safety, and fully adjustable sights top the list
I also have a Brownng Buckmark Camper that is very accurate, and reliable. It would be a good choice If she wants something more "target" than "tactical" like the SR22.
I have no experience with the Ruger MK series pistols, but they would make a good choice as well.
My son has a Beretta NEOS that he is very happy with. Personally, I can't get past it looking like the Buck Rogers squirt gun I has when I was a kid.

[pilpens]

If a Browning Buckmark or Ruger MKxxx would fit her hand (proper trigger reach), these two are the best value.
If her hands are too small for the Buckmark or MKxxx, then maybe a:
1. Ruger SR22
2. Bersa thunder 22.
3. Sig Mosquito or 1911 style pistol with short trigger and thin grips.

Keep in mind, what she would like may not be what you would like.

[Northrider]

You may also look at a Sig 1911-22. I like mine a lot. Fits the hand well, is accurate, and does not cost an arm and a leg.

[scubatop]

The S & W 22a-1 is inexpensive and very accurate. It's easy to field strip for cleaning also.

[Dan-O]

No .22 to feed it, so what's the point?

[Cheapshooter]

No .22 to feed it, so what's the point?

The OP said they already shoot a 22 revolver, and rifle. Maybe he is one of us thoughtful ones who has always kept a stockpile of ammo that we use.