22lr pistol shooters please help

[mnhntr]

So here is the deal. My step son who is getting ready to turn 8 had a few issues with talking too much in class. He has been punished and told that his behavior has good and bad consequences. I told him if he got 30 good days in a row he could get a new pistol. He has a 17HMR rifle, and a Ruger single six that we use for trapping. He has wanted a 22 lr pistol to practice with his mom and I when we are practicing for IDPA and USPSA. He is a big kid for his age. The only 22lr pistol I have ever owned is a Ruger 22/45 and Mark III. I am looking at the SIG mosquito, SR22, Walther P22, and similar style pistols. I know a lot of 22s have issues with certain ammo ect. What are your experiences with these?

 

[kynwatch]

I have owned all 3. The only one that I had problems out of was to P22. It didn't like any bulk ammo and had a few issues with CCIs. Almost all were FTF.

My kids both have SR22s and wife has the Sig Mosquito. No issues ever with the SR22s and only one FTF on the Sig out of over a thousand rounds through each.

 

[mnhntr]

Thank you

 

[kokapelli]

I second the SR22, a very reliable and fun to shoot pistol.

 

[pikid89]

taper 4" barrel Ruger MKII or SR22

also check out the S&W M&P22, my shooting team here at the University of Florida trains on these

 

[Jlr2267]

Of those you've listed, my pref would be the SR22. I just got one myself and really like it. It is not 100% reliable, but no 22 semi-auto is. It is a real pleasure to shoot. My 2nd pref, but not on the list, is the Buckmark Camper, but it would likely be too heavy for a kid to shoot well.

 

[hentown]

I really liked my Woodsman, until I gave it to my youngest son a few weeks ago. Quickly replaced it with a Mark III 22/45 with threaded barrel. Liked it so much, I bought the 5.5" Target model also.

I installed the complete VQ accurizing kit in the first; just the VQ trigger on the second. I honed and polished the hammer and sear engagement areas on the second one. Now both have great triggers.

 

[montgomery381]

I have the mosquito and it is good gun. I have had good luck with the bulk CCI blazer ammo and any grain mini mag. The one thing I really hate is the double action. It is far heavier than my 226's double action, which is 10lbs. You may want to consider the m&p 22 or a buckmark. I have been eyeing both of those myself.

 

[DeadFlies]

I have a Beretta Neos with a 6" barrel and a red dot scope. It's a great gun but the grip is rather smallish. Might be great for a kid.

Also, it's has eaten everything I've ever put in it without a problem. I have no complaints.

 

[danez71]

I'll summerize the responses you're going to get.

The general consensus will be the P22 is the worst of the bunch.

The SR22 is very reliable (mine has been 100% even with the realy cheap stuff)

The Sig seems to get a lot of mixed relliability reports.

And, you should add the M&P22 to your list. Seems to get alot of positive reviews and not much negative at all except that its built using zamack or whatever. Durability hasnt seemed to be an issue which seems to negate the zamack concerns.


My Buckmark has also been 100% with everything. And my Bersa/Firestorm 22 has been 100% with CCI mini mags and Blazers but spotty with the cheap stuff. Others have had great success with cheap bulk stuff in their Bersa's.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

If 1911 style pistols interest you (or him), consider the Browning 1911-22. Same manual of arms as a .45 in a package that's sized just right for kids.

 

[David E]

I'd get one that operated and handled like a full size centerfire.

To me, that eliminates the P22 and SR22; possibly the Sig as well.

I'd look at the oft mentioned Buckmark, the Ruger 22-45, M&P22 or the Sig .22 1911, in that order, depending what the end gun is.

Also consider a .22 conversion kit for the actual gun he will end up with.

 

[mnhntr]

I was looking at the Sig 1911 22lr also. Are they any good?

 

[helitack32f1]

SR 22p. It will be more reliable and better built than the Walther, which I used to own. I also think it will be more adaptable to kids hands than the mosquito or the M&P.

 

[whetrock]

Buckmarks are grand IMHO. I really enjoy my Camper model, seeing as it's pretty bare bones pistol, that most likely won't win any beauty contest. I love parkerization so it's all good. It's wearing quite nicely, proving itself to be very resistant to the elements, the finish really helps with resistance to corrosion. Functions flawlessly with most all bulk ammo, except the old generation Remington Golden Bullets. All in all I'm impressed, and would probably prefer a Buckmark to a Mark III, due mostly to personal preference, Mark IIIs are proven as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Pilot]

I have three Ruger MK II's and a MK II era 22/45. I think these are the best .22's out there for the money, and can be easily modified with VQ parts if you want to get into more serious target or match shooting. I do prefer the MK II over the MK III due to the lawyer changes.

The other pistol I'd get if you don't want another Ruger is the Browning Buckmark. The Ruger SR22 is fine, but will not be as accurate as the MK II/III or Buckmark if that matters.

 

[hentown]

The "lawyer changes" on a Mark III can be fixed in a few minutes. I certainly have fixed mine.

 

[Coyote3855]

If 1911 style pistols interest you (or him), consider the Browning 1911-22. Same manual of arms as a .45 in a package that's sized just right for kids.

I just bought one of these. Your son might struggle with it because the trigger pull is heavy and rough. Sights are very small. One of the new Ruger .22-45 lightweights might be the ticket. My Rugers like CCI mini mags. Remingtons not so much.

 

[TimboKhan]

I love MkII's, but I think the sr22 would be a better fit for his hands. Both the walther and the mosquito have reputations that aren't great, though to be honest I have only had experience with the walther. It ran OK, but it only ate high velocity rounds. My MkII eats anything. Also, what about a Beretta NEOS?
sent from my Galaxy Note II.

 

[carbonyl]

I only have the SR22 and couldn't be happier with it. It handles any ammo I've used and I've used many different brands from premium CCI to filthy Thunderbolts. It's not as big as a full size pistol nor would I want it to be. With the bigger of the interchangeable grips it feels perfect in my hand and it has the feel of a quality well built pistol.

 

[sappyg]

If he does well for 30 days (a lot to ask), why not let the boy pick what he likes.

IMO the SR22 would be a good pistol for IDPA fun.

 

[mnhntr]

I will let him pick it out but I want to get him something that I wont be clearing jams every other shot or something that is a POS.

 

[Oldman1151]

I have a Sig 1911 22lr and have had no issues with it so far. The first few times I used Winchester Wildacats then tried some bulk Federals. No problems with either one. I think it is a nice gun. Great shooter.

 

[Furncliff]

I bought a well used GSG-1911-22 out of curiosity. I can recommend it after having used it for a while. Cycles everything, seems to like the faster ammo, decent sights. It mimics my 1911-45 except in weight, its much lighter. The only concern might be the grip size, he would need to try it. It uses standard 1911 grips, so changing might help.

There are aftermarket parts to increase accuracy and boost the number of rounds the mags will hold from 10 to 14.

 

[Swami]

In my opinion the Browning Buckmark and Ruger Mk. series set the mark quite a bit above any of the others. I love and own the Buckmark, and have much respect for the Mk. Rugers.