Best .22lr Handgun around $500 or Less

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the ruger MK series isn't user friendly for a novice, unfortunately. Despite owning two of them, I can't recommend them for anyone that isn't mechanically inclined, let alone firearm friendly. I'd put money down that more "i just took it apart to clean it" guns-in-a-bag taken in to be reassembled by gunsmiths have been ruger MK pistols than any other. I haven't owned one, but from what i've read I'd say a buckmark is my next .22 handgun purchase

I've worked as a mechanical designer for about three years, have worked as a mechanic for well over a decade. So, I'm not exactly a newbie at working on stuff, or understanding how things go together. That being said... I was pretty confused until I got the right youtube video.

The trick is to manage the position of the hammer and the strut that goes into the spring assembly. Do a search for vids with "ruger", "dingleberry" and "cheese"...

The hammer has to be in the 'down' position, out of the way of the bolt, when you put the upper onto the lower receiver. Then, you put the barrel of the gun pointed down, and pull the trigger, which lets the hammer come up/forward, bringing the strut (aka "dingleberry") up. Then, the stud that goes thru the upper receiver and holds it in place can be put in, and the spring assembly put 'mostly' back into the grip. Holding the gun with the barrel now pointed up, and the spring assembly rotated out about 1/2" on the bottom, pull the trigger. You should hear a faint 'click' as the "dingleberry"... uh... hammer strut, falls into place in the top of the spring in the spring assembly. If you did it right, you'll feel a tiny bit of spring load resistance as you push the spring assembly that last 1/8" into position and flip the little catch lever. If it just falls in, then the dingleberry isn't in the spring, and you won't be able to pull the bolt all the way back.

Once you get the hang of it, you can look like a hero to someone from time to time. Unless you find out the hard way that his '49 Ruger Standard's recoil spring assembly didn't come with the guide rod peened over at the end, which would allow the recoil spring to fly off when you field stripped it to investigate a jam. At the busy gun range.

:uhoh:

But, at least I... uh, err.. the guy at the gun range... was able to get the recoil spring assembly parts rounded up and the gun back together.

But, I've never regretted buying my Ruger, and would recommend one to anybody. Just plan on spending an hour or two getting used to that little trick.

-Bill
 
No one here has mentioned the S&W M&P .22 made by Walther in Germany. It's a 12-shot with a 4.1" barrel. It's been well reviewed. At under $350.00 it would deserve a look if you could live with a shorter barrel than I personally like on a .22.

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Actually, I did mention it, but as in this thread the recommendation often seems to get breezed over. For a full sized training pistol this is the best semi-auto choice IMO. I love my Ruger Mark III too but it serves a different purpose.
 
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I didn't know such a thing existed but I can see the utility in the S&W M&P .22. A bit big for my uses, but if it works it would have a lot going for it.
 
Actually, I did mention it, but as in this thread the recommendation often seems to get breezed over. For a full sized training pistol this is the best semi-auto choice IMO. I love my Ruger Mark III too but it serves a different purpose.
Ruger 22/45 is every bit the trainer the M&P is.
 
Yesterday I took part in an action shooting competition using .22's. I saw Ruger MKx's, Ruger 22/45's, S&W M41's, S&W 22a's, a Colt Woodsman Match Target and some different revolvers. No M&P22's, Buckmarks and no Zeos'. Each seemed well prepared for the match.

I witnessed failure-to-feeds/fires/ejects on every model except for the Rugers and the revolvers.
 
Where did you get the silencer. I have a M&P .22 and would love to have one. Oh and yes its a very nice shooting gun.
 
Had to finish the thread before responding that no one mentioned the S & W nod 63 stainless revolver. Had mine for a long time and it definitely is one gun I would never even think of selling. Revolvers are so versatile and can take from small shot loads to stingers. Good for everything but self defense.
 
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Cajun, it is pretty hard to find a S&W M18 under $500 in reasonably good condition any more. My 18-3 ran about that, but that was 5-years ago. Got it to replace my much loved 4" Diamondback as a shooter.

If you just want a good 22, I would strongly lean toward a 5.5" Ruger Mark II/III govt model (heavy bull barrel) or the 5" 22/45 in a similar configuration. Hard not to like one of these and they shoot very well.
 
I got that one, from a dealer, about a year ago for $460.00. It's a 1953, five screw "Pre-18". No box or papers (drat). It probably would be more, today, but if you were to look you might be able to find one. I'll admit, now that I think about it. I wouldn't sell that one for $500.00.

I've got my eye open for a more recent one now. Mabye a -2, or -3. I want it with the box and papers. I don't expect to find it for close to the same price. :D

The Dan Wesson used to be a hidden gem, but the word is out about them now. They're going up faster than Smith & Wesson it seems.
 
I really like them, I prefer the hogue grips with the thumb rest that are the 10"ss mkII.
 
I agree that the Rugers aren't easy to re-assemble for cleaning, but with instructions in front of you it's possible.
For the $500 budget, I'd also choose a Ruger or Browing Buckmark. Spend the remaining money on a couple extra magazines, a bunch of ammo, and some targets.
How the heck do you even remove the barreled receiver from the grip assembly? I beat and pulled on it, won't budge!!!'
 
I own a taurus 94 s/s thaqt is reliable but not as tight grouping as an s/w, dw or colt revolver. fairly easy to clean up the trigger which helped a bit. don't shoot remmy 'golden' in it leads mine up badly. taught severla women to shoot handgun starting w/it on swinging disc targets they shot up all my ammo.
I also own a ruger slabside I would'nt trade for the finest high standard.
 
My first pistol was a Ruger standard with a 4 inch barrel that I got thru a friend of my dads for $30 with a holster & extra mag around 1960 (I was 8) after a bit of trial & error I learned how to take it apart and put it back together. I learned to shoot a handgun with it and it served me well for years, it now belongs to my son. I now have a Mark 1 target model with a 7 inch barrel and a bull barrel 4 inch, all of them are way more accurate than I am. I also have a dual cylinder single 6 but my favorites are the semi's.
 
I recommend the S&W Model 617 10 shot revolvers.
They're stainless and come with either a 4" or 6" inch barrel.
They can found used for about $500 or so.
It's the best .22 revolver since the invention of sliced bread! :)

Here's my 6 inch with Jerry Miculek's Speed Grips:

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How the heck do you even remove the barreled receiver from the grip assembly? I beat and pulled on it, won't budge!!!'

I've had my MKIII for about 2 years now, I use it a lot and it STILL needs a rubber mallet to separate the upper from the lower.
 
Look around a bit and you can find a nice Colt Woodsman for that much. Be a far nicer pistol than any currently made. A used 617 is a good idea too, but for .22, nothing beats the Colt for pure quality.
 
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