My First .22 Handgun

[tinyshooter]

Hey all,

I am looking to buy a .22 handgun. I currently shoot S+W 22A at range and also the Ruger Mark III. I much prefer the S+W but I know that they are not the most sturdy of guns and they can become problematic. However, the Ruger has never been that comfortable of a shot. I did get a chance to try a Mark I which was awesome, but I can't get them new now(at least that's how I understood it)?

But are there other options, or other thoughts on the matter? I have heard Browning makes something of interest but apart from that I'm stuck?

Any advice would be great,
Thanks!

 

[IdahoLT1]

Beretta has the NEOS, which is a good gun. I had problems with my MKIII. It would feed HP's at all. They kept on jamming on the feed ramp. Round nose ammo worked wonderfully but i couldnt shoot whistle pigs with it. Its also a PITA to disassemble and reassemble. My old S&W 22A worked just fine.

 

[CDH]

While more expensive, the Smith Model 41 would be an excellent choice for your "first" .22 because you won't need to buy a "second".

The 41 is the best box-stock .22 shooter going since the Hamden and East Hartford High Standards went out of production.

You wouldn't regret buying a new Model 41, and your kids and grandkids would appreciate it even more.

Mine is the bull barrel model that I bought maybe 20 years ago brand new. It still looks new, and I have a nephew who's started to look at me funny, wondering how soon he can pry it from my cold, dead hands.

 

[gun4funtime]

The smith 41 is great,,, but very pricey!

If you want a great .22 at a reasonable price, reliable, accurate, easy to clean and maintain.

The Browning Buckmark is a great choice in my opinion.

You don't need to break the bank to have a good shooter.

Have fun, be safe, go shooting.

 

[firinginfenton]

What didn't you like about the MKIII?
There's many updates and add-ons that can be had for the MKIII.

The forums at rimfire central have many thoughts and opinions for anyone interested in .22's.
http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/index.php

Please let us know what you get.

 

[BlindJustice]

In my teens in the 1960s, I started with a Hi Standard
Dura-Matic .22 LR Semi-AUtomatic on loan from
an uncle. I had saved enough at the time, my Dad matched
my half and I got a S&W K-22 Combat Masterpiece for
$78. It probably cost twice as much as any of my peers who
had Top-break, or Single Action revolvers. Today, a good
model 18 runs $400 and up, which is far more than any of the
models of my peers I already mentioned.

Anyway, as far as Semi-AUtos go New today, the RUger Mk
III and Browning Buckmark are the most mentioned on threads like
this one. Another Ruger model is the .22/45 which has a
grip angle and controls similar to a 1911.

Today I own a S&W 617 10 shot cylinder, 6" Bbl. I got it at the
same time I was acquiring a 625 .45 ACP 5" Bbl. Durn 617
actually cost $4 more than the .45 ACp N frame but it has the
smoothest DA/SA trigger out of the box of any of my S&W revovlers.
THe 617 is also a FUN gun to shoot, always seems to find a way
into my gun case on a range visit. It also has Hogue Coco Bolo
wood grips and several people call her a "Beauty." I'm sure my
grandkids will be enjoying it in 10 years or so....

Randall

 

[Knives]

Can't go wrong either way, but my personal preference definitely gravitates more toward the Ruger.

 

[SJ78]

Either a Ruger 22/45 or a Browning Buckmark are good choices