Rimfire Pistol or wheelgun Recommandation

[Brass]

I am in the process of looking for another plinking firearm in a 22LR. I want it to be somewhat resemble to a full side handgun. (for low budget fun/practice) Beside the Walther P22, Beretta Model 87, the conversion kits and those huge DA revolvers are there any other models avaiabe? I really like those J frame smith in 22LR but they seems to stop making them. So right now I am leaning towards the beretta. Any advice or comments will be most welcome!

 

[minnesota oldie]

For a wheel gun try the Ruger SP101 in 22lr. I have a 4 inch one and it really shoots well. I think they run about $350.00. For an auto I like my Bereta Neos, and Browning Buckmark. S&W 617 is a very good revolver but expensive. Taurus revolvers are cheap but not as smooth as ruger or smith.

 

[Majic]

You lost me on that one. You want a full sized handgun, then call most revolvers huge, but prefer the compact J-frame series.
Smith still builds the M317 which is an alloy/ss J-framed .22lr. with either a 2" or 3" barrel.

 

[jefmad]

Ruger MKII is a good pistol. Full size grip, more accurate than you are, reliable, and a huge aftermarket. What's not to like?

 

[10-Ring]

I have learned more & have shot my 22lr revolver more lately than my 22 auto-loader...it kinda goes in phases tho. The 22lr is just soooo much fun & so inexpensive to shoot As long as you buy a quality piece, I don't think you'll go wrong w/ either.

 

[JohnBT]

How about a nice Ruger Single Six or a used S&W Model 17? The first is single action and the second is double action.

John

 

[Shake]

How about the Kadet? http://czusa.com/product.detail.php?id=34

Shake

 

[Brass]

Well Majic it don't really need to be a full size handgun. Here is the situation.. My girlfriend need something to practice and I don't want to break my piggy bank. She can't rack the side on my buckmark and she said my 9mms have too much kick. She can constantly hit the 6 inch steel disc at 50 yds offhand with the buckmark so she is getting pretty good. Now it is time for me to introduce her to defensive type shooting. I think it is a good idea to start her off with a combat style 22 pistol so she is use to the defensive drills. After that she can shoot my beretta M84 and eventurally she can have my Sig Sauer P239. If she go the revolver route I will have her shoot the .22 ruger first and then 38 special and then give her the S&W M65. What do u guys think?

 

[Majic]

If she can't rack the slide on a .22lr pistol she probably will have trouble with a DA trigger also. Get her a tennis ball and tell her to practice squeezing it everyday to build up hand and finger strength. Have you shown her to try and hold the slide with the off hand and push the pistol with the strong hand to rack the slide? Some find it easier that way.
Taurus will probably be the easiest on your wallet with a .22lr revolver. Since she is having trouble racking the slide on the Buckmark then probably all pistols will give her trouble till she builds some strength. Or in a mini pistol you could get one with a tip-up barrel (Beretta 950 or Taurus PT-22) and skip around racking the slide. I don't readily recommend one for learning, but it is an option.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Pistol: Sig Trailside

Revolver: SP101 is a great choice. See if you can get it in 3 inch. Also, you might scrounge around for an older S&W 17 or 617 (I'm partial to the old six shot models).

 

[DMK]

I'd recommend a Ruger 22/45 or MKII first, but if she can't rack the slide, then a wheelgun looks like the way to go.

I love my Ruger Single Six. It's got a nice light single action trigger and is very easy to shoot and load. However, it is kind of a pain to load shoot six, load shoot six, etc.

Keep in mind that there are double action .22LR wheelguns that hold more rounds (8 or 10) and most can be cocked into single action before firing.

Also keep in mind that a full size .38 like a 5" S&W K frame doesn't kick all that much with target loads. Have her double up on ear protection (ear plugs under the muffs) and I'd bet she'd be OK with it. I got a beautiful K frame for my Mom who also has weak hands. I threw a rubber Pachmyre Decellerator grip on it and she loves it.

 

[V-fib]

I’ve had a Taurus 94 2†9 shot snub for awhile now. Its very accurate and about the same weight as my Sp101 so I can use it as a cheap practice rev. It has adjustable sights.

For a semi auto I’d recommend a S&W 422. Very dependable.

 

[Hal]

Newer Buckmarks have ears on the slide to help out.

If the Buckmark has one serious wart, it would be the small purchase the slide offers. Browning seems to have addresed that.

I really like those J frame smith in 22LR

That's a common *trap* most if not all of us fall into. We tend to steer our wife or GF to something we like. (Believe me I know, I have a half dozen or so guns I thought my wife would love ) It's tough to do but you have to put aside your preferences and let her make the call. (within reason)