22 Range Pistol

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tmd47762

New member
I'm starting to think about looking around for a 22 lr pistol for range practice, but don't really want to spend much more than $200-300 at the most. I'm inclined towards something that is either a DA/SA semi or DA revolver, since that's what I shoot centerfire. I've looked at some options for something new, but also wanted some thoughts on the used market as well. I'm not looking for a super-accurate target pistol or a super reliable carry pistol, but something that's good for low-cost range time. I regularly carry a FEG PA-63 so something in the Walther PP layout (Walther or Bersa) might be nice for similar controls and using the same holsters.

So any thoughts or suggestions on what's worked for you or hidden treasures I've not thought about would be appreciated.
 
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Doyle

New member
Decent DA .22LR revolver will cost you way more than $300. About the only low-priced DA 22LR I would consider is an older High Standard. To find a good one in your price range would likely involve patience until the right one comes along. I don't know of anybody currently making a DA/SA semi in .22LR (at least in your price range). There are lots of DAO-type .22LRs in your price point though. One of the best in current production is the S&W M&P 22compact. You can pick up a used one for less than $250 if you are patient.
 
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Prof Young

New member
Taurus PT 22

You might be able to get a Taurus PT22 for under $300. I had one for a while and it's a fun little gun.

Life is good.
Prof Young
 
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gwpercle

New member
I've seen the Ruger Wrangler selling for $179.99 , brand spanking new , if you would consider a single action revolver .
I don't need another 22 LR but after reading several reviews I might be forced to go couch mining and see what I can come up with . They seem to be shooters , well made and accurate little fun range or kit guns . I don't need one but... At that price and with all those positive reviews ....I might be forced to get one .
Gary
 
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osbornk

New member
After spending months looking for a reasonably priced DA 22 revolver and not finding one, I bought a Charter Arms Pathfinder target with a 3.2" barrel. The only new DA revolvers I could find that were under $400 were Charter Arms and Taurus. I would have bought either if the price was right but I couldn't find the Taurus I wanted in stock anywhere. The Charter Arms was $355 (plus CC upcharge) or so at Buds Gun Shop. S&W and Rugers were $600+ to much more. I have since found it slightly cheaper here: https://www.centerfireguns.com/
 
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Kreyzhorse

New member
Browning Buck Mark. I recently bought a used Micro and it has exceeded my expectations.

It's incredibly reliable, incredibly accurate, fast to reload and a joy to shoot.

I bought it on a whim with low expecations, but it quickly became my favorite range toy.
 
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Ricklin

New member
I like my Ruger Mk.3 a lot. There are a lot of the Ruger Mk. series out there, and they are all good. The disassembly and reassembly issue is greatly overblown. It's hard not to like a Ruger Mk.
 
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GarandTd

New member
I think the Ruger sr22 is a da/sa hammer fired semiauto pistol. The M&P22 compact is a single action with an internal hammer. They are both 10+1 round capacity and on the smaller side. The S&W is a scaled down version of the full size M&P. Both can be found new for $300-$350. I have the M&P compact and like it a lot, but, I hear the Ruger is a good one too.
 
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GarandTd

New member
A Ruger mark pistol or Browning Buckmark would be good choices too. They're gonna cost a little more than the SR22 or M&P22, but sometimes there are deals on shorter barreled versions of the Buckmark in the $300-350 range. Used examples of either could be found for a little less if you look or luck upon them.
 
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DaleA

New member
Yeah, I'd up my budget to afford a Ruger Mark something, a Buckmark or maybe the S&W Victory.

If you need to, play this game with yourself. The gun is going to last, well, forever, so the price per month is going to be, nothing.

(That's the thinking that's got me where I am today, typing into a computer on a Friday night...)
 
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Ricklin

New member
Used

I would suggest shopping used for a Ruger Mk. series. There are a lot of them out there. Parts are abundant.
The Ruger Mk. series can be a blank canvas if that's what you want. I'm certain you can build one using exactly zero parts from Ruger, if that's what you wanted.
 
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rodfac

New member
Here's another vote for one of the Ruger Mk series...the Mk2 is about the best of the lot: slide locks back after the last round is fired and a decent trigger for a plinking gun. Mine is a Mk2 and is every bit as accurate as my S&W Model 41 from a rested position. The Smith's superb trigger makes it a standout from anything other than a rested position, however.

Another good choice is one of the Ruger Single Sixes...either the Convertible model or the 22 lr only one. Any of them are a great choice and will outlive you and your kids. We've had two here and both were/are excellent. Neither has been particular about ammunition choice...you can expect 1.5" gps at 25 yds from a rest with any I've had the pleasure to shoot.

Currently we've got a half dozen .22's between my sons and I. The .22 lr uppers that sit on a Sig P226, and Colt & Ruger 1911's are reliable if kept clean, especially the chambers. Accuracy with the Ciener, Advantage Arms, and Marvel units is good enough for all but top drawer NRA Bullseye competition with selected ammo.

I'm personally partial to a pair of revolvers: a 70's vintage Colt Diamond back with a 4" bbl., and a similar vintage S&W Model 18, again with a 4" tube. Both are a joy to shoot with the accuracy laurels going to the Smith. The problem here is that either, especially the Colt, will really set you back financially...but either is also a lifetime investment. Accuracy with the Smith is on a par with my Model 41 Smith and that's from an offhand position too. That famous S&W SA trigger is awfully hard to beat.

Lastly, a High Standard or Colt Woodsman auto is a good choice if you're working with seasoned shooters. For newbies or youngsters; they'll bear watching as the auto-guns are ALWAYS loaded til the mag runs out. Son #2 has a Woodsman Match Target with the 4.5" bbl. that's superbly accurate in all hands, but I do find that its "Luger" slant to the grips does not suit my 1911ish tastes.

YMMv, but given the choice and best bang for the buck, I'd pick a Ruger Single Six with the adjustable sights. You can find 'em in SS if you camp a bunch or blued if that's you're fancy and you'll be happy for the rest of your days. And with all, I'd opt for a 5-1/2" bbl. or less; makes packing it on a belt holster a lot easier.

Best Regards, Rod Pic is of the Diamondback and S&W M18
 
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IdaD

New member
Doyle said:
Decent DA .22LR revolver will cost you way more than $300. About the only low-priced DA 22LR I would consider is an older High Standard.
Click to expand...

I've got an old high standard revolver that my dad got me when I was a teenager probably 25+ years ago and it's honestly pretty great. Cheapo plastic grips and all.
 
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darkgael

New member
If you own a 1911, look at one of the .22 conversion kits from Marvel, Nelson, or Ceiner.
All accurate and reliable..
 
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