Need .22 handgun suggestions

[Brian48]

If you're looking for something with a longer barrel, then the Ruger MK series is probably your best bet. They're a little bit above your budget if you're looking to buy brand new, but used specimens should be much cheaper. Used is just fine as these guns are built like tanks.

Mags are usually about $20 a pop depending on where you order them from. I would stick with the factory mags and not cheap out with the 3rd party ones.

 

[CWKahrFan]

(I hope you have some ammo... .22's are NOT TO BE FOUND in my neck'o' the woods... Never thought it'd come to this before WW3...)

 

[Brian48]

On the topic of deassembly/reassembly, it's just a matter practicing a couple of times. I completely field strip my Rugers after every range trip. It's quite easy after you figure it out. I wouldn't let that deter you from considering.

 

[Carbonyl]

Here’s another vote for the SR22. This is the total package for me. It’s a quality gun that eats all type of ammo reliably, looks great, feels great in the hand is accurate and very easy to break down and clean. I have over 3000 rounds of good and cheap bulk ammo through without a hiccup.

 

[HistoryJunky]

Yeah I like the look of the Ruger, and a longer barrel would definitely be something I can appreciate. I'm probably going to end up using it if my girlfriend and I go small game hunting so that she could use my Remington 597.

And to answer that question, yeah, I already have 1000 or so rounds of .22LR. Oddly enough, around here in Northern IL, 12 gauge and .22LR are still in stock pretty much everywhere. I don't think there are that many gun enthusiasts around here, which is why I am pessimistic about looking used. I've browsed local gun shops and Armslist and haven't really came up with much so far.

 

[Mr_Jumper]

5-6" barrels with small grip seems a bit counter-intuitive, at least as far as I know. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I've seen that sized barrel 22LR pistols with small grips.

SW41, which is a great shooting gun btw, has long barrel but it's grip was definitely not small. Sames goes for MK's or Buckmark. Grip seemed perfect for me, but for someone with small hands, I can see that being a little bit of a problem.


Just my 2c.

 

[cal10]

SR22 breaks down for cleaning in seconds, it's easy to shoot and it's accurate. Again it comes with 2 handgrips and 2 base plates along with 2 magazines, padlock, and case for $319.00. The M&P 22 is a full size, and the mark II, III' s are larger target pistols. SR22 blows the Walther P22 away, and it's made in America so customer serice "if you need it" is quick and I've heard nothing but good things about them. "You will love this pistol", everyone who's shot it wants one.

 

[sheepman]

What is best for you is a personal decision that no one else can make for you. As I am moving out of state I have regecently thinded my guns down to the must keep only. For 22, have settled on a Ruger single Six as it will work with any 22 ammo avalible, 22 and mag with approperat cylinder. Have owned S&W. Colt, Ruger and high standard autos, all were good but were ammo sinsitive. The revolver will shoot all 22lr and magnum rounds with out jamming. For me best is the one that will work whith what I have on hand to shoot.

 

[Brian48]

The only thing I don't like about my SR22 is that mags are a bit pricey, just like my Walther P22. Fun little range guns, but neither come with very long barrels.

 

[HistoryJunky]

I'm probably really overemphasizing how small my hands are. I have a double stack 9mm Arcus 98DAC that I can reach the trigger in double action. I can probably reach the trigger on any .22 that isn't absolutely massive.

On top of that, in referring to a small grip, I mean the small in width. How long the grip is doesn't really bother me. I'm going around to the fun stores here locally to get an idea, probably tomorrow. Snow is paying us a visit here in Northern IL right now.

I've been eying the Heritage Rough Rider because it's pretty inexpensive, but I haven't been able to find any around here locally. The only inexpensive guns I see around here are Hi Points

 

[22-rimfire]

My suggestion in approximately that price range is the Ruger Mark II or III. I vastly prefer the bull barrel. The Ruger 22/45 is excellent too with the bull barrel.

The Ruger SR-22P is a good little 22 pistol. Fits your budget. It's not a hunting gun or serious target gun, but a great plinking gun. I am really pleased with mine. But I already have a Mark II and quite a few other ones. So a plinker is fun to have. One needs to remember that the dominant use of most any 22 handgun is plinking.

I've been eying the Heritage Rough Rider because it's pretty inexpensive

That's one I don't have. If you are thinking long term, I would go with a more expensive Ruger Single Six. You will be happier in the long run and won't want to replace it like you probably will the Rough Rider in a couple years after you really start enjoying shooting 22's.

 

[weblance]

I have a lot of experience with 22 handguns. For your stated budget of $350, you wont find much in the NEW revolver category, so look to the Autoloaders. If you want a 5-6" barrel, and a decent grip, the Rugers are good, but some people, no matter how hard they try, are never happy with dis-reassembly process. Its not terrible, but there are other pistols that are much easier. The Beretta Neos for example, is very easy to field strip, and its a few dollars cheaper than the Rugers. I have 5 Ruger autoloading 22s, but am very fond of my Beretta 6" Neos. The Smith and Wesson 22a, and the Browning Buckmark are solid choices, the Smith being the lower cost of the two. The Ruger SR22P is a smaller pistol, a shorter barrel than you asked for, but does have 2 different sized grips that come with it at no extra cost. The Bersa Thunder 22 is well made, and equal in performance to the SR22P if you want to try something a little different. The comments from owners of the Walther P22 and the Sig Mosquito are not very good, reliability, and ammo sensitivity are the most common complaints, and I have no hands on experience with those 2 pistols.

 

[treg]

My Buckmark has performed admirably for the past 25 years. Can't imagine the round count for that thing. It has seen many, many bricks and bulk packs. I'd often get a brick in Friday after work and have to run to town for another on Saturday so I could shoot Sunday.

Whatever fits your hand best between the Ruger Marks, 22/45 or a Buckmark, pick the one that fits your hand the best and you won't go wrong. These are proven designs that have evolved and passed the test of time. Although pricey the S&W M41 is a good pistol too.

 

[L_Killkenny]

I've been eying the Heritage Rough Rider because it's pretty inexpensive,

I've nothing against the Heritage revolvers in principle. I've handled and shot them and found them to go bang. Also I'm not generally the type to tell someone to save up some money and buy something better. But considering you are not stuck on a specific platform I can tell you that there are much better values in the .22lr world than the Heritage revolvers. When they were $100-$125, ok. Even $150, I can swallow that. But at the $175 and up prices I see em at today...... look elsewhere.