Researching a good 22 pistol

[BrianJacobsen]

I'm hoping to be able to purchase a 22 pistol in the near future primarily for use at the range so I can shoot more as ammo costs are out of control. I've done a little research but I'm hoping to tap the accumulated knowledge here.

These are my two favourites thus far...

Ruger SR22

Walther P22

My actual preference would be if Springfield offered a 22 conversion kit for my Springfield XD 9mm*, but failing that these two look pretty good to me. I'd like something with at least a somewhat similar hand feel as the Springfield if at all possible which is why I like these two as opposed to those crazy looking futuristic 22 pistols that look like something out of Star Wars. But I haven't shot them or even held them yet so what say you guys? Is one of these better than the other? Is there some other pistol you prefer, if so, why?

*Just to make sure: Springfield doesn't make a 22 conversion kit, right? I've looked but haven't found one.

 

[avengedXT]

Correct, Springfield nor anybody else makes a 22LR conversion for the XD pistols. I hate it - I always wanted one for my XD's

Additionally: Are you comfortable with the 1911 platform? There's plenty of good options in 1911's! GSG-1911, Browning 1911-22, Sig Sauer 1911-22 (GSG rebadged with Sig, better customer service). Another good one is the (Bersa) Firestorm 22LR, the one I've handled in the past felt nice but I never shot it. The GSG-1911 I've owned and it did great.

 

[TAT7]

M&P 22 pistol is another to look at...as well at the Ruger 22/45 lite

both are good can hosts too

 

[BrianJacobsen]

'Can hosts?' What does that mean?

 

[Mosinowner]

How about
A ruger MKII

Very VERY accurate handgun. Great training gun and very reliable.

 

[TAT7]

'Can hosts?' What does that mean?

suppressor

 

[Mosinowner]

'Can hosts?' What does that mean?

They can use surpressers because the barrels are threaded (Correct me if I am wrong)

 

[TAT7]

They can use surpressers because the barrels are threaded (Correct me if I am wrong)

almost beat me

 

[Mosinowner]

almost beat me

drats!

 

[BrianJacobsen]

Additionally: Are you comfortable with the 1911 platform? There's plenty of good options in 1911's! GSG-1911, Browning 1911-22, Sig Sauer 1911-22 (GSG rebadged with Sig, better customer service). Another good one is the (Bersa) Firestorm 22LR, the one I've handled in the past felt nice but I never shot it. The GSG-1911 I've owned and it did great.

I have nothing against, I just don't own one so my concern is that it would feel different enough that I would end up shooting different, would feel really different in my hand. Or is that a silly concern?

 

[Shoots4Fun]

I have been very very pleased with my P22. Nice host for my Gemtech Outback II too.

 

[BrianJacobsen]

suppressor

'Doh!'

Dag nabbit, I should have known that, I read thriller novels!

 

[avengedXT]

I have nothing against, I just don't own one so my concern is that it would feel different enough that I would end up shooting different, would feel really different in my hand. Or is that a silly concern?

Nothing's silly when it's your comfort involved, dude. I don't care if you like pink grips with a fuzzy dice hanging from the grip, if it fits for you, go for it

 

[TAT7]

I have nothing against, I just don't own one so my concern is that it would feel different enough that I would end up shooting different, would feel really different in my hand. Or is that a silly concern?

Its deff not a silly concern, actually a good thing...most people I have trained dont get it...just work on the basics and apply them to every pistol you pick up (assuming you know the correct basics)...You are right though, it would be the ideal if you could get a .22 in your daily carry XD

 

[BrianJacobsen]

I have been very very pleased with my P22. Nice host for my Gemtech Outback II too.

Both the Ruger and the Walther seem fine, the big difference is that the Walther seems to run about $50-$100 more than the Ruger. So my question is do you think it's worth the price bump?

 

[M67]

Just get a Buckmark and be done with it.

Good trigger, don't need lube or cleaning, very accurate, and they feel good.

 

[TAT7]

Both the Ruger and the Walther seem fine, the big difference is that the Walther seems to run about $50-$100 more than the Ruger. So my question is do you think it's worth the price bump?

no IMHO

 

[BrianJacobsen]

Just get a Buckmark and be done with it.

Good trigger, don't need lube or cleaning, very accurate, and they feel good.

Still a new enough shooter that I'm not sure what this is. Can you provide a link or a proper name? thanks!

Also, thanks for the suggestions for the other guns. Several of them look really interesting. It's hard at this point because I have no ability to shoot ay of these. Any pro tips on how to select between several guns, all of which look fine, that you probably won't be able to shoot before purchase? read reviews? Price point?

 

[M67]

Still a new enough shooter that I'm not sure what this is. Can you provide a link or a proper name? thanks!

Browning Firearms Finder

I've shot Ruger Mark Is, Mark IIIs, and 22/45s and ehh, they just don't do it for me. Triggers feel mushy, and they just don't feel natural. 22 pistols don't recoil, but the way the action works on the Ruger even feels off (for me), the Buckmark feels like a regular pistol. I won't deny the Mark I, II, and III have that classic look (hell, they've been around since 39 so it's become an American classic); but IMO the Buckmark is a better pistol.

As for shooting these suggestions, a lot of people here are more than willing to meet you at a shooting range. It's hard to purchase a firearm without firing it first.

 

[calcot7]

I have nothing against, I just don't own one so my concern is that it would feel different enough that I would end up shooting different, would feel really different in my hand. Or is that a silly concern?

It would feel just different enough in your hand to sell you on the 1911 platform. Be careful.