What is a good semi-auto .22 handgun

[garagegunmaker]

I'm thinking about buying a .22 handgun soon. the only .22 handguns I have shot before have been revelovers. Has anyone had expericence with .22 semi-autos, good or bad. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

.22s? We love our .22s here.

I'm a big fan of the Ruger 22/45 MkII. I have a bunch of them.

They were going for $200 a pop (bought my first one at $189.99). The MkIII versions are going for $240.00 at the last Indy 1500 gun show.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Of course, one can always make a .22lr pistol. Here's my .22lr 1911 on an Essex frame with Ciener conversion kit:

 

[ChalupaCabras]

Recent production Walther P22's are good guns.

The Ruger MKIII is excellent as well.

 

[jpo117]

I don't own a 22, but I'm planning on getting one soon and have done plenty of research. I've narrowed my selection down to a Ruger MK II/III or a Browning Buckmark, based on other people's opinions (I haven't had a chance to shoot either yet). Hope it helps.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I'm quite pleased with my Ruger Mk II 22/45. But I've got about $700 of invested "goodies" into it... (Pac-Lite upper + suppressor + tax stamp)

I also rather enjoy my Walther P22. This is my 2nd one, actually. Sold the first to fund something else, then bought this one 'cause a buddy of mine needed the cash.

You'll find, though, that there are generally 2 camps when it comes to the P-22. There are those that swear they're junk jam-O-matics, and there are those who haven't had a problem at all with theirs. I'm in the later category.

If you can find a used Ruger Mk I or Mk II, jump on it. The Mk IIs are getting harder to find and the prices have gone up considerably. Reason being that many folks just don't like the upgrades / nanny features that are in the newer Mk III Ruger pistols.

Or, like Kirk, if you already have a 1911, you can buy a .22 conversion kit for it. Same if you have a Glock. Or a CZ-75.

Another non-ruger offering would be the Browning Buckmark. They're quite solid pistols and have models all over the price spectrum. I've not ever shot one, though, that I can remember.

-J-

 

[ChalupaCabras]

You'll find, though, that there are generally 2 camps when it comes to the P-22. There are those that swear they're junk jam-O-matics, and there are those who haven't had a problem at all with theirs. I'm in the later category.

You may also find that there is a lot of ignorance and misinformation on both sides: The "jam-O-matic" crowd can't tell you WHY the early P-22s had problems, and most P-22 lovers cant tell you what Walther did to fix it.

The truth of the mater is the most of the issues encountered by the early adopters were due to the extractor used during the first year or two of production, a well as problems with the original version of the magazine. As one can imagine, this combination caused various types of failures.

These problems were corrected quickly: the magazine and extractor were redesigned, and the problems went away. Any P22 made in the last few years will have these upgraded parts, and even if you get an old one its a 5 minute proposition to upgrade them yourself.

But you know the firearms community... make a minor mistake with your gun and we will hold a grudge for all of eternity (even if we never owned one ourselves).

 

[Michiana]

Ruger Mark I is my favorite

This is my Ruger Mark I which I have owned for fifteen years and my uncle had it for I don't know how long before me. This is the most accurate pistol I own and a dream to shoot. I have sold a few Mark III's but really think the old Mark I was the best of this style. The Mark II's are also nice. I like the bull barrel on mine. I don't see many Mark I's for sale as I believe the people who own them hang on to them because they are such a nice shooter.

 

[Griffeycom]

I have an HP22A by Phoenix Arms, it's a cheapo gun but I have had little problems with it, it makes for a great budget plinker if you want to spend under $200 (more like $120-150). I get failure to eject rounds sometimes, and rarely a failure to feed, but overall it's been great with Federal Bulk ammo.

 

[LCPer]

I like my Browning Challenger III very well. Nice and accurate. Not in production anymore but you can sometimes find them used if you look around.

 

[XMil]

My Buckmark is my favorite .22 pistol. It's a great choice if it fits your hand.

 

[lovemywoods]

Another vote for the Ruger Mark II!

I have a Ruger Mark II and love it! For a target pistol or a first pistol to learn to shoot, it's great. Super reliable, accurate, and low-cost to feed. I've shot 6500 rounds through mine. No troubles. I currently have it set up with a red dot optic to use at Friday Night Steel.

The only negative I have about this pistol is that it is a bit complicated to field strip it. Keep the owner's manual nearby when you do and it will work! I only take the barrel off to do a thorough cleaning every 3-4 cleanings.

I have a Walther P22 also. It's fun, but doesn't have the heft or smoothness of the Ruger.

 

[mbaza3]

A lot of people may disagree since there are negative posts out there but I love my Sig Sauer Mosquito. Provided you use good quality ammo like cci mini-mags and keep it clean and oiled it functions perfectly.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

BUCKMARK Ruger if you want a good paper weight!

 

[Fergy35]

The Rugers I have shot, have been great. My friend has a Browning Challenger that shoots well too. I have an old Bersa #622, that hasn't been made for I don't know how long. It used to belong to one of my Unlces. It also shoots very well. Wish I could find magazines for it.

As far pistols that are still made, the only ones I have had the chance to shoot are the Rugers and the Browning. I don't think you would go wrong with either.

 

[Mr. Habib]

Two pages and no one has mentioned a S&W Mod 41?

 

[jpo117]

How about the Beretta Neos? I hate the looks but the price is right, and I can convince myself to love something that's fun to play around with.

 

[jsharmon7]

I can convince myself to love something that's fun to play around with.

My mom told me I'd go blind.

 

[Michiana]

You are off base with your Ruger comment

BUCKMARK Ruger if you want a good paper weight!

I own both a Browning Buckmark and a Ruger Mark I and also owned a Mark III and they are all great guns. Guess you must have had a lemon. Saying Rugers are not good guns goes against the opinion of the vast majority of gun owners,

 

[GregD]

When you look at what is being made today I would suggest the S&W mod.41 or the Browning Buckmark. The Ruger MK I or MKII are both very good pistols also.