(CONCERNING SEMI-AUTO OPTIONS)
Here's my thought process from when I went through the same search:
First, did I want this as something I could sell to reinvest into something bigger later, or was it just a "toy" I'd probably keep around and continue to have fun plinking with?
(Disclaimer, for the self-righteous whom would jump on me for calling any gun a toy, the quotes are to denote the obvious intent of comparison to something more suited to what most seem to consider protective. I in no way consider any firearm, even BBguns, as a toy by definition.)
For me it was the latter, especially since I'vd already had bigger guns already. From there I was left to determine if it would be something I want to have for a lifetime, or just one I'd use until it broke and care less about it. I learned, from reading around, that rimfire ammo, like the 22lr cartridge, weren't regarded as reliable, thus no matter the gun itself, I'd be buying something that relies on something else not so high-end. It answered my question for me and junker it was.
I did some research into some different guns, went shooting for about my third time, my boss came and brought along his little Jimenez JA-22. If you've done any diligence in research you'll've crossed the name Jimenez, and the feelings are a very strong negative! But that didn't matter to me, I'd already determined it a toss worthy piece to have fun with. It was really fun, shot at 50ft I hit average sized target on a bale of hay every time.
So I picked one of the cool polished chrome JA-22s and today it's got thousands of rounds through it with only two FTE during break in period. I use quality ammo, CCI MiniMag only and haven't looked back since.
What I have determined, since, is that the trigger action is something very important to me, as well as process action.
3rd & 4th things to think about would be blowback or striker fire & single action, double action, or DA/SA. I wont carry the Jimenez because it's striker fire and I simply don't trust that. I require a hammer now, but it's still buttloads of fun on the range.
So now I'm adding a Phoenix HP22A. They have an awesome package deal that includes a 5" barrel for target shooting and a 3" for carry, should you wish to go that route. Personally 3" is enough for me for both occasions, but I can see the value in the 5" for sure.
There are also the Baretta 21A, it's DA/SA and from a great manufacturer, a definite proven gun, just look it up. If double action suits you the options are endless, but I wouldn't spend the kind of money on a 22 pistol that the one's you'e looked at thus far cost.
Size is also something to consider. So far what you've mentioned are what I'd call full-size framed 22s. If that's so you can look at the Bersa Thunder 22. Really well built and a great bang for the buck, no polymer frame, just a solid built gun!
Last edited by BeyondTheBox; 10-03-2012 at 01:20 AM.
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