[dnthmn2004]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice 22lr semi-auto handgun?

I like to think I have moderate firearm experience, but this will be my first 22lr handgun purchase. I have researched a lot of firearms from many manufacturers, but I value the opinions of fellow members. Personal experience is preferred.

I'm looking for accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and ease of take-down/assembly, in that order.

I'd like a firearm under $350. It will be strictly for plinking fun and a way to coax the wife to the range.

I'm kind of leaning towards a Smith and Wesson 22A, or a Walther P22.

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I couldn't find a thread with this topic.

 

[Northwoods]

My suggestion for a semi auto would be a Ruger Mark I or Mark II. There are a lot of easy revolvers also.

 

[sgtdeath66]

remington 597, or marlin model 60 both are excellent right out of the box

 

[iloveguns]

remington 597, or marlin model 60 both are excellent right out of the box

I believe he said handguns.

My vote would be a browning buckmark. I love mine.

 

[ScottG]

Another vote for the Buckmark Camper....

 

[Franciscomv]

I've got a Ruger Mark III 22/45 and like it a lot. It's a great plinking gun. I hate cleaning it, though.

Now I'm looking at a S&W 617 for a plinking handgun, and as a cheap way to work on my double action trigger pull (I'm mostly into shooting revolvers).

 

[Ram Rod]

S&W 22A. I don't have mine anymore, but sort of wish I did. Should run you way less then three bills.

 

[bgeddes]

S&W 22A, + cheapo red dot, shoot whatever bargain basement ammo you can find. Rock solid shooter, sweet trigger, and accurate within reason.

 

[Mark F]

I have a Stainless Steel Ruger Mark II with 10" bullbarrel. It's deadly accurate, fun to shoot, and cheap ammo. You just can't do much better.

 

[dnthmn2004]

I decided on a Walther P22. I'm probably going to get a Smith and Wesson 22A next because I saved so much on my P22.

 

[stalkingbear]

X2!! In my opinion after shooting/owning/customizing them for over 30 years,the ruger mk 2 is the BEST .22 semiauto on the market! Once you learn how to strip them and they loosen up a tad,they are easy to strip too.

My suggestion for a semi auto would be a Ruger Mark I or Mark II. There are a lot of easy revolvers also.

 

[dnthmn2004]

I decided not to get a Mark II because of how hard it is to strip. I am happy with my Walther P22. If the right deal comes along, I might get a Mark II.

 

[gglass]

Walther P22

Go with the Walther P22 unless you have very large hands.

 

[cljensen86]

I cant but recomend the Walther P22. Mines been great. Just as you said, I used it to coax the wife, She loves it too. Fits her smaller hands much better.

 

[pawn]

Another vote for Ruger MK II or III.

I own a stainless 678 version of each and wouldn't willingly part with either. Highly accurate, solidly built and reasonably priced... these pistols are tough to beat (especially when equiped with VQ trigger/sear combo).

Disassembly/re-assembly isn't too bad after the first few times. There's lots of instructional videos out there on u-tube.

 

[stalkingbear]

I just HATE the politically correct magazine safety on the mk3s.

 

[pawn]

I just HATE the politically correct magazine safety on the mk3s.

I have to agree with you stalkingbear, the mag safety and the mainspring safety lock too.... Ruger's attempt to protect against lawsuits from the idiots who walk among us.

 

[dnthmn2004]

I have to agree with you stalkingbear, the mag safety and the mainspring safety lock too.... Ruger's attempt to protect against lawsuits from the idiots who walk among us.

Or maybe its because they are trying to sell their guns in MA and CA.

Chapter 140, section 123, of the Massachusetts General Laws states that a dealer may only sell guns that can pass a drop test, are not prone to repeat firing, and which meet a certain materials standard.

In order to make this requirement understandable, the state approved “independent testing laboratories” and a testing procedure. Manufacturers of handguns may now choose to pay these labs to perform the tests mentioned in the law.

The labs sent their certified results to the Gun Control Advisory Board, which reviews the results to ensure the tests were performed properly and that the guns passed the tests. They then vote on whether to recommend that the gun be on the Approved Firearms Roster. The Executive Office of Public Safety then acts on these recommendations and publishes a new roster. These regulations are found in 501 CMR 7.00.

Some smaller manufacturers can not afford to pay for the testing. Still other manufacturers object to the whole concept of the testing, and have no wish to comply. And manufacturers of top of the line competition models costing $1500 and up have no desire to pay someone to drop three of their firearms onto a concrete surface. Therefore, before the testing laboratories were even approved by the state, it was clear several product lines would not be available through Massachusetts licensed dealers.

 

[Boris]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 about 18 months ago and I have to say I absolutly love it, target sights but the short barrel I can't think I have ever had so much fun with a pistol.

I have had Rugers over the years starting with the Mk1, but always got rid of them, I think I subconsiously blamed Ruger for bring on the demise of such good qualitity .22lr's, the Hi Standard, Colt etc. But although not an expensive pistol (240 euros here) I think thankfully I am over it.........

 

[stalkingbear]

Dnthmn2004-I understand the need to keep up with the increasing stipid laws being passed into law,and I understand the concept of trigger/action/hammer key locks to prevent unauthorized use such as kids,but the magazine safety does nothing to prevent it from firing EXCEPT when the magazine is removed.