Which 22LR handgun: Walther, SIG, any others?

[1911ShooterPhil]

Buckmarks are great 22LR pistols...

I have a Browning Buckmark Contour 5.5 urx and it has been amazingly reliable. Thousands of rounds through it and never a misfeed or misfire with all kinds of .22 lr ammo through it. Extremely accurate also. Heavy also so when I say no recoil, I mean zip. Reliable enough that I would consider it for home defense.

+1. I have absolutely loved my Browning Buckmark pistols. They are fantastic guns. But, I'd still never use a 22LR for home defense. If that's your only option...it's better than a baseball bat or kitchen knife. But, not optimum in any way, shape, or form. --1911ShooterPhil

[CZ93x62]

If I tried to get my wife to use a 22 LR as felon repellant, she would hit me with it. I brought home a SIG P-228 in 2003, and haven't seen it since then--other than to clean it for her. The daughters have Glock 19 and 23 respectively. Get her what SHE wants.

22 LR firearms are wonderful recreational devices, best suited to non-critical applications for all the reasons mentioned above. The SIG Mosquito as a sub-caliber trainer was an EPIC FAIL--it was highly unreliable until after 1500 rounds had been sent downrange, and SWMBO has zero faith in the pistol. She wanted it sold, but I hung onto it and it finally learned manners and became hunting-reliable. CCI Mini-Mags ONLY, everything else it chokes on. ALL 22 LRs are ammo-sensitive, and be aware that current 22 LR ammo (what little exists) is not built to the exacting standards of the 1960s. I do not and would not trust any 22 LR firearm to guard anyone's safety.

[tanks]

If you or your better half like the feel of a 1911, Browning makes both a compact (85%) and a full size 1911. A little more expensive than the Walther or the Sig.

I'd recommend it. Plus good way to get used to a man's gun later .

[1911ShooterPhil]

Choose wisely...

I'd recommend it. Plus good way to get used to a man's gun later .

I do NOT recommend that gun. Reliability? Ability to take multiple brands/types of ammo? Availability of replacement parts? Has that been proven yet with the Browning 22LR 1911 clones? Just saying. The Buckmark has been around for a while. It is a proven platform. The S&W 22LR revolvers have been around for a real long time. The Ruger MK series has been around a real long time. My point: go with what has been proven to be reliable. Lots of proven platforms out there. Choose wisely.

--1911ShooterPhil

[nikki#2]

Hey CG'ers,

Looking for a HD firearm for my better half.

New to handguns and doesn't like recoil. Ive made a decision to go 22LR route...

S&W 617 w/ Crimson trace laser grip, loaded with 10-rounds of CCI Stinger or Velocitor Hyper-Velocity hollow-points. No problem with a 617,
maybe a little tougher to extract. Haven't tried Stingers or Velocitors in my semi-autos, but I would want to test them thoroughly for reliability.

[TripleThreat]

The Walther PPKs in 22LR is a great handgun.

Must use 40 grains bullets or it won't feed reliably. They are now made Germany and are one of the best made handguns I've seen. It looks and feels like a piece of jewelry. Unfortunately they are off roaster.


Triple

[johnonymous]

SP101 in 22LR is another good choice, if you can get one with a decent trigger pull.

But really, in a 4" steel revolver loaded with lightweight 38 special recoil should be extremely minimal. If you're recoil-sensitive enough that 22LR is a necessity, I'd be a bit worried about having the strength / control necessary to heft & aim a 30 oz handgun regardless of what it's loaded with.

Another option is Liberty Civil Defense ammo, which I've shot and actually does seem to be pretty low-recoil for 9mm.

And another option would be 380 out of a reasonably heavy gun like a Beretta Cheetah.

IMHO this is an ammo-selection issue, not a hardware issue.

[doc66]

Wow you guys are all awesome thanks for the great advice I have actually shown her this post and we actually have more homework now. I'm going to take her to the range and possibly rent a few 22 LR's and see how she does. So at this point everything is now on the table meaning I'm no longer just looking at the Walther or Sig and I'm actually open to others now again thank you so much for your responses.

[coy80176]

I love 22s for plinking...

and would not want to be on the receiving end of it.

That said, for HD get your wife a 12 gauge and load for bear (maybe a coach gun to simplify things)

[edgalang]

What about this idea OP...

Ruger 9mm LCR.

With this, you get the benefit/simplicity of a revolver, with the option to load a much smaller recoiling .380 ammo (similar how the 38sp is to a 357mag).

[1911ShooterPhil]

The .380 is *not* simply a short 9mm...

What about this idea OP...

Ruger 9mm LCR.

With this, you get the benefit/simplicity of a revolver, with the option to load a much smaller recoiling .380 ammo (similar how the 38sp is to a 357mag).

Nooooo. Do not do that. It is not similar to shooting a .38SP in a .357 Magnum. Do you know why?

The .380 ACP is not simply a short 9mm. Could you safely shoot it? Yes. But, you may encounter problems: likely a ruptured case. The .380 ACP is not just shorter than the 9mm...it's also got straighter case walls! The .380ACP's case is straight-walled. The 9mm's case is tapered. Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to try to shoot ammunition in a firearm that is not specifically chambered for that particular ammunition.

--1911ShooterPhil

[1911ShooterPhil]

Bad idea...

What about this idea OP...

Ruger 9mm LCR.

With this, you get the benefit/simplicity of a revolver, with the option to load a much smaller recoiling .380 ammo (similar how the 38sp is to a 357mag).

Like I said, that is a bad idea. Watch this video:

http://youtu.be/lfcmgnoGUIo

--1911ShooterPhil

[cheetah45]

Spent 4 hours at the range today with a Buckmark, Ruger Mkii, and S&W 617 10-shot. I was using cheap Remington and had 3 duds in the first 20 rounds fired. First off, I wouldn't rely on .22LR as self defense and certainly not cheap .22 rounds. I am a fairly proficient hand gunner with a number of different calibers from .22 to .44MAG.
I have had the Ruger MKii the longest and I am most accurate with it. Today was my first outing with the Buckmark(which is brand new) and the 617(which is pre-owned). I shot real well today with the Buckmark but not as good as with the Ruger. The 617 is a sweetheart (shot darn near as good as the MKii)and if you insist on .22LR, then a 10 shot revolver would be my choice. I learned to shoot using a double action revolver, so I have a soft spot for revolvers. I am going to have fun attempting to deplete my supply of 22LR with these 3 pistols.

[Angrysnarf]

Get a ruger lc380

[bsg]

unless there is a big hurry to make the purchase, i'd wait until she is proficient enough to make her own decision regarding the best handgun for her. taking a handgun safety class is a good start.