Why are .22s cheaper than larger caliber weapons?

[skywalk7]

A cheap blowback centerfire can cost the same as a cheap blowback .22lr, imagine that

Same for expensive models That makes topicstarter's statement false.

[Merc1138]

Same for expensive models That makes topicstarter's statement false.

What, now you're saying an RIA 1911 is expensive? Or did you not understand that the hipoint 380 is a cast zinc blowback pistol, that operates differently than a 1911(nevermind the material difference).

[ojisan]

Let's compare apple 2 apple! Hi-Point CF380 for $131

This one is also a blow-back design.
Cast zinc parts, material and manufacturing costs also make a difference.

[skywalk7]

What, now you're saying an RIA 1911 is expensive? Or did you not understand that the hipoint 380 is a cast zinc blowback pistol, that operates differently than a 1911(nevermind the material difference).

You are the the first person in the thread to compare 1911 .45 and hipoint 380. Congrats!

[Merc1138]

This one is also a blow-back design.
Cast zinc parts, material and manufacturing costs also make a difference.

But a smith and wesson model 41 runs 10x the price! The OP is wrong!

[skywalk7]

Apples to apples:
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact .22 LR, 3.5" - $354.69
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, 3" - $366.59

[Merc1138]

Apples to apples:
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact .22 LR, 3.5" - $354.69
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, 3" - $366.59

lol, they're still not the same.

[skywalk7]

lol, they're still not the same.

They are all the black handguns, they are the same!
But joking aside, what will be fair comparison from your perspective?

[DennisCA]

Let's compare 2 big handguns then:
[ATTACH]434706[/ATTACH]

Yea but you can brick of .22 ammo and isn't that much compared to .45 ammo.
(you have to think long-term-just saying)
If you're just going to do some plinking (like others have said) get a 10-22.
Fun guns and not a ton of money.
Keep your eyes open in the long-gun section of the Calguns marketplace (Once and a while someone sells one) or your local gun store. They go on sale every-so-often.

[skywalk7]

Keep your eyes open in the long-gun section of the Calguns marketplace (Once and a while someone sells one) or your local gun store. They go on sale every-so-often.

Will do. Thanks a lot!

[rromeo]

Ruger LCR. MSRP is $545 for 22lr, 22 Mag, and 38 Special.
S&W Model 617 MSRP is $829, Model 67 is $749

[Merc1138]

They are all the black handguns, they are the same!
But joking aside, what will be fair comparison from your perspective?

How about instead of playing this game of picking and choosing one or two examples here and there, you simply look at the big picture? I'm sure that's what the OP was referring to. Yes, most .22lr rifles are going to be <$450 or so, while most centerfire rifles are going to start at that and go up from there. The same could be said for .22lr pistols ranging $250-$500, while common centerfire pistols are more like $500-$800(and up). I don't need to pick and choose, find the bottom of the barrel models of either, or point at high end or custom examples to be correct in saying that "most" of them fall within that pattern.