Picking a .22 pistol - need a little help

[Sapperforward]

I am trying to find the right semi auto .22 pistol option for me. I don't currently own any .22 pistols. I am not trying to get competition pistol. Just a fun plinker, maybe help keep down the costs of all of the 9mm and .40 I shoot. I know I will get lots of suggestions for Buckmark. I am not interested in a Buckmark ( I can't stand the way they look). I am only looking for options that are on the roster. Additionally I am hoping whatever option I go with will be capable of firing Federal Automatch as I am currently sitting on over 10,000 rounds of it for my rifles and this would be an added bonus.

Some options that I have looked into:
1. P-22 at my lgs for $249 and fees
2. p-22 military at my LGS for $299 ( not really interested in paying $50 extra for some olive drab on the frame)
3. p-22 target 5" at LGS for $349 and fees
4. GSG 1911 .22 at LGS for $300 plus fees
5. Advantage Arms Glock 17/22 conversion kit for my existing G17 or G19 at LGS for $299 + tax
6. Beretta 92/96 Series .22LR Practice Kit @ Beretta store for $326 + tax and free shipping

I know the magazines fairly cheap for some options and rather pricey for others.


I'm trying to figure out my best option out of the bunch or maybe get a better option from one of you folks. Also I'm sure some of you will notice the price point most of my options. They just happened to land in that area. I am not opposed to spending more for a better option.

[4x4Trooper]

If you go with the a conversion kit you can plink with the same trigger and sight picture as the 9mm/.40 and you don't have to do a BG check and wait 10 days.

Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk

[newbie1234]

IMO,
#1 : Had it and don't like it because it not accurate enough compare to my other .22LR (Buck Mark, Ruger Mark II, High Standard)
#2 : Personal reference , no opinion.
#3 : I will pick this one, target model always more accurate than regular model.
For the first three you need this http://www.docdatabase.net/more-walt...le-393527.html (or google Walther P-22 Bible) just in case you need to "tune" your P-22 to shoot with bulk ammo.
#4 : If you like 1911 configuration then why not. No opinion.
#5 and #6 : Nup, why pay more to have the same pistol. Check-out the .22LR magazines price before do this options.
My two cents.

[Teachu2]

I have the AA kit for the 17 (use it on my 34). Trouble-free and easy to change back and forth. Also have a Kadet kit (CZ 75SA) and a Kimber kit (1911). No issues with any of them.
I also have a Ruger 22/45, a Buckmark, a Browning 1911-22, a Ruger SP-101, and a S&W M34 snubbie. The 22/45 has some VQ parts in it, the Buckmark is new and unmodded. They are as close to equal in accuracy as I can shoot. The 1911-22 is a 80% 1911, great for tiny hands. The 1911-22 and Buckmark are the lightest weights.
Best value of the bunch has been the AA Glock conversion. Accurate and reliable, and a great training tool. Also very lightweight.

[Steve G]

The P-22's are garbage, so are the GSG's. I would get a smith 617 hands down. Otherwise just get the conversion kit for the Beretta. Personally I would look for a used Ruger Mark 2 or 3 if it was me. Best semi auto .22's ever IMO.

[keith1911]

I have a GSG1911 and it is pretty fun. The trigger needs some work. However it has had no problems (until it gets really dirty like any of my rimfires) shooting bulk ammo. It doesn't shoot as well as my Ruger MKII however.

[Pardini]

If option 4 is your decision and you already have a 1911, get a kimber 22 conversion for it. Far better than a GAG and about the same price.

[glockman19]

+1 to the conversion kits. I just bought a Beretta 92 series kit at the $326 sale price, haven't' shot it yet.

I also have .22lr kits for my Glock 19, Glock 26 and a Kimber for my 1911's.

I do have one dedicated .22lr pistol, a Ruger MKIII Hunter with the 6 7/8" fluted barrel.

[gunnlover]

I vote #6.

[olhunter]

I would get a smith 617 hands down....

Well, yeah. And how about a Colt Diamondback too? Oh, right. That's not what he asked.

... Otherwise just get the conversion kit for the Beretta. Personally I would look for a used Ruger Mark 2 or 3 if it was me. Best semi auto .22's ever IMO.

...but the rest of this is spot-on so we'll give Steve redemption points.

[Steve G]

Well, yeah. And how about a Colt Diamondback too? Oh, right. That's not what he asked.



...but the rest of this is spot on so we'll give Steve redemption points.

Reading comprehension olhunter, maybe read the OP again.

From the OP:
"I'm trying to figure out my best option out of the bunch or maybe get a better option from one of you folks. Also I'm sure some of you will notice the price point most of my options. They just happened to land in that area. I am not opposed to spending more for a better option."

[olhunter]

Reading comprehension olhunter, maybe read the OP again.

From the OP:
"I'm trying to figure out my best option out of the bunch or maybe get a better option from one of you folks. Also I'm sure some of you will notice the price point most of my options. They just happened to land in that area. I am not opposed to spending more for a better option."

doh...lol...I blame the scotch. And I'm sticking to that story.

Get the damn 617 OP! With wood grips! Like mine!

[Zilla]

The browning 1911-22 always catches my eye when looking at .22s. It is about 85% of the size of a real 1911, and has a high quality feel compared to the other .22s I have handled.

[Steve G]

doh...lol...I blame the scotch. And I'm sticking to that story.

Get the damn 617 OP! With wood grips! Like mine!

That's the ticket OP. Buy once, cry once. You won't be disappointed.

[RazoE]

Another vote for the Browning. Ruger just introduced two models of its new MKIV but being in California might complicate that.