Ruger 22/45 or Taurus 94 Ultralight

[C_1]

Im in the market for a .22lr handgun for cheap range time. I don't need a super accurate plinker, a cheap $300-400 gun is good enough for me. I did some research and I kind of narrowed it down to a Ruger 22/45, 4-in, semi auto pistol or a Taurus 94, 2-in, ultra light, 9-shot revolver.

If I go for the Ruger 22/45, should I get the one with a slab side barrel and 3 dot sights or the other Ruger 22/45 but with adjustable sights and a scope mount?

Or should I get the Taurus 22lr revolver? I was thinking because its a revolver, it'll shoot anything, even the cheap stuff that may not cycle the slide/bolt of a semi auto properly. So range time would be really cheap with the 550rds of bulk ammo..

Thoughts? Recommendations? Insight? Suggestions? etc etc.. Thanks!

[professionalcoyotehunter]

22/45 with bull barrel.

[roc]

you know you are going to hear this a lot. IT DEPENDS.

well, its true. if you are after reliability, cheap and fun plinking at the range, the taurus might be the way to go. if you wanted something in that price range that is accurate, can shoot at longer ranges and can be reloaded quickly then go with a 22/45. Its not to say the a 22/45 cant be reliable. it just might take some time to break in and maybe some simple mods. if you do get a ruger, get a 4 inch slab side. since its a polymer framed pistol and the 22lr rounds dont weight a whole lot, it will be a better balanced pistol. alternatively, get the standard MKII or MKIII since it has a steel frame and will not feel front heavy out of the box. As far as the sights and scope mount, i believe they have that as an option in any barrel length as long as you can find one. it is a nice option to have even if you dont think you need it right away.

[C_1]

Yeah, the 22lr revolver would be more reliable with a wider range of ammo, but because of the short sight radius, it may not be as accurate as a Ruger 22/45.

I don't really like the standard Ruger MkIIIs, but I do like the 4-in slab side Ruger 22/45. However, the slab side model does not include rear adjustable sights or a scope mount like the other Ruger 22/45 package.

Hmm.. decisions, decisions, too many guns and not enough money..

[DB2]

The 22/45 is nice. Mine will shoot anything I put through it. I don't think I have ever shot a HV round through that gun. The bull barrel version will come with rear adjustable sights.

I think you'll have more fun with the 22/45, than with a short barreled revolver.

[C_1]

I was thinkin about the 22lr revolver because it could serve as my cheap range gun and a beginner/learning handgun for a few people I want to introduce to firearms.

But I do like semi-autos more and being able to modify it is a plus. What kind of simple mods, or tips, and tricks you got for the Ruger 22/45?

[roc]

most of the mods you would want is listed in this thread.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=204888

I personally rounded out the bottom sharp edge of the feed ramp, rounded the top corners of the magazines and upgraded the extractor to a VQ Exact Edge. All for about $10. These mods are all to make the gun more reliable. not more accurate. these guns are accurate as they are.

[C_1]

Cool, thanks udannlin. Looks like I might have to get the Ruger 22/45.

If you dont mind me asking, what model Ruger do you have, and what other 22lr pistols do you own, and which one is your favorite?

[roc]

ive got a 22/45 target model with the 5 /12 inch bull barrel in blue. I also have the standard MKIII target model with 6 inch barrel with fix sights and tapered barrel. I also shoot a friends Sig Mosquito as well as his Heritage Arms Single Action 22 revolver. I like the look of the 22/45 but the balace of my standard MKIII is much better. If you get a MKIII, make sure you also get the ultimate cliploader. It will save a lot of time as well as the skin off of your finger tips when you load those mags.

http://www.steve4ultimatesales.com/the-ultimate-cliploader.html

[C_1]

I think I'm going to have to go with a Ruger 22/45 with a 4 in bull barrel. The 3 dot sights will make it a little easier to transition to my Glock. Or should I get the bull barrel model with the rear adjustable sight and scope mount? Grr.. either way, the ultimate cliploader is a very good idea. Thanks for your help udannlin and everybody else that chimed in.

[roc]

if you are getting a bull barrel, get adjustable sights with scope mount. ive shot with and without a red dot scope. with a sighted in red dot scope, it is deadly fast and deadly accurate.

[DB2]

I think I'm going to have to go with a Ruger 22/45 with a 4 in bull barrel. The 3 dot sights will make it a little easier to transition to my Glock. Or should I get the bull barrel model with the rear adjustable sight and scope mount? Grr.. either way, the ultimate cliploader is a very good idea. Thanks for your help udannlin and everybody else that chimed in.

Go with the bull barrel. I don't think it costs any more than the basic one, well maybe about 10 bucks. Have you held a 22/45? I'm coming through Fresno tomorrow and stopping at the shop. Don't know if your going to be there but I'm bring that one with me .

And as far as that Glock goes, if it is the one I think it is, did you get it to sight in?

[roc]

Actually, if you are use to a glock, the standard mkIII might have a more similar grip angle.

[C_1]

Yeah, I held both the standard MkIII and the 22/45. I like the grip of the 22/45 more. Seems like a good deal for a bull barrel, rear adjustable sights, and predrilled for scope mount which is included. But the 3 dot sight and the slab side barrel is pretty cool.

I just recognized you're handle, hi Dan! Na, I won't be in the shop tomorrow, but whats up? Ya'll going to the range or something?

[DB2]

I just recognized you're handle, hi Dan! Na, I won't be in the shop tomorrow, but whats up? Ya'll going to the range or something?

ARIZONA!!!!!! Starting to move a few things.