Beretta model 21a 22lr vs Ruger22/45

[californa]

I have been looking to buy a 22 lr pistol to go the range. I had my heart set on a ruger 22/45 but then yesterday I found a beretta 21a 22lr pistol for $200. Is this a good price its in pretty good condition? What would you do? I think the 21a is cool little gun and hard to find in CA. Any advise the best course of action would be appreciated from you fellow Calgunners. Thanks.

[ojisan]

22/45 for the range for sure.
The 21A is a nicely featured gun.
I bought one new and it had complete failure to extract almost everytime.
The lack of an extractor in this design drove me nuts because I had to use my pocketknife to pry the fired rounds out of the chamber every time.
At least the tip-up barrel made this easy.
However, tipping up the barrel often caused the slide to come off, which added to the aggravation greatly as the gun now had to be reassembled.
This could be a big problem for a user (girlfriend, wife, newb) if they do not know how to put the slide back on.
The tip-up barrel is no longer an appealing feature to me.
I know the 21A has been made for years, and many work just fine.
For me, never again a gun without an extractor.

[anayaphoto]

Get both, the Beretta would be cool in your collection and at $200 I wouldn't pass it up. Guaranteed you will shoot the Ruger way more, it will be easier to shoot, and more accurate.

[appagohm]

I own and smith and wesson 22a-1 and a ruger mkIII 22/45. I shot the smith and wesson way for and for 249 new you can't beat it. I put 315rd first day i got the smith and wesson and it ate it up with no problems, not one failure, plus it's really easy to clean.

[G-forceJunkie]

Buy the beretta. If you dont like it, you can sell it for $300 in one day here on calguns.