.22 handgun

[Dell]

I went looking for a .22 a couple of years ago. In all my time shooting I'd never owned one and felt it was time. I read reviews of different models then started checking them out at the shop. I was all set to buy a Ruger until I held it. The grip angle was very uncomfortable for me. Almost like holding a Glock. This killed the deal for me. I really didn't want a buckmark so I settled for the S&W 22A. It felt the best in my hand and it was the cheapest by almost half.

I will tell you that the reviews of this model are hit or miss and there are a lot of people that report they are picky eaters. My 22A was picky when new. The first 500 rounds had various fail to feeds but after it broke in the failures became almost non-existent. The gun did like a heavy coat of lube around the slide but that has gone away.

This gun is the favorite of all of our GF's and when they come out shooting with us it's nothing for them to put 4 to 6 boxes of bulk ammo (525 rds) through it in a weekend. I can only guess how many rounds it's seen but it runs perfect if a bit loose.

[Blue Ridge Reef]

The Ruger feels a little lighter and better balanced, but I like the grip on the S&W more.
Leaning toward it atm, but the long legacy of Ruger reliability and after market parts is keeping me from pulling the trigger.

I have a lot of .22's. One thing about a Ruger MK series is there are PLENTY of aftermarket parts, including grips. I like the Hogue Monogrip as shown on one of my MK3's here:

If both lefties and righties will be shooting it, be sure and avoid one with the thumbrest. Altamont makes nice wooden grips:

as well as some that work better for smaller hands:


By all means, if you like the Ruger Marks, don't let the grip that comes stock on a particular model scare you away! There are lots more to choose from, and few are very expensive.

[Foriegn power]

Get a .22LR, it'll be dead proof. Even with zero cleaning I'm sure the bad boy will still shoot!

[morrcarr67]

Colt Woodsman, Challenger, Huntsmen or Targetsman. All are C&R and roster exempt.

[cqbdude]

Ruger MK 2 or 3
They are inexpensive and lots of accesories out there..
Also reliable and accurate..

[santamonica9]

SoCalman, come to the Tactical Turkey Shoot and bring you wife and I will give her time on my:
Buckmark
Sig Mosquito
ATI 1911 22lr
I am sure a Calgunner will bring Rugers

you can use my Sig Mosuito - 9 shot 22 revolver or any of my 4 .22 rifles at the TacTurkeyShoot @ Burro Nov 13

[Kodachrome]

Turner's ad was taking deposits on the new Ruger SP-101 .22lr. Price was around $350,
expected delivery stated was 2 weeks. Something I was interested in myself.
Correction- the Ruger Sp101 in 22lr was $540. My bad -Just wishful thinking

[k1dude]

The Walther P22 or GSG 1911 are my recommendations.

Many women don't like the Ruger because it's heavy. The Ruger's appearance and operation is also a little more unusual and quirky (although the P22 has the weird mag release). It sure is accurate though.

The P22 is much lighter and fits their smaller hands well. They also think it's cute and non-threatening (especially in pink). But as previously mentioned, it's not very accurate. It's fun to shoot though, and that's pretty important.

I just purchased the GSG 1911 (in jail), so I have no first hand experience other than handling it in the shop. It's heavy like the Ruger. The nice thing is if she likes it and gets used to it, she can easily graduate to a 9mm 1911 without a hitch. Evidently it's pretty accurate as well.

I also like the GSG and Walther because they more closely resemble most semi-auto's on the market today in appearance and operation. Operational familiarity is a good thing for a beginner.

[Blue Ridge Reef]

P22s are accurate enough! They have way too wide a rear sight, and have mounted it in such a way that aftermarket sights are almost impossible, though. But you can tear a ragged hole with one with some practice. They're a good looking gun, too and as K1 said, easy to operate. I like the Walther mag release location, you never accidentally drop a mag -and I own P99's. Check out the P22 bible if you get one -just a couple little contact points to polish and it will be a better gun.

[Socalman]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! It seems to be a bit like pizza....everyone has their preference on what is good. I think the best suggestion is to go to a range that rents a variety of 22s and rent and let her find the one.

[TheExpertish]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! It seems to be a bit like pizza....everyone has their preference on what is good. I think the best suggestion is to go to a range that rents a variety of 22s and rent and let her find the one.

I concur.

[Socalman]

Update on my search. I looked at several and for me I just did not like the feel of the Ruger. I feel in lust with the Sig Mosquito. It felt like it was designed to fit my hand! Today at a local shop in Duarte (Gunrunners) I learned about the GSG1911 and it is also of great interest.

So many guns, so little time!

[Ricky-Ray]

Sig Mosquito, GSG 1911 and that new Ruger 22 revolver are on my list of things to buy. Another option if you already have a 1911, you can get a conversion kit for it.

Like a few other's have said, if you have time on Nov 13 come up to the tactical turkey shoot at Burro Canyon and I'm sure there will be plenty of 22's up there and fellow calgunner's that will let you have a try or two at them.

[Xtracrispy]

I too wouldn't mind owning a Mosquito, .22 1911, and .22 revolver.

Update on my search. I looked at several and for me I just did not like the feel of the Ruger. I feel in lust with the Sig Mosquito. It felt like it was designed to fit my hand! Today at a local shop in Duarte (Gunrunners) I learned about the GSG1911 and it is also of great interest.

So many guns, so little time!

The feel is one of the reasons I bought the Mosquito. But I can't pick it up until tuesday. If you have not purchased one by then ill be happy to let you know my initial impressions.

[sequoia_nomad]

If it feels right and you shoot it well, and it's not a jam-o-matic, that's all that matters. Buy what you like, and you will be happiest in the long run.