need a .22 for steel challenge

[gunfan74]

@ NytWolf, I've looked at the walther p22's I love the way they feel in my hand, though haven't seen one with the comp on the end. I've heard mixed things about reliability on these. Also a friend of mine had a walther g22, which I believe is the same action, but in a carbine stock. His almost never fed reliably even with CCI mini mags.

[PoorRichRichard]

Re: S&W 22a

Yes, the 22a shoots EVERTHING I put through it. I've used CCI blazers, Fed bulk, CCI Mini Mags, Fed Lighting, and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. I like CCI Blazers the best because they are fairly clean, and I can find then consistently for $20 a box (525 rounds).

Also, if you can ever find someone selling an off list S&W 422 via PPT with a 6" barrel (I can't speak to the 4" and 2" barreled versions as I've never fired them), buy the hell outta that gun!!! Best feeling and most accurate 22 I've ever shot.

[kmca]

Too bad for you, they moved the World Championship to Florida and you missed the regional this year, or you could check out the guns. I'd guess you've probably been to Piru to check things out.

As for cost, don't forget to add in the 4 or 5 extra magazines you'll probably need.

[gunfan74]

Yeah I've ran the Piru course. IDPA is becoming more and more addicting...

[kmca]

Yeah I've ran the Piru course. IDPA is becoming more and more addicting...

IDPA??? Don't they do the Challenge there anymore

[Izzy43]

Check out S&W 22a. Upgrade to aftermarket sights if you are going to use iron sights. If you wanna go red dot, the 22a already has the rail on the gun. I'm getting. Red do for mine soon. Great gun, reliable, and accurate. Shop around, and you can find them for under $250.

+1 ^^^. I have a 22A and it is very reliable using any type of bulk ammo or STD Velocity. Never had a failure in over 2000 rounds. Easly to clean, has an integral rail for optics, inexpensive with a lifetime warranty. Accuracy is very good. Down side is cheap plastic (thick) grips but you get used to it.

[XVIga_Rob]

I bought a Buck Mark Plus UDX and love it!!! Good looking, reliable, and accurate!! It eats all .22lr that I've tried, and rocks the Federal 550 bulk.

[gunfan74]

@ kmca, yes they still run IDPA at Piru.

http://isishootists.com/

@ Izzy43 and @ PoorRichRichard, do you know if the S&W 22A is on the California Roster?

[macxd]

The best will be a RUGER MK III pistol or a Browning Buckmark.

This. Best bang for your buck. And yes, S&W 22A is on the roster. They can be had for $250-$300 from what I've seen.

[Kestryll]

@ kmca, yes they still run IDPA at Piru.

http://isishootists.com/

@ Izzy43 and @ PoorRichRichard, do you know if the S&W 22A is on the California Roster?

Yes, they are on the roster I have one I bought not too long ago.
I'm not sure I'm keeping it though, it shoots fine I just much prefer my customized 22/45. The 22A doesn't fit my hand as well and I really like that the 22/45 feels like a 1911.

Of course the built in rail on the 22A is a very cool feature.

[Izzy43]

Just saw one in Turner's in San Marcos last week. For the $$$ I think it is a good choice. Gotta tell ya that mine has never failed using any ammo. Heavy in the hand but an accurate shooter. Can't beat the warranty.

[Excelsior]

No one asked you a very important question. Are you going to be shooting "open" (dots/optics) or "limited" (iron sights)? I would want at least a 5" barrel for a decent sight radius if I was shooting limited.

Without question the Ruger MKI-III and 22/45 will feed more reliably than anything else. I thought the 22/45 Hunter with a 6 7/8" fluted barrel and fiber optic sights was just about the perfect limited gun. Unfortunately Ruger stopped making the model.

Ruger does make a 5.5" 22/45 which is a great gun but the model with removable grips is not on the roster. The model with integral grips might feel a bit "thin" to some.

As far as the Ruger SR22 for SC? No -- not even with optics.

[Excelsior]

This. Best bang for your buck. And yes, S&W 22A is on the roster. They can be had for $250-$300 from what I've seen.

S&W 22a's are not as reliable in competition as the Rugers, however. Nor are the M41's.

[Excelsior]

Take a look at the Walther P22 also.

The reliability of the weapon compared to the Ruger would make me choose the Ruger.

[PoorRichRichard]

+1 ^^^. I have a 22A and it is very reliable using any type of bulk ammo or STD Velocity. Never had a failure in over 2000 rounds. Easly to clean, has an integral rail for optics, inexpensive with a lifetime warranty. Accuracy is very good. Down side is cheap plastic (thick) grips but you get used to it.

Smith among others make aftermarket wood grips:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_758005_-1_757843_757837_image

I don't think custom grips would be all that hard to make given a few simple woodworking tools, sandpaper, and some elbow grease.