a .22 for the wife? Update - Purchased

[fredridge]

took my wife to an indoor gun range this morning, this was her first time indoors. Most other times we have have done outdoor with some friends, shotguns, high caliber rifles and some handguns.

She had a good time, but wasn't that into the hot sun, tiring days and larger guns

I took my 9mm and 10/22, she had a good time, but the 9mm was a little big for her.

she liked it and said if she had something a little easier to shoot she would do it more often.

There was a guy next to us was shooting a Walther .22. She didn't shoot it, but held it and liked the way it feels.

I am thinking of getting her a .22.

I am looking for recommendations.

under $400, cheaper the better

Reliable, safe and easy to load

I have been reading some threads and a little worried about some things I read and I don't know a ton about guns, so want to make the right decision.

I don't care whether poly or metal -

I saw a S&W in the sale section and it is local to us, so that might an options. I am very open to used if reliable and can save money.

thanks

[Chaos47]

Ruger MK and 22/45 series or Browning Buckmark.
Stay away from the "tactical" style ones and stick with the proven ones.

[Excaliburr]

The Ruger that compares most to the one she held is the new Ruger SR-22 Pistol. Check those out and they are usually within your budget at Turners. Good guns, probably better then that Walther and not as heavy/bulky as the Ruger Mark III. Don't get me wrong, I like the Ruger Mark III and 22/45 + the Browning Buckmark, but I do not think they are right for you in this situation/price range etc.

[c good]

Browning Buckmark.

P.S. You better change the title to this before your "Wide" reads this...

[fredridge]

title edited - thanks.

Ok, the SR22 is on sale at Turners - I will try and get her to go check it out while it's on sale

I don't see any specials on the buck mark, but we will see how she likes that one too

what about the S&W 22a? would the barrel be to long for good balance? how about reliability? - a little cheaper and I see a used one local in market place?

[Tank 57]

Title still sounds like you are looking for a trade.LOL

[Ron-Solo]

Browning Buckmark, Ruger MK III (standard or 22/45), Ruger SR22, S&W 22A, are all excellent pistols. For revolvers, the Ruger Single Six is proven since the 1950's, along with any Smith & Wesson revolver, but they can get expensive. Taurus makes some nice revolvers too.

[CaFFeineSouLja]

I was able to convince my wife into buying herself an SR22 to go shooting with me since she can't handle the kick or size of the larger caliber pistols. We just went to the gun store to see if she liked the size, feel, and trigger pull of the gun which she did so she just purchased one online. Can't wait because I was the one who really wants the gun lol.

[AK47American]

Sig Masquito.

[CharlesV]

SR22 was the best choice. The Buckmark is too similar to the MkIII in weight and feeling. So, ok good work!
(and yes we all knew it was really for you )

[fredridge]

I would need at least an AR or something nicer, she is a pretty great wife.

Title still sounds like you are looking for a trade.LOL

Probably take her this afternoon to look

[SixOnTheFloor]

I own a Mosquito and it does feel good in my hand and is fun to shoot.

However, after about 3,500 rounds of many different types of .22 ammo including CCI Mini Mags, I still can't get past about 150 rounds without having it start to jam.

A cleaning and oiling, and then it's good for another 150.

I know this is just my own personal experience, and others seem to have better luck with the Mosquito, but I would recommend one of the Ruger .22
pistols or the S&W 22a for someone just starting to shoot.

[!@#$]

Ruger MK and 22/45 series or Browning Buckmark.
Stay away from the "tactical" style ones and stick with the proven ones.

this plus an ultimate clip loader.

[Ripon83]

I gave my wife a ppk/s 22 last year, she liked it fine but loves the light weight little SR 22 we just got.

[Izzy43]

I would pass on the S&W 22A for your wife. It is twice as heavy as an SR22 and the grips are rather large. I own one and like it but my wife just couldn't handle the weight and the large grips. It's accurate and reliable but in this case I think its the wrong choice.

Wife has and loves the SR22. Shoots any ammo, no jams or misfeeds. Over 1000 rounds before I cleaned it and it wasn't that dirty. Only thing I don't like about it is the trigger take up in the single action mode and the double action trigger is really heavy. Nice trigger once you get used to it, breaks clean and crisp.