info request: .22 pistol for the wife

[psychophd]

Hi all,

So my wife was surprised in that she enjoyed the range a bit more than she expected, but didn't like the kick from my 9mm. She liked my 10/22, but thought I would try a .22 pistol.

I was thinking about the Ruger, but am confused by the options - Mk I,II,III? 10/45? Is there a thread/site/whatever that would clarify the differences, and any recommendations?

I like the Walther P22 in that the mag release is similar to my P30, but don't know about reliability/accuracy. Ideally I'd like something under $300 used, or ideally if I could trade for my Benelli Nova 12ga. Am I being realistic?

Thanks!

[BushcraftToday]

I was set on the 10/45 until I put it on hand. The MK III was much more comfortable, with still great reviews. So, what I would recommend is letting her handle a few and see which you both agree feels best to you. I did that with my wife's .40, we fired about 7 different ones till she found the one that felt best to her. Good luck!


Sent from my Tactical Communication Device.

[SoCal Bob]

The two most common Ruger semi auto rimfires are the 22/45 and the SR22. Either of these should provide a lifetime of service.

[bishop2queen's6]

SR22 all the way. I put 1000 rds through mine today and was getting great groups. Super light weight, great trigger. Love the DA/SS action. Only issues were from a few bad eggs you would expect in a bulk box of .22

[VegasND]

If this is primarily for her then let her pick. My wife has always shot my guns but a couple of years ago she asked to see a Walther P22. I know a few people who have them but have never liked them. She bought it despite my misgivings and she loves it; she used it to qualify for her CCW.

It has been much more dependable than I expected and has over 2000 rounds through it. I've even become somewhat used to its grip.

In retrospect, not arguing her out of it was probably a great move.

[psychophd]

Good point guys - I plan to let her choose, but want to be knowledgeable before I head to the store.

[twoforme2]

I bought the SR22 to introduce my wife to shooting, she absolutely loves it. She took like a duck to water with that in her hand

[John Browning]

I have quite a few .22 pistols:

Buckmark 5.5 Field
Glock 26 Advantage Arms
H&R Sportsman (pre-WWII single action)
S&W 617
S&W K22

The favorite for new shooters is always one of the revolvers. The tendancy for .22 autos to be very ammo sensitive and jam means that the new guys and gals get more shooting time and less time learning to clear jams.

[villageidiot]

ive got the S&W 22a, picked it up at turners last month for less than 280 all in

my wife, like yours did not like shooting my 9mm or my brothers 45, so i got this gun, because it was....

cheapish, but felt nice in the hand
cheap to shoot
didn't feel like a little toy, i wear a 4xl glove, so most 22 handguns feel like cap guns in my hand, this one feels solid.

i took my wife to the range with me to "break it in" and she ran 150+ rounds thru it and loved it.

not saying its better, or worse, just worth a look.

[bobgengeskahn]

I've got a Buckmark URX and my girlfriend loves shooting it. I grew up learning on a MKII and ultimately decided on the Buckmark for a few reasons. Firstly I liked the aftermarket for the Buckmark and the comparable ease of take-down, although I understand that a lot of that has been fixed with the newer models. Secondly it was just more comfortable. When I was deciding it came down to the Buckmark or a Ruger because I do like both of them, but the Buckmark was just easier for me to manipulate and naturally level.

[psychophd]

Is there a thread that details the differences of the Rugers? I'm leaning towards autos so the manual of arms is easier for my wife if we switch her to my pistols.

Are the Rugers more difficult than others to clean? Vs. Walthers or others?

Thanks again!

[glockman19]

There are sooooo....many options....
First off, any S&W or Ruger Revolver in .22LR J-frame, L Frame they're all good
Second, A Ruger MkIII, many barrel lengths to choose from, Excellent Semi Auto
Third, If you already own a Glock, 1911 or Beretta 92/96 you can get a .22LR conversion kit.

I no longer own a Revolver in .22lr but have had the S&W 617 in 4" and a 317 in 3".
I Do still have a Ruger MkIII Hunter 6 7/8" barrel Fluted and it is a Great target gun.
I also have .22LR conversion kits for my Glocks, 1911 and Beretta 92/96fs

[Ifticar]

Walther PP

[AR22]

Well for what it is worth I bought the wife a little Ruger SR22. Nice little Handgun that runs about every cheap bulk ammo brand out there..I have read some people having problems with real early ones but hers runs great.

[ThortheDog]

Is there a thread that details the differences of the Rugers? I'm leaning towards autos so the manual of arms is easier for my wife if we switch her to my pistols.

Are the Rugers more difficult than others to clean? Vs. Walthers or others?

Thanks again!

Ruger Mark III and 22/45 seem to give lots of people trouble on reassembly. Personally, I don't think it is so much because they are difficult as it is because they are different from what most of us are used to. As long as you follow the directions carefully (manual or a number of online videos) it shouldn't be that hard.

Can't speak to any of the other pistols mentioned.