Help me with a rimfire semi-auto pistol choice please!

[superchicken]

Hey all! I 've decided I need to get one but have a hard time to settle on a particular make and model. It is not a first handgun I 'll be getting - have a couple of Glocks and CZs and never had a similar dilemma before I purchased them but here I 'm stumbling.

I 've been under impression and possibly a wrong one for that matter that only dedicated 22 models, the ones with exposed barrels a la Ruger MKII/III, Smith 22A, Buckmark etc. are good and reliable specimens in this class and that the bigger caliber gun look-a-likes aren't that great. After doing some reading lately though it looks that at least some of them are not bad, like Ruger SR22 for example and I think I 'm willing to go in that direction as well if that's the case. I 'm aware that particular firearm isn't on the roster any more.

One more thing to consider. Since I have some full size models, should it be wiser to invest in a conversion kit in this case to practice with the same gun and build up muscle memory? They usually run around three bills though at least which is almost a price of some 22 pistols and I 'm not even sure if stuff like that is available for the models I have (17&75). I will be getting a S&W M&P, most likely in .40 in the future so if anything is available for that model it may make it a deal for me. Or should I get an M&P22 then? Are they good? I held one today at a store and it felt like a real M&P with a medium backstrap and a thumb safety, felt solid. I also see those ISSC M22 that resemble Glocks. Are those any good? Oh yea, did I tell you that I 'm lost here?

[Pauliedad]

Hey superchicken,
I did a bunch of looking around and handling when I was on my .22semi mission. Liked the look of the gsg but the finish was so so. Sig mosquito, same thing. Thought about a conversion too but realized by time I got done with extra mags it was actually more. I did not like the smaller framed ones like Walther p22 so I ended up with the M&P 22. I like it. It's still a .22 and friends seem to like to shoot it more than I do. I've come to realize I really enjoy the feel of any gun with some kick. I have electric staplers that have more pop than a .22 semiauto.
Good luck.

[Chaos47]

After firing my friends Sig Mosquito on multiple outings and stripping it I can say these two things about them and won't even touch upon their reliability.
1 They have the worst trigger I have ever felt. Period.
2 Their design is atrocious. You know how those Umarex "Colt" AR-15 style stand alone 22LR rifles are like poorly designed firearm internals shoved into an airsoft body? Same thing here with the Sig.

OP stick with the full size proven pistols like the Ruger MK series or the Browning Buckmark. Stay away from (pretty much all) the micro tacticool style pistols.

[Izzy43]

Try not to buy a pistol that is ammo dependent to be reliable. Ruger MkIII, Buckmark or S&W 22A are good choices in my book. I own a 22A and it has been good and accurate with any ammo I have used. I think the Ruger and Buckmark are a step up in quality. The 22A has a lifetime warranty to the original owner, one reason I bought it.

[sd_shooter]

I have a Ruger MkII Target and an SR22.

The MkII:
- A PITA to load, but I have the fast loader bin so that makes it easier
- Very accurate, a natural pointer
- Very reliable, will eat anything
- A PITA to take apart.
- Great trigger
- Hardly any kick, like a laser
- Beautiful blue, reminds me of a Luger and that's what my wife calls it

The SR22:
- Not 100% reliable with any ammo, but getting better with age. Likes high power loads, not bulk.
- Meh trigger, requires much concentration
- Relatively easy takedown
- Mags easy to load, but no loader tool yet
- Realistic 'kick'
- Looks like a modern semiauto, most people really like it

If I had to pick between the two, I'd take the MkII simply because it's a smooth shooter.

[Intimid8tor]

I didn't read all the other posts, but here are my thoughts.

For the record, I own a P22, M&P22, SR22, 22/45 Mkii and a 22/45 Mkiii. I also used to have a conversion for a glock 22.

I also don't know which ones you can get in California and which ones you can't. I don't keep up on that any more.

Depending on what you want to do with it.

If you want it to look and act like your other pistols, get an M&P22. One of my favorite to shoot. Accurate, likes automatch bulk ammo and looks and feels (except lighter) like other pistols I own. I have used it a fair amount in steel challenge and it does well for me.

If you intend to do more competition with it, steel challenge or bullseye, consider a Ruger Mkiii or 22/45 mkiii. If you buy one, make sure you get a model with replaceable grip panels so you can change the grips. For under $100 you can add a nice trigger and have a lot of fun with it. There are also a bazillion options for customizing it later on.

You can also include a Browning Buckmark in this category if you prefer. The Buckmark Hunter is a fine looking pistol. I have never fired one so I don't have experience with them.

The SR22 is fun. I shot it in steel challenge for a while. It is pretty small and more snappy due to it's size. The only marks against it have to do with it's size and with the wear I see on the bottom of the slide. After 800-1000 rounds, I wouldn't expect to see that wear. They may have sorted these issues out, but I would still choose the M&P over it.

[44fred]

#1 Agree

#2 You're waaay out of line on that one.

The Sig Mosquito is a well constructed firearm for what you're paying for it. It's not a gun that has to be "cleaned up" and "finished" like the Phoenix HP22A that costs 150.00 less.

It would help if in the future - you evaluate a firearm that you've purchased so that you aren't comparing apples versus oranges on the cost part of the equation.

=8-)

No need to purchase to do an evaluation. The web is full of respected critics like Hickhock 45, Gun Blast etc. They have guns sent to them to evaluate, they don't own them unless they choose to do so.
The mosquito has a pretty bad reputation from what I have been told/read. Some of the evaluations were from friends that live, eat and sleep "Sig". They did not listen to the negetive reports and bought one anyway. After a few range sessions, they sold them.
Believe me, I would have already bought one if it wasn't so. Maybe Sig can make a high end 22lr pistol instead of contracting out.

Like the Walther P22, maybe Sig has made some improvements, I don't know.

OP
What is your budget? Keep your eyes open for a used Smith 41, you will be happy for life with your purchase. Plenty of quality revolvers out there as well.
Keep an open mind and do your research.

[redcliff]

The old High Standard target pistols were great shooters with amazing trigger pulls too if you happen to come across a nice used one.

I have to admit though that for .22 handguns my favorite is still the S&W K22 revolver variants. Accurate, no feeding issues, great triggers; I find them fun and relaxing to shoot.

[GunHo]

i went through a similar debate between the sr22 and mp22. I shot both before deciding. As others mentioned, the sr22 is small, which explains a snappier recoil, but it shots well and not too picky with ammo. The mp22 felt much better which is what I ended up getting. Based on the reviews, the mp22 eats everything. Will shoot it gor the 1st time tomorrow

[Gutz]

GSG 1911-22 for the win. You will love it.

[m98]

are you looking to use it for precision or hunting. if so ruger and buckmarks wins hands down. steer clear of the sig crapola 22's. if u just need it to go bang, there are better options.

[m98]

Another offhand subjective evaluation without any objectives details provided...

...wonderful.

=8-)

i see......bandwagon much?........i wonder how many threads are on the interweb bout issues with this so called 22pistol ur defending against......not just that. my personal experience along with ALL of the fellas i know personally that has gotten this pistol and has chosen to get rid of it or just toss in the safe. mostly its becuz the damn thing is a jamomatic as well as being ammo picky. Fyi, ALL the guys i know that owns a 22pistol for the purpose of hunting or comp shootin has switched to mk's and buckmrk's. also explain why exactly such so called fine firearms like this has barely any aftermarket support like from volquartsen?.........bottomline is the gun Aint Worth its pricetag. if it was worth its pricetag then it'll have something goin on for it.

[SOAR79]

ISSC??

[GunHo]

I too have read many reviews from mosquito owners about the jam issues. No doubt that it shoots well with the right ammo, but why have a picky gun that only eats a limited type of ammo that may not always be available. Nothing against Sig; i own several. But the ammo issue was a deal breaker for me and obviously for many others.

[Chaos47]

#1 Agree

#2 You're waaay out of line on that one.

The Sig Mosquito is a well constructed firearm for what you're paying for it. It's not a gun that has to be "cleaned up" and "finished" like the Phoenix HP22A that costs 150.00 less.

It would help if in the future - you evaluate a firearm that you've purchased so that you aren't comparing apples versus oranges on the cost part of the equation.

=8-)

"You're waaay out of line on that one."?
Really?
"It's not a gun that has to be "cleaned up" and "finished" "
Really?

I said design. Not construction.
The materials of the construction seem fine when you hold it. But then again there are plenty reports of cracked slides out there. And for the money I would not expect it to have extra flashing like the HP22A does.

Like I said the design is horrible. The internals are not how a firearm should look. I don't need to own one to know that. I have personally taken one apart.

Heres a photo that show some of the internals:
Note this is not my photograph it was taken from a guide to remove the magazine disconnect that can be found here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=580360

and here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/gun...un-thingy.html
So please disregard the text.


"It would help if in the future - you evaluate a firearm that you've purchased so that you aren't comparing apples versus oranges on the cost part of the equation."
Really?
I do my research before I buy something.
Unfortunately my friend did not and regrets it now.
I have first hand experience with a multitude of 22LR pistols. I don't have to own the Sig to know first hand what I know about it.
Apples to oranges or not sometimes it's worth spending more money.

BTW I think thats enough posts about Sig Mosquito when the OP didn't even ask about it.