Need help picking a 22

[M00ND0G]

My GF and I are going to be moving into a new apt. soon and we have decided a weapon should move in with us. My opinion on 22's are they can be used in HD, just not preferred (I will be adding more "variety" to the collection later). I wanted something that can be range fun as well and my experience in firearms is limited to my time in the Army... Beretta M9, AR-15/M4. We are starting with a 22 because it is cheap and will do the job until I can give it a family.

So far we've handled the P22, SR22, and a Sig Mosquito. My must have is an ambi mag release, I'm a lefty and she is a wrongy. I can drop mags fine with my trigger finger with a left side release, however I have to observe myself doing so to find the darn thing (this lost me points often on my pistol quals in the service for my quick mag drills).

The P22 looks and feels great, however I've been reading it has a zinc slide and can be prone to cracking. She is absolutely in love with this one. Just wandering if a cerakoted (or some other process) slide would strengthen the cheapo metal and save us a headache? If so it will be the winner.

SR22's grip angle felt awkward, but I'm sure it can be something I can get used to. Also I have some unknown dislike about Ruger's as a whole, not really sure where it stems from. She is 50/50 on it more in favor of the P22. (We handled in KS before I ETS'd, I know it's off roster now and I'm not willing to SSE a 22)

We both like the Mosquito however I can't find any info if there is a kit to make this an ambi mag release. The Sig 1911 22 was another option, and I know there are ambi mag release options out there for 1911, however I don't know if they will work for the Sig's 1911 22.

Budget is TBD as with all girls...

Thanks for your input in advance!

-M00ND0G

[Excaliburr]

It really seems like you decided with your own thread and it is on the p22. Of the ones you mentioned I would go with the Ruger SR22 and find a good used one for PPT. Personally, there are better .22's out there like the Browning Buckmark Camper and the Ruger Mark III or Ruger 22/45. If I were buying just one it would be the Browning due to quality, price and value for what you get. I know you are left handed, whereas most of us are right handed, but we all have issues we have to overcome. Mine is left eye dominance. Maybe you should consider a revolver? BTW you can always use segmented rounds in your .22LR and they are pretty darn potent according to the tests I have seen. Good luck on your decision and be safe!

[mnichols]

I hear mosquitos are picky with ammo, sr22 are hard to find at a reasonable price.

check out the s&w m&p 22

Just my opinion...

[Shak180]

1. Mosquito's are not picky with ammo.

Quality 40 grain high velocity (1235-1260 fps) copper plated round nose.

There's a good half dozen to dozen ammo that can be used in that category.


2. Mosquito does not have ambidextrous magazine release - so no go there.


3. If a zinc slide fails or frame cracks.

It's probably because someone is shooting hyper velocity ammo through it - such as CCI Stingers or Aguila Interceptor or Aguila SuperMaximum. Stick with high velocity (1235-1260 fps) and it should work out fine.

The Mosquito and just about any semi-auto pistol in lieu of manufacturer OK will suffer under the use of hyper velocity ammunition.

Stick with high velocity - unless the manufacturer gives you an OK to go hyper.

Sounds like you'll be buying the P22.

Have to say though the Sig 1911 (if it can be converted to ambidextrous mag release) would be a nice option.

=8-)

If the weapon can not handle any ammo you throw at it then by definition it is "picky" about the ammo it eats.

I just jailed a Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX myself. From all the reviews I read and watched it's up there as one of the best in the category of .22LR handguns.

[CSACANNONEER]

As a lefty I don't worry about ambi mag releases. I just use my index finger. My thumbs are too short to use a LH safety or mag release anyway. As always, I can only recommend the proven Ruger semi auto series (MKII, MKIII, 22-45s, etc. but not the new fangled SR22 because, it hasn't been proven to last) and Browning Buckmarks. Both of these will last for generations of use.

As far as your girl goes, if she is not a proficient shooter, get her to a Women on Target course if you can.

[Jimi Jah]

I have a Colt M4 .22LR, but it is a PITA to clean. I'd much rather shoot one of my AR's with a .22LR bolt. That is fun and easy to clean.

Buy one AR, get both .223 and .22LR bolts, skin two cats at once.

[M00ND0G]

As a lefty I don't worry about ambi mag releases. I just use my index finger. My thumbs are too short to use a LH safety or mag release anyway. As always, I can only recommend the proven Ruger semi auto series (MKII, MKIII, 22-45s, etc. but not the new fangled SR22 because, it hasn't been proven to last) and Browning Buckmarks. Both of these will last for generations of use.

As far as your girl goes, if she is not a proficient shooter, get her to a Women on Target course if you can.

Thanks, yea I may have misguided her in army shorthand handling, she wants to take a course, I'll let her know.

[M00ND0G]

Have to say though the Sig 1911 (if it can be converted to ambidextrous mag release) would be a nice option.

=8-)

I'll have to take her in and see if she likes the 1911 frame, I'm starting to lean that way...

[CSACANNONEER]

Thanks, yea I may have misguided her in army shorthand handling, she wants to take a course, I'll let her know.

If you are in the greater los angeles, the CGSSA is hosting WOT classes about once a month. You can find out more in the ladies forum or the NRA website.

[uxo2]

Ruger Mk series.

New P22s are not an issue unless you feed it
Hyper velocity stuff.

The P22 I have is from 05.
I did have to do the P22 fix. FTF...FTE..
Now it runs with my Rugers.

Eats everything no issues.
Its the wifes gun. She loves it.

As for the Mosquito.
IMHO
keep walking.
The manufacture states that you feed it
CCI miniMags.
When is the last time you saw MiniMags.
They do have issues.

[gl17gl21]

I just purchased a P22 last month all I will say is it is on it's way back to Walther for light primer strikes the pistol only has 300 round thru it.

[Occams Rasor]

I have both the Sig Mosquito and buckmark. Enjoy shooting both. In a HD situation, I would grab the buckmark first. I just have more faith in it. That is just me. Others may disagree.
If you decide to go the 1911 route, also look at the GSG 1911. I think it is the same as Sig 1911/22, just a little cheaper since it does not say SIG on the side.

Best of luck, be safe.

[thenodnarb]

Wrong!

YOU the owner of the firearm are are the picky one.

You are choosing from the following attitudes:


A. The firearms should shoot whatever I want whenever I want.
B. The firearms should shoot whatever it is designed for.
C. I the owner/operator expect the firearm to adjust to me.
D. I the owner/operator adjust to the firearm.
E. A & C
F. B & D


Unfortunately, too many people go with "A", "C" or "E" and then proceed to blame the firearm in question when it does not function properly or breaks.

=8-)

Sig mosquitos suck.

[MyOdessa]

Wrong!

YOU the owner of the firearm are are the picky one.

You are choosing from the following attitudes:


A. The firearms should shoot whatever I want whenever I want.
B. The firearms should shoot whatever it is designed for.
C. I the owner/operator expect the firearm to adjust to me.
D. I the owner/operator adjust to the firearm.
E. A & C
F. B & D


Unfortunately, too many people go with "A", "C" or "E" and then proceed to blame the firearm in question when it does not function properly or breaks.

=8-)

We all know by now that you are a shill for the Sig Mosquito, hardly any need to re-state your views every time someone mentions Mosquito.

[Furncliff]

I bought a well used GSG 1911-22, same as the Sig. It works well for warming up before switching to the 1911-45. I've had no unusall problems with it and my daughter likes it because it's a clone of her 1911-45 but much lighter. Don't forget that just about all the 1911 grips will fit, so you can tailor the grip fit to your girls hand. I chose these...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/604649/pachmayr-american-legend-grip-with-finger-grooves-1911-government-commander-rosewood-with-rubber-wraparound

There are aftermarket parts available that can improve the accuracy of these guns.

http://www.cwaccessories.com/

I have their performance kit, it works as advertised and simplifies the takedown. I also have their new slide.


The only aftermarket 1911 parts I've switched was a slide stop. No problem.