SOLD

[MaHoTex]

Any Ruger Mk III that is not a 22/45, or Ruger SP101

This gets my vote.

[rambutan316]

I would personally go with a pre-lock Smith and Wesson Model 17 or 18. They will continue to hold their value, and possibly appreciate, over time. They are truly classic handguns and some of the best ever made.

[Thefeeder]

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[kajvid]

1973 with about 60 rounds fired. But, I do not mind putting more through it. You can find unfired examples on GB. You can break it in!

Might be the COOLEST .22 ever made.

[Steve G]

what you are after is a smith & wesson k- 22.
pre stainless, pre trigger lock b.s.. the fit and finish, accuracy, reliability, resale value, target sights and rep for being the best ever made. way over built in order to be like the outdoorsman in every way but caliber. (same size and weight)

the same basic gun was made in .38, .32 & .22. if you want to thrill and amaze your decendants get ahold of a k-32. (major grail gun)


i like the high standard & colt woodsman for auto's, fun to shoot but not "heirloom" material.

my personal heirloom .22 is a smith & wesson "bekeart" or "heavy frame target" in original bekeart configuration. it was the first pistol chambered in .22 long rifle. it's a much smaller frame size than a k-22 and not that actively collected so it can be had for less than most other old smiths.

what you want is an old smith, don't settle.

Meh, I'd rather have a NEW 617 4" stainless.

[Dattebayo]

My vote is for a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger Mark III standard or 22/45. They are super accurate pistols and really teaches the basic handgun techniques really well. You get the satisfaction of hitting what you aim at.

[Magazineman]

Something made of solid machined steel. Not plastic. I'd go with a Woodsman or High Standard.

[Tinknocker]

Most any popular name .22 will outlast you and your children's children. My brother in law has his dad's Ruger single six with 5xxx serial no. and it still is a great gun wish I could buy it!

[b.thomas]

Any made by Ruger, Smith and Wesson.....................especially any of the older models.

[TMB 1]

Ruger Single Six or Ruger Bearcat

[Remus]

Barring that you do not have the 22 that your father taught you to shoot on I'd look at any of the following. Ruger Mk series,
Edit: Noted that you said handgun. I recommend a blued Ruger MK I/II/III can be either bull barrel or standard.

CZ 452 Scout, Browning SA, Browning BLR, an older Marlin 39A, or a Winchester Gallery gun. What is most important though is you take them out and use it with them. I don't see why any of the aforementioned wont last a long time. The keepsakes in my family are the ones my grandfather hunted with; the ones my dad hunted with; etc.

[rkt88edmo]

For something like that I would just go all steel and wood.

I feel like a there are a lot of ways to skin that cat.

My Ruger MkII and bearcats both would fit the bill for me for pistols. For rifles the pump action Winchesters rule the roost, second choice would be Marlin 39A or M

Get a well proven model from a major manufacturer and you can't go too wrong.

[x-007]

Like several others, my vote goes to the Smith & Wesson model 41, but they ARE expensive. Used 41's are going for the LOW of about $700, and new they are at least $1,200.....IF you can find them! They have been in back-order for as long as I can remember, and shooters that buy them don't want to sell them. I bought mine in used, but excellent (95%) condition many years ago for only $100, and that was quite a deal, even back then.

[Sutcliffe]

been mentioned before and pricey

But worth the investment.

Colt Woodsman.

[beerman]

HaHa...no kid ever learned to shoot with that one!..Doesn't look like anyone has shot it. Prettiest 22 pistol ever made.