Solid semi-auto .22 handgun?

[NorCalAthlete]

Aside from conversion kits for Glocks, what's a good reliable semi-auto handgun out there? I've heard mixed reviews on the Walther P22 and Ruger SR22s, plus those are the same price as a blue label Glock for me - or damn near anyway. What's something that's going to go bang every single time that I can use to teach newbies to shoot with? I know there's the MK3, but that's even more expensive.

I'd like something along those lines though so that it's easier for new shooters to transition from a .22 handgun to a 9mm at the range. Currently I've just been borrowing a friend's Walther P22 when we take new shooters, but I'd like something of my own.

[echoThreeOneSix]

I recently fired a few at a range here in Tampa, the SR-22 was absolute crap. It could have been abused at the range and the sights were off, but overall I didn't care for it.

I really enjoyed shooting the m&p 22. it felt more realistic and seems to handle better. both experienced some issues with feeds and extractions but were both about equal on that front.

i'm seriously looking into purchasing a m&p 22 compact for my son.

[CSACANNONEER]

The two time proven, budget minded ones which are in current production are the Browning Buckmark series and the Ruger MK series (including 45-22s).

[Chaos47]

Solid and reliable come with (some) cost.
I'll echo CSA..
Ruger MK Series and the Browning Buckmark are the best currently produced 22LR semi autos in that price range.

A blue label Glock is what mid 400's? You should be able to find basic taper and bull barrel model MK3 and 22/45 for less than that.. unless them dropping off the roster has upped their value that much. The other hard thing is finding them used... generally people hold onto them.

[cudakidd]

We have a Walther 22 in our shooting program...shoots EVERYTHING without a hiccup, no jams yet!

Great for kids and women with small hands, replaceable back straps, different barrel lengths...a great plinking, first 22 to own...

We use it as a loaner in our Steel Challenge matches...

[Occams Rasor]

The two time proven, budget minded ones which are in current production are the Browning Buckmark series and the Ruger MK series (including 45-22s).

THIS ^^^^.. The rest, roll the dice.

[23 Blast]

Most of the polymer look-like-their-centerfire-big-brothers .22's I've fired, as well as the conversion kits I've owned have been ammo finicky. The only conversion kit I've had that was solidly reliable was the CZ Kadet Kit.

I agree with CSACanonneer that the Buckmarks and Ruger Mark series are the best values and are very reliable. I wish I had kept my Ruger Mark II, but I went and got a Mark III 22/45 to replace it. Other than dud rounds, it has been 100% reliable.

[hearthco]

Find a used SW 422. Mine shoots most any ammo and is a great little gun.

[glock_this]

I have a P22 and love it. The only issue, which has been rare, it can be finicky on ammo. So, I tend to feed it nicer stuff like CCI, but will do bulk Federal fine.



I think you will find, due to the low power of a 22 round and the need to move a somewhat heavy slide, finicky ammo on 22 pistols is a common report.

[deadcoyote]

FWIW, I was skeptical of the Walther P22 due to seeing a lot of negative reviews. I found one for cheap ($140) used but it looked darn near never fired. It's run like a top for mee with all kinds of ammo, seems like a decent cheap pistol. Mind you, I wouldn't pay $350-$400 for a new one. At that point I'd just buy a ruger.

[ElDub1950]

I had one of the .22 conversions for one of my glocks. Runs ok with the mfg recommended ammo .. probably on par with any low-mid range dedicated 22 pistol. Got rid of it and someday will replace it. I liked the Ruger 22/45 but want to try a Buckmark before I decide.

[davefromca]

Make sure to check the DOJ approved hand gun roster! I love my 2245, buck mark was my next choice.

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

[Malaprop14]

Here's a good recent thread:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=964466&highlight=.22

[snypr]

The two time proven, budget minded ones which are in current production are the Browning Buckmark series and the Ruger MK series (including 45-22s).

^This.....

[BumBum]

Another vote for Browning Buckmark. Mine works great, and from what I understand it is not as picky with ammo as others. Turners has been running specials on the Camper models recently.