Why are .22LR handguns so expensive

[Robert1234]

You can still find Rugers, ranging from Standards to MKIIIs in the $300.00 - $400.00 range if you look. I've bought five in the last two years from the Calguns Marketplace, and never spent more than $350.00.

For perspective, the last one I bought new was just before they fell off the roster. A 22/45 Mk III with 5.5" bull barrel and replaceable grip panels. Cost like $340.00 from Targetmasters in Milpitas. Wasn't a bad price, wasn't a great price. At the time Mk IIIs with the 5.5" bull barrel were going for about $400.00

[wolfmann]

Is it really a MKI? They were adjustable sight target models. I still have my used (maybe once) Standard I bought from Art Scholl for $25 in the box with all the paperwork.

Pot metal 22s are still cheapest. Metal/plastic are next and all metal quality pieces are at the top. They all take the same amount of work as a larger caliber so you'd expect the price to be the same.

Standerd MK1 fixed sights 4 inch.

[ACfixer]

Because some of them are worth the money.

[bohoki]

ive wanted a hp-22 since i first saw it in a beemans catalog back in 1992 (they didnt even have a picture they only had a drawing of it after seeiing it in person i just cant so i bought a ruger single six 9 incher in like 1999

one day i might find one for a hundred bucks or julio will ppt a jimenez ja22

[B2D]

Because some of them are worth the money.

This. I just picked up a used MKIII 22/45 in excellent condition for a respectable price, and I'd be OK with paying a little bit more for a nice Buckmark with the right features. It's more fun when you have an accurate, reliable rimfire plinker.

Now that I think about it, my used XD 5" tactical cost a little less than my 22/45 did. I like them both equally for what they do and what the applications are.

[bohoki]

roster induced shortage of choice

[axel4488]

Here are some not so expensive Ca compliant .22LR handguns.

Starting with the bottom of the barrel Phoenix Arms at less than $200, and going up from there..

https://wbtguns.com/semi-auto-pistol...a-legal-22-lr/

I picked up a Phoenix Arms .22 handgun from Turners that was on consignment for $70. I have shot well over 1000 rounds in it and the only "cleaning" I have done to it was spray the snot out of the barrel. If I could carry it, I would. Even brand new, they're only about $130 and worth it. Plus, the manufacturer is in Ontario and you can call them direct and get anything you need for dirt cheap.

[The War Wagon]

They seemed to shoot up after the Obamanation was elected. Probably coincided with the rise in centerfire ammo prices, and scarcity of same.


And then .22 ammo got scarce & expensive. An ever-upward-spiraling situation to date.