.22 pistol

[James K]

The old saying about getting what you pay for is still true. You can buy a cheap .22 revolver (there are still some RG-10's around) but if you are used to a good quality center fire handgun, a cheap .22 may leave you frustrated.

I concur with looking for a good used gun, preferably an S&W K-22 (Model 17) or a Ruger Single Six. Maybe a bit more costly than a cheap new gun, but IMHO a lot more likely to be shooting a long time from now.

Jim

 

[Hoss Fly]

One comment. A 22 pistol is probably a lifetime investment. Save up the money and buy a good one. 30 or 40 years from now you might really appreciate it.

Dont really understand that comment
Never thought of any 22 handgun to be a lifetime investment ----

 

[PR1]

LSU12ga, I know what you mean, it is getting costly. That's why I picked up a Browning Buckmark and S&W MP 15-22.

 

[jad0110]

Tough to beat a Ruger Single six for revolvers. With some looking you can find an old beat up one for under $200.

You can get a used Ruger or Browning for the price of a new Heritage

Sigh. I wish used Single Sixes sold for those prices in my area. The cheapest used Single Six I have EVER seen in my area was $299, and it was ragged to you know where and back: lots of play in the cylinder, and plenty of pitting. Looked like it had been dropped down a steel fire escape. Just yesterday, a local gunshop had not 1, but 4 used Single Sixes, priced between $450 and $500 . You can get a S&W K-22 for that if you are really patient. As a side note, this particular shop used to consistenly have the best deals in the area, but now that they are under different ownership the prices are all over the place. Just a few hours before I got there, he sold a used near mint S&W Model 34 in 22 LR for $435 .

But in general, used Single Sixes typically sell for low $400s around here, so on average they sell for more than new ones. I guess that indicates very high demand, but from uneducated buyers.

In the end, I own both a S&W K-22 and a Heritage Rough Rider. The K-22 is a very sweet gun that will last for generations. I bought my 1959 4 screw example 3 to 4 years ago for $430, in about 98% condition. A gun like that today, however, will typically sell for $550-$600. It is my favorite 22, but I wanted a gun that was inexpensive that I didn't mind taking out plinking and putting back in the safe with only an exterior wipe down. So I paid $150 for a Rough Rider, and I love it. Granted, there is a fairly high percentage of lemons among Rough Riders, but mine has bee a fun, accurate, reliable shooter thus far.

Another option is a used High Standard revolver of some sort. There are an assortment of different models out there, so just keep your eyes open. They aren't as pretty as a S&W, but they are mechanically solid, accurate and affordable.

As for a 22 rifle on a budget, that's an easy one. Check your local pawn shops often. About a year ago, I picked up not 1, but 2 tube fed semiauto Marlin Model 60s (actually, one was a Glenfield M60) for a total of $140. One of them even had a Tasco 4x scope. Both rifles are superbly accurate, nicely balanced and with 18 rounds in the tube, a blast to shoot.

Pictures of my $150 NIB Heritage, followed by my used $65 Marlin/Glenfield Model 60, the $75 Marlin M60 with admittidly cheapie Tasco scope.

Gave this one to my dad for fathers day:

 

[LSU12ga]

Thanks for all the responses guys.

I found out that my next big vacation is next spring, so I have about a year to save and decide what to buy. I'm currently looking for a .22 revolver of the brands you all suggested, and then either a savage Mark II or a CZ lux ( i really, really, want the lux).

 

[Chris_B]

Cheapshooter-

it's funny that your target shows the RGB as doing so well. I was at a range last week where some folks were shooting the exact same 22 pistol I had, with the same RGB bulk pack I had.

Not only were they cursing out the pistol as unreliable, they were condemning the RGB

When I shot? Same pistol same ammo? No issues at all through 6 mags I shot!

22 pistols can be weird...

 

[Skans]

What is the cheapest .22 pistol out there?

Answer: Jennings J-22. Make sure and get the older one with the metal (not plastic) safety. You should be able to find one in good condition for about $75....+/- $20.

.......you said "cheapest".

And, before someone gives you a load of crap about the Jennings J-22 not working, ask them how long they owned theirs before it broke. I've had mine now for over 20 years, fired somewhere between 500 - 800 rounds through it, carried it on a motorcycle across 7 states, including Texas, in cold wet rainy conditions, and it's never broken any part. Paid $70 for it new around 1989.

 

[L_Killkenny]

I don't have a thing against the Heritages and often think about buying one myself for a knock around gun. But everytime I get near one the looks make it impossible for me to pull the trigger (so to speak). When they were $100 new they were much more tempting. Now that they are $150-$200 not so much. IMO, a used older H&R or Iver-Johnson is a better gun for the same or less money. Also you "may" be able to pick up a used Ruger 22/45 for less than $200. Single Six's are much better and worth the money but like was stated on a previous post they aren't cheap around here and in a completely different ballgame. Not even a comparison on function or cost.

Semi's are another thing. Most of them in the sub $200 class are pocket guns and if that's what you want there are a few good ones out there. I can't think of any sub $200 full size semi I would recommend but Ruger and Brownings in the $200-$300 range get the nod.

Basically, if you can get a new Heritage RR for less than $150 OTD or a used one for $100 +/- go for it and give it a try. If over that price keep looking IMO.

LK