22 SAA Plinker Advice Needed

K

kron

New member
Am looking to buy a 22 SAA for general range plinking and practice. Eventually, I plan to get a pair of revolvers and the shotgun necessary to complete the CAS 3 gun setup I'll use.

With that in mind, I've been thinking about getting a 22 SAA for practice. Would like something that's as close to full scale as possible. I'll end up getting a pair of 38spl/357mag 4 5/8" revolvers, so would prefer that barrel length.

Any advice as to which firearm to buy, or which to stay away from? Am willing to pay for quality as needed, but not interested in spending more than I really need to. After all, that extra money would go towards the other revolvers I need to buy. :)

Have been reading mixed reviews on the Cimarron Plinkerton SA, as well as the Heritage Rough Rider. Not sure what other options are out there... USFA? Ruger? Not sure of their price in relation to those previously mentioned, assuming $350 range?

Is the quality on those makes worth the higher price?

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
To be honest, none of the single action 22s that I have ever shot really feel like a SAA, they are small like a pocket pistol. If I were you and really wanted to get into cas, go ahead and get one of the 357s that you want. You can shoot 38 through it all day long on the cheap and you are practicing like you play.
 
The Ruger is the way I'd go. Good quality and my next purchase would be a Ruger in 38spl/357. Ya the 22 is smaller than the 38/357 but the actions are built the same. Best bang for the buck IMO. I had a Ruger Vaquero with a birdshead grip that I wish I still had.
 
Hawg Haggen "I don't like Ruger because of how the action works but they're top quality".
What don't you like about the action? Is it an easy fix? There are a lot of aftermarket action parts for the Rugers.
 
I don't think you really want a full size SA in .22 unless you have a crane and two gun bearers to lift it for you. Seriously, I have handled a real Colt .22 SAA (there were only about 100 made) and they are heavy as heck.

Go with the Ruger Single Six - they are fine guns.

Jim
 
Thanks for the advice gents. It just so happens a friend at work found two more Ruger single sixes he bought decades ago that were packed away in the boxes somewhere in a closet. Will see if I can pry one of those out of his hands.

If not, will look at the new ones. Or perhaps even just skip to the 38/357 if price is somewhat similar... Or both. Who knows. One can never have too many revolvers.

Thanks!
 
What don't you like about the action? Is it an easy fix? There are a lot of aftermarket action parts for the Rugers.
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I don't like anything about it and there is no fix. No half cock, opening the loading gate unlocks the cylinder, no hammer clicks. They kinda sorta look like a Colt but function nothing like one.
 
Well, Rugers aren't Colts. They're Rugers. But they are good guns nonetheless.

But if you look around you can find a Colt, too.

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Now it's smaller than a full sized SAA, and lighter, aluminum frame and all, but it's a fine shooting little gun. The grips are a little thin for my taste, but I can live with them.
 
Kron, I bought a Ruger Single Six with fixed sights and a 6 1/2" barrel and replaced the grip frame with one from a Ruger 50th Anniversary. I also swapped the EJ housing for a steel one. This gun feels as nice as a 1851 Navy in your hand with some after market grips, it just balances perfect.
 
I own this Cimarron and like it very much. It's smaller than a SAA but handles well. It's also offered as a P model with standard grip frame. It's manual of arms is identical to the SAA.

CIMARRONLIGHTNING007.jpg

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If what you want is a full-sized SAA, your options are limited. An original rimfire Colt is out of the question due to rarity. The Cimarron Plinkerton is a rather cheap gun made of almost entirely pot metal. It is not on par with their centerfire guns. Search this site for a thread on one that self destructed. Great Western made their SAA replica in .22LR. They 'can' be found but these days they command collector prices and quality is all over the board. USFA offers three rimfire models. First there is their Plinker model. This is a fixed sight, six shot with case colored frame like their standard SAA. They also offer the flat-top target model. My favorite is the 12/22. It is a 12-shot, full sized SAA done in full blue or bright nickel and available in all three standard barrel lengths. I bought one back in March and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Quality from USFA is the highest available in a SAA, even compared to Colt, and with that in mind, they are a bargain at their asking price. Current street price on a 12/22 is about $700-$725 and are only available from Davidson's. Yes, they are heavy but I don't find them to be unmanageable in the least.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/Genie/...cat=1&type=Revolver&cal=All&fin=All&sit=Fixed

Top gun in this picture.
USFA%2012-22%2002c.jpg
 
I believe 10ring is local to me. If it's the same outfit. May have to call them and go check it out.

Thanks!
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Plinkerton yet. It's a SAA Clone in .22 and it's dirt cheap. The cheapness is reflected in quality, as it's made in softer metals that wear down fast, but it's about half the price of any other full size SAA .22's. If you want a cheap plinker to practice with: the Plinkerton is ideal. But if you want something that's more accurate, stronger and looks better: the Uberti .22 SAAs are good to consider.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Plinkerton yet.
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Actually Kron and Craig did mention it. I used an RG 66 for many years til it got stolen and everybody says they're crap, not so.
 
The 12/22 is only available from Davidson's so if you're having trouble finding a reasonable price, just go to their site, choose the version you want and click "instant quote". It'll pull up dealers within 25miles. I go to 100miles and find a price of $705 from a shop just outside Nashville. Got mine for $676 about seven months ago. There's no reason to pay full retail.
 
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