.22 thoughts...

smokehouse4444

New member
I recently traded in a Beretta Neos .22, with my eye on a more "traditional" .22 like the Browning Buckmark, Ruger Mark series, or even if I could find an old Colt Woodsman for a decent price. The Neos shot just fine, I just started really wanting the more established and known handgun. The primary reason I would even have a .22 is for cheaper practice at the range. I'm not really hunting with it, and it certainly wasn't for self defense.

Now, however, I am starting to get a little more of an itch for the Sig Sauer P220 conversion kit. I've read some great reviews on it, and I would be firing from my primary home defense handgun platform. Then maybe I could try for an older Ruger Single Six as a separate handgun; besides, my wife really likes wheel guns, and loved a Ruger Blackhawk she used to have. Just an inane question that I thought I would throw out there. Any thoughts?
 
Today, 07:38 PM #1
smokehouse4444
Junior Member

Join Date: July 7, 2012
Posts: 1
.22 thoughts... Just an inane question that I thought I would throw out there. Any thoughts?...

Welcome to a great board with lots of great advice to be found.

Now "inane" is not a word I hear every day but do not fear as your question is in no way foolish.There are a ton of .22lr threads of late and I think it's quite logical as to why given the tanking economy.

I like your idea of the conversion kit (provided it's not crazy expensive which with your model I don't know) because as you mention it allows for same-gun practice which is priceless (no pun intended).

I, however, did not have that option available so I went with a full-size GSG 1911 22 (I have many mouse-gun .22lr guns I tinker with primarliy as a BUG and hobby).

I'm sure you'll get additional feedback but search the forum as well because there are literally ongoing threads pertaining to your topic which are insightful.

-Cheers
 
Now, however, I am starting to get a little more of an itch for the Sig Sauer P220 conversion kit. I've read some great reviews on it, and I would be firing from my primary home defense handgun platform.

The fulfillment of this "itch" would provide excellent and inexpensive training with the gun you'd use to defend yourself and your family.

I have a Tactical Solutions 1911 conversion that I pop onto what ever 1911 that I want to spend time with. Tens of dollars worth of .22 instead of hundreds of dollars worth of .45 makes for a fun day at the range.

Welcome to the asylum. Cheers,
C
 
I'm not a big fan of conversion kits. I'd much rather have a dedicated .22 and a centerfire.
They do make training on a specific gun cheaper. I don't see them having an advantage for general training over two separate guns.
 
Thanks for the replies folks, and thanks for the welcomes. I've read reviews, threads and what-not on this site for years, but just never registered. No idea why. I'm part of several sportbike/motorcycle forums, several guitar/music oriented forums, as well as some others, but for whatever reason I just never did here. I'm still trying to decide...it changes daily. I'm going to a gun show in San Antone next weekend and maybe something there will take over. Again...thanks
 
I have four Ruger MK II's, so you know which .22 I like. However, I also have a CZ Kadet Kit .22 conversion which practically lives on my CZ-75B. It is a wonderful, accurate and reliable pistol. CZ also sells a dedicated Kadet .22 but it is exactly the same as the converson kit on a 75B.

My Kadet Kit is as accurate as my 5.5 inch bull barrel Ruger MK II Target.
 
I like to shoot 1911 platform but I didnt like the idea of the conversion kit. Cost is nearly the same (in some cases more) than buying a dedicated 22. In my case I shopped all the usual suspects and even owned a NEOS (great gun but to much grip angle). I ended up going with the 22/45 Ruger Mark III. Everyone who shoots it loves it and I cant say enough for what it has done for my 1911 shooting. Under $400 with tax and NIC fee.
IMO if you shoot one pistol well you will shoot all similar pistols well.
 
I'm with some of the other posters. I not into conversion kits because most cost the same as buying a nice Ruger Mark II/III or 22/45 outright. I just like a dedicated rimfire pistol.
 
I've pretty much made up my mind to get a stainless Browning Buckmark. I'm looking forward to the upcoming show this weekend, though. I would love to find a nice, used one at a good price...and then maybe something else would fit into the budget!
 
Unless you sell another gun to fund the conversion kit, you won't be 'saving' any money shooting 22. Rather, get one because they are fun and good practice.
 
My advice is buy whichever you like.

Where I am, 22 conversion kits are pricey so might as well have another pistol so that's what I did.

I would say one thing. If you go to the range, take both pistols. You can then do most of your shooting with .22 and then a smaller number of groups with your centre fire once you're warmed up.

Also, in terms of handling your pistol. Spend the few extra dollars and get a set of those Snap-A dummy rounds. You can then do your dry firing and drills (FTF, FTE, clearing, mag changing, drawing etc) daily in the comfort of your own home. Granted, no true substitute for live fire drills but still good to build muscle memory and keep the skills ticking over between range trips.

Enjoy your shooting!

Scrummy
 
IMHO Best 22LR platform

The Walther /COLT Umerex is the best 22 version of a larger caliber gun... Do not buy the SIG 1911-22...I have owned them both.
 
ehbj47

IMHO Best 22LR platform
The Walther /COLT Umerex is the best 22 version of a larger caliber gun... Do not buy the SIG 1911-22...I have owned them both.

I have shot the Colt 1922 22 but do not own one. I found it to be fine (quality was iffy IMO) but not when compared to my GSG 1911 22 which I found superior in every respect.

-Cheers
 
The wife and I went to the gunshow in San Antonio today. I didn't think that I was going to find anything. Very limited pickings for .22 handguns. If you wanted new handguns of bigger calibers, or an assault rifle, there was a plethora to choose from. I thought I had decided on a Browning Buckmark, just a shade over a Ruger Mark series before I went. We weren't finding anything that I couldn't go down to Academy and purchase for a lesser price, but just before we left, checked on a few we had seen briefly. Slowly, this gun started standing out. The more my wife and I held it, the more we looked at it, the more we liked it. It is also not quite as common as others. Even though it wasn't a really great price, it was OK enough and we "pulled the trigger". I think we will be happy with this one for years to come.

This is a Ruger Mark III Talo Special Edition .22LR 5.5" Bull barrel with Walnut grips, adjustable sights with optic inserts. It came with 2 mags, more green and red sight inserts, and Ruger lock. It also comes pre-tapped with a top mount rail if I want to put on my Red Dot. It's a good looker that we'll enjoy for a long time.


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Smokehouse,

Congrats on a nice purchase. My mandatory CCW Class provided the required training guns (one revolver and one semi which was the standard Mark III model). That was the first time I had ever shot the vaunted Ruger Mark .22lr platform and I was instantly hooked. That gun fits your hand like it's custom made and is an absolute nail-driver. Obviously it's a high-quality gun where durability will not be an issue.

-Cheers
 
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