22LR handgun recommendations needed
- Thread starter BB
- Start date
Be warned - shooting .22 pistols is a lot like eating peanuts. You really can't stop! I find myself saying: "Just one more magazine, just one more magazine . . . "
That being said, there are a number of decent .22s on the used market - I found a Browning Nomad for $250 last year that I really like. That's more than you budgeted, but it was a Belgian-made Browning in excellent condition so I was willing to pay that price.
Browning Buckmarks, the current production .22 pistol, can be found in that price range on the used market at shows.
Best of luck,
Ken Strayhorn
Hillsborough NC
That being said, there are a number of decent .22s on the used market - I found a Browning Nomad for $250 last year that I really like. That's more than you budgeted, but it was a Belgian-made Browning in excellent condition so I was willing to pay that price.
Browning Buckmarks, the current production .22 pistol, can be found in that price range on the used market at shows.
Best of luck,
Ken Strayhorn
Hillsborough NC
BB, I'll recommend the same pistol I'm looking to buy. A Browning Buckmark Standard or the Camper model. The Standard model balances very much like a 1911 with the controls in the same place. It's a reliable and accurate pistol. They also come from the factory with decent triggers and fully adjustable sights. I recently gave my Buckmark Standard to a relative's son as a graduation present. Ever since my wife has been after me to replace it,, Man, I love that woman.. Mark / FL
The best inexpensive 22 pistol I've ever owned is a BERSA obtained in 1992. I've put over 17,000 rounds through it with not a single malf of any kind. It's blackbird accurate out past 25 yards and a can killin' sonofabiscuit of the first water.
I currently own 2 or 3 dozen 22 pistols. This BERSA is one of my favorites, NEAT LITTLE GUN! TM
I currently own 2 or 3 dozen 22 pistols. This BERSA is one of my favorites, NEAT LITTLE GUN! TM
Sounds like you're describing a Buck Mark.
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/buckmark/buckmark.htm
Regards,
Ledbetter
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/buckmark/buckmark.htm
Regards,
Ledbetter
Browning Buckmark is my favorite, feed it Thunderbolt ammo and shoot one inch groups from 10 yds.
It is amazing how FUN these .22's are. Considering you can buy 550 rounds for less than ten bucks, its almost like shooting for free!
They are very real guns and I have found that what I practice with the Browning very definitely carries over to larger calibers. One time I noticed a certain breathing pattern while shooting my Makarov. It was what I had developed and practiced with my Buckmark. I found myself using it without conscious effort.
There are several barrel styles of Buckmark but the rest of the pistol is the same on all of them. Easy to field strip and clean too.
It is amazing how FUN these .22's are. Considering you can buy 550 rounds for less than ten bucks, its almost like shooting for free!
They are very real guns and I have found that what I practice with the Browning very definitely carries over to larger calibers. One time I noticed a certain breathing pattern while shooting my Makarov. It was what I had developed and practiced with my Buckmark. I found myself using it without conscious effort.
There are several barrel styles of Buckmark but the rest of the pistol is the same on all of them. Easy to field strip and clean too.
IMHO, a used (and I stress used, don't want
any $$$ going back to S&W) 422 with a 4 or
6 inch barrel is the $200 or less ticket. I own 4 of them and they are my absolute favorite .22 auto pistol. I've never had a jam or anything, and they are also built like the 1911. Coolest thing is the barrel is bottom mounted in the pistol, helping to elimate muzzle flip, and only the back half of the slide goes back to cycle the gun. Take a look at one, they're pretty sweet!!
spike
any $$$ going back to S&W) 422 with a 4 or
6 inch barrel is the $200 or less ticket. I own 4 of them and they are my absolute favorite .22 auto pistol. I've never had a jam or anything, and they are also built like the 1911. Coolest thing is the barrel is bottom mounted in the pistol, helping to elimate muzzle flip, and only the back half of the slide goes back to cycle the gun. Take a look at one, they're pretty sweet!!
spike
IMHO, a used (and I stress used, don't want
any $$$ going back to S&W) 422 with a 4 or
6 inch barrel is the $200 or less ticket. I own 4 of them and they are my absolute favorite .22 auto pistol. I've never had a jam or anything, and they are also built like the 1911. Coolest thing is the barrel is bottom mounted in the pistol, helping to elimate muzzle flip, and only the back half of the slide goes back to cycle the gun. Take a look at one, they're pretty sweet!!
spike
any $$$ going back to S&W) 422 with a 4 or
6 inch barrel is the $200 or less ticket. I own 4 of them and they are my absolute favorite .22 auto pistol. I've never had a jam or anything, and they are also built like the 1911. Coolest thing is the barrel is bottom mounted in the pistol, helping to elimate muzzle flip, and only the back half of the slide goes back to cycle the gun. Take a look at one, they're pretty sweet!!
spike
I'm sorry to hear you don't want anything from Ruger. Here in GA, you can easily round up a Ruger MK2 or MK2/45 used for around $200.
My MKII was the first pistol I ever owned, the only one I never tried to sell, the one I'm sure I'll pass on to my little boy one day. It's the most fun pistol I have ever owned.
But hey... it's just my opinion, and it's probably not a very good one.
[This message has been edited by Onslaught (edited October 04, 2000).]
My MKII was the first pistol I ever owned, the only one I never tried to sell, the one I'm sure I'll pass on to my little boy one day. It's the most fun pistol I have ever owned.
But hey... it's just my opinion, and it's probably not a very good one.
[This message has been edited by Onslaught (edited October 04, 2000).]
I don't blame you for wanting to steer clear of the current ruger offerings. I have an older Ruger mk II I wouldn't part with, but the last one I bought wasn't nothing but a Jam"O"matic. I saw the Buckmark at a show a couple of months ago for $200.00 . Good luck with your choice.
I have tried 3 different ones, 2 semi-auto and 1 revolver.
1. Buckmark Camper Standard
This has a slab side bull barrel and is very good. It seems(one can confirm after checking the websites) lighter than the other 2. Very accurate and superb sights and grip out of the box. Good overall incl. button magazine release, adjustable grip.
My suggestion, go for this one in above for other style. The price I have seen is 240 for a new one, use for around 150
2. S&W .22 LR revolver.(617 model, if I am right)
I know it is no longer looked as a good company, but the revolver was fun and nice.
Accuracy was quite good. Worth a try
3. Stainless Rugers MK II with a 5 1/2 inch tapered barrel
This was the most disappointing, probably because I expected more from it. It is the most popular if I am right and more variations are commonly available. It is fairly accurate, but not in the same class as the BuckMark.
Would like to find the CZ's .22 version to try sometime, it does look good.
All the best then
1. Buckmark Camper Standard
This has a slab side bull barrel and is very good. It seems(one can confirm after checking the websites) lighter than the other 2. Very accurate and superb sights and grip out of the box. Good overall incl. button magazine release, adjustable grip.
My suggestion, go for this one in above for other style. The price I have seen is 240 for a new one, use for around 150
2. S&W .22 LR revolver.(617 model, if I am right)
I know it is no longer looked as a good company, but the revolver was fun and nice.
Accuracy was quite good. Worth a try
3. Stainless Rugers MK II with a 5 1/2 inch tapered barrel
This was the most disappointing, probably because I expected more from it. It is the most popular if I am right and more variations are commonly available. It is fairly accurate, but not in the same class as the BuckMark.
Would like to find the CZ's .22 version to try sometime, it does look good.
All the best then
Thanks all, I've always been a fan of Browning, so I'll see if I can find a used Buckmark. What is the difference between the Camper and the Standard? Looks like the standard has a slabsided barrel and the Camper is round. Anything else? Would it simply be a aesthetic choice, or am I missing something?
I was thinking an old High Standard would be the way to go, but seems they have "collector status" now and ain't cheap.
As for Ruger, it will be a cold, cold day in hell before I ever buy anything with that name on it, regardless of price or performance. Thanks anyway!
[This message has been edited by BB (edited October 05, 2000).]
I was thinking an old High Standard would be the way to go, but seems they have "collector status" now and ain't cheap.
As for Ruger, it will be a cold, cold day in hell before I ever buy anything with that name on it, regardless of price or performance. Thanks anyway!
[This message has been edited by BB (edited October 05, 2000).]
Regarding the differences between the Buckmark Camper and the other Buckmarks, I believe the Camper does weigh less. And I think it is also the lowest-cost Buckmark. The barrel is round and has a dull finish (not the polished blue of the other buckmarks). A friend bought a new Camper for $165 at a going-out-of-business sale. I wish I'd got one too. It is a lot of fun to shoot. I wish I knew exactly what is different about the Camper that saves the weight (a plus to me), but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.
Doug
Doug
Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
1. Echoing the others: The Browning Buckmark. I gave my son one for his first pistol some years ago, a six-inch, and the accuracy and reliability have been outstanding. I later got a 4-1/2 version for myself. It fits nicely into an old leather military .45 holster for messing around afield.
2. I guess you have your own reasons for ruling out Rugers in general. I will only comment that there were MANY thousands made before old Bill went to compromise mode. The old Ruger Standard is a nifty gun and keeps on ticking. And they just kept getting better thereafter.
3. If you own a 1911-type pistol, I suggest you look at the Jonathan Ciener (sp?) converstion unit. I was very pleasantly surprised at the accuracy and reliability of the one I've been shooting for the past couple of months. List is $199 with fixed sights and about $249 with good Millet adjustable sights. Much as it hurts me to say it, being a dyed-in-the-wool Colt fan, it is MUCH better than the Colt unit, and more reasonably priced, as well. Magazines are not cheap, but what is, nowadays?
I just re-read your topic opener, about
"at least a 10 round capacity," so the following may be disregarded. I note however, that the .22 DAs are excellent training aids for the big bore defensive handuns. - - -
4. I, too, have boycotted new Smith & Wesson products, but if you shop only on the used gun market - - - the S&W .22/32 Kit gun is an excellent plinker, quite accurate, and is a nice, compact little trail gun. Mine is the model 34, a two-inch, round butt, but they can be found in a variety lengths and butt syles. Even used, however, it will probably run well over $200.
I cannot recommend the S&W .22 autoloaders.
5. The larger S&W revolvers, Model 18 four inch and Model 17 K-22 six inch, are K-frame guns and the .22 Rinfire versions of the Combat Masterpece M-15 and the K-38 M-14. Superb but you''d be lucky to find one in your price range.
6. Colt has put out a lot of high quality double action revolvers, which can occasionally be found used at gun shows for reasonable prices--
Official Police: Rather large and heavy, but a joy to shoot.
Diamondback: Gemlike and wonderul but expensive.
Police Positive: Like the Diamondback but with plain barrel and fixed sights.
Cobra: Like the Polce Positive, but with lightweight frame.
Whew! Whoever wrote that good .22 handguns can be habit forming sure hit the nail on the head.
Whatever you chose, I know you'll enjoy the use of it.
Best,
Johnny
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---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
2. I guess you have your own reasons for ruling out Rugers in general. I will only comment that there were MANY thousands made before old Bill went to compromise mode. The old Ruger Standard is a nifty gun and keeps on ticking. And they just kept getting better thereafter.
3. If you own a 1911-type pistol, I suggest you look at the Jonathan Ciener (sp?) converstion unit. I was very pleasantly surprised at the accuracy and reliability of the one I've been shooting for the past couple of months. List is $199 with fixed sights and about $249 with good Millet adjustable sights. Much as it hurts me to say it, being a dyed-in-the-wool Colt fan, it is MUCH better than the Colt unit, and more reasonably priced, as well. Magazines are not cheap, but what is, nowadays?
I just re-read your topic opener, about
"at least a 10 round capacity," so the following may be disregarded. I note however, that the .22 DAs are excellent training aids for the big bore defensive handuns. - - -
4. I, too, have boycotted new Smith & Wesson products, but if you shop only on the used gun market - - - the S&W .22/32 Kit gun is an excellent plinker, quite accurate, and is a nice, compact little trail gun. Mine is the model 34, a two-inch, round butt, but they can be found in a variety lengths and butt syles. Even used, however, it will probably run well over $200.
I cannot recommend the S&W .22 autoloaders.
5. The larger S&W revolvers, Model 18 four inch and Model 17 K-22 six inch, are K-frame guns and the .22 Rinfire versions of the Combat Masterpece M-15 and the K-38 M-14. Superb but you''d be lucky to find one in your price range.
6. Colt has put out a lot of high quality double action revolvers, which can occasionally be found used at gun shows for reasonable prices--
Official Police: Rather large and heavy, but a joy to shoot.
Diamondback: Gemlike and wonderul but expensive.
Police Positive: Like the Diamondback but with plain barrel and fixed sights.
Cobra: Like the Polce Positive, but with lightweight frame.
Whew! Whoever wrote that good .22 handguns can be habit forming sure hit the nail on the head.
Whatever you chose, I know you'll enjoy the use of it.
Best,
Johnny
------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
We bought a S&W Model 22A about 3 weeks ago and I fell in love with it. We were vacationing in Pa and wanted a gun for plinking activities and as a "just in case" weapon for our rental cabin in Cook forest. Bought the 4 inch barrel version for $179.95 NIB from Bravermans in Pittsburgh with case, 2 mags, lifetime warranty and 2 free return to manufacturer strip and clean vouchers. The 4 inch barrel is the shortest they make and the mags are 10 rounders. The gun has a conventional layout and feels like pretty much any full size auto, I could imagine using it for just about anything. Sold it for $80 last week because we had to come home to England after the vacation after putting barely 700 rounds through it, the guy at J&L Sporting Goods in Shippenville looked so embarassed I thought he would faint. I know people don't like Smith & Wesson, but it's a great gun and I'd rather give my money to a gun manufacturer than anyone else I can think of. Check out their web site for info and pictures, they do longer barrels in 5.5" and 7" if you prefer. Shot it side by side with a Ruger Mark II and much preferred the Smith. As usual JMO.
Mike H
Mike H