My daughter is getting old enough to start taking to the range so I was thinking of buying a Semi Auto .22LR to start her off with as well as to kill time plinking cans out at the hunt camp. I have absolutely no experience with these types of pistols, so I am open to suggestion as to which brand/model will give me the best bang for my buck. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
A Good Plinking Pistol?
- Thread starter padrejay
- Start date
Pocketfisherman
New member
Are you sure you want to start out with a Semi Auto? I've found it easier to teach safe gun handling to children using a bolt or single shot rifle, and a single action revolver for a pistol. If you are open to an SA revolver, look at the Ruger Bearcat. It is sized well for youths.
JagFarlane
New member
I'd tend to lean towards a revolver as well. However, to answer your question, the two semi-auto .22's I've heard the most about are the Ruger MkIII and Browning Buckmark. I own one of the Rugers and love it. Two other popular models are the Beretta Neos and the Sig Mosquito. However, if you go with the Sig, ensure you get a more recent model, the first run had issues pertaining to the slide.
Dust Monkey
New member
Ruger mk series 22. Can't say anything bad about them. Good pistols.
For just plain fun plinking the Walther P22 is great. Not the most accurate or best built gun, but easy to shoot and mine always brings a smile to my face. The gun is rather small and quite light - nice for a young lady. Also quite affordable.
If you want a heavier, more accurate, and better built semi auto look at the Ruger Mark III series.
If you want a heavier, more accurate, and better built semi auto look at the Ruger Mark III series.
aultschool
Inactive
Best plinking handgun
Might as well spend a few $$ and get the best for a lifetime of enjoyment and an excellent resale should that ever become necessary. These include:
Semi-auto: Colt Woodsman, sport or match target. Pure quality
Revolver: Smith and Wesson model 17 or 18. Ditto.
None of the above are made anymore, all can be found used in good to excellent condition, all have the very-necessary superb trigger pulls (so often overlooked by purchasers of today's plastic mediocrities) and adjustable sights.
Might as well spend a few $$ and get the best for a lifetime of enjoyment and an excellent resale should that ever become necessary. These include:
Semi-auto: Colt Woodsman, sport or match target. Pure quality
Revolver: Smith and Wesson model 17 or 18. Ditto.
None of the above are made anymore, all can be found used in good to excellent condition, all have the very-necessary superb trigger pulls (so often overlooked by purchasers of today's plastic mediocrities) and adjustable sights.
chris in va
New member
P22. I've had a couple Rugers, my CZ Kadet, fired a few other 22 pistols and found the Walther to be the most fun.
omnibus1967
New member
+1 on the ruger bearcat. what a fun gun!
Bill
Bill
OldShooter
New member
young shooters
My Dad started us on a single shot bolt action rifle, simple, safe & accurate. Later, when we were older he picked up a H&R 9 shot revolver. I never could shoot that thing.
For young children, if you are using a handgun, make it small and fairly light so they can hold it properly. Obviously it has to be safe and reliable.
My Dad started us on a single shot bolt action rifle, simple, safe & accurate. Later, when we were older he picked up a H&R 9 shot revolver. I never could shoot that thing.
For young children, if you are using a handgun, make it small and fairly light so they can hold it properly. Obviously it has to be safe and reliable.
Hellbilly5000
New member
If you own a 1911 just get a 22lr conversion kit. If not go with any gun that fits your childs hands now and in a few years
Kreyzhorse
New member
I'd agree with the revolver suggestions. A revolver is a great gun for a first time shooter and both S&W and Ruger make some very nice .22lr revolvers.
Hey padrejay- I'm in the same boat, my 12 yo picked out a walther p22 yesterday, in pink. we'll pick it up tomorrow and let you know how it works out. she's already good with the .22 rifle and started shooting my M&P .38.
I wanted a revolver for her, but couldn't find a good, cheap DA .22 so we'll try a semi.
jo
I wanted a revolver for her, but couldn't find a good, cheap DA .22 so we'll try a semi.
jo
Ruger Mark II. I taught the 11 year old daughter of a friend of mine to shoot with the Mark II. She loved it, and really only wanted to shoot that gun. It's the only gun I've ever had to lend out, at the request of her dad, because she liked shooting it so much. Dad needs to buck up and get his daughter her own Mark II for Christmas. Oh, FWIW, I put an extended slide release on the gun which makes it way more user friendly, especially for 1st time shooters.
MemphisJim
New member
I have two revolvers, both Rugers -- a Bearcat and a Single Six. The Bearcat would be great for children's plinking; the Single Six is my favorite plinker. I also have several semis: a Ruger Mk II 22/45 with red dot that makes a great shooter out of anyone; two Sig Mosquitos (a Standard and a Sport) that are just flat fun to shoot. I look forward to introducing my grandchildren to them when the time comes.
Revolvers are somewhat of a hard sell with most young people these days. Appreciation for the old wheel gun generally comes later. Same thing happen to me. Anyway, if she must have an semo-auto, I'm in the Ruger MKII/MKIII camp as well. I bought this beauty last month for $250 and change. I finally got to shoot it today. What a blast!
