I need your help choosing a .22 handgun

N

No4Mk1*

New member
I have just noticed how cheap .22LR ammo really is and while I have a fairly new Marlin .22 bolt action rifle, I would like to have a .22 handgun as well. I just can't decide how to do it.

1. My only full size pistol is a Beretta 92FS and they sell a .22 kit for about $200. That is tempting because I could get a lot of experience shooting the 92 with that kit. My worry is that by using 2 diffenent slides on the same frame, the nice frame to slide fit that I have now would be loosened up. Also I like shooting CCI CB ammunition sometimes and I don't think it would work with an auto.

2. Another option is to buy a Browning or Ruger pistol. I am not trying to re-open the debate over which of these is best. If I go with one of these, I will look into the archives for your comments on exactly which one to get.

3. The final option is to buy a Ruger KSP240 which is the 4" double action revolver. This would allow me to fire CB ammo, but would it be loud because of the cylinder gap? Powerful enough for mouse, rat, or larger critters (with CB ammo) I assume it would do the job with standard ammo.

Thanks for your imput. Also consider that I will be introducing 2 or 3 folks to shooting in case that favors one of these options.
 
I had the same question and for slightly more money I got the Ruger P512 (Mk II/45 with the 5.5" bull barrel) and am quite happy with it.
 
I'll just note that nearly every experienced shooter I have met owns at least one Ruger MkII.

Have fun with whatever your choose. Regards from AZ
 
If it's an auto you want, then go Mk II or Buckmark. They are both great guns. Go with whatever feels best in your hands. Go to the local range and rent one of each to try out.

The little ruger revolver is a nice solid gun. However if you want real accuracy from a revolver, go with either a single six or a good used S&W k-22, model 17, or 617. Personally, I prefer the DA revolvers only because I get sick and tired of how slow the SA revolvers are to reload. Not a big deal if your hunting, but if you usually plink 200-300 rounds at a time like I do, reloading a SA gets old.

Also prefer the revolvers over an auto cause they'll shoot everything including CB's.

Good luck.
 
No4MkI, if you plan to keep the 94FS as your main centerfire pistol, I'd recomend the Ciener conversion kit. This won't be as accurate as many of the pistols recommended but, it is a good trainer.

If you don't plan to keep the 94FS very long and just want a good pistol you can't go wrong with any of the the Ruger MKIIs.

Regards! DaMan
 
The conversion kit would be my choice if the 92FS is your primary self/home defense weapon. I't's cheap training on proper trigger control, sight picure and muscle memory. Sprinkle in some centerfire practice to remind you of the bark and recoil of the original chambering.

I'm getting a Kadet kit that is a 22LR conversion for the CZ75 pistol so I can be as proficient with it as I am my 1911A1. If it proves to be accurate as some who have posted testify, I'll possibly use it in NRA Action Pistol that now has a 22LR pistol class.

That said, a Ruger MII or 22/45 is a great addition to any gun safe. I prefer the 22/45 w/5" bull barrel and adjustable sights to get that 1911A1 type feel.



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Rick
 
Get yourself a Ruger Standard Model, 6" barrel, and have fun shooting it forever! It's also a great pistol for teaching safe fun shooting to newbies, and IMHO, that is an important job. Mine still shoots 1" at 50 feet after 20 years and many K rounds. It was my first gun purchase, and one of my best.
 
Ruger super single six and spring for the stainless and convertible 22 mag cylinder. I had a blue one and wonder why I don't have it anymore.

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Cropping the ears of a jackass don't give him horse sense.
 
BTW, the CB caps will be louder in a revolver than an auto and both will be louder than a rifle.

If you get a .22, be careful. They are very addictive. I bought one and the durn things multiply like rabbits.

Giz
 
Heed Gizmo 99's warning. They are worse than rabbits. First, I had one. Then I had two. Now, mysteriously, I have a dozen with no end in sight.

Good shooting.
 
If you're a semi-auto lover, and you plan to keep your primary weapon a semi... I suggest you do NOT fork for any of the revolver suggestions. It never fails that these well educated revolver lovers ALWAYs pop up with a revolver suggestion in a semi-auto discussion, but you can't fault 'em for trying. Most revolver lovers (like my Dad) just do not understand why anyone would prefer 15 rounds of a lesser cartridge than their 6 rounds of .357... :)

Anyway, a Ruger MKII government model was my first pistol, and the only "original" pistol I still own, and will always own. If you shoot semi's, buy a ruger MkII or MkII 45. The MKII 45 is supposed to be more like the 1911 style, and may be more familiar to your hand, even though you use a Beretta.

I probably shouldn't say anything about revolver lovers, they usually tend to be the most accurate of 'em all!
 
Mom T is right!

My Ruger 22/45 emulated the grip of a 1911 and digested everything and was extremely accurate.

What are you going to use the .22 for? different uses for diff guns.

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The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
 
I want to be a better shot with centerfire guns but I can't afford a case of 9mm every month. I will be shooting paper or other various things at outdoor ranges. Semi-auto pistols seem much more popular. Maybe there is a reason for that. I guess I will make it a semiautomatic. I think I will narrow choice #2 to a Ruger P-512 22/45. www.dixiefirearms.com is local and has them listed at $205. So I can have the 22/45 and 2 magazines or the .22 kit for the Beretta for the same price. I will never sell the 92FS, so the kit is tempting even if I would get more for less with the Ruger pistol.
 
Gizmo and Mom--it is true,terribly true--the .22's just seem to multiply.Last year I had one,now I have four.I tried to talk about the addiction in it's early stages,but now I just go out and secretly buy.The last was a Browning Medalist--just beautiful.
 
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