seeking 22lr pocket auto
- Thread starter miron
- Start date
Eric Larsen
New member
You already have what most people consider the best..22 lr Pocket gun. The TPH are pretty much like you said...either good or not. If you get a good one..keep it. Most have to go to a good smith to work out the bugs.....
Believe it or not, the Phoenix is an excellent little gun..very inexpensive but still great...I know of 5 that have well over
2000 rnds thru them without a hitch.......
Shoot well
Believe it or not, the Phoenix is an excellent little gun..very inexpensive but still great...I know of 5 that have well over
2000 rnds thru them without a hitch.......
Shoot well
I've got several thousand through mine as well.... it was my first handgun and is still one of the most fun.... the interchangeable barrels and mags make it even more fun.... it comes in blued or nickle finish and you can get a kit with locking case cleaning kit both barrels, both mags and gun lock for ~$180 out the door
OkieCruffler
New member
One of my biggest mistakes ever was getting rid of my Pheonix. It had been my constant fishing companion for years, especially after I got the 5'' barrel. But I got a wild hair and traded it for a Charter arms explorer pistol with a 6 inch barrel and a shoulder rig. Very cool looking, but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if I was inside with the door closed. Uhmmm, I mean what a great pistol, anyone wanna buy it?
Badger Arms
New member
Beretta Model 21. The only way to go IMHO. If you can find a S&W Escort (model 61 I think) then go that way. The Beretta, however, is quite a little gun. Stay away from the Taurus as it's a jam-o-matic.
Hand_Rifle_Guy
New member
I seem to remember that Accu-tech made a slick little Walther knock-off, but I haven't seen one in the flesh for years. Solid little gun as I remember. All stainless.
They mighta got sued outta business, though. I can't tremember.
They mighta got sued outta business, though. I can't tremember.
I have a Phoenix HP22 that a guy sold me for $10. He was trying to sell it to a pawn shop it but the pawnshop wasn't interested - I happend to be there and asked him what he had and how much he wanted. I was concerned about it being stolen or something, but the pawnbroker knew him and said it was okay. I ran into the guy at a gun show a month or two later and handed him another $10 because I felt guilty about buying it so cheap (I'd have given him $20 or $30 in the first place, but I half expected it not to work - couldn't figure why a guy interested in guns would sell ANY working gun for $10).
Anyway, it works pretty well, though it does jam fairly frequently, and you have to conciously let the trigger out a little farther than I'm used to between shots, and the multiple safetys are a little weird. Of course, I've shot it quite a bit, and loaned it to a friend several times who has probably shot hundreds of rounds through it, and I don't think I've ever cleaned or lubricated it. It certainly seems like a good value for the money (even at the normal price). Mine has some sort of satin chrome looking finish that doesn't seem to be showing any wear. It is kind of heavy for it's size.
I also have an old Iver Johnson TP-22 that works well. It is sort of a miniature Walther PPK (double action). I think these were also marketed by American Arms. They seem well made.
Also, if you are willing to move up slightly in size, you might check out the FEG .22s (also Walther clones). I have one of these and it is very reliable, surprisingly accurate, and fun to shoot. It is my favorite of this bunch.
Doug
Anyway, it works pretty well, though it does jam fairly frequently, and you have to conciously let the trigger out a little farther than I'm used to between shots, and the multiple safetys are a little weird. Of course, I've shot it quite a bit, and loaned it to a friend several times who has probably shot hundreds of rounds through it, and I don't think I've ever cleaned or lubricated it. It certainly seems like a good value for the money (even at the normal price). Mine has some sort of satin chrome looking finish that doesn't seem to be showing any wear. It is kind of heavy for it's size.
I also have an old Iver Johnson TP-22 that works well. It is sort of a miniature Walther PPK (double action). I think these were also marketed by American Arms. They seem well made.
Also, if you are willing to move up slightly in size, you might check out the FEG .22s (also Walther clones). I have one of these and it is very reliable, surprisingly accurate, and fun to shoot. It is my favorite of this bunch.
Doug
this is a neat lil page with some info...
http://www.recguns.com/IIIC2oa1.html
don't believe the ppl that say the safeties are horrible.... after you get used to the procedure.... its smooth sailing... REALLY easy... and if someone else picks it up its less doubtful they'll be shooting at you....
oh yeah.... I've had a few jams in it... so i can't say it's 100% reliable.... but I bet it's 99% reliable... most of those were in the first couple hundred rounds
do a search here on TFL... there has been disscusion about them before
http://www.recguns.com/IIIC2oa1.html
don't believe the ppl that say the safeties are horrible.... after you get used to the procedure.... its smooth sailing... REALLY easy... and if someone else picks it up its less doubtful they'll be shooting at you....
oh yeah.... I've had a few jams in it... so i can't say it's 100% reliable.... but I bet it's 99% reliable... most of those were in the first couple hundred rounds
do a search here on TFL... there has been disscusion about them before
Jody Hudson
New member
I have 5 well working TPHs, between my sons and I, and they are wonderful. All of them have had a few, or several trips to the smith and back. They are the best, the smallest, the flattest, the most accurate, and in all ways the best. I have had all the others as well. My second favorite is the Iver Johnson TP-22 which is no longer made and fairly reliable.
I now prefer the KelTec P-32 as it is the same size, thickness and weight. But I will not sell my TPHs, just in case.
There is one of the TPHS in the local gun shop for about $500 and it has been back to the smith as it was one of my son's pistols, which he traded for something else. It works fine and is VERY accurate and reliable with Quik-Shoks. TPHS need maximum .22 ammo to work well. They do NOT like standard velocity ammo. I've found the Quik-Shoks to work FAR better in accuracy and reliability in the TPH, than Stingers or any other HV ammo.
You can sometimes find a TPH for as little as $350 but not often. I've only seen one below $450 in the last year. When S&W bought out Interarms they dumped out blemished TPHs for $330 and I got 4 of them. I've since sold two for $450 and $500 to retired international law enforcement officers, who are about the only ones who really appreciate the little TPHs. The last I knew, neither of them would ever be willing to sell the little babies.
There is a local smith here who has done a good job on two of my TPHs. It is very hard to find anyone who will work on them at all, or who can find any parts for them.
I now prefer the KelTec P-32 as it is the same size, thickness and weight. But I will not sell my TPHs, just in case.
There is one of the TPHS in the local gun shop for about $500 and it has been back to the smith as it was one of my son's pistols, which he traded for something else. It works fine and is VERY accurate and reliable with Quik-Shoks. TPHS need maximum .22 ammo to work well. They do NOT like standard velocity ammo. I've found the Quik-Shoks to work FAR better in accuracy and reliability in the TPH, than Stingers or any other HV ammo.
You can sometimes find a TPH for as little as $350 but not often. I've only seen one below $450 in the last year. When S&W bought out Interarms they dumped out blemished TPHs for $330 and I got 4 of them. I've since sold two for $450 and $500 to retired international law enforcement officers, who are about the only ones who really appreciate the little TPHs. The last I knew, neither of them would ever be willing to sell the little babies.
There is a local smith here who has done a good job on two of my TPHs. It is very hard to find anyone who will work on them at all, or who can find any parts for them.
I owned the Beretta Mod 21 "Bobcat." You will like the tip-up barrel feature, the DA/SA trigger, reliability, ergonomics. The one drawback: louzy sights! My son could get it to occasionally jam after firing 150-200 rounds through it quickly. After this torture test, I think getting it overheated tended to hurt it's reliability. With normal use, it was as right as rain. I think you'll enjoy it, if you can get used to the largely ceremonial sights.
OKAY GUYS AN' GALS, PROMISE NOT TO LAUGH...OKAY
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO ONE OF THE GUYS HERE AT THE PLANT WANTED AN INEXPENSIVE 22LR POCKET PISTOL. I FOUND AN AD FOR THE JENNINGS 22 PISTOLS AT $36.00 A PIECE AND WE ORDERED FOUR. ALL FOUR HAVE WORKED FINE THOUGH MINE IS CERTAINLY PICKY ABOUT ITS' DIET.
BOB CAN HIT A 12"X12" PLATE AT 100 YARDS ALL DAY LONG AND MINE WILL BOUNCE POP CANS AT 50 YARDS WHEN I DO MY PART.
THESE CHEAPO LITTLE PISTOLS ARE PURTY SLICK ACTUALLY AND HANDLE QUITE WELL.
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO ONE OF THE GUYS HERE AT THE PLANT WANTED AN INEXPENSIVE 22LR POCKET PISTOL. I FOUND AN AD FOR THE JENNINGS 22 PISTOLS AT $36.00 A PIECE AND WE ORDERED FOUR. ALL FOUR HAVE WORKED FINE THOUGH MINE IS CERTAINLY PICKY ABOUT ITS' DIET.
BOB CAN HIT A 12"X12" PLATE AT 100 YARDS ALL DAY LONG AND MINE WILL BOUNCE POP CANS AT 50 YARDS WHEN I DO MY PART.
THESE CHEAPO LITTLE PISTOLS ARE PURTY SLICK ACTUALLY AND HANDLE QUITE WELL.
trapshooter
Moderator
If you want to improve on the Beretta M21, you are going to have to get a bigger gun, Like the TPH. Personally, if it's not out of the price range for you, I'd look for a PP in .22LR or .380 (same size, pretty much). Ulm manufactured. Pricey, but worth it.
I've only had 2 'vest-pocket' .22's and they have both been very particular about the ammo they ate.
My Beretta M21 wants only the hottest rounds possible. The Walther TPH was fond of CCI Stingers. During an oxygen deprived period in my life, I sold the TPH and a SIG P229. Go figure. Wish I had 'em both back.
My Beretta M21 wants only the hottest rounds possible. The Walther TPH was fond of CCI Stingers. During an oxygen deprived period in my life, I sold the TPH and a SIG P229. Go figure. Wish I had 'em both back.
Terry ~ Crack a window. I know it's pretty chilly up there, maybe that's what it is. 
A guy took me for $20.00 because I didn't think he could hit a milk jug at 50yds with his rusty ol short barrel 38 loaded with corroded SWC ammo. He pulled it out of his boot to show me. We let the Bartender hold the cash while we took a short ride.
FIRST SHOT ~ Blammo
That was the only shot I needed. I was truely impressed. That was 15-18 years ago and the story still floats around the bar.
Your's is still a better story
44 Dan
A guy took me for $20.00 because I didn't think he could hit a milk jug at 50yds with his rusty ol short barrel 38 loaded with corroded SWC ammo. He pulled it out of his boot to show me. We let the Bartender hold the cash while we took a short ride.
FIRST SHOT ~ Blammo
That was the only shot I needed. I was truely impressed. That was 15-18 years ago and the story still floats around the bar.
Your's is still a better story
44 DanJody Hudson
New member
Trapshooter,
There are HUGE differences in size regarding the Beretta, Walther TPH and Walther PP or PPK. HUGE... The TPH is far thinner and quite a bit lighter than the Beretta. The PP is about 6 times larger than the TPH and perhaps four times or five times the weight.
I don't have facts and pictures to help but someone will be able to give us exact comparisons.
There are HUGE differences in size regarding the Beretta, Walther TPH and Walther PP or PPK. HUGE... The TPH is far thinner and quite a bit lighter than the Beretta. The PP is about 6 times larger than the TPH and perhaps four times or five times the weight.
I don't have facts and pictures to help but someone will be able to give us exact comparisons.