Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Entry level .22 semi auto for my daughter

Another plus here for the SR22.

If you're really serious about getting your daughter a true training tool, to build familiarity and muscle memory to directly transfer to a CC weapon, then I would caution you to make a very careful decision based on her needs and experience.

For example:

I'd caution against any pistol with a 'bolt in a receiver' that is small and difficult to manipulate. She'll be 'pinching' the bolt on the Victory and MK Rugers, when you really want her to learn an overhand technique to manipulate the slide on a centerfire.

I'd also make sure that if manual safeties are involved, make sure that they work the same way. In the same direction! Last I checked, the SR22 does not, but it may have changed. Why confuse her right out of the gate?

Mag releases need to be similar. No heel releases on the trainer, if the centerfire has a thumb operated push-button.

Now, you may laugh, but I have seen experienced shooters pinch slides, thumb the heel, and put pistols on safe when they meant to fire. I've done it myself.

Thanks for the info sir. All good info to ponder. Considering we don't have the CC weapon yet, I'll be keeping this all in mind as we move forward.

M&P .22compact

A great gun, but out of my price range.

I'd look for a 4.5" S&W 422/622/2206 with adjustable sights.

I'd go with the Ruger 22 MK semi but it maybe over your budget.

I'd much prefer the Ruger, but can't swing the money. Thanks for everyone's input here.

You can find Rugers in that price range, i have bought and sold several.

As for .22s simulating centerfire handguns, the M&P Compact is the only one that I would even consider.

If you already have a 1911 or a Browning High Power-or a Beretta-I would look at a 22 conversion unit.

I've got a FEG clone of the Browning Hi-Power. I wonder if those conversion kits would work on that one?

Probably, but you're honestly better off saving up a bit more for the SR22 or the M&P.

In this price range the best advice is patience.

You can still find MK II's and Buckmarks for $250. It just takes a little while.




Travis

I am hoping to be able to give it to her at Christmas. I ordered the ISSC M22 tonight. Pretty good price-$199.00 with free shipping from Smoky Mountain Guns and Ammo. Regular retail is $249.00. Unfortunately it only comes with one mag, and the mags are not cheap and hard to find. The cheapest mag I've seen so far was $30.00. Thanks for everyone's advice. I had hoped maybe I'd shake a used gun loose somewhere, but it didn't work out like that, so this will work just fine.

I'm a big Glock fan and those look like a decent cheap training alternative . Good luck with your purchase.

Thank you sir.

No experience with this but under budget and similar to a real gun in ergos:

https://www.cdnnsports.com/chiappa-m9-22-standard-22lr.html?___SID=U

I picked up a Chiappa 1911 for a test and it ran pretty well.

Leaves you some money for this:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/federal-auto-match-22lr-40gr-lead-round-nose-325rd-am22.html

I looked at the reveiws on the Chiappa, and the ISSC reviewed out a little better. One reviewed alluded to the bullets tumbling out of the Chiappa. A couple others weren't real flattering either. That being said, I read a review on the ISSC last night that wasn't real good-cycling issues that went away after about the 200 round mark, and a front sight blade that fell out. I guess we'll find out shortly after Christmas. The gun shipped Thursday morning and they say it will be at my FFL on Monday. Pretty fast service for free shipping if it works out.

Another vote for a S&W 422.
Light, slim, accurate!

I have:

GSG 1911. $250~$289 new. It's OK but not great. Occasionally will spit a round out the top when closing the slide. Plastic sights are crap. I wouldn't classify it as CCW material due to size and questionable reliability. Maybe a good choice for 1911 practice if the sights are replaced.

Bersa Thunder 22. $271 at Bud's. Pretty nice. Slide is fairly easy to rack and controls are decent. High or Hyper Velocity ammo is recommended. Good potential for CCW.

S&W 22 Compact. $299 on sale. Slide and controls very easy and feels a lot like a S&W Shield should she want to step up to centerfire in the future. I've tried several types of ammo without a single failure. This one gets my vote.