Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 22lr pistol??

Need some suggestions from those more experienced than I...
What 22lr pistol should I look for to use as an all around plinker/small game gun--Think I'd like a revolver, but not 100% sold on the idea...

Thanks

Dave

If you want a revolver, take a look at the Taurus Tracker series, very nice for the price. Don't rule out a Ruger MK II or 22/45 though, they are accurate and reliable fun shooters.

Try a single action revolver such as a Ruger New Model .22. I used mine for over 25 years before giving it to a son. I replaced it with a Freedom Arms Model 97 in the same caliber. These revolvers are as bullet proof, safe and reliable, and are good carry guns for the outdoorsman.

A Ruger Single-Six will fill your needs nicely. You'll have your 22 LR revolver, but be able to step up to the magnum cylinder for tougher critters like coons.

I do quite a bit of hunting, and plinking with mine, and I think they're pretty hard to beat.

For a revolver I'd go with a Ruger Single Six although that 10 shot S&W has been calling my name also.

I've owned and shot lots of .22 RF handguns. All are fun for plinking and target shooting as long as they have good adjustable sights and a good trigger.
For hunting, the standard .22 LR HP leaves something to be desired. I've done much better with a .38 Special or a .45 ACP on rabbits and squirrels with wadcutter ammo.
In a .22, the Ruger Single Six is much better with the magnum clylinder for small game. It, for instance, will reliably anchor a jack rabbit with a body hit. Mine shoots 1.5-2 inches @ 25 yds. and the same POI with both ammo. Not all shoot the same POI, from what I've heard, but they do usually shoot accurately. Being a high speed round, they will tear up the critter some, but not as bad as you'd think. The bullets also penetrate well as they are designed for rifle applications. E

Dave, What you are looking for is a S&W K-22. Go to gunsamerica.com and look around a little. Try to find a 6", 1960's production gun, NIB, with target hammer and target trigger. These double action revolvers are beautiful, balanced, extremely well made and they shoot lights out. I bet you can get one for $400 or less. It will last for several lifetimes. This is a sure thing. RS

What's the best 22lr handgun? That question can't be answered.

It might be better to ask which ones to avoid. If you like revolvers, get a revolver. Single or double action your preference (were talking about plinkers, not self defense, right?).

If you like semi-auto's get one.

As long as you stay with the well-known brands, you can hardly go wrong. Ruger, S&W, Browning, Baretta, Sig and some say Taurus (I don't know) - all make good stuff in .22lr. You might want to avoid the cheaper S&W semi-autos, and the little pocket-sized Barettas are not good for accurate shooting (not saying they aren't accurate).

My personal faves are the Browning buckmark, Ruger mk2, and Ruger single-six.

-FreeMe

I had a Ruger single-six convertible, now a Ruger 22/45.

Both are nice .22s. wether you decide revolver or semiauto, you could do worse than a Ruger. Ruger makes nice .22 handguns at reasonable prices.

MM

Single action revolver ruger bearcat
double action S&W K22
Semiauto Ruger or if you can find one a colt huntsman.

Call me prejudiced, but for hunting and general use, I just can't see using a revolver, when shooting a 22. That long hammer fall, the inevitable sight disruption, I have shot revolvers and pistols but it's no contest. Don't get me wrong, I have had some amazingly accurate revolvers, but for field use, my Browning Buck Mark does it all, at least as well as I do. Tested at 50 yards with a 4X scope, the largest groups are about an inch and a half, and the open sights are also excellent. Regardless of what make or model you get, I think you'll probably shoot the autopistol better. Add the better trigger, the ease of fast reloading, and the ease of cleaning (one chamber instead of many!) and you'll see why the only revolvers I shoot are centerfires! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
PJ

It would be difficult to fault a K frame S&W with a 6" barrel. Easily the best out of the box trigger, great adjustable sights, most exhibit accuracy far beyond the capabilities of the shooter.

You won't have to be concerned about feeding or magazine issues.

I personally like the AUtoloaders for 22 LR.

I would suggest the Ruger Mark II its a great gun,
-There is a ton of aftermarket accessories made(most of which you can self install)
-Magazines are cheap and plentiful
-Accurate Right outta the Box

I have a couple of them here is a pic of the one I use the most


It started life as a Bone Stock, cheapest I could find SS Mark II, I sent it to Clark, and had them do the WORKS. It now has a trigger that BREAKS LIKE ICE, and shoots 1 hole groups at 25 yrds from the Ransom Rest. Recoil is Non-existant with the break.

Another gun thats lots of fun and pretty cheap is the Walther P-22.

Zero

Some states do not allow semi-automatic pistols for hunting. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Yep, like in Pennsylvania

I just picked up a Kimber 1911 22LR. This is my new favorite handgun. Seems to point very naturally for me. My 4" bull-barrel MK ll is now in 2nd place.
My favorite 22LR revolver is a S&W 617 4" with TT & TH.
Virgil B.

Virgil,

If that MkII is now taking up too much space in the safe and not earning her keep, let me know ... I'll keep her honest! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

leomort,

Just the place I was thinking about! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

This is a S&W model 18, 4" barrel with Hogue grips.

I have other .22 handguns, but this is the one that gets the work these days. Everybody oughta own at least one of these K frame .22's.

Avagadro,
Sorry, I can't part with the 4" BB Ruger Mk II.
Even if I have a new favorite, the Ruger still holds a warm spot in my heart!
Also have a 4" 617 (K22) that I installed TT & TH into...It's a keeper also.
And and old model Ruger Super Single Six 4-5/8"....
Seemes I'm gettin alot of "keepers" in my collection nowdays!
Thanks for the offer!
Virgil B. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />