Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns what is your favorite .22 plinker?

22 Plinker? I have quite a few 22 handguns. Years ago, the choice was always my 4" Colt Diamondback, but I have pulled it from active service with values so high on them these days. I would love to find one in about 90% condition to play with. It would probably regain first choice if it proved to be accurate.

If I went out plinking tomorrow, this is casual plinking and no competitions, I would choose my Ruger SR22-P as it is a lot of fun to shoot and have not had a single problem with it since I got it. I'd also take along the LCR-22 but hitting is a little more difficult and lacks consistancy for me. Still trying to shoot better with the LCR-22. The empties are a bit hard to eject when I use Federal Lightnings (510's). Will have to see it the same issue is prevailent with other brands.

If I were buying a plinker today, I would choose a Ruger 45/22 with a 5" bull barrel or Mark III with a 5.5" bull barrel. They are a little heavier, but hitting what you aim at is satisfying. They are still comfortable to carry in a belt holster on walks. I have a Mark II but intend to buy a 22/45 eventually.

If I preferred revolvers, the top choice would be a 4" S&W 617 today. I don't have one of these, but I have both M17's and M18's which I like a lot. The S&W M63 is a fun little revolver. I have a 5" and want to get a 3" just because. But the M617 is easier to plink accurately with. But for toting around the woods and casual plinking the M63 is very good. Find an older 4" and you will probably like it if you think the 3" barrel is too short.

I don't find plinking with a single action 22 revolver very satisfying. Many will dissagree with me. I'm always reloading or ejecting empties. I just prefer double action revolvers for plinking especially.

Something on a severe budget, the old H&R 999 would be my choice although the one I had spit lead and powder and the sights always worked loose. The timing was off and the gap too large. I would not buy another, but many like them even though they have a very heavy double action trigger.

I would not get a Taurus revolver because of all the problems I hear and read about. I just don't want to take a chance and the triggers are very heavy even it they work properly. I do not have any exposure to the Raging Bull 22 but I assume it is about the same as the M94.

The Sig mosquito has appeal but I don't know if Sig has the problems worked out on them. They jammed a lot. The CZ75 in 22 would be a very good choice as I have only heard good things about them. But they are a bit more pricey.

FAR easier to get apart and back together. Pull down the takedown lever in the trigger guard and it comes apart.

Either/or/or:

SR-22. Miles ahead of the Mk II 6 " I sent down the road.

The Ruger SR22-P is a great little pistol. It is not a target gun. You need to be aware of that when you choose one. But they are a lot of fun to plink with and generally I hit what I am aiming at or close within plinking ranges (under 15 yds).

Showoff!

What he said.

I'm gettin a Viridian green laser to put on the rail of my SR22. The green laser shows up in bright daylight. I've got one on my Beretta PX4 Storm .45 and I really like it. I have red Crimson Trace lasers on both of my LCR's .38 and .22 but the red is limited to low light.

i have or had M17s, Single Sixes, M41, but my all time favorite is this

I handled an SR22 today. Pretty decent ergos, all right

...for "plinking"....

I had one exactly like that. First 22/45 that hit my town. Good guns.

ETA - Okay, now on second look, not EXACTLY like that. Your trigger looks slightly better than stock

Colt Woodsmans for wife and me

Small stuff? Had a lot of fun with a couple Walther P-22s I used to own.

I think I'm also going to enjoy immensely the Ruger LCR 22lr - I acquired not long ago.

i wish i could find a few more of those old style VQ triggers.

RJM, what is that, a USFA?

Coltfan

As for me, I've got a Colt Diamondback 6" .22 that is my goto gun, or at least it has been. Last fall I picked up one of the Browning 1911-22's and I grab it the most recently. I even have gone so far as to consign a couple guns with a LGS to try to acquire a couple more to stash about.

I almost forgot the Freedom Arms in 22lr/22mag that is my goto shoot past 50 yards gun. It wears a 2x Leupold for my ever aging eyes.

Coltfan

Diamondback stays in the safe, and the Sig Trailside goes in the holster.

If you miss with the TS, then YOU missed.

SR22 is my current. That things eats anything and is pretty darn accurate.

Either K22 works well.
Bob