Recommend a .22

[Anianna]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive .22 handgun to use primarily for training my kids pistol safety and use. Something with a relatively small grip and easy action would be ideal. For this particular firearm, I have no preference regarding semi-auto or revolver. I was wondering if y'all had some recommendations.

[Chase The hero]

I really like my Heritage Rough rider. it's a single action revolver that shoots .22lr and .22 Mag, and i picked it up used for 120$. new they are around 150-175$, so you can get the pistol and 1k rounds for around 200$. also, you can get them with birdshead grips for smaller hands as well.

[lowjohn19]

Ruger mkii or mkiii. I have a mkiii and love it. It is more accurate than I am, was fairly inexpensive, and has been utterly reliable after about 5000 rounds. The only negative I can find is some people have a difficult time assembling and disassembling for cleaning.

[Lynn LeFey]

I love the Ruger mark pistols, but it can take a bit of hand strength to work the action on them, something maybe beyond a youth's ability. Certainly worth a try, though, if you could rent one at a gun range to test.

[Creepinjeep]

I like the Browning Buckmark, Pretty accurate lil pistol.

[UndeadInfidel]

Just going to say that after firing Ruger Mkiii, Ruger 22/45, S&W 22a, and Browning Buckmark, I chose the Browning. All are very solid, reliable guns, but the Buckmark factory trigger just blows the others away. With a 5 minute seer spring flip mod, the Buckmark trigger gets even better on top of that. YMMV.

[homerj109]

I would also recommend the Buckmark, accuracy is good, decently priced and from what I hear they are easier to take down than a Ruger.

[Kutter_0311]

I can recommend the Ruger MkII/III. They are hard to take down, but you really don't need to. The cleaning you need to do can be done with the bolt locked back by using a Bore Snake and mil-type cleaning brush.

Buckmarks work very well, also, my buddy has one.

[AKFTW]

Why not one of the GSG .22LR 1911s, or an ISSC M22? Something that approximates controls and dimensions of centerfire handguns?

GSG 1911:http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/american-tactical/1911-gsg-pistol-22-lr-5in-10rd-black-wood-grips/

M22: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/61742-55.html

They're both around $330 or so.

[Anianna]

Thanks all, I will check out every one of those.

In the meantime, does anybody have any opinions regarding the Bersa Thunder Semi-automatic Pistol .22LR?

[NamelessStain]

If this is your "intro to firearms" for a young-in, personally I would say Ruger 22/45 Mark3. Reasons...

1) Ruger makes this high quality firearm with a track record of performance.
2) Mark2 made since 1982, mark 3 since 2004. The design has a been around a while and is a proven design.
3) There are reloading tools that allow you to reload magazines quickly without the tedious 1 at a time.
4) Supposedly the grip angle emulates that of a 1911. So if you later upgrade to that model, the feel should be almost exact.
5) The damn thing is fun to go plinking!
6) It's damn sexy just to look at!


Standard models can be had for under $400, but top end models can run over $600.

And just to prove it's sexy to look at, here's an image from the Ruger site for the Ruger Mark 3 Hunter model.

Ruger Mark3 Hunter link: http://www.ruger.com/products/markIIIHunter/models.html

Edit:
Here's a vid of a magazine loader: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wFM9YFb ... re=related

[PistolPete]

Thanks all, I will check out every one of those.

In the meantime, does anybody have any opinions regarding the Bersa Thunder Semi-automatic Pistol .22LR?

I've got a Bersa 22, and at the price point the Ruger or Browning is a better gun. The Bersa is nice and small, but the trigger isn't great, the safety is clunky and it won't feed reliably with bulk ammo. It works fine with high velocity (more expensive) stuff, but the one I have won't cycle with either Federal or Remington bulk 22 ammo. And mags are $28 and hard to find.

If you want something small like that check out a Ruger SR-22. It's pretty close to the same size as the Bersa (the Ruger is a bit bigger, but it's in the same class) and is going to be more reliable with all ammo types and it comes with 2 mags.

[grennels]

I think I would start them on a revolver. They can actually see how it works. See the cylinder rotate and watch the hammer fall, etc. And a little safer IMO. Double action trigger pull is pretty stiff.

[NamelessStain]

I think I would start them on a revolver. They can actually see how it works. See the cylinder rotate and watch the hammer fall, etc. And a little safer IMO. Double action trigger pull is pretty stiff.

I was thinking a revolver too for the same reason, but then I saw prices. Most are close enough to the Mark3 that I'd just pay the extra $$ for a solid model.

[Siggy01]

You can get a Beretta U22 Neos or a S&W 22A. They're both under $250 usually online.

[Anianna]

I love this place.

Thanks all!

[Doctorr Fabulous]

I like the Neos, but I have Gigantor hands. Like, the full-size double-stack Glock 10mm felt okay in them. Try the Buckmark. I grew up shooting a suppressed version, so it should be okay for kiddie hands.

[s.leinicke]

Ruger mk2 or a Ruger single six are by far my two first picks.

The mk2 is the obligatory .22 everyone must have them and the single six is pretty good as well. (I own both and love them)

[alptraum]

Another vote for the Buckmark. I've had mine for quite awhile now and it's eaten every type of cheap and pricey ammo without any problems. Very accurate and UndeadInfidel is right about the trigger, it's one of the nicest stock triggers I've ever tried on any type of firearm. Second choice would be one of the Rugers. After shooting both quite a bit the Browning was the clear winner for me. Having said that the aftermarket for the Ruger is much larger (it's HUGE) and you can turn it into just about anything.

Supposedly the grip angle emulates that of a 1911

That's the 22/45 version(s) of the MkIII. The regular MkIII and the MkII are nothing like the 1911 grip wise, they are pretty much like the Luger.

[Czechnology]

Browning Buckmark or a Colt Woodsman/huntsman

[Maverick299]

1st choice for me is the Buckmark.

2nd choice would be the Ruger Single Six with convertible .22mag cylinder.

[NamelessStain]

Supposedly the grip angle emulates that of a 1911

That's the 22/45 version(s) of the MkIII. The regular MkIII and the MkII are nothing like the 1911 grip wise, they are pretty much like the Luger.

Noted and thx.

[FlashDaddy]

I will also throw a vote in for the Beretta Neos. My friend's ten year old twin boys both shot it at the last range trip and they liked it.


edited for speeling

[JesterODX]

I'm all about the Ruger .22 pistols. I've loved the ones I've shot. Now I havent tried one yet, but my boss loves his little Walther .22 thats getting popular, some dont. But the Ruger's, Walther and so forth can be more pricey then what you want. Dont know your deffinetion of inexpensive... But a good quality .22 pistol is a nice addition in anyone collection.

The pawn shops always have a good many inexpensive used .22 revolvers for sale.