.22 Revolver recommendations

[Willma]

I'm new to guns and this site so please go easy on me. I am just getting started and am interested in some fun target practice with a .22 revolver. My hands are small and not very strong, I haven't found an auto I can rack. Any suggestions for something to start with? I'm on a tight budget, looking to spend under $300 total. Thanks.

[Stradawhovious]

Welcome! I don't have any experience with the .22 revolvers, but I'm sure that others on this site are a veritable fountain of information on the subject. If you are really nice, some might even meet up at the range and let you try some and give you some pointers As far as budget, in used .22 revolvers I'm sure your $300 will go far.

Once again, welcomce to MGT

[phorvick]

I'm new to guns and this site so please go easy on me. I am just getting started and am interested in some fun target practice with a .22 revolver. My hands are small and not very strong, I haven't found an auto I can rack. Any suggestions for something to start with? I'm on a tight budget, looking to spend under $300 total. Thanks.

Ruger Single Six. NIce...reliable...good looking...what's not to like?

I will be doing a class on May 17th in Robbinsdale...if you have not decided by then, I can bring it and you can try it.

[tullibee]

I second the motion for a Ruger Single Six. Although, new with both the cylinders I think I paid ~$370 (but I might be dreaming - I could have it confused with some other gun purchase!)

I also had fun shooting a friend's Taurus .22 revolver too... no idea which model, but I like the Tracker in .357...

Did you check out the Ruger Mark II or Mark III as a pistol option? I've got a Mark I that seems easy enough to rack (dis-assembly on the other hand isn't as easy as the Single-Six!)

[Victoria]

Did you check out the Ruger Mark II or Mark III as a pistol option? I've got a Mark I that seems easy enough to rack (dis-assembly on the other hand isn't as easy as the Single-Six!)

I'd second the recommendation for looking into the Ruger Mark II or III. It ought to fit in your price range. I've got strongish hands for a woman, so I haven't met a slide I can't rack yet, but the Ruger works differently than most semi-autos. Taking it apart to clean is a bit of a pain in the bum to learn, but once you are used to it, it's not a big deal.

Also, there are many ways to try racking a slide. If you've read about them and tried them, ignore me, but if not you could check out some of the articles at http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx, particularly the "Rack the Slide" article (recommended for anyone with trouble racking a slide imo). Might be helpful, but in the end it is all about what you're most comfortable with and have fun shooting.

[JohninMinnesota]

Welcome to you both Willma and Victoria

Please visit this link: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3217

Waverly Gun Club has some great teachers, and lots of guns to try out, and some great instruction. Each gun club I've had experience with has been very helpful as well.

I have a Ruger Mark II that my wife likes. It is an automatic, but is pretty easy to rack the slide.

Welcome again, and good shootin!

[aviator]

I still have the first .22 handgun I ever bought and use it in my training classes to this day. I'm sure it's over 30 years old and works great. It's a HR (Harrington Richardson) and has a "roll out" cylinder like most modern revolvers. I would recomend it over the single six because it is easier to eject the spent casings. I would think you could get a used one for $150.

[JoeH]

Welcome!

I like the Taurus Tracker .22lr. It's a ton of fun to shoot but may be a little heavy for you.

You should look at a Ruger Mark II or Mark III. They are autos but do not have a slide that's tough to rack. I bet that you can operate one.

[1911fan]

IF you look hard and long, you should be able to find a K22, or a M17 or a M63 S&W down near your price range.

Rugers tend to be a bit clunky, I like them for some things, but as a learning gun, they are not the best option.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=98146738 It is a model 63 kit gun, based on the j frame, its a very very nice smaller revolver that will be a lot of fun, never lose value, and be very durable. It would be fine training revolver and would match up with a model 36 or 60 for a training and selfdefense combo.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=97926791 The same thing only a blued finish. again durable, smaller and a good value.


If you move up to a model 17 or 617 S&W you get a slightly larger frame, but one which matches up with the model 10 size which allows you to practice with one, and use another later for self defense.

[mnglocker]

IF you look hard and long, you should be able to find a K22, or a M17 or a M63 S&W down near your price range.

Rugers tend to be a bit clunky, I like them for some things, but as a learning gun, they are not the best option.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=98146738 It is a model 63 kit gun, based on the j frame, its a very very nice smaller revolver that will be a lot of fun, never lose value, and be very durable. It would be fine training revolver and would match up with a model 36 or 60 for a training and selfdefense combo.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=97926791 The same thing only a blued finish. again durable, smaller and a good value.


If you move up to a model 17 or 617 S&W you get a slightly larger frame, but one which matches up with the model 10 size which allows you to practice with one, and use another later for self defense.

I have a Taurus model 94, it's a great gun*. (after I've put allot of time and money into it myself and at the gun smiths)

The Ruger single six is a classic and shouldn't be ignored. My only grip is that it takes a few seconds longer to load and unload, but no real biggy I guess.

[David]

Yeah, the Single Six is difficult to load, and the grip is actually kind of big for a .22. Then you have the fact that it is purely single action, and doesn't come with anything other than a six-inch barrel (or thereabouts). One plus, though, is that you can get the .22WMR cylinder for it and shoot magnums, which is all I shoot in mine. That round has a LOT of mojo.

If your only gripe about auto pistols is that the slide is hard to operate, I'd take a serious look at the Walther P22, which is a very small semi with a very easy-to-rack slide. The SIG Mosquito is larger, but still small compared to most auto pistols, and also has a very user-friendly slide. I have the Mosquito, a Ruger Mark II, and a Single-Six (as well as an HK 4, which I don't recommend), and I find the Mosquito to be the best all-around pistol in the group. It's more than your price, though, but I think the Walther is just under $300.

[phorvick]

Yeah, the Single Six is difficult to load, and the grip is actually kind of big for a .22. Then you have the fact that it is purely single action, and doesn't come with anything other than a six-inch barrel (or thereabouts).

(re barrel length)....it comes in 4-5/8; 5-1/2; and 9-1/2

But, yup, single action only etc.

[David]

Dang! Didn't know that. See what you can learn around here?

Now I'm starting to think that a new Single Six in 4-5/8" would be a nice little piece...

[DeanC]

BERSA also makes a .22lr version of their very popular Thunder model.

I passed a stainless one up at a gunshow for $200.



FIRESTORM 22

[onebohemian]

I've got a Taurus M94 as well. Been awhile since I used it but I think it has the 4 inch barrel. Paid $200 used but excellent shape. Very fun to shoot. Heavy enough that it's got little recoil. I haven't checked the trigger pull weight on it, but I'm guessing it's over 12 lbs. That may be something to keep in mind if you plan on doing alot of doubleaction shooting with it. Single action pull weight is considerably lighter and breaks cleanly.