.22lr pistol reccomendations

[sochr000]

I'm thinking about getting a .22lr pistol for rabbits, but not really sure what's the best for my money. I'm mostly looking for something to carry with me while I'm out grouse hunting, that I can pull out if I see a rabbit. I'd use my shotgun, but my dog is usually right behind them (5ft or so) and a shotgun isn't really something I want to shoot that close to my dog.

Basically I'm thinking I want something like a Buckmark, or a p22, but wouldn't be opposed to a wheelgun either, I just don't know any specific .22lr revolvers. It just has to be better than my current 22 pistol (an RG...).

I guess the only requirements I have are:
.22lr
easy to use
reasonably accurate
reliable
nothing too rare, or at least semi-available parts

I wont be using it to do competitions, or at least nothing more serious than, "I bet I can hit that popcan from here." So, if you have an opinion, share it, but please share why you believe what you do.


Edited to add: Oh, and looking for something that will hopefully keep its value pretty well.

[1911fan]

I would say, if you can find one, a S&W kit gun or a single six or Bearcat Ruger for wheel guns or a buckmark or a Ruger standard auto. ''


I have P22's but they are less than Minute of Grouse Head accurate. They are fun as heck plinkers and great SD practice guns, but they are not hunters.

[infidel]

I have a Mark III 22/45. It is more accurate than I am, and eats everything. The same grip angle as a 1911, Sig, XD etc. I thought .22's were cheap to shoot until I found this: http://mcfaden.com/Clip_Loader.htm . The "ultimate clip loader" is fast, and well worth the thirty bucks. They do have a loader for Buckmarks as well, although I have never shot one. A new 22/45 can be had for around $250, for the basic models.

[mrokern]

I've got a Smith 22a that I love. 6"ish, cheap as heck (paid $199 barely used), and it'll put rounds into less than a golf ball at 75 feet all day long.

2 issues only:

-it won't feed Remington ammo worth a darn (no biggie, I feed it minimag)

-I had a hook on the back of the rail snap...was important, since it holds the gun together. Called S&W, they had me ship it back, fixed it, and sent it back to me, all on their dime, and for a used gun way out of warranty. That rocked.

-Mark

[sochr000]

Oh, figured I would say, I plan to use CCI's Velocitor ammo in this, almost exclusively, as it's the ammo I use in my 22 rifle. So it's not cheap ammo, but is something that's higher velocity, if that matters.

[bensdad]

I'd second the S&W 22a. I have one and love it. My son shoots it all the live-long day. They're cheap to buy. ONly complaint I would mention is the plastic buffer thingamajigs. The gun came with three, but we wore those out in short order. S&W sent me a new set of three based on nothing more than a phone call. I don't know how many rds. have been through it, but its in the many thousands (like, more than 5 and less than 30?).

[bensdad]

Oh, figured I would say, I plan to use CCI's Velocitor ammo in this, almost exclusively, as it's the ammo I use in my 22 rifle. So it's not cheap ammo, but is something that's higher velocity, if that matters.

Honestly, save your money. Get the fed. bulk-pack at WM. The pistol won't know the difference. You won't know the difference. The bunny's brain-pan won't know the difference. When I take the kid (or kids) to the range, I stuff cargo pants pockets with .22s. I have to do it again in 20 minutes. If I used Velocitors, I'd have to get a second job.

[sochr000]

Oh, figured I would say, I plan to use CCI's Velocitor ammo in this, almost exclusively, as it's the ammo I use in my 22 rifle. So it's not cheap ammo, but is something that's higher velocity, if that matters.

Honestly, save your money. Get the fed. bulk-pack at WM.

Alrighty, I'll look around for it in town since I don't shop WM.

[mnglocker]

Yup on the Federal Bulk pack ammp. My Buckmark prefers it. The ony thing Velocitor/Stinger/Mini-Mag?Super-duper/whatever bullets do in a pistol is tumble.

[MrVvrroomm]

+3 for the S&W 22A. Bought mine new, put a couple of thousand through it, never skips a beat.

[cobb]

Browning Buckmark. Mine are very accurate and the controls are in the same places as my carry and play guns.

[mmcnx2]

I'd suggest the Ruger auto in whatever configuration trips your trigger. I've had two over the years both were very accurate and ran 100%.

[Holland&Holland]

Have you considered a .22 mag? You get LR velocity out of a short barrel. The ruger single six of course would give you both, 22 mag for hunting and you could plink with .22.

[mnglocker]

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=8184

[zachs]

I also have a ruger 22/45 mark 111 and have been very happy with it. It is very accurate for a modestly priced .22 I replaced a s&w 22a with the ruger and have found that it is easier to shoot and less finicky with ammo