.22 Revolver recommendations

[plblark]

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.

A couple questions if you will:
Are you looking revolver over Semi for simplicity of use and less controls to manipulate of just the slide racking issue?
Are you looking for a light firearm so it doesn't tire your arm on long range sessions when holding it at arms length?

The revolver wins on ease of use. Some revolvers (air weight S&W's) will win on weight. The semi may actually be lighter and the small .22 Semis have slides that are manageable even before changing springs.

If you find a screaming deal on a .22 handgun, pass it along. I'd like one as well.

[phorvick]

In the easy to take care of (meaning disassembly for cleaning etc), the Beretta Neos or Smith and Wesson 22A are near the top of inexpensive semi-autos. Of the two, the 22A is slightly easier to manipulate the slide.

They also easily fit into the <$300 price range.

Since they have an integral scope mount, it is a snap to add an inexpensive red dot optic and instantly become the King of the Range!

[Stradawhovious]

If you find a screaming deal on a .22 handgun, pass it along. I'd like one as well.

Mee Too!!

[phorvick]

If you find a screaming deal on a .22 handgun, pass it along. I'd like one as well.

Mee Too!!

Methinks that more and more folks will be gravitating to .22's as a way to stay in the shooting sports and not go broke with ammo! I had a few (the Neos and the 22A) and sold them a few years ago. All I have left is the Single 6, an older S&W semi-auto, and the CZ 75 Kadet (a .22 on the CZ 75 frame). I am likely going to add another shooter... I really liked the feel of the 22A (especially for the price). But, the classic look of the Ruger calls also. I am fairly sure I can learn the stand-on-your-head trick to field strip it.

[Victoria]

All I have left is the Single 6, an older S&W semi-auto, and the CZ 75 Kadet (a .22 on the CZ 75 frame). I am likely going to add another shooter... I really liked the feel of the 22A (especially for the price). But, the classic look of the Ruger calls also. I am fairly sure I can learn the stand-on-your-head trick to field strip it.

How do you like the Kadet? I love the CZ75 design and function, and have toyed with the idea of picking up, say, a 9mm and a .22 conversion kit. I've wavered though, since I'd probably be doing a semi-casual .22 league with friends and we have a Ruger Mark II which is pretty awesome. I've also thought about a nice Browning Buckmark target pistol. But the CZ calls to me.

[hammAR]

But the CZ calls to me.

Welcome and always listen to the voice....the one in the heart, not the ones in the head...........

[wrench]

Well, I'm another one who can't comment on a revolver, as I'm not a revolver person. I am a woman, however, with smallish hands, so I can comment on that.
I have a Browning buckmark, fits my hands nicely, flawless operation, easy to rack.
Here's a standing invitation for Willma or Victoria to try it out sometime.
Shoot me a PM through the board, if you like.

[phorvick]

All I have left is the Single 6, an older S&W semi-auto, and the CZ 75 Kadet (a .22 on the CZ 75 frame). I am likely going to add another shooter... I really liked the feel of the 22A (especially for the price). But, the classic look of the Ruger calls also. I am fairly sure I can learn the stand-on-your-head trick to field strip it.

How do you like the Kadet? I love the CZ75 design and function, and have toyed with the idea of picking up, say, a 9mm and a .22 conversion kit. I've wavered though, since I'd probably be doing a semi-casual .22 league with friends and we have a Ruger Mark II which is pretty awesome. I've also thought about a nice Browning Buckmark target pistol. But the CZ calls to me.

The Kadet is a big favorite with folks. It is not as accurate as a target pistol, but it is very high on the cool factor! I will bring it also to my May 17th class if someone wants to try it.

[Srigs]

If you find a screaming deal on a .22 handgun, pass it along. I'd like one as well.

Mee Too!!

Methinks that more and more folks will be gravitating to .22's as a way to stay in the shooting sports and not go broke with ammo! I had a few (the Neos and the 22A) and sold them a few years ago. All I have left is the Single 6, an older S&W semi-auto, and the CZ 75 Kadet (a .22 on the CZ 75 frame). I am likely going to add another shooter... I really liked the feel of the 22A (especially for the price). But, the classic look of the Ruger calls also. I am fairly sure I can learn the stand-on-your-head trick to field strip it.

Paul is right. The Smith 22A is a great 22LR semi-auto that anyone can rack the slide on due to its light weight and spring. They come in 4, 5 and ~7" versions and mine has an inexpensive red dot and is fun to shoot.

The Taurus Tracker in 22LR would be a good solution also.

[Fast351]

I have a Taurus model 94. It's OK. Out of the box it's got a nasty lawyertrigger. A set of Wolff springs tames it a bit to where it's OK to shoot.

I had a chance to shoot a Smith model 63 kit gun side by side with it. There's no comparison. The Smith beats it like a redheaded stepchild. Of course finding one is the problem. Used model 63s fetch north of 400 dollars.

22s are fun to shoot. I like taking mine to the range to get a good feel for triggers back after putzing with full power ammo.

[DeanC]

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.

On sale for $350 at Cabela's right now, I believe.

[Vlad]

If the single six is too big, you should also consider the Ruger Bearcat. It has a smaller and lighter frame. It is also very pointable and comfortable to shoot.

[JonnyB]

Did no-one recommend a Ruger SP-101 (used)? New, you can't get to the $300 mark but a used one just might...

They're available in .22, .32, .38Spl, .357 Mag. and 9mm.

jb