Cheap .22 plinker handguns

M

Meph

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I've recently come across a bit of a pickle.

I need to find a decent handgun that's under 300$, and I've found a few things that would do the trick but I need a second opinion.

Norinco M93 Woodsman .22LR autoloader: 150~$, only has ONE review, but overall, it looks like it would do the job. I'm favoring that one but I'm weary that it might turn out to be a complete POS.

Heritage Arms Rough Rider .22lr/.22WM S/A revolver: Most reviews indicate that it's a solid, well performing handgun for 180~$. Some say that

"On closer inspection, I saw the cylinder was not locking up correctly and was out of time. Basically, as you #### the hammer slowly, the cylinder would rotate forward, then drop back a bit in last portion of travel. When the hammer was dropped, the cylinder was misaligned with the barrel. By turning the cylinder by hand the bolt would click into the cylinder detents properly.
Also, there was obvious lead buildup on one side of the forcing cone, consistent with an out-of-time condition. I disassembled the gun and found the hand was coming apart. Specifically, a small stud which projects from the lower side of the hand, and contacts the hammer, had moved out of the hole it is pressed into. So I ordered a replacement $9 + $5 shipping. Took about 10 days to arrive. On reassembly, the pistol feels tight and the cylinder rotates smoothly and locks up solid."

Which is the only downside to the Heritage Arms.

Any other possibilities or thoughts on what plinker I could get?
 
Look on the EE for a used Ruger MK II.
They usually go for about 300.One of the best semi auto 22 out there in my opinion.
 
If you look around, MCM Margolin can be found for less then $300

MCM_Detail.jpg
 
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The Ruger pistols are nice... I've shot them a lot at my range, they were always great even dirty. If I was buying one I think I'd look for a used one... At least they're popular so I could get stuff for them, like spare mags.

On the other hand, there seems to be love for the Woodsman knockoffs. I'm sucked in by the low price, and how they're small so they'd be great to start the gf on shooting, as she is petite and has hands to match.
 
I think you should first decide whether you want a semi-auto pistol or a revolver.

I own a m93 and I've found it to be a decent plinker. The ruger semi-autos are popular for a reason. They cost more than the m93, but they are also better.

If you want a single action revolver, the heritage rough riders offer good value for the price. Of course, my opinion is biased.

K.O.
 
Single action revolvers are a PITA at the range. If a number of people are shooting, other than very slowly and deliberately, you will be the last one to unload, then reload, and be ready to shoot the next round.
 
Another plus with the ruger semis is that down the road there is a ton of aftermarket upgrade parts for them if you want to play.

Single actions are fun as well. They are slower but the "mechanical" or "manual" feel of the gun is what I find fun. If your range allows a full 10 rounds the semi guys have 4 more rounds to shoot than you anyway. I usualy finish on par with everyone else.
 
A long time ago a wise man (my father ;)) once told me that a poor man can't afford to go cheap! Words I now live by: through attrition :redface:... I would suggest that you would be much happier if you were to purchase a mainstream firearm such as a Ruger MK "X" semi, Single Six revolver, Buckmark, or S&W 4/622 . Slightly more $$ than your choices, but still relatively inexpensive in an expensive sport, and all have far more accuracy/durability/fitment potential, support and available accessories, unlike something that is cheaply made of poor quality materials, with non-existent magazine availability and possibly embarrassing to get caught fondling in public :jerkit:... Can you hear it now? "Hey, is that a Colt Woodsman, those are great, I've always wanted one!" And you say, "No, it's a $99.00 Chinese knock-off, and I just sliced my finger on a sharp trigger burr..." "How does it shoot?" And you proudly show him your 5 yard target that looks like someone was patterning a short, cylinder-bore shotgun with birdshot at 25 yards... Your decision :rolleyes:
 
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Quality on the Nork Woodsman clones is extremely variable. I'm not a Nork hater by any means but I got one of the jamsters. Others have had better luck. The one thing I will say in its' favour is that, being small and light, using high velocity .22 (Velocitor or something) actually feels like you're firing a gun...
 
MacDeth said:
A long time ago a wise man (my father ;)) once told me that a poor man can't afford to go cheap! Words I now live by: through attrition :redface:... I would suggest that you would be much happier if you were to purchase a mainstream firearm such as a Ruger MK "X" semi, Single Six revolver, Buckmark, or S&W 4/622 . Slightly more $$ than your choices, but still relatively inexpensive in an expensive sport, and all have far more accuracy/durability/fitment potential, support and available accessories, unlike something that is cheaply made of poor quality materials, with non-existent magazine availability and possibly embarrassing to get caught fondling in public :jerkit:... Can you hear it now? "Hey, is that a Colt Woodsman, those are great, I've always wanted one!" And you say, "No, it's a $99.00 Chinese knock-off, and I just sliced my finger on a sharp trigger burr..." "How does it shoot?" And you proudly show him your 5 yard target that looks like someone was patterning a short, cylinder-bore shotgun with birdshot at 25 yards... Your decision :rolleyes:
Click to expand...


LMAO....great post.

I think the used, or new, for around $300 for blued target model, the Ruger's have it:50cal:
 
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