So I've had my PAL for a few years now and just recently I challanged my test for a RPAL. It just got issued the other day and I'm thinking about getting a handgun. Mostly thinking of getting a .22 to start at least. Not sure about whether I want a semi auto or revolver. I want something reliable and well built, something that will last. My highend of my budget is $650, and I'm fine with used if that is an issue. What are some good .22 pistols/revolvers that are fun to shoot?
First Handgun
- Thread starter FLYBYU44
- Start date
get one of the smith m&p .22 on the ee used for 350 to 400 with a couple mags. Great fun and reliable .22
Then see how you like it and add from there or trade up. Its cheap to shoot, will handle most of the high velocity stuff well. You may want a 9 or 40 or 357 or target gun down the road...who cares. Blast a .22 for a while and enjoy
Then see how you like it and add from there or trade up. Its cheap to shoot, will handle most of the high velocity stuff well. You may want a 9 or 40 or 357 or target gun down the road...who cares. Blast a .22 for a while and enjoy
- Location
- West Quebec
Definitely a Buckmark and if you want a really good revolver Smith 617 but a little more cash is required.
stevey3737
Regular
- Location
- Southern Interior
The Ruger line is always reliable but if you want a blowback semi the Smith & Wesson MP22 has been the most reliable I have ever owned out of the box and very accurate as well! It is very very close to the same size as there bigger brothers so if you are planning on a 9 or 40 or 45 soon after and you will! than you are already used to the ergonomics of it, it is a win win!!
As stated in the beginning, the rugers are just as reliable but just not as pretty hahaha
As stated in the beginning, the rugers are just as reliable but just not as pretty hahaha
stevey3737
Regular
- Location
- Southern Interior
and my opinions are soley based on my experiences, I have owned a markII ruger, a GSG 1911 clone, an ISSC glock clone (biggest POS on the market stay away!!!!), a Browning Buckmark, the buckmark is also a nice reliable pistol but again not so pretty hahaha
but you are always going to find a tonne of opinions here, I have found the very best way to decide is just buy one or two and try them, you will know right away and if you don't like them list them on the EE and try some others its the best way to learn what you like
but you are always going to find a tonne of opinions here, I have found the very best way to decide is just buy one or two and try them, you will know right away and if you don't like them list them on the EE and try some others its the best way to learn what you like
I have an M&P 22, a Walther PPQ M2 22, and a Browning 1911-22, and the most reliable and fun gun is definitely the Browning 1911-22. Walther is a close second. I have a fair amount of reliability issues with the M&P. If I take a group of people out with all three, the Browning seems to get chosen by everyone 80% of the time. Never had one failure of any kind, with any ammo, in thousands and thousands of rounds through it.
- Location
- Northeastern Ontario
I bought a new Buck Mark pistol in June. It fits the hand very nicely and functions very well. I would recommend it to anyone as a good .22 pistol with an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy, and quality. Unfortunately, I am not that enthusiastic about handgun shooting as I thought I would be. I've only used it twice for a total of 80 shots. And I go to the range two or more times a week. I'm now thinking that I'm someone who just prefers to shoot rifles. No doubt many if not all the pistols suggested in other posts have merit, but just make sure that handguns are for you.
I met a fellow at the range who had a Browning 1911-22 (but not with him) and he loved it as well. Said everyone who touched it wanted one. I'm considering one but it is really at the upper/over the end of my budget.
I fear I may be in the same boat, but I want to give it a try. Figure .22 is as good as any to start, plus way cheaper than 9mm and I have a decent stockpile of .22 right now for my rifle.
For a 22LR semi-auto I recommend a Beretta 71, there are surplus guns with new 6 inch barrels out there for around $350.00.
These are great little guns, very reliable and accurate and I think they look great even with the "Pinocchio" barrel sticking out.
They came from the factory with a prohib. 4 inch barrel but were done over for the Canadian market.
These are great little guns, very reliable and accurate and I think they look great even with the "Pinocchio" barrel sticking out.
They came from the factory with a prohib. 4 inch barrel but were done over for the Canadian market.
$650 is before or after tax? 
for that money, M&P9 or M&P40 Range kit provide way more value. I got my M&P40 Range kit when I started with in mind that I can get a 9mm conversion barrel and some mags to have two guns with much less money. I love the MP40, and did get the storm lake 9mm barrel which shoots very accurate. The range kit comes with 3 mags, Blade-Tech® Kydex® Holster and Blade-Tech® Double Magazine Pouch, and most useful tool of all, a Maglula Uplula™ Speed Loader which will save you from sore/hurt thumb.
p-d-ent.com(a sponsor here) still have the kit in stock for the same price as I bought it 8 months ago @ $625 + 5% tax + $25 shipping(i believe). so, it's slightly over $650, but absolutely good value. check out some of my old post for the shooting results and you can see how accurate it could be just in stock setup. and later you always have an option to upgrade to Apex trigger like many did or would recommend. I am happy with stock trigger as I think it's good for me to practice my basics even though Apex and P226 SRT triggers are light years better than MP factory trigger.
for that money, M&P9 or M&P40 Range kit provide way more value. I got my M&P40 Range kit when I started with in mind that I can get a 9mm conversion barrel and some mags to have two guns with much less money. I love the MP40, and did get the storm lake 9mm barrel which shoots very accurate. The range kit comes with 3 mags, Blade-Tech® Kydex® Holster and Blade-Tech® Double Magazine Pouch, and most useful tool of all, a Maglula Uplula™ Speed Loader which will save you from sore/hurt thumb.
p-d-ent.com(a sponsor here) still have the kit in stock for the same price as I bought it 8 months ago @ $625 + 5% tax + $25 shipping(i believe). so, it's slightly over $650, but absolutely good value. check out some of my old post for the shooting results and you can see how accurate it could be just in stock setup. and later you always have an option to upgrade to Apex trigger like many did or would recommend. I am happy with stock trigger as I think it's good for me to practice my basics even though Apex and P226 SRT triggers are light years better than MP factory trigger.
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I think a .22 is a good first gun and my vote would be for a Buckmark as well. I recently bought a Hunter model for $450ish and I have come to realize that I should have bought it years ago. They are all good pistols and I would recommend the Buckmark over a Ruger mkIII, but I own one of those as well and also enjoy it.
I'd prefer to keep it a .22, I don't plan on doing competition stuff and at my range it is mostly punching paper and plinking on my swinging .22 gongs. I woukd like to do alot of shooting with it and the cost of 9mm or 40sw is a little prohibitive. My budget is $ 650 after taxes
Perfectly fine, Sir!
I was just asking if you thought about a 9mm as well.
I just didn't find .22LR to be that 'fun'. Obviously it's entertaining at first but it wasn't enough to keep me entertained.
I also had a Browning Buckmark and highly recommend it. If you're good enough, you'll shoot the same hole.
How about a GSG 1911 - all the die hard 1911 guys I know love it - same size and manual of arms as a 1911, weight between a light weight Commander and a full size 1911. A good way to find out if you like the most common major calibre gun around. Lots of mods available to personalize it, should you like it.
