Most reliable .22 pistol?

capp325

capp325

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I own a number of pistols, but no .22s. With constantly rising ammo prices, I figure I should get something that would allow me to practice shooting without breaking the bank. My requirements are as follows:

  1. Must be a semi-auto.
  2. Must feed reliably with most types of commercially available ammunition (I realize that .22's are more finicky about ammo than their centerfire counterparts, but I really don't want something that would only cycle reliably with CCI Minimags or some other premium ammo).
  3. Must not cost much more than $1000 (I would prefer something in the $600-800 range).
  4. Must be classified as restricted.
  5. Must not be a Norinco clone.
I must admit that I don't have much experience with rimfire pistols. The only ones I've shot were Walther P22 and Ruger MK II. I really hated the P22. I didn't hate the Ruger, but I didn't like it all that much either. Maybe I need to try shooting it again, but for now I'm leaving it off the list. I also don't like "space age" Star Trek-style guns like Beretta Neos or S&W Model 22A. And I'm staying away from Sig Mosquito, as too many people seem to be having problems with that particular gun. Lastly, I'm not interested in a .22 slide/barrel conversion for a centerfire pistol.

So with all that in mind, what would you guys recommend? Right now I'm thinking of picking up a used S&W Model 41, but I'm open to other suggestions.
 
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Ruger MKII

My MKII has been running brick after brick of all brands of .22LR since 1985. Last year, I replaced the rear sight because it wore out and I went to a Hi-Viz fiber-optic front sight because my eyes are fading. Otherwise, no problems at all. I want to buy a MKIII Hunter in stainless, but can't justify it because the MKII is so good!
Geoff
 
cyclone said:
Browning Buckmark?
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+2, great pistol. They may be jammomatics however, I have witnessed one. Great shooters though.

Do not discard P22, its great fun toy gun. And can be accurate too if you ever get used to its small grip.

Hammerli Xesse look interesting and is within your budget. Never tried but name speaks for itself.
 
The Model 41 is a good choice.
It;s accurate and is a classic.
It's also very easy to take down and clean.
I didn,t find mine to be finnicky with ammo.
If you look around,real nice used ones can be had in the $600
to 700 range.
The only reason I sold mine was because I have a Model 17 revolver
that I prefer to shoot 22 with.
 
I have a Beretta 87T with close to 8000 rounds through it without a hiccup. A used Beretta 89 would also be quite a nice .22lr pistol as well. Its the predecessor for the 87T and, IMHO, much better built and slightly more accurate.

Don't rule out the Ruger MkII/MkIII. My preference goes with the MkII due to the fact that the magazine disconnect on the MkIII's adds the need to insert and remove magazine at various times during disassembly/reassembly. I will admit that the thumb release for the magazine is nice. My Government Competition MkII has been extremely accurate and reliable. It is built like a tank and I actually prefer it over my 87T.

The S&W 41 is a beautiful pistol and definitely would be on my short list. Very accurate and it has a nice heft to it. I don't own one but have been told that they can be picky about their ammo and magazines but the person I know who owns one has never had an issue. They've been in production for a long time and are a proven 'standard'.

Have you considered a S&W 617 revolver? Quite accurate and reliable as well.

Good luck in your hunt.......... The "pursuit" is the most enjoyable part of gun buying for me. :)
 
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Any of the Russian made Margolin pistols. They are very accurate, The one i shoot out of the two i have is a consistant 1 1/2 -2 inches at 25 meters. That is done with no rest. They are a decent price when you can find one .
Both of mine are in cases, the one i shoot is so accurate i have not yet taken the other one out to try out yet. It is as i understand as yet unfired from new.
Regards Delta1
 
.22 pistol

money any of the ruger mk 1-2-3 s are hard to beat i have two and never once has on failed on the line and i cant even imagin how many rounds i have run in them. and they shoot wel.:)
 
I'll tell you why I like the High Standards, all steel, well made to last a lifetime, no upgrades needed, excellent sights and trigger, extremely tolerant of different ammunition, and the Victor feels like a 1911 in your hand and looks like a real pistol.
 
capp325 said:
Right now I'm thinking of picking up a used S&W Model 41, but I'm open to other suggestions.
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A 41 is a good choice, but mags and ammo can make it finicky and parts aren't is ready supply.

A used Xesse can be found for under $1k, I think there's one in the EE right now. Super acurate. There's also a Browning Medalist too. Both guns would have slide controls that would mimic a modern semi-auto pistol.
 
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Get a MkIII and put on Hogue grips, they are awesome. I've only put about 600 rounds through mine but it has been flawless with 7 different brands of ammo. Very accurate also. I want to add a HiViz front sight next. $499 @ P&D.

RugerHogues.jpg
 
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I would vote for the MKII also, and it just so happens that I have a modded one for sale.:D;)
 
delta1 said:
Any of the Russian made Margolin pistols. They are very accurate, The one i shoot out of the two i have is a consistant 1 1/2 -2 inches at 25 meters. That is done with no rest. They are a decent price when you can find one .
Both of mine are in cases, the one i shoot is so accurate i have not yet taken the other one out to try out yet. It is as i understand as yet unfired from new.
Regards Delta1
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+1 on the Margolin!

For your budget you would get,

1x new pistol (+/- $350)
MCM_Detail.jpg


1x Target grip (+/- $120)
MCM_Target.jpg



Plenty of 22lr ammunition to play with...
22%20ammo%20stockpile-thumb.jpg


And enough $$ left for a few cold ones...
Beer+Maid+3.JPG


;)
 
Thanks for the recommendations, everyone.

I did not realize that the M41 had mag issues. What exactly is the problem? Is it that they break easily? Or are the hard to find?

I know that many people like their Rugers, but I just can't warm up to them for some reason. Plus, I understand that they are a pain in the ass to field strip.
 
Grizzlypeg said:
I'll tell you why I like the High Standards, all steel, well made to last a lifetime, no upgrades needed, excellent sights and trigger, extremely tolerant of different ammunition, and the Victor feels like a 1911 in your hand and looks like a real pistol.
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I must admit that I know nothing about High Standards, other than that they are apparently held in high regard.

What's the difference between the Victor, Supermatic and some of the other .22 models that they produce (they all look similar to me, so I'm guessing that they are based on the same action?). Are there any years/periods to avoid? What about current production guns - are they as good as the old ones?
 
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