Question - first .22 handgun

Sochi

Sochi

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North of Toronto
Hi there,

I am looking to buy my first hadngun and i've decided to get .22 caliber.

I'd like it to be as similar (in terms of functionality/look/dimensions) as possible to a full power gun so I narrowed down my search to these two:
Ruger SR22 and Walther P22.

I am curious why P22 is not available in any store in Canada?
Are there other comparable or better options popular here?

Thank you.

P.S. I saw the other thread about .22 guns but I am not interested in 1911 version.
 
Of all the .22s that look like full sized handguns, I've been most impressed with the S&W M&P 22. I've seen and shot GSGs, Glock and CZ conversions that aren't bad. But for a factory stock .22, the M&P is hard to beat. I'm used to .22s FTF and FTE but I've not seen one from this gun that is not ammo related.
 
There is an M&P 22lr pistol you could look at.
I had a Walther P22. It was not what I wanted it to be, so I sold it.
If you change your mind on the functionality/look/dimensions of a full power gun thing.
A Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a Beautiful thing, and a Ruger MKII is a great pistol for less money.
 
Not sure if you've considered a revolver, but the 617 is a very well made, nice sized gun too.

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Watch this site and buy a lightly used Browning Challenger and you will never go wrong - ever and always get your money back when you sell it - if ever. I bought my first one in 1965 and several more since, and my last one a few months ago. It out shoots most .22's ever made and will not let you down.
 
If you're looking for a full-sized semi....SIG-226BR-22-BAS. Can be easily converted to shoot 9mm/40S&W (when you're ready)

Revolver.....S&W 617
 
FWIW, The S&W M&P22 is made in Germany by Carl Walther. I own one and have over 2700 rounds down the pipe, no issues at all. It is also pretty much the same size as my M&P9 and fits in the same holster.

Check out this review, Nutin' talks about both your choices and . . . the Smith M&P22.

 
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Had my M&P 22 out for the first time last weekend...while it ate 100 rounds mini-mags without issue, was fairly accurate, it is not what I would consider a durable pistol. It's a Umarex Walther, so not exactly Walther quality (made with cast zinc/cast alloy/sleeved barrel/ect). It will probably hold up for several thousand rounds, but that isn't all that much in the rimfire world when compared to a Ruger MKII or 22/45 which should literally last forever.
 
I bought a Buckmark first but since I purchased an Alpha proj revolver, I don't shoot it nearly as much. My wife really likes the Buckmark and shoots it more than I do.
 
Still alive said:
Of all the .22s that look like full sized handguns, I've been most impressed with the S&W M&P 22. I've seen and shot GSGs, Glock and CZ conversions that aren't bad. But for a factory stock .22, the M&P is hard to beat. I'm used to .22s FTF and FTE but I've not seen one from this gun that is not ammo related.
Click to expand...

Just be careful with ammo, I used some that was similar to a wad cutter and it broke the ejector (fixed under warranty, but I had to send it to BC). I use copper jacketed roundnose Minimags with no problem.

I'd also consider a GSG .22 1911. Or a Sig Sauer.
 
If looking like a full size centre fire pistol is of paramount importance go with the M&P. If accuracy and quality matter to you go with any of the other guns suggested (Buck Mark,Ruger, S&W revolver etc)
 
I've got the Sig 226 classic in .22... Full size, and like already mentioned you can later buy the slide and barrel for .40, 9mm. It really, really doesnt like subsonic rounds though.. not enough ooomph to cycle the action.

If you go the 226 route, i HIGHLY recommend getting magazines made by gsdesigns in ontario (the one with the red in photo) as they make the mags that lock the slide back properly. The ones made from Sig (the other mag with a changed follower) that come with the pistol no not hold the slide back.

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For revolver.. I'd say single six :) I've got a thing for Single Action Revolvers though
 
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You can't go wrong with a Buckmark 22. Walther does offer the PPQ in Canada and the SP22 (used). Make sure whatever you buy fits your hand!!! The Smith & Wesson MP22 is a very loud little 22 with a small grip, but the S & W will fire just about any 22LR cartridge and accurately (sadly, too small for my big mitts). I found a S & W 22A-1 for my big hands and the grips are barely large enough. I'm not a 1911 fan but the full-size 1911 fit my mitts! Same for the Buckmarks.
 
I would recommend the same 22 pistol as someone else did. an older Ruger mark 2 . with adjustable sights . great trigger and reliable. accurate also. or if you have the coin an older Smith model 17 revolver . or an older High standard semiauto. don't buy any junk. the mark 2 has a better trigger than the newer Mark 3. and yes I'm speaking from experience.
 
Take a look at the older S&W model 422/622 or the full weight all stainless 2206 .22 pistols. I have a 6" target model 2206 and it's a blast to shoot. Not in the same league as my model 41 but at 1/3 the price, it's one of the best value out there. They appear on the used market from time to time at around $350-$400 in VG+ condition for the alloy frame 422/622, add $100-$150 for a 2206 in the same condition.

They were made for a short period of time and discontinued because they were too expensive to manufacture and the profit margin was low.
 
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