Hi all, I know I am doing this all backwards as I have numerous large caliber guns already, but I have been kicking around buying a .22 pistol for a while now. I know how much fun they are to shoot/plink with and wanted to add one to my collection so that those whom I take shooting that are gun shy or larger caliber challenged or afeared can also join in the fun. Plus it would be a good starter gun for my kids even thou the little ones are only 4 and 22 months, they'll be shooting early on. Good to start my older boys with too, they are 18 and 15...(yeah they are old but their momma, my ex is a super anti). I would like to solicit recommendations for which models to look at (Rugers are high on the list). I would like to buy new, however will consider a used .22 in excellent condition. Anybody got one for sale??? heheehee....thanks ....mack

Well for starters a revolver is fairly basic. But I don't think they have any out there in the size for your kids. The Ruger basic Mk2 is probably going to do the best job for the money. Most every older shooter has had one or still does. I just ordered a revolver in 22 as I believe I lost touch with shooting pistols in high power, and need to go back to the basics. I like the revolver for the trigger squeeze practice.
Jim

I agree w/Jim in Iowa; a Ruger mk2 is excellent. I also have a Mod 17-3 S&W revolver, and my favorite semi auto a new Beretta Neos 6" bbl, and a Hakko Panarama red dot. The others are nice and all are more accurate than I am. The Neos I have shot my fastest 5 target round...ever! less than 2 seconds for 5 6" steel plates at 7yds. I wish I was as fast with the mod 625, or mod 27. Practice practice practice.

Ruger Bearcat, for small hands.

Mack, my youngest son started shooting when he was three, and I still glow when I see those pictures. He was supposed to go with me and a buddy shooting "just to watch" but after awhile, he begged to shoot my Buck Mark 22. I made him recite the five safety rules of gun handling, and he rattled them off. (Indoctrination begins early in my house! :D ) His first shot was at a soda can at ten paces, and he centered it! I don't know who was more proud. By the end of the day he had shot my 40, 38, .223, and with a little help, my 20-gauge. Not bad for a 30 pound kid!

Personally, after having owned 22's of both persuasions, I think I'd go for an auto. The triggers are good, and you don't have to worry about the lock-time factor. If the gun is to be used for hunting small game eventually, revolvers do not offer fast, accurate followup shots like the auto does. And best of all, I've seen NEW Browning Buck Marks in the stores for under $200! Just make sure their hands and the grips are compatible, revolver stocks can be whittled down, auto are harder to pare down.

Once your newer shooters understand the manual of arms for the auto, they are just as safe as any revolver, and I think MrsMack needs to go shooting more often! Get her a 22 that fits her hand well, has good sights and a good trigger, and she'll be bugging YOU to go shooting! :cool:

Papajohn the Practicing Pistolero Prepper

I picked up a nice stainless steel Rossi about 6 years ago.
The double action trigger pull is heavy but the single action
is very nice and breaks cleanly without creep. Its is
remarkably accurate as well. Well worth the $140 P paid for
it new! Taurus is also a fine alternative.

Since Ruger is high on your list, I would recommend the single six and mark II family of automatics. Like yourself, I prefer larger calibers. My current 22 is a 22/45. Did own a single six (but traded up to a 357).