Hi All -

I've recently gained a new love for shooting and I'm looking to buy a little .22 for plinking, basically something I can shoot a bit and not feel guilty about spending all my money...!

I've been looking into a couple different kinds and I'm hoping to get some feedback as to the perks/downfalls for some of the guns.

I'm looking at some type of Ruger, the Bersa Firestorm, or the Sig Trailside. I'd like to keep it under $300. This would be my first pistol so I'd really appreciate any advice!!

Thanks
claire

Welcome to the forum claire. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

The Ruger single and double action revolvers are good accurate weapons as it their fine semi-autos. I've had good luck with the Taurus revolvers also. I've no experience with the Sig Trailside, but have read good reports about them.

Try to get into a shop and handle some of them before you decide. If you can go to a range that rents guns where you can try out a few it's even better.

I shoot a little Rossi six shot revolver that is very accurate and a Ruger Target auto. both are fun and make great practice for shooting bigger bores.

I'll second the Rugers, and in particular the semi-auto, having shot one in matches for many years. These guns, with the barrels and chambers and sights all being unitized, represent an inherently accurate mechanical configuration. In principle, its alignment should beat either revolvers or any semi-autos whose rear sight is on a moving slide. That said, a revolver is probably safer and easier for an unfamiliar shooter to use. It is also inherently safe (needing no safety). If you intend to use it to teach a spouse or other person who won't shoot it much, but whom you want to see able to use it, the revolver may be the wiser choice.

Ruger Mark III

All I can say about the Sig Trailside is turn and walk quickly in the opposite direction. I have shot one quite a bit and the example I have used is junk in no uncertain terms.
I suggest either a double or single action revolver. The S&W Kit Guns or the Ruger Single Six. Good guns with great sights.
The Taruas may be just as good but I have not shot one enough to know.
The Ruger 22 Auto and the Browning Buck Mark are both excellent. I prefer the Browning Micro Buck Mark Plus with the new Ruger auto's right behind.
Probably the best buy for the money is a used Ruger Single Six, great guns that are very difficult to wear out.

I'll second the Ruger Single Six cause you get 2 guns, yes 2 guns in one. You have one cylynder for .22lr and a second for .22wmr. I own one and it is fantastic. I also have a S&W .22 LR semi auto model from the '90 that is a fun little gun to shoot. S7w Current model Semi Auto should be just as fun. you could probably get either for around $300.

and since .22lr ammo is dirt cheap you could shoot all day long without breaking the bank.

"Heritage" out of Florida puts out a scaled down "six-shooter" also with a .22LR cylinder and a .22WMR cylinder new in box for $159.99. I've had one for 3 years and shot hundreds of magnum and regular .22's w/o a hitch. Not a Ruger, or a Sig but you still get the bang for the buck. Great shooter also.

For a new guy the Single Six is what I recommend. Easy to use and fun to shoot. The Ruger semi auto is also good. Your ammo will last longer with the Single Six.

Try to get into a shop and handle some of them before you decide. If you can go to a range that rents guns where you can try out a few it's even better.

Shop for handguns just like you shop for shoes. If the handgun doesn't "feel right" in your hands, you won't want to shoot it enough to become proficient with it.

Just my 2 cents......

Don't even waste your time thinking about it. Get a Ruger Mark II, or III with a bull barrel and adjustable sights. There's not a better .22 pistol for the money in terms of funtionality, accuracy, or reliability. Don't bother with anything else. Later, if you want more guns just for variety, buy a different .22, but start with the Ruger semi-autos.

Rugers are guns for your great-grandchildren - and they'll be passing them along to theirs. Impossible to wear out.

The Single-Six is safer, a bit more versatile (with the extra cylinder) and has more nostalgic "cowboy" flavor. But the Ruger semi-autos don't have to be slowly unloaded of empties, may be even more accurate and certainly are a better training aid if your future has other semi-autos in it.

Can't go wrong with either, actually. Buy the one that makes you grin spontaneously when you pick it up.

Nothing wrong with either a Ruger .22 auto (I prefer the polymer framed 22/45 bull barrel with adjustable sights), or hte Browning Buckmark, but I went a different direction. I had an Astra Constable .22 lr for a number of years and really liked it. Eventually traded it off, but missed the small compact 10 shot .22 autoloader. So I picked up a new Walther P22 (ostensibly for my wife ;)), and it has been great. For a lightweight, concealable in the front pocket of your jeans 3 1/2 barrel pistol, it is surprisingly accurate. It is affordable, too. Should fit well into your budget. You might check it out. Mine (oops,!), I mean my wife's prefers the CCI Mini Mag .22 ammo, and seems most reliable with that brand. Not sure how well it would function with the cheaper Blazer or Federal American Eagle cheap stuff, but with the quality ammo, it is very reliable. Good Luck.

I've had experience with the Rugers and the Trailsides and they are both excellent 22's. I bought a trailside for my son and he let me use it a little and I really enjoyed shooting it. Both seem to be well made and fun to shoot. Good luck

Hi Claire,

There are a lot of good .22 LR handguns out there. It really depends on if you want a semi auto or revolver. Then, if revolver, do you want a cowboy type single action or a double action.

.22 pistols are like anything else. You can get a good one or a bad one. Best thing I can tell you about that is to pick one from a reputable maker.

Ruger makes good .22 pistols. Very good semi autos and very good revolvers. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/index.html is a good place to start looking to see what they make.

Taurus makes nice revolvers too. www.taurususa.com

The Browning Buckmark is a very good semi auto too. I own one and really like it. Very accurate and a fantastic trigger. Easy to shoot and hit with. Hree is their page http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/category.asp?value=006B

One that I was really pleased with that is fun to shoot and accurate despite being short barrelled is the Walther P22. Here is that page http://www.waltheramerica.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=13152&storeId=10002&categoryId=43804&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=43326&top_category=43326&training=

.22 semi autos can be finnicky about what ammo they like. Best thing to do is buy a 50 round box of a bunch of different brands and types and shoot each to see which functions best and is most accurate. Since the revolver doesn't rely on the ammo to cycle it, they are more forgiving and you will want to try different ammo just to see which is most accurate.

I really enjoy shooting .22LR both pistol and rifle. There is one problem. I find I can't justify buying one of each of the pistols I really like.

Shop for handguns just like you shop for shoes. If the handgun doesn't "feel right" in your hands, you won't want to shoot it enough to become proficient with it.

Just my 2 cents......

For sure!
When I started my daughter at 5, [read small hands] we started with a Ruger single six, and one bullet at a time. Well she's older now, and can get a pretty good grip on her Buckmark. They can be found used for about $200, have great triggers and shoot very, very well. She shoots the 5 inch standard version, but the Camper version sure looks fun too!

good luck in your choices.:cool:

Another vote for the Ruger single six. I just picked this Hunter up recently and it is a shooter!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/stevensavage/100_4442Small.jpg

Nothing else is even in the same league as a Ruger Single-Six convertible, ( 5 1/2" or 6 1/2" ) either stainless or blue or a Ruger semi-auto in either stainless or blue. In the semi-auto, I prefer the discontinued Mk. II to it's replacement Mk. III, but others will have differing opinions. With the Mk. II or III, be sure to get the adjustable Target sights. It's a personal opinion, but I prefer the tapered 6 7/8" barrel version to all others, including the 5 1/2" bull, but I own and shoot both, as well as others.

Nothing else is even in the same league as a Ruger Single-Six convertible, ( 5 1/2" or 6 1/2" ) either stainless or blue .

I was looking at these guns in stainless and blued recently at a gun show. The blued gun definitely felt lighter than the stainless and I wondered that maybe the grip frame was made from aluminum and painted "blue?" It had a different look and feel than the blued mainframe. Does anyone know if the handle frame is painted aluminum or true blued steel on the recent blued Single-Six guns?

Here's the two I shoot. Mostly the revolver because it's J sized frame and at 34 ounces is just dandy to shoot and it's very accurate.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Guns/Rossi1.jpg

Here's a MKII that Ken mentioned, except this one has the straight barrel. It's been modified by Clark gunsmithing and is very very accuate.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Guns/MarkII.jpg

Shooting a 22 revolver or semi auto with good adjustable sights is one of the absolute best ways to become proficient shooting a handgun.

I can't help you on the single six question, but I'm sure some of our members can tell you.

Mike,
The stainless guns are all steel. The blue Single-Six has an aluminum gripframe and ejector rod housing, causing it to weigh less. Both aluminum parts used to be anodized black ( for the first 50 years or so of their manufacture). The new aluminum gripframes may now be coated with a black finish; I haven't looked at a new one in some time.

I can't help you on the single six question, but I'm sure some of our members can tell you.

I think I just answered my own question. I just got off the phone with Ruger, and the rep said that the blued Security-Six guns have an aluminum grip frame, which is painted "blue" to match the gun's blued steel main frame. I asked if the older blued guns used to have steel grip frames but he said that they'd always had aluminum frames. The stainless gun is the only one that has a steel (albeit a stainless) grip frame.

Almost. You forgot about the Bisley Single Six which has the blued, steel gripframe :D

It does get confusing sometimes...

Almost. You forgot about the Bisley Single Six which has the blued, steel gripframe :D

It does get confusing sometimes...

Yeah, but those are just downright ugly. I don't ever really count Bison-style guns as real Old West guns. They look like something a tinhorn would have brought out west. They just don't look cool.

I know, I know :rolleyes: I am embarrassed to take mine to the range if anyone else is there....

Custom stocks help hide the shame, though! :D :D :D

Nice grips Mike.

Ruger super single six--22 LR or .22 magnum and a good safe option starting out. A single action revolver will keep the rate of fire slower and make you use them sights. Shoot the cheap stuff or high dollar stuff--it don't matter as it all will work.

Ruger semi-autos have an advantage in that they are sold with 2 magazines and extras are more affordable. A ton of options available from field pieces to target shooting.

Browning is accurate a plenty but higher in price in general and only come with one magazine.

Sig trailside is a super accurate gun that i got to try out but from what i have heard, their magazines are fragile, prone to wear, and expensive.

Afraid i don't know a thing about the firestorm .22.

Mike G,
Don't continue to subject yourself to the "shame" you describe. Fellow sixgunners are there to help you, free of charge. Send that Bisley Single-Six to me. Please be sure to include the custom grips.

I'll send it to you after I finish wearing it out, Ken :p

Reading the recommendations for the Ruger Mark II/III suggests my experience with those pistols may be unique....both purchased NIB jammed nore than any other semi-auto .22 I've had. The Mark II was used far beyond the break-in period and still had the problem and the Mark III never got the chance.....just sits in the gun cabinet. No one else has had this problem?

Dan

(definition of jamming too frequently = once per two clips)

Huh. I don't recall mine ever jamming. And I mean ever.

That's got to be some sort of record, Dan!

Maybe you got a bad batch of magazines?

Huh. I don't recall mine ever jamming. And I mean ever.

That's got to be some sort of record, Dan!

Maybe you got a bad batch of magazines?

Both pistols are certainly accurate and have good triggers. I've switched magazines without success, but really need to get them out of the gun cabinet and send them to a good gunsmith like Jim Stroh. I'll get back into some .22 NRA shooting in Florida this winter and the revolver double action just doens't work for rapid fire like the semi-autos do...at least not for me. Kinda embarassing to be the one that starts shooting right after "all ready on the firing line" with the double action, but I need a head start!

Dan

I've got over 100,000 rounds through my Mk I that my grandfather got for me used in 1967 or so. Bull barrel, Micro sights, custom carved large target grips. Perfect trigger. $59, IIRC. I have been able to get it to jam by not cleaning anything but the bore for a whole match season. About the time the bolt starts to feel gummy and the powder residue is packed so hard around the breech end of the barrel that I can see every detail of the bolt perimeter mirrored in it, I have to take it apart for a good soak and toothbrushing session.

I later got a Mk II GM/22. It had a barrel defect that I spotted with my bore scope and sent it back for a new barrel. No problem. The trigger isn't as good as the old Mk I, and needed work, but I've managed that on my own. A friend of mine owns and shoots that GM version. Runs about a carton of 500 Blazers through it every week. After several years, he has no failures to report. It just keeps shooting.

I've hear the Mark III has had some serious issues with the new round-in-chamber indicator's interference. The reviewer at GunMuse was not at all favorably impressed. He referred to getting lots and lots of stovepipes, indicating the gun does not cycle completely and other issues. You can look at the review here (http://www.gunmuse.com/Reviews/Ruger%20MKIII%2022-45%20P512).

I would, were I you, send the gun directly to Ruger and complain about it. I have had excellent accuracy improvement efforts from their gunsmiths. Most mass produced guns go to people who neither know what to expect or demand from them and that lets the whole industry get away with being sloppy. Their gunsmiths who provide personal attention are another story. Once you let them know you actually know about shooting and actually care how your gun performs, they will take the time to put it right.

Before you send it to them, I would carefully sandbag a few groups, loading singly so the messy feeding doesn't bend your bullets on loading, which a bad feed can do. Make certain you don't have an accuracy complaint as well? If they are going to have the thing for a month or so, you might as well have them attack all problems you can find. Complain about the trigger if you think it needs any improvement? The GunMuse review indicated they had stopped crowning the barrels, cutting them off square. That is actually not a bad thing if they cut it square and it has no burrs (and burrs will shoot out) and if you always pull the bolt and clean from the rear pushing forward only, like a benchrest shooter.

Appreciate the input from Mike and Nick about their lack of jamming ... apparently I have a somewhat unique problem. At the risk of appearing contrary, I haven't sent either pistol to Ruger because of unsatisfactory service with two different revolvers sent to them in the past, thus the reason for using a non-factory gunsmith. I have some testing to do this week and will include the Mark III to verify the problem as Nick outlined and then will give Ruger another chance.

At the risk of sounding corny, I don't believe in eliminating problems by selling the problem firearm and passing the problem on, and just sitting in the gun cabinet isn't very attractive either. I'll definitely give Ruger another chance.

Thanks again,

Dan

Reading the recommendations for the Ruger Mark II/III suggests my experience with those pistols may be unique....both purchased NIB jammed nore than any other semi-auto .22 I've had. The Mark II was used far beyond the break-in period and still had the problem and the Mark III never got the chance.....just sits in the gun cabinet. No one else has had this problem?

Dan

(definition of jamming too frequently = once per two clips)

I don't recall my Mk I, II's, or III ever having jamming problems.

I don't recall my Mk I, II's, or III ever having jamming problems.

thanks, apparently I'm "odd-man-out" on this one...which is good news as Ruger is my favorite manufacturer!

Dan "kiss of death" O.K.

thanks, apparently I'm "odd-man-out" on this one...which is good news as Ruger is my favorite manufacturer!

Dan "kiss of death" O.K.

I don't recall if you mentioned trying different ammo, but that's a possible solution. I've found that I've had feed troubles with Remington's brass plated bulk ammo in several of my other semi's, due to their length. I know that I have shot them in my Mk III and don't remember having any jamming problems.