A .22 pistol is some of the best and cheapest fun you can have with your clothes on. Which one, though, to buy?
Partially, that depends on the intended purpose. Some are good all-arounders and others are better for specific uses. The ones that attach to a belt buckle probably aren’t good for too much at all.
With that said, here are six slam-dunk .22 pistols that are great additions to almost anyone’s collection.
Heritage Rough Rider Combo
The Heritage Rough Rider is a single-action revolver patterned after the classic Colt Single Action Army, aka the “Peacemaker.” They make a small number of big bore models (mostly in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum) and a larger number in .22. The ones to acquire are the Combo models.
The Combo guns – available in 4.75-inch and 6.5-inch barrel lengths and multiple finishes – have swappable cylinders. Since the Colt SAA design uses a pinned cylinder, you can swap them out easily. These guns will let you shoot .22 LR or .22 WMR, in case you want to step up to the hotter stuff for small game or even self-defense.
They won’t win any competitions and you have to reload every six shots, but fun doesn’t come any cheaper, as most models go for $300 or less — a lot less — in stores. Many for less than $150.
Ruger Mark IV
This is one of the most popular .22 pistols on the market, just as the Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular .22 rifles on the market. The Mark IV is the latest version of the first gun ever made by Ruger, designed by Bill Ruger himself in his garage after tearing apart two captured Nambu pistols from WWII.
A multitude of models exist to suit almost any sensibility. Tactical models with rails and black finish galore. Target models with bull barrels and target sights. Bog standard guns ready for all the plinking your heart could desire. The 22/45 line with its 1911-inspired grip angle and control scheme.
It’s the standard by which all other .22 LR pistols are arguably judged.
Walther P22
The Walther P22 is one of the most popular rimfire pistols on the market, as you will find few gun stores without one on its shelves. Walther is known for making some of the most comfortable pistols on the market and this is undoubtedly one of the better plinking pistols available. Since they’re commonly available for $250 or less, it’s a heck of a lot of inexpensive fun.
Some people even carry the compact models for self-defense. It may not be the best semi-automatic for that purpose, but with good shot placement…the .22 Long Rifle is better than any gun you left at home.
You can choose either a compact model with a 3.42-inch barrel or a target model with a 5-inch barrel. A threaded-barrel adapter is available if so desired, as are numerous other accessories.
An ergonomic grip (no one does that better than Walther) makes it comfortable in the hand. Unusually for most .22 pistols, the P22 is double-action, with a slide-mounted de-cocking safety. All of the service pistol fun in a rimfire. What’s not to like?
Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory
Ruger and Browning pretty much owned the .22 semi auto market for years — decades, even — until in 2016 Smith & Wesson introduces the SW22 Victory.
The Victory looks like the lovechild of a Buck Mark and a Ruger Mark pistol. The SW22 is now available in four standard models as well as four additional tricked out Performance Center versions to suit any shooter. And there’s a threaded barrel model if you want to screw on a suppressor.
With its affordable price, excellent trigger and tons of customization options, it’s a worthy competitor to its more established .22 semi brethren.
Smith & Wesson Model 17 Masterpiece
Most people can’t (or won’t) justify dropping $900 on a .22 revolver. But if ever there was a gun that made that kind of investment attractive, it’s the Model 17.
Built on the medium size K-frame, the double action revolver steadies the hand and produces virtually zero recoil. It has an adjustable rear sight and is almost unrivaled as a plinking or small game gun.
Low-tech? Sure. But the Model 17 is unquestionably beautiful to look at and incredibly practical as this pistol makes for some easy, fun shooting on the range and in the field. The only hitch is the price tag, but your great grandchildren will be glad you bought one.
Browning Buck Mark
John Moses Browning designed the highly regarded Colt Woodsman .22 pistol, which is unfortunately no longer in production. However, at least one .22 pistol still bears his name, the Browning Buck Mark. It has Browning DNA, as JMB’s grandson Bruce Browning used the Woodsman for the basis of the Browning Nomad and Challenger pistols, which informed the design of the Buck Mark.
The Buck Mark is available in a wide range of finishes and appointments, so there’s enough choice to satisfy almost any taste. Want to get tactical? Half the lineup has an accessory rail. Want bare bones? There are a few models like that too.
The Buck Mark is known for being incredibly comfortable to shoot, accurate, reliable and with prices as low as $389 MSRP, one of the better .22 semi-autos choices out there.
The P22 is a great pistol. I just gave mine to my 10-year old grandson for his birthday. Reliable, comfortable, great shooter.
Have an old Mark I which I love to shoot, too.
Different style altogether — pocket pistol — is the Beretta 21A in .22 LR. With CCI Stingers, it’s a hell of a little gun. Fast, accurate. Though I don’t carry it, I’d feel comfortable with it if I did.
“I just gave mine to my 10-year old grandson for his birthday. ”
Oh boy. Hope neither of you have a dog. The NRA endorsed Gun Control Act of 1968 makes that illegal.
For the younger set there is nothing better than the single action Ruger Bearcat revolver. Teaching A young first time shooter with a semi auto is downright stupid.
Started my so with a stainless Henry single shot Bolt Action. Still have it. Very safe and very accurate.
The NRA endorsed Gun Control Act of 1968 makes that illegal.
are you a complete ass? That was 50 years ago. Moreover the NRA gutted the Johnson administration proposals in the the first draft which included national gun registration. The NRA successfully diverted a freight train.
The first version of the bill which NRA opposed, initially had large majority support. It would have passed without the NRA blocking it. The NRA lobbied powerfully and effectively against it, and blocked it barely with exactly a tie vote, 260 for to 260 against. It went back to committed and NRA had the most egregious provisions removed.
BTW, to show you are completely wrong, the GCA did not prohibit gifting a 22 to a grandson.
Lyndon Johnson was fuming that the NRA gutted the core of the bill. here is what he said on signing it:
” I asked for the national registration of all guns and the licensing of those who carry those guns. For the fact of life is that there are over 160 million guns in this country—more firearms than families. If guns are to be kept out of the hands of the criminal, out of the hands of the insane, and out of the hands of the irresponsible, then we just must have licensing. If the criminal with a gun is to be tracked down quickly, then we must have registration in this country. The voices that blocked these safeguards were not the voices of an aroused nation. They were the voices of a powerful lobby, a gun lobby, that has prevailed for the moment in an election year”
He is talking about the NRA removing the core provisions attempting national registration
My guess? you are someone who does nothing tangible and realistic in support of Second Amendment rights, but simply whines
Nanashi knows full well that in 1968 NRA was a shooter-only organization. Prior to 1971 no one in their right mind believed our own government would seek to overturn the Second Amendment- THE hallmark of the American experience. NRA ILA was then formed when the plan became obvious to anyone with a brain and a gun, and yes, there was a fight within NRA among those who prize our rights and those who thought NRA should stay out of politics. Again, the major split came in 1971. The Richardson/Pratt bunch (GOA) didn’t come along until 1975 or so- basically lesser types who couldn’t make it in NRA. The Browntards of NAGR shuffled in sometime after 2000. and there’ve been other groups out there that’ll be happy to take your money to pay their bills. Again- Nanashi knows all this but he likes to sit out there and troll anyway.
As far as “giving your 10 year old a handgun”, just put it in your will, you retain until you assime room temperature…
I’m glad we’ve been able to add so much pertinent info to the thread about “the 6 Best .22 Pistols for Plinking…” CRIPES.
The modern, Second Amendment focused NRA didn’t arise until 1977. All of this talk about how the NRA supported the NFA or the GCA is about a very different organization. Has the NRA done a good job since 1977? The record has been mixed, and NRA Carry Guard and NRA TV are a couple debacles from which it will take a long time to recover.
However, the NRA has in the past been an organizing force that allowed pressure to be applied for gun rights, and losing that isn’t a good thing. The Second Amendment Foundation has done excellent work in the legal realm, but there isn’t anyone out there to pick up the slack in terms of lobbying if the NRA is out of the picture.
It’s not technically a gun, but honorable mention to .22lr conversion kits for major caliber guns. I have an Advantage Arms kit for a Glock that is reliable and makes a great training aid.
Or the best of them all, the CZ Kadet
I recently acquired a beretta 96 with the 22 conversion. The main gripe I have with it is what the kadet addresses quite well. The conversion kit for the beretta is too light. It shoots fine for a 22 but you miss out in the weight of a full-size beretta in using it. The kadet, from what I understand , weighs the same and truly is a comparable pistol, or as much as you can get in going from 9mm to .22.
^ yes, weight is almost the same; mags still only hold 10 rnds of .22 though vs 14-17 of 9mm.
And about those mags… CZ chose to weld the 22lr carrier into the inside of a 9mm mag.
Very trick, very “real” feeling.
Above all, very very accurate.
A crying shame that two favs of mine didn’t make the list:
The S&W M&P 22 (NOT the Compact model), and the Ruger Charger Takedown.
Both very accurate and very fun.
charger takedown.
just sayin’.
I have a Heritage Rough Rider single-action revolver in .22 LR with the 6.5 inch barrel. It is a LOT of fun to shoot, especially for new shooters. And I managed to purchase it on sale brand new for $100. (It was the .22 LR only version without the .22 WMR cylinder.)
I took three people out to the forest to shoot for their first time. They all LOVED that Rough Rider single-action revolver. We went through an entire 500 round box of ammunition. And much to our surprise, it was actually quite accurate.
Bonus #1: they have a non-obtrusive safety that enables you to dry-fire them to your heart’s content without the firing pin peening the cylinder.
Bonus #2: it is a cinch to remove the cylinder which means they are super easy to clean.
If you can purchase one of them for $150 or less, do it. Heck, even buy two of them and keep one for a “truck gun”. You will NOT regret it.
Fun tip: a cowboy hat, a red (with black paisley) kerchief, a cheap toy-badge, and two Heritage Rough Rider single-action revolvers make an excellent Halloween costume.
Just make sure that open-carry is legal in your state before heading out with two revolver hanging on your belt.
Often I’ve seen the Heritage available for FREE when purchasing another firearm from Academy Sports and Outdoors.
I think you can get a spare 22 WMR cylinder if you’re interested.
You can. I have both the long and short barrel versions and paid $99 for each NIB. Both are surprisingly accurate shooters. Went onto the Heritage website, got their phone number, called and ordered .22 WMR cylinders. If I recall, they were around 30 bux apiece.
I would love to get one for my son. Unfortunately, apparently you can’t buy zinc alloy framed gun in Illinois. It might melt. Plastic framed gun is okay though.
The .22 adapter for my Witness works for couple of magazines, until it gets dirty. Then it starts to jam even with cci ammo.
CZ Kadet pistol and adapter surprised me by their absence.
The “melting point” (and other anti-“saturday night special”) laws’ sole purpose was to keep the means of self-defense out of the hands of those undesirable poor people who couldn’t afford anything better than a pot-metal revolver.
The understanding, for decades after the law (and the Chicago handgun ban, too, for that matter) was passed here in IL, was that it would never be enforced against people of the right color, or those who donated to the right politicians…
Heritage makes steel frame versions.. look for the model numbers ‘SRR22….’ rather than the more common ‘RR22…’
I have and really like the CZ Kadet for its accuracy, reliability, and feel of being a full-sized gun. That said, the crux of this article was about great plinkers. While I love any excuse to shoot the Kadet I think thats it’s price point sort of takes it out of the basic plinker realm. I mean, you basically need a $500 +\- gun to run a ~$400 adapter.
I bet we could just about all name something that we would have liked to have seen on this list; some past, some present. I feel fortunate indeed to have some fine choices among my collection.
I’ve tried most of these, as well as the Ruger Single Six and others, but I always reach for my Buckmark! It’s a helluva fun handgun to shoot. Very accurate and digests most everything without a glitch, ever. Just another Browning that’s sort of below the radar for the masses..sadly.
The Heritage Rough Rider has been so improved over its lifetime! The earliest ones were sketchy quality-wise; now they seem to be a great value shooter.
leaving out the hi-standards…carried a sentinel when out hunting as a cheap back-up…actually used it once to kill a snake I had stepped on in high grass…the double-nine makes a fine shooter, as well…western styled but double action….
I like my Ruger Mark II. Quite reliable (with annoying magazines).
Just obtained a M-17. Great gun! Very easy to shoot.
I had a Walther and dumped it. I didn’t like the mag release and it was too complicated (for my simple mind) to take down to clean. In contrast, I can usually get my Mark I together on the first or second try.
You want a finger saver-
https://www.amazon.com/Hilljak-Browning-magazine-loader-Quickie/dp/B00E5TQSNK
There are other versions that do the same thing, some for a lot cheaper. I think I got mine for about $4 waybackwhen. I would expect any shop that carries the Mk 4 to have something like it in stock.
you can empty the mark I and II’s so fast that it is virtually impossible to hear each round fire…no wonder it’s a mob favorite!….
The original Walther P22 was another of the cheap, low quality .22 semi auto replica pistols like the Sig-GSG mosquito, m&p full-size, various import 1911 style, Beretta 92 not made by Beretta, etc. Most are gsg or umarex, and regarded more as toy plinkers, with some working great for a long time, and plenty of horror stories of cracked slides, wearing out with use, etc.
It took a while but there are some modern .22 semi auto pistols with actual aluminum or even steel with better thought out designs- s&w M&p compact (actually by s&w, not umarex like the full size m&p), the Walther PPQ 22, Grand Power K22S, Sig now makes some .22 guns like the p226 or p229, p250 on an actual center fire pistol frame you could swap out with a 9mm slide, basically their conversion kit slide on a frame, and Browning 1911-22.
I think the new P22 is probably better than the old one, but I would still prefer one of the others for plinking, training, and supressor use, and they aren’t much more in cost than the P22.
Nothing wrong with the full size S&W M&P full size 22. The Heritage and Walther 22’s are fine if you need two anchors for your boat.
The Buck Mark and I’m guessing the Rugers have a large aftermarket suit of parts. I got a CA legal LiteGray model of the Buck Mark, even though I really wanted an optics rail. You can add the rail either with a Browning part or a Tactical Solutions part.
I went with the TacSol because it also has an integral adjustable rear sight. The elevation is very close to correct when I screwed it all the way down. But I don’t use it much because the Burris red dot is such an awesome addition. The combo is dramatically more accurate than my other 3 pistols.
A ruger single six, with extra 22 mag cylinder, a mark 3 22/45 and for giggles and grins a Jennings j22. Got to love 22s.
Honorable mention to the Ruger 22-45 lite. I love mine.
Little bit disappointed that the Ruger SR-22 did not make the list. I have two, one with a Sparrow attached and one without…reliable, accurate and will feed any .22 lr on the market (spouse likes it loaded with Aguila Interceptor ammo when I am away for a few days)…totally unlike my Walther P-22 which is VERY ammo finicky…has to be a 40 gr bullet traveling at 1200 fps or better…anything lighter WILL cause malfunctions.
I would agree with inclusion of SR22 but with a major caveat.
On the pro side, almost all the operation and as well as takedown for cleaning is the same as modern semi auto handgun. The interchangeable grips, large and small make usable by kids and adults. Mark III and buckmark are not as hard to takedown as some make them out to be, but they are considerably more complex.
BUT, like one or two other guns above, SR22 has an inverted manual external safety, exactly the opposite of the vast majority of modern semi auto that do have an external safety, and for that reason I recommend against it.
When I’ve taught people on 1911 full, 1911 type like p238/938, M&P including Shield, p320 with externals teach them to simply always swipe down as part of bringing the gun up. On SR22 it is up. That is even the opposite of Rugers own SR9
You make a valid point…HOWEVER, it then becomes a matter of training and my spouse has shot this firearm extensively. I trust her muscle memory in regards to the safe operation of the SR-22. The only other firearm she routinely shoots is a Colt Detective Special that I purchased when I ETS’d in 1972.
Just because you don’t approve of the safety does not mean that other people cannot learn, train with and safely use the SR-22.
The Walther P22 is the same as the SR22. Sweep the lever up to remove safety. It’s a simple reliable mechanism, but damn … it’s supposed to sweep down!
The Walter PPQ .22 is awesomesauce. Accurate and extremely reliable.
Surprised that the Glock 44 was not mentioned. Have not shot it but it gets good on-line reviews and it is a Glock. Only downside that I see is that it is very light compared to other Glocks.
I have done a lot of looking and have decided on a Walther PPQ .22. Very similar to the PPQ M2 that I have in 9mm.
Smith 617-4 with the 10 shot steel cylinder. What a lovely little revolver.
I agree! Hard to beat a 10 shot s/s revolver
Wow. I was watching an auction on GB. A 4″ version just sold for $1927. I really love my 6″ barreled version, but dang.
I have a 4 inch 617 10-shot. LOVE shooting it. The 6-shot 617 I had before was even sweeter.
Too bad it’s gone back to S&W twice wice. One more time and I may try my luck on GB.
The Walther is utter and complete trash. I had one and when a 22 breaks it’s extractor you know it’s a POS. The ruger SR-22 is superior in EVERY way.
High Standard Victor belongs on this list. Comparing a Buckmark or Mark IV to a Victor is like comparing a Chevy to a Rolls Royce. The trigger on a Buckmark or Mark IV, while good, feel like a gravel pit compared to a Victor.
What? No love for the Beretta Neos?
Definitely no love for the Neos from me. Vague trigger and too picky on ammo for my tastes. Given to my sister and replaced with a Mark IV target. Costs way more, but totally worth it.
Ruger single six. A quality accurate gun if there ever was one.
I picked up a walther ppq .22 last year but wasn’t happy with the trigger as it cocks an internal hammer. Not as crisp as the center fire versions.
https://dailycaller.com/2018/01/08/classic-plinkers-beretta-70-series-pistols/
Ruger Single Six / Mag. conversion. Hand polished innards and many bullets. Broke the transfer bar and Ruger sent a replacement part. Had it since 1976. Would like to have the 22/45.
I will take a GSG (also Sig branded) 1911-22 over tbe Walters. Absolutely reliable with anything except Winchester cheap stuff. Excellent practice gun for 1911 shooters.
I also have a Ruger 22/45 lite. Best 22 pistol I ever owned. Add a red dot and It becomes the perfect survival pstol.
Except the GSG won’t cycle with anything less than an high-v round.. Jams up otherwise..
Yea but it is a hoot to shoot!
H&R 999 Sportsman
Have a number of pre K17s in the 5 screw configuration, including my old man’s, serial 58X. Those 5 screw models, including the .38s and .357s I have came from the factory as nice as any of the Performance Center stuff today, at no additional cost. Even my old 29-2 and 57 have amazing triggers and cycling. Put together by real artists back then.
I understand why some of the Hi Standard and other neat .22s weren’t listed- they’re no longer available new.
My Ruger slabside is without a doubt. The most accurate gun I own. Even more so then my 7.5 inch S&W model 41. But not by much. My Ruger single six is a distant third.
I can with the Ruger consistently knock shot shells off a fence from 100 yards with just a red dot and dirty ThunderBolts. My 10-22 cant do that.
22LRs are some of the funnest guns to shoot even with your clothes on.
I think you can see I like my 22s more then most.
For those who would like to look at higher quality .22 handguns for competition:
– High Standard (there are several models to choose from, and in prices from $400 on up to $1500)
– S&W Model 41 (usually found around $1100 to $1500)
– Colt Woodsman (prices can be all over the place, based on model & wear)
– Hammarli 208
– Benelli MP90
That’s for starters. There are also some very good quality .22LR revolvers out there, among which in new production is the Freedom Arms single action .22LR’s.
My S&W model 41 is the sweetest shooting firearm I have ever had in my hand. The trigger is like glass, and accuracy is phenomenal. I’ve had mine almost 40 years. I used to shoot bullseye competitions back “before the war” and a LOT of ammo passed thru that gun.
The 41 is very nice. It’s perhaps the most commonly seen rimfire pistol on a bullseye line.
The S&W Model 52 is also a very nice bullseye gun, in .38 Special. It was designed to shoot 148gr wadcutter rounds. It’s quite the pistol.
I just recently acquired a Dan Wesson .22LR revolver with an 8″ and a 4″ barrel. It is the “bee’s knees”. But they have been out of production for decades and it is very hard to find used ones for sale and prepare to dig deep in your wallet. Another honorable mention for high class revolver would be the Colt Diamondback (out of my price range).
I have a Heritage Rough Rider combo (.22LR/.22WMR) 6.5″ barrel, and love it. It’s accurate and fun to shoot. Have about 800 rounds .22LR through it, and 150 rounds of .22WMR, not a single problem. I just recently purchased a Ruger MKIV 22/45 Tactical. Well made, super easy to take down and clean, and extremely accurate. Wanted one for long time, and finally found one at a great price. Have about 300 rounds through it, and not a single problem. Not at all surprised that both are on this list.
Would luv to see an article on .22LR Rifles next. I have a GSG 522SD Semi-Auto rifle that I bought about 5 years ago. It’s an MP5 clone, a little fussy with some brands of .22LR ammo, but super fun to shoot. I use CCI Tactical or Mini-Mag, 40gr. ammo, and never have an issue, but lower quality .22LR ammo doesn’t always work to well. HK has a very similar rifle, which is probably higher quality, but also a lot higher priced.
Previously mentioned stainless Henry single shot built. Accurate, safe and very well made…not a cheap gun by any means. My son is grown but it would still be a great squirrel gun for its small size.
I like my Colt 22. Apparently, they planned on naming it the Colt Cadet, but couldn’t get the trademark, so it’s just a Colt 22. It’s accurate, reliable, looks cool, and since it’s kind of obscure, I got it for only $200.
The Smith Mod17 and the Ruger. Heritage Arms oh yeah the barrel gap lead spitter. Walther ain’t Walther anymore. Sad when a Ruger outshoots a Browning. I had a High Standard semiautomatic, hell of a gun
I am surprised that no one mentioned the S&W 22/32 Kit gun. Currently available as the model 63 with a s/s frame or the model 317 with an alloy frame. An 8 shot revolver using the “J” frame and if I remember correctly they haven’t put a Hillary Hole in the “J” frame yet.
I double checked and the new ones do have the Hillary hole……….. Damn
Today the Ruger MK IV is the best value for the money and the new model is much easier to take apart and put back together. Unfortunately the blued model now has an aluminum frame not a steel one while the Stainless has kept its steel frame. Go figure.
My all time favorite was the original Belgium made Nomad, Challenger and Medalist, they were easy to take apart, were top quality , super accurate and the Challenger and Medalist had adjustable triggers. If you ever get a chance to buy a mint one buy it even if you have to sell your wife or mother. You won’t miss them but you will regret not buying a Belgium Browning .22
I like the “original” Smith Model 41 not the newer overpriced cheapened model with its cast internal parts and its spot welded magazine. It works but for that much money I will pass.
High Standard made some good guns in the past so don’t pass up a mint example of the “original” in any configuration. Two different companies tried to resurrect it after the original company went bankrupt but I do not think much of the newer models. Workmanship and quality of materials all were cheapened.
The Colt Woodsman series were great guns if somewhat of a pain to take apart but they too are no longer made. Anything of quality is today no longer made because it was quality. The big bucks used ones sell for in good condition reflect the desperation of people looking to buy an old fashioned quality gun.
In the past Hammerli and Walther made some great target .22’s but they were never low priced even when they were being made long ago. Both companies still make .22’s but they are very expensive.
Beretta has made some great .22’s in the past but today makes nothing but plastic pistols and you could not give me one of the new plastic guns.
You completely lost me at P22 & Rough Rider.
1. S&W Model 41
2. Browning Buckmark
3. Ruger Mark IV
4. S&W M&P22, not the compact.
5. S&W 617
. . . and finally if you want a cheap .22LR that actually works and is useful as a full size trainer
6. German Sport Guns 1911
Ruger SR-22 is a refined, superior version of the Walther.
Ruger 22/45 mark 3 (bull barrel ) with 4 mags. So much fun! Loves 2 eat ammo and accurate 2 boot.
Ruger SR22 cheap reliable stupid accurate!
Wife has a P22 for target fun. I have a Ruger Super Single Six (1958 model, unmodified) that I just love to shoot at the range. Darned thing is accurate as heck out to 25 yards or more. Also have a Beretta U22 NEOS with the 7″ barrel that looks wicked as heck and is super accurate to quite a distance for a .22.
I was surprised that the Walther P22 can still legally be manufactured and sold. This firearm has a zinc slide and is prone to failures caused by cracking of the slide which is very common, remember this is only a .22LR. This firearm is absolutely junk, I got rid of mine and replaced with a Ruger SR22, which is a well built .22 plinker. Walther should be ashamed on themselves for having their name associated with the P22. The P22 is certainly not a handgun I would want a child or young adult to use due to the safety concerns.
Sr22 is a nice little pistol, but the backwards safety really threw me. I kept flipping it on instead of off and Vica versa. Then when I went back to any of my other guns I was a little slower. It’s an anti-trainer. Got rid of it for a mark iv.
Would be easy to add a spring to the internals to offer a decocker only version. I wish they would.
Despite the fact it is no longer made, my personal preference has been the top break model 999 H&R. It isn’t a great weapon but it is a nostalgic and fun revolver. Functionally it is an analog of the old Smith and Wesson top break designs like the famous Schofield, and except for the smoke and recoil it is as close as you can get to one of the most famous rivals of the Colt Single Action Army model. I had a lot of fun plinking with one of these and learned how useful it was as a hunting sidearm. I wish some company would make a revolver like this one again, it is a shame to lose such a marvelous mechanical device to the headlong rush of plastic and semiauto pistols. There are some times when progress abandons perfectly useful concepts and engineering in favor of the most expedient and cost effective process.
Sometimes in life it isn’t the newest shiny object that provides the most rewarding experience, sometimes the old historic things bring us more satisfaction.
These things are lost to the younger generation because all they know is the present, and society loses something valuable in pursuing the next best thing.
All H&R handguns were discontinued years ago. Why do you think that was? Hint: because they were poorly designed and manufactured. Why would any present day company want to repeat their errors?
I also would like to see the m999 sportsman come back. also the berretta m70 in 22lr. I have the m71 in 22lr. good guns the Isreali sky marshals used the m71 in 22lr and the Mossad used the m70 in 22lr. both really the same handguns but one ( at lease mine does) has adjustable sites, ( m71). I would like to get a m70. and also a m21 stainless.
I know this was written last year, but the Taurus TX-22 definitely earns its way onto the list now. 16+1 magazines, extremely comfortable and ergonomic full size striker fired gun styling, reliable with all ammo I have fed it. It stands head and shoulders above the classic competitors in this segment, the P22 and the SR22. Nice trigger too. And great price to top it all off, after rebate I recently paid $169 for mine, which is just incredible.
Beretta M9_22 eats any ammo you can throw at it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Single Six didn’t make the cut?
Kel Tec PMR30 for hunting and plinking
This appears to be a reprint from Oct. 2018 and there have been many new .22 pistols put on the market! The Taurus TX22, a great .22 pistol with 16 round magazines!
Had a blue Mk I 5 1/2 inch bull barrel Ruger years ago. Traded it for a Stainless version in the Mk II, which I later fitted with a green Hi Viz front sight and acquired a dozen Mec-gar Mags for it. This is one of my all time favorite pistols. I own a number of great personal defense center fire guns, but this gun loaded with a round like the CCI Velocitor would be a decent defensive gun in a pinch. With quality ammo it is one serious tack driver. Am considering purchasing one of the new bull barrels and installing a Vortex Reflex sight for another plinker and small game gun. Own a number of Rugers and have found them among the most durable accurate guns made, the 2 1/4 inch SP 101 DAO is my daily companion on my rounds.
A Heritage listed as one of the 6 best .22 pistols for plinking, hunting….ect instead of a Ruger Single Six? What the eff? Heritage are popular because they are cheap, both monetarily and construction wise. I get it but considering them one of the 6 BEST while omitting the Single Six is an act of treason! Or at least incredibly bad decision making skills.
The Single Six is a corvette while the Heritage is a Yugo. The Heritage is a homely creature even with the lights out while you can’t keep your eyes off the Single Six. The Heritage has an abomination to single actions, a safety! Just looking at that feature should activate your gag reflex. Nanny State much? I suspect safety equipped Heritage single actions and Hillary Hole S&W’s gather in the shadows and plot how to put safeties on everything from paper clips to ice cream.
No, no, no friends…band together with me! We will metaphorically march past the private security gates of TTAG, find this article’s author and pelt him with stinky socks, dirty underwear and VHS tapes of really bad Wal-Mart bin westerns until he removes that hideous (albeit cheap and functional) Heritage abomination from this list and replaces it with the REAL BEST .22 single action revolver…..the…mighty RUGER SINGLE SIX!!!
There is an old joke about Ruger Mk 1,2, and 3: Take the gun apart to clean, then dump the parts in a shoe box and take it to a gunsmith to put back together.
NOT THE MK 4, however. I bought te Mk 4 “Tacticool” to use when teaching NRA Basic Pistol, and it has been a real gem.
In fact, several students have been interested in obtaining one, and a recent graduate from my Instructor class immediately went out and bought one so he could reach with it.
That says a lot about this gun.
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