Reliable .22 lr Semi-Auto

[AbsntMnded]

If I've learned anything on H4O, it's that there's no lack of gun knowledge, opinions, and experience...

I'm looking for your experience with .22 lr semi-auto handgun (compact to mid-size). The fiance has been wanting a gun of "her own" (definitely not a range gun for me :shifty. I've seen and heard some of the reliability issues with .22 lr, but I'm hoping to get some input.

I'm thinking something along the lines of a Walther p22, Sig Mosquito, M&P22. Something large enough for me to handle, but small enough to carry if and when she's ready (hence the reliability). I'd like to limit the "caliber to carry" discussion and focus more on reliability, and if you think .22 lr semi-auto is even reliable enough to carry (aside from the obvious stopping power argument). Maybe you'll talk me out of it, but I'd really like a .22 in the family for the range.

Thanks for your input!:thumbs:

 

[Silverton34]

I've never given any thought to a concealed carry .22. I have a Ruger Mark III Stainless for target shooting and it's a great gun, just not concealable. There are some small frame 1911s in .22 that might be heavy enough to be stable yet light and small enough to carry.

 

[MSC]

Here in Texas, the smallest conseal carry weapon is 32 caliber by law. I perfer 9mm, because of availability and cost of ammo, some perfer 40 or 45 caliber...I would be affraid of pissing someone off by shooting them with a 22. My wife has a 380 semi-auto and loves it...a little less knock-down power although, it's all about placement not size. The only problem is that 380 ammo is a little more expensive than 9mm. For target practice, any full metal jacket ammo will do but for protection purchase only the best hollow point you can find.

Remember, your life is worth the high quality ammo.
I hope this helps,
Mark

 

[bebe]

The 10-22 Ruger is the best "Ladies Gun".

 

[3Hummers]

The 10-22 is a great little plinking rifle but slightly hard to conceal.

 

[bebe]

The 10-22 is a great little plinking rifle but slightly hard to conceal.

That depends on your bust size LOL - trust me - it's deadly when used properly :giggle:

 

[Bigunit]

The best "concealed carry" .22 lr is the Henry Survival rifle - I have one in my bug-out bag - among some other bug-out bag party favors:

http://henryrepeating.com/rifle-survival-ar7.cfm

 

[f5moab]

Nothing against the .22LR, especially in the magnum rounds, but in the semi auto world, I have never fired one that I would consider reliable enough to save my life. They are just too damn finicky with that caliber and tend to jam too easily. And I have fired quite a few and have a .22 S&W. It's fun at the range, where if it does jam, no problem. But it always tends to jam; granted many times after I have fired off a few hundred rounds.

If you are really intent on a small .22LR I would recommend something like the S&W model 351 PD. It's a nice small .22LR Magnum 7 round revolver. No problem with jamming, and yes, a .22LR implanted in the correct part of the body will kill someone.

 

[Sircode13]

I purchased a Taurus 9 shot revolver for my Mom. Nice performing gun, which she handled pretty well. However she liked my Colt Commander with a .22 LR Conversion, I use to save cost when practicing, much better. I've never had much luck with any 380, all of the ones I've had always jammed often.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[3Hummers]

My Colt Mustang 380 has never jammed. I used to shoot a friends Browning 22 pistol that was really sweet. Don't remember the model name and wasn't real small so concealment wasn't great but I remember it performing flawlessly.

 

[Big2dabank]

What about the s&w bodyguard .380? Very nice gun for a lady, but I think even .380 is a bit light for personal protection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[maxpower220]

Ruger Mark 3 or a Beretta Neos. Both are excellent guns that shoot reliably with almost any ammo. There are many better choices for carry, I suggest one step at a time. If and when she wants to carry, cross that bridge then. Another choice would be a Gock 26 and a .22 conversion kit. Cheap trigger time, perfect for CC and HD. Just a thought.

 

[skeptic]

Ruger Mark 3 or a Beretta Neos. Both are excellent guns that shoot reliably with almost any ammo. There are many better choices for carry, I suggest one step at a time. If and when she wants to carry, cross that bridge then. Another choice would be a Gock 26 and a .22 conversion kit. Cheap trigger time, perfect for CC and HD. Just a thought.

Ruger MK series and the Neos are great guns. My preference is for the Neos (I have 2, plus the carbine kit), however I wouldn't recommend these for any potential carry. IMHO, the best option for a carry .22lr is a Ruger SR22 (the pistol, not the tactical version of the 10/22). I'd personally recommend a .380 or 9mm for a carry gun, but if you (she) will carry a .22lr then I'd suggest the SR22.
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/index.html and something like CCI Stingers for the ammo.

 

[bigbadt]

I own the walther and it's gotta be one of the hardest guns to clean ! Personally I would recommend a Kimber 1911 in the .45 caliber for you and get the .22 caliber rim fire conversion kit that they offer for her. Than you'll have the best of both worlds. If you only want a .22 Sig mosquito, they come in hot pink too and use a better .22 round like hornady and you'll never have loading or jamming issues.

 

[AbsntMnded]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm leaning toward the M&P 22 for a few reasons (Made by Walther, imported by S&W). The ergonomics are nearly identical to my M&P 9c, so it will make and excellent training/range gun for me (same holsters too). If she ever thinks she's ready to carry, we may look into something separate instead of compromising on a dual purpose .22.

Thanks again.