First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

[bh357]

For my birthday, my wife "bought" me a handgun. Now I have to decide what exactly I want. I am looking for a 22 caliber for target shooting and potentially squirrel hunting. Right now I'm leaning towards a revolver, due to the simplicity.<br />Does anyone have any recommendations? I am leaning towards the Ruger Single Six, based on a couple of reviews I've read.

 

[ehenry]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

bh357, I have a Ruger 45/22 stainless automatic with a bull barrel. Its been one of the best pistols I've ever owned. Its been well used, somewhat abused and still shoots like its fresh outta the box. I also had a Smith model 617 K-frame revolver that I loved dearly. It was built on a large frame and also had a full barrel lug and vent rib. When you whip it out folks always look. It was stolen and I replaced it with the Ruger. I'm well pleased with going with the Ruger.

 

[Chief101]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

The Ruger single six is a great .22, and would be my choice. On the other end I would opt for the Ruger .22 auto. Both have been around for a long time, they are proven performers and will hold their value for years to come. Chief

 

[Bondo]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

1 advantage to the Revolver is the ability to switch to Magnum rounds for Popping rabbits,+ such......<br /><br />Shooting .22shorts will Extend your shooting dollars alittle,.... And, the Report, is Much Quieter.....<br /><br />I've got More Pistols than Revolvers,.....<br />But for a 1st gun,..... You really Can't go Wrong with that little Ruger.......<br /><br />The Single 6 does come with the 2nd cylinder,.??.. Doesn't It??.....

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

I agree with the Ruger. An excellent choice for<br />target and plinking. I have a Ruger Mark II Target.<br />Its a semi automatic with a bull barrel. I have<br />put thousands of rounds through it. It is an<br />extremely well made hand gun. Only downfall is<br />it takes a little patience to learn how to disassemble<br />for cleaning. But once you have done it a few times<br />it is a piece of cake.

 

[aspeck]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

That single six will make you a nice first handgun. However, be prepared. It won't be long till you are looking for that .44 mag, or something with more kick and stopping power.

 

[JRJ]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

I also have a S&W K-22. Very accurate.

 

[neumanns]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Save the reciept...That way when she complains you just bought another gun you can remind her that she is the one that got you started!!

 

[one more cast]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

" That single six will make you a nice first handgun. However, be prepared. It won't be long till you are looking for that .44 mag, or something with more kick and stopping power"<br /><br /><br /> I have a Ruger single six convertible (22 LR with an extra 22 Mag cylinder) and love it, almost as much as my Ruger Super blackhawk 44 mag. . <br /><br />P.S. I use the 22 WAY more then the 44. This post reminds me, I have a dozen eggs in the fridge that are bad...Great targets.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Originally posted by bh357:<br /> I am looking for a 22 caliber for target shooting and potentially squirrel hunting.

I was always under the impression that a pistol was very hard to use for hunting and a rifle was the only way to go..??

 

[JB]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

One more vote for the Ruger Single Six Convertible.<br /><br />Wish I had mine back.

 

[ColdFire]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

I agree on two the Ruger Single Six Convertible and the Ruger Mark II with the bull barrel. Both are nice little pistols that will give many years of service.<br /><br />And JB I agree, I wish I had mine back too.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

I have one that my Grandfather left me, great gun.

 

[aspeck]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Originally posted by One More Cast:<br /> " That single six will make you a nice first handgun. However, be prepared. It won't be long till you are looking for that .44 mag, or something with more kick and stopping power"<br /><br /><br /> I have a Ruger single six convertible (22 LR with an extra 22 Mag cylinder) and love it, almost as much as my Ruger Super blackhawk 44 mag. . <br /><br />P.S. I use the 22 WAY more then the 44. This post reminds me, I have a dozen eggs in the fridge that are bad...Great targets.

Yea, I used to use the .22 more than the .44, but now I use the .38, .357, and 9mm more than the .22. .22 is MUCH cheaper to shoot, but the others are so much fun also! Wish I had the time and $ to become a good shot, instead of a lucky shot.

 

[Chief101]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br />

Originally posted by bh357:<br /> I am looking for a 22 caliber for target shooting and potentially squirrel hunting.

I was always under the impression that a pistol was very hard to use for hunting and a rifle was the only way to go..??

You've been misinformed charlie, but then if you are going to hunt with a revolver you have to be a very good hunter and practice your marksmanship. I've killed Elk at out to 150 yds with a handgun, but I've taken most big game at much closer yardages with handguns. Oh yea, I know a lot of folks that have done the same and more.

 

[bh357]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will definately take a look at the Single Six, and the Mark II. What could I expect to pay for either of the aforementioned? I am hoping to stay in the $400 range.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Wow with $400 you are golden. You can get the gun, holser, ammo, cleaning kit, and targets. If you have any children the new guns all come equipped with a child lock also.<br /><br />I love the ruger automatic .22 but if you are a novice... cleaning them can be a pain. The revlover is reliable and fun to shoot. If you intend on any hunting stay with a 6" barrel.<br /><br />If you want to learn more read up on the 44 mag and Elmer Keith. There is amazing information out there.

 

[JRJ]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Good idea to shoot both types before you buy. Maybe an indoor range in your area? Your gun shop will know. Have fun.

 

[KRS]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Single six.<br /><br />Don't shoot Blazer ammo, buy a high quality stuff that will burn cleaner and keep the gun functioning.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: First Handgun Advice - 22 Cal - UPDATE

Originally posted by One More Cast:<br />This post reminds me, I have a dozen eggs in the fridge that are bad...Great targets.

I use grapes. Much cheaper.<br /><br />

Originally posted by KRS:<br /> ... buy a high quality stuff that will burn cleaner and keep the gun functioning.<br />

Yea, use a good quality synthetic. Oops, never mind, wrong forum.