I am wanting something fun and cheap to shoot. So I'm thinking about going down this path. So what do you recommend? Is there something that is tickling everyone's fancy?
Take your pick, gsg 1911-22, walther p22, m&p22, ruger sr22, ruger mark ii, III, and 22/45 variants, browning buckmark, s&w neo, or sig mosquito.
The rugers are built like tanks, have tons of aftermarket support and come and a variation for just about anyone/purpose. I own a threaded 22/45 and love it, shoots suppressed reliably and I was able to buy a rail and optic for it.
Also have a 1911-22 which runs great with the right ammo and it being clean.
Also have a walther p22 which I love, but definitely gotta keep it clean.
My brother has the m&p22 and it's been very reliable Everytime I shot it.
So you have plenty of options. Things to think about, are you ever gonna get a suppressor? Of so get one with the option. Thread adapters can be bought for the m&p, Walter, and gsg btw.
I was thinking Ruger was going to be the way. I do like after market options. I don't think I'll be getting a suppressor any time soon. I am still curious about m&p 22 and the sr22.
I recently switched over to a Ruger 22/45 after having a Buckmark for the longest time. Can't beat the Buckmark. Both are heavy. Buckmark ran fine without any mods to it. My only complaint about the Ruger, so far, is that the mags do not pop out like every other semi auto out there. I have to pull it out. Or maybe it is just mine.
I haven't shot any other .22 semi autos out there except for the Walther P22, and, IMO, avoid that like that the plague.
Like I said I don't expect an amazing gun just something to plink with. So I'm thinking the 22/45 is right up my alley. I really don't want to spend a lot on one anyways. I'll probably pick one up used. What would a basic one run used?
There's bushings you can buy to make the mags drop free and deactivate the magazine safety on the 22/45. Think it's the best 10 bucks I spent on that gun.
I have had great success with the ISSC M22 (Glock Clone), I own 2 that I use for "training" of newbies and they have been very reliable after putting about 300 rounds through them to make sure they were running correctly.
The Rugers are built like tanks but they also weight like one, the 22/45 is a good compromise since its "plastic"
M&P22 and Walther are technically the same thing with a different outer shell, the Sig gave me quite a bit of problems when I had one.
Thanks for all the input guys. Keep it coming. It will still be a bit before I get one. I'm still leaning a bit to the 22/45. Weight really doesn't bother me for this because I won't be carrying it.
I have 6 simi's and one revolver in my collection of .22s. I agree the ruger standard model or browning buckmark are good choices for full sized models. For just plain fun I prefer smaller ones. I like a beretta 21a, my current favorite is a walther tph. The walther can be hatd to find and a bit pricey, but the ultimate decission is up to you. Try as many as you can before you buy. Good luck Dave