.22 for training

[c-unit]

I'm looking for a .22 pistol to use to basically become a better shot. I one day want to get into Special Ops/FBI/LE. What .22 pistols will help me progress in my shooting skills for under $250? My family owns a .22 rifle, several shotguns (no range close:sick:) , and a .38 spl revolver that I shoot frequently so I know the basics of shooting. Thanks in adnvance

[Lupey]

To be honest I dont know if you are going to be able to find a good target 22 for that little money. You will be able to get a Jennings but they are not for target practice and you wont get a whole heck of alot of rounds thru it before it dies.

If you are looking for a target 22 I think you would be hard pressed to find anything better than the Ruger Mark II. Thing will drive tacs and will shoot better than I possible ever could. I found 7 of them on gunsamerica ranging in price from 270-330.

[c-unit]

Thanks a lot. I could stretch to $300 if it would get me a better gun (315 is most liekly my breaking point...). I've heard about a Ruger 22/45? Anyone know how this compares to the Mark II?

[UncleSugar]

I too recommend the Ruger MkII. I got mine for $270 last year. I like them better than the 22/45 because some if you want to upgrade that plinker into a target pistol later some of the after market parts made for the MkII won't fit in the 22/45.

[CErdmann]

Look into a Walther P22. You can easily pick one up below $300, I've seen them as low as $230. Check them out on the internet.

[c-unit]

I've heard the P22 was inaccurate and very picky about ammo (only the pricey stuff). Anyone own one of these? What do you think about it? So, I've seen some good Ruger MK II's at gun shops I'll look into further. Thanks, anymore suggestions welcome.

[gbcop]

The Walther P22 is a good pistol, bought my dad one, but for target practice, I'd go with the Ruger.

[CollegeBoy427]

Ive shot the Walther P22. It was not as acurate as I thought it would be and it jammed under rapid fire....but that could also be due to cheap ammo. I plan on buying a pistol, but have decided to go with a .45ACP. I know its more money, but I want to have a realistic experence before I get hired. And with reloading, its not that expensive for .45ACP ammo.

zach

[Reservoir Dog]

The Ruger MkII is an excellent choice. They are a lot of fun to shoot, not too expensive, and the accessories are plentiful. The Ruger 22/45 is a good choice as well if you are looking just for plinking. The 22/45 gets its designation because the grip feel and angle are the same as the 1911 .45ACP.

[c-unit]

So, is the general consensus then a Ruger 22/45 (don't like the feel of a MK II) over a P22?

[Lupey]

Originally posted by c-unit
So, is the general consensus then a Ruger 22/45 (don't like the feel of a MK II) over a P22?

I would.

[k9cop21811]

If you're looking to buy a gun to increase your shooting proficiency for LE, I wouldn't buy a .22 at all. Nobody carries a .22 caliber sidearm. I would go with a 9mm or .40 caliber. That's going to better prepare you for shooting the weapons used by most LE agencies. A .22 caliber, while not worthless, just won't prepare you the same.

[UncleSugar]

k9 while I completely agree with your statements, however for this guy money is an issue. A decent .22 AND about 10000 rounds of ammo can be purchased for the same price as a cheap 9mm or .40. While the 9 or 40 would be directly related to his aspirations, he could at least do alot of work on the fundamentals of shooting in 10K rounds of 22 shooting. Just something that needs to be considered. However, I just reread the post and he has access to a .38 revolver, so it might be better to just shoot the hell out of that.

[paul810]

Hmm, the question first is to get a .22 or get something a bit bigger in caliber? Do you shoot a lot? .22 will teach you not to flinch, they are very easy to learn good shooting habits on, and ammo is extremly cheap. However, you won't get the same feel as, lets say, a 9mm. A good choice to learn on also being that ammo is pretty cheap and it is a commonly used caliber. I would say if you are really new to shooting and have only shot a few times before then go with .22lr, but if you have some experence and just want to hone your skills go with 9mm. I would also suggest finding an instructor familier with the methods the department you are applying to uses. You don't want to pick up bad habits or a wrong shooting style that can effect later training.

[c-unit]

As already stated, I have access to a .38 revolver whenever I want to use it. So I thought getting a .22 and honing my skills with it and taking some classes (little pistol experience) as I shot .38 every once in awhile while saving for a 9mm (or juss graduating to the .38 after a little while).