To sell or not to sell...a gun

vanity ^ | April 11, 2011 | ChocChipCookie

[ChocChipCookie]

A few years ago, my husband bought a Walther P22 for me. I like the idea of having a .22 handgun, but this gun hasn't been a good fit. I've shot a couple thousand rounds, at least. With all that practice, you would think I'd be getting tight clusters, right on target, every time, but no. I know how to shoot, which makes this even more frustrating. I do much better with heavier guns and calibers (.40 and .357) but want a .22 in the family arsenal, such as it is.

The Walther sometimes stovepipes and even my husband, who is very much an expert when it comes to firearms, has told me he doesn't like the Walther. I've tried the Sig Mosquito, which I love, but don't want anything that requires special ammo.

So, I guess I have two dilemmas. First, should I sell the gun? On one hand, I want to say, once you own a gun, you should never get rid of it. One of my kids may fall in love with it someday. On the other, I don't like it and never will.

My other question, is if not the Walther P22, then what? I want something small enough to carry but heavier, like the Mosquito.

[ChocChipCookie]

Thanks for your suggestions. A new shooting range is opening up by my house and I'm looking forward to spending many happy hours there.

[tumblindice]

Try out the CZ 75 `Kadet’ .22.
Target sights, eats anything, price is right.

[caver]

Thsi months Guns & Ammo has a Browning 1911-22. It’s a scaled down 1911 that shoots .22. It looks pretty cool and has a good review.

[Joe Boucher]

Mam,
Like any good tool that you own and is paid for you should NEVER get rid of it unless you are getting a better one in trade.
If you do not feel comfortable with the one you have by all means find one you are. BUT go to one of the gun shops with an indoor range and test them til you find one you ARE comfortable with.

[antiRepublicrat]

If you’re talking .22 target shooting, it doesn’t get much better than a Ruger Mark III (or II).

[rstrahan]

I would try a .380 if you don’t like the Walther. I have one as my c/c weapon. If you need a weapon in that circumstances, distances will be less than 10’ usually, and a .380 is enough weapon to discourage someone. It’s not a lot larger or heavier than a .22. My wife has a .25 Colt and that thing is only good as a collector weapon. Inaccurate as all get-out. I understand about not liking a gun. I went to get a 9mm and tried out a Springfield XD and a comparable Glock. The XD beat the Glock hands-down even though the Glock is the “name” gun and that’s what I bought.

Go to a range that rents guns and try out some, see what fits. Then see if they’ll take a trade. I’ve traded, bought and sold over the years. Unless it’s a collector gun, sell it and get another.

[rstrahan]

I would try a .380 if you don’t like the Walther. I have one as my c/c weapon. If you need a weapon in that circumstances, distances will be less than 10’ usually, and a .380 is enough weapon to discourage someone. It’s not a lot larger or heavier than a .22. My wife has a .25 Colt and that thing is only good as a collector weapon. Inaccurate as all get-out. I understand about not liking a gun. I went to get a 9mm and tried out a Springfield XD and a comparable Glock. The XD beat the Glock hands-down even though the Glock is the “name” gun and that’s what I bought.

Go to a range that rents guns and try out some, see what fits. Then see if they’ll take a trade. I’ve traded, bought and sold over the years. Unless it’s a collector gun, sell it and get another.

[PowderMonkey]

Sell, but immediately replace with better. Small enough to carry? As in concealed carry for self defense? Not advisable for .22 LR. Rimfire ammo has a propensity to misfire, and most of the better semi-auto pistols tend to be ammo sensitive. If you want to keep a .22 LR semi-auto pistol in your quiver, look into the Ruger 22/45 line. Mine’s been a hoot to shoot, and cheap to operate. Built like a tank.

[70th Division]

Bersaq makes a 22. I have their 380 and love it.

[Errant]

Ruger .22 Bump!

[Bidimus1]

As with all Autos ammo matters, and .22RF even more than most.

Try several different brands of ammo.

I have some .22rf that will not work with specific brands.

The more expensive may not be not be as good as cheap just depends on the pistol.

[Joe Brower]

My two bits: The Walther P22 is a neat little .22lr semiauto, but they are very unforgiving to shoot -- one must have a steady hand and extremely good trigger control to keep somethnig that small on-target with such a small sight radius. The 5" barrel model is better, but the 3" model is a tough one, something not uncommon to handguns this small.

That said, there are plenty of other options. You mention the Sig Mosquito, and that is indeed a lot more forgiving. Someone else mentioned the .22lr 1911 model that Browning is now producing. (There is another company as well -- cant recall the brand right now.) I haven't tried one of those, but as a full-size pistol, it should be a lot easier to manage, plus has the added benefit of familiarizing you with a very common sidearm that comes in many larger calibers, so when you want to move up, you will already have a leg up on using the larger-caliber models.

I just pinged my private list, so chances are you will get more suggestions than you know what to do with. $:-)

[Tijeras_Slim]

I got Mrs. Slim a P22. She liked it but it never quite operated right. Smith wasn’t able to fix the proiblem either and eventually refunded my purchase.

She now has a Sig Trailside, which is a heck of a lot nicer. Also shoots my Smith K-22, and M41.

If you want a nice .22 auto on a budget, one of the Rugers is tough to beat.

[Oberon]

You've got some requirements that are in opposition. Do you want it for target work, or for carry? You're unlikely a find a .22 handgun suitable for both.

If you want it for target shooting, I also recommend a Ruger Mark II/Mark III or Model 22/45. If you want it for carry, I recommend a Beretta Tomcat (tip-up semi-auto) or even a Smith & Wesson kit gun (model 63 or 317).

Here's the Model 317 (photo and hosting courtesy of Gunblast.com... Hi, Boge and Jeff!):

[Disambiguator]

Keep the Walther and just put it away.

My vote would be for a Ruger Single-Six or Bearcat, but I like revolvers.

[JoeProBono]

Truth be known, I miss every gun I've ever sold especially my Dan Wesson.

[smokingfrog]

“Use only high velocity ammunition in your Walther P22.”

If it won’t shoot CCI Stinger or Velociter ammo reliably, I’d get rid of it. Also make sure it’s not a magazine issue.

[BerserkPatriot]

On one hand, I want to say, once you own a gun, you should never get rid of it.

Look at it this way: Selling a gun is like selling any other piece of Life saving equipment like a fire-extinguisher, generator or first aide kit.

Which is to say, it’s not a good idea. It may save your life someday.

[CarryaBigStick]

The Walther P22 points a lot better when it has a Gemtech can on the front. ;) They were made for each other.

[skimask]

Keep the 22 and buy a H & K in the 40sw caliber. An excellent hand gun