Posted on 11/19/2016 4:45:09 AM PST by marktwain
I kind of began a 22 WMR thing by accident. First I got a Ruger LCR in 22 Mag when they came out. The guy at Cabela’s was surprised they had one at the time in 2013 ( I think ) and I got it for a little off the MSRP. I later got a LCR in 38 which I think has a better double action trigger pull but that is another story. I then started the idea of a “cowboy combo” in 22 WMR. Well on Father’s Day weekend I got the new Savage A22 which is a semi-auto 22 WMR patterned after their last year’s A17. Four power scope, good sling, removable bi-pod and all I lack are extra 10 round rotary magazines.
I like this hot cartridge because it shoots flat in the range these older eyes can handle.
The clue to the metal top being tilted to one side was the red follower visible where the metal top is supposed to settle down onto the black plastic body of the mag. Was getting a jam every third or fourth round. After opening it up and straightening the metal top, narry a hiccup from the next fifty rounds through it.
I really like the idea of that Savage. I have not seen one yet. I bet it’s a lot of fun. I’ve been considering an LCR in .22WMR for one of my daughters. I wish she was comfortable with .38 or .380, but she’s not.
I’ve got a North American Arms revolver combo that I inherited, a cowboy combo (Ruger Single Six), and I’ve got a Marlin bolt rifle (model 925M I believe). I’d shoot .22 WMR more often if I could get it.
I’m with you, I really like the round. My father-in-law has Henry rifles in both .22LR and .22WMR. Back in the 90’s we did some comparison shooting of the two. We shot a few hundred CCI from each at various types of targets and distances. The .22 Mag hits much harder and it was easier for us to shoot accurately at a distance. There was nothing scientific about any of it, but that was our clear perception. It’s not the best selection for either hunting or personal protection, but in a pinch it can handle both. My only hesitation about the round has always been its outsized cost.
The Ruger LCR looks identical in 22Mag and 38 Caliber but my wife likes the trigger reach, take-up and action better in the 38.
I can’t tell you that I feel the 22 WMR kicks all that much less to me.
I will say, that it is a snub meant for hallway short distances and easy carry. Its iron sights aren’t as good as the night sight version of my small S&W MP Shield in 9 mm. The shield is small and even easier to conceal, but the version with the night sights and 3 mags is a great deal because you have a pistol that can actually hit something at 25 yards if you had to and you have old eyes like mine. (Mild nearsightedness combined with aging farsightedness and needing more light.)
Thanks again. I’ll pull the BX25s out and look at them today.
When the metal top is properly aligned, the BX25s run flawlessly in my 1022s. They feed the Aquila 60 grain so well, it has become my home defense round now ... to get me to a battle rifle of course.
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