Posted on 04/11/2011 8:58:31 AM PDT by 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.
Well, before we get to the .22 cal for self defense issue, anything that “sometimes” stovepipes should not be the go-to weapon. Get that resolved asap, particularly before giving it to anyone in your family.
You say you are comfortable with heavier calibers, rent/try the Kahr CW4543 .45ACP Pistol. The Mosquito has 5.3” height and the Kahr has 4.8” ht. The Kahr weighs a couple of oz. less than the Mosquito, which could take some getting used to in .45 cal. If it doesn’t work you could try its .40 cal.
I have no respect for you. :)
I’ve never regretted hanging onto a gun I had thought of selling.
I can think of a number of guns I wish I’d kept.
.22 semi autos?
Target and hunting: Browning Buckmark or Ruger MkIII or 22/45
One thing I prefer about the Buckmark over the Ruger is the ATF registered part is the frame, so you can buy Buckmark barrels without doing paperwork, even over the internet. You can get longer heavy barrel for target, light long barrel for hunting, short barrel for plinking and easily swap them out.
Conceal carry: Beretta. Several models from the tiny Tomcat to a .22 LR version of their .380 that looks like a smaller M9/Model 92. I think it’s a model 86.
I own both and the Mk III is the most accurate pistol I've ever fired. I wouldn't hesitate to endorse it. I prefer it over the Mk II because the mag release is in a more traditional place and mine is more accurate than my Mk II. I don't remember ever having a feeding problem with either pistol.
Watch out, .380 ammo is in short supply in many places, which can put a dent in your ability to practice. The .380 ACP is basically a 9mm short, and apparently the factories are more interested in using those assembly lines for 9mm para instead.
Nice little pistol....Got some good reviews awhile back.
Thanks for the link. It made me feel like I wasn’t going crazy after all. It’s frustrating to shoot something that has almost no recoil, compared with larger guns, do everything right (breathing, stance, etc.) and STILL not do well with target shooting at FIVE yards!!!! I have to admit there were a few times I was ready to throw that thing as far as I could, or cry. LOL
altho i’ve heard lots and lots good of the ruger mkiii i’ve never been able to (personally) get over the grip angle- naturally aligning the gun points high for me. the buckmark is an equal gun, but has a grip angle patterned after the 1911, and seems to point better.
You might want to check out a Bersa Thunder .22. They are small but not tiny.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/178/products_id/72192
The Beretta Bobcat is smaller:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411542822
If you’re looking for a true target semi-auto, look at the S&W Model 41.
How much money are you willing to invest in this new weapon?
Of course sell it if you don't like it. I bought a SPAS shotgun back in the early 90's. Found that it was nose heavy with the extended magazine and much too complicated with multiple safeties and mode selectors etc. to make a good firearm for home defense, SO I sold it for about $100 more than I paid for it. The only thing I regret about the sale is that if I had waited until now I could have gotten about $400 more than I paid for it.
I love my little P22. So does my wife.....so much so that I haven’t been able to shoot it in quite some time.
Dittos that! No one regrets keeping a gun they had thought of selling, but the reverse is not the case.
I haven’t sold a gun since before the 1992 presidential election. My safes are full to bursting. I have no regrets.
As to the question, the M1911A1 for me fills all bills. And it’s not too big for the female hand; my wife is a Camp Perry champion with the .45 auto.
Dittos that! No one regrets keeping a gun they had thought of selling, but the reverse is not the case.
I haven’t sold a gun since before the 1992 presidential election. My safes are full to bursting. I have no regrets.
As to the question, the M1911A1 for me fills all bills. And it’s not too big for the female hand; my wife is a Camp Perry champion with the .45 auto.
If you don’t like the gun, sell it. Never keep a gun you don’t like (unless it has sentimental or collector’s value).
Dunno what .22 to buy. I’d go with Ruger Mk II, myself, but that is entirely for sentimental reasons (it was the first gun I ever fired).
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