Comparison – Review on the top 10 Pistols in 22 LR Caliber
For Target or Practice
This list is in no specific order – I am sorry if I left off your favorite gun or a gun that you wanted an opinion on. Feel free to email or call me if you want feedback on a specific gun. I chose guns that were both popular and some of my favorites to do this comparison.
Walther P22
PROS
* Lightweight
* Smaller Grip Size
* Great for Youth or Women
* Perfect Backpack or 4 wheeler gun
* They have a longer barrel available – Some models can be purchased with both barrels (Short and Long)
* Walther Laser included with some models (Adds 100 to gun, 179 if bought seperate)
* Good Accuracy – multiple people have mentioned that it is more accurate than they expected
* Walther has introduced multiple colors and designs to appeal to everyone
CONS
* Some complaints of it being ammo specific. Some ammo types cause Failure to feed and Eject issues. (this seems to be gun specific as I have heard that some guns will shoot everything)
* Couple people have mentioned that it needs to stay clean and it will fire anything. 100 rds, dirty and jams
* Magazines can be hard to find (Most magazines are hard right now) – around $25-30
* CCI or High velocity seems to work well in this gun
Sig Sauer Mosquito
PROS
* Durable
* Feels like a standard size pistol – Similar to some Pi
* Very Dependable
CONS
* Heavy frame – Both a pro and con in ways
* Trigger pull is long and heavy. Some complaints of tension at the end of the pull. (A few have said it loosens up over time)
* Hard to get parts and most gunsmiths can’t or won’t work on them. (Adjusting trigger, feed, extraction, etc.)
* Can be ammo specific/sensitive. CCI work fine, but are more expensive
Ruger SR 22 – Comes in Black and Stainless – You will also see Lilac (Purple) (Distributor Exclusive)
PROS
* Lightweight
* Similar size and grip to Walther
* Shorter for easy carry
* Very few complaints from buyers and online research
* Available with a laser (About $80.00 extra)
* Great for Backpacking – ATV’s – Etc.
CONS
* Some say that they have had a few issues with FTF (Failure to Feed) and FTE (Failure to Eject) in the first 50-100 rounds, but that it works its way out. We have had very few complaints about Feeding issues. Most say it shoots everything.
* Some complaints about the trigger in the beginning, but it works smoother after a few hundred rounds.
* Popular and somewhat hard to find.
* Shorter barrel may not appeal as much for someone looking for a target pistol.
Ruger Mk II – Multiple models available – From Target to Standard
PROS
* Volquartsen Upgrade available
* Very accurate
* Target style with multiple barrel options
* Smooth trigger in standard pistols and plenty of upgrade options from after market companies
* Target and standard style grips (1911 45 angled grip available)
CONS
* Longer barrels don’t conceal very well.
* Heavier and not optimal for packing.
* Hard to clean – Most Rugers Pistols are complicated to breakdown and put back together.
Ruger Mk III – Multiple Models available – Standard, Target, 1911, etc.
PROS
* Reliable – Seems to be a given with these pistols.
* Accurate – Longer Barrels add accuracy and distance to your accuracy.
* Plenty of Upgrades available
* Target and Standard Grips available.
* Improved Mag Release – Different people seem to see this as a positive and a negative.
* Added the “Loaded Chamber Indicator” – Another thing that draws a positive and negative response from reviews. (It is supposed to be a little harder to clean the gun with this feature.
* A lot of people recommend a Clark or Volquartsen Trigger Upgrade for the Accuracy fanatics.
CONS
* Target Pistols are heavier – They are made this way for stability, balance and for the firearm to function long-term.
* I see a lot of comments online and hear from customers that they prefer the Mark II Pistol – Some say the Cleaning process, some prefer not to have the indicator. I personally like the indicator and see it as a safety feature.
* Cleaning of the MK Pistols has always been a challenge. Once you learn the “Secrets” of the process, it gets easier.
Colt Woodsman – Multiple barrel lengths and models available – 3 generations with changes at each.
PROS
* Value seems to always go up on Colt’s – Collectors are always looking for older Woodsman pistols.
* Well made and very reliable – Shoot everything and seem to be very accurate.
* Comfortable and made with great parts. These guns should outlast the owners.
CONS
* Smaller guns were not optimal for target shooters.
* Collector value makes them expensive.
* These pistols are hard to find – They stopped making them back in the 70’s.
* Parts and Gunsmiths that have experience on them can be hard to find.
Colt Challenger
PROS
* Cheaper than the Woodsman – Similar in the design.
* Very reliable and well made.
* Classic pistol that should do nothing but go UP in value.
CONS
* Because they are not currently in production, parts and gunsmiths can be hard to find.
* Collector value drives up the price.
Browning Buckmark – Tons of models and variations to choose from
PROS
* Tons of models, colors and options to choose from
* Good value for a quality gun
* Some of the older ones are valuable
* Older ones seem to draw a lot of interest online
CONS
* Some complaints of newer models being ammo specific (Picky)
* Accuracy issues in some of the later models – Seems to be gun specific – Not related to any model or year.
S&W Model 41
PROS
* Great Trigger.
* Target Style Grips.
* This gun is on almost every top ten list online.
CONS
* Expensive and hard to find.
* Good gunsmiths can be hard to find.
* Some parts may be hard to find.
Hammerli – (Includes other Target Style Custom Pistols)
PROS
* Great Target pistol – Very tough to beat in a competition setting.
* Great accuracy.
* Very versatile with a great trigger and multiple grip setups/options.
CONS
* Very Expensive – Options just make it more expensive.
* Not very attractive – In my opinion.
* Most models that are target are large and not easy to carry.
* Great for the range, back yard, etc. Not a great gun for camping, kids, etc.
Article Written by
Jason Pollard
Beaver Sport
www.beaversport.com
