Help with decision on 22 semi-auto pistol

[Hoganbeg]

I would try to get one that functions and, ideally, feels the same as my carry pistol. Controls should be in the same place and function the same way, etc. For me that's the S&W M&P 9c. The new Ruger looks good too. You might also consider the Sig.

[garybtt]

Love my Walther P22, just use 40 grain ammo and it will shoot all day without a jam.

[Phillip Gain]

I have basically ruled out the Ruger Mark series because of the perceived difficulty with cleaning the gun. I go to the range weekly and thoroughly clean each gun after every outing. I am very intrigued with new Ruger 22. I own an LC9 and the new Ruger looks similar.

1) The Mark III or 22/45 aren't THAT hard to clean. I clean mine after every range outing. (I confess, if it was just one student and fewer than 50 rounds, sometimes it just gets a barrel swabbing.) You do need a plastic mallet and a paperclip in addition to your usual cleaning tools. And I find it helpful to keep the manual handy.

2) The big trend these days is to make .22LR pistols that are mock-ups of the full size carry gun. While the idea is good on paper, the .22's are typically made of much cheaper materials, sometimes VERY inferior. I'm talking plastic or pot metal moving parts and fasteners; cheap spray paint finishes; on and on. The reason: Anyone will pay $400-500 for an S&W M&P 9mm, .40, or .45. But no one wants to pay much more than $200 for the equivalent gun in a .22!

By contrast, the Ruger Mark series and 22/45 are made from quality materials all the way around. People are winning tournaments with these things against the uber-high-end guns costing 10x as much. You get good value for money.

[Jubz]

If you're willing to spend the money, definitely check out a S&W Model 41. I have one and it's an excellent shooter, very easy to breakdown/clean and the trigger is very noticeably better than my Browning BuckMark.

Below: Smith & Wesson Model 41 w/ 7" barrel, Clark Grips, optics rail, Sightmark Green Dot Mini Shot sight.

[Mobuck]

Get a Ruger and quit wasting your time "cleaning after every range session".

[mncarrydude]

Look.at the GSG1911. $300 or so and its based on the same premise as a 1911. YouTube the name and you'll be surprised at the praise.