Looking at .22 pistols - Ruger Single Six or Cheap Semi-Auto?

[npaden]

Okay, I've about decided that I need a little pistol that I'll carry with me most of the time when I'm out hunting. I saw the Ruger single six with the interchangable cylinders for .22 LR or .22 WMR and thought that was for sure the way to go, but it is a pretty large handgun to cart around with me. It is also a bit on the expensive side when comparing to some name brand .22 LR semi-auto handguns. Both Walther and Sig have a .22 LR semi-auto for $250 or less and the Ruger is gonna run closer to $350.

I got pushed over the edge on wanting one the last time I was out deer hunting and I ran across 3 rattlesnakes in the dark leaving my blind. All I had was my deer rifle and I ended up kicking dirt at them and they eventually slithered off, but I would have preferred to put a bullet in them and not have to worry about them the next time, but I wasn't about to shoot them with my 7mm Mag.

I would also use the pistol if I am ever successful at trapping wild hogs. I would use the .22 in the ear hole instead of blasting them with my rifle from 5 feet.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks, Nathan

[RugerMike]

Heynpaden e-mail me at mikem@tls.net I might have just what you are looking for?

[jtb1967]

The Ruger Bearcat makes a fine compact revolver for trapping. But if price is an object look for a Ruger 22 auto. Maybe even a used one. You could probably pick up a decent used MkII for $150 to $175.

[npaden]

Price really isn't the determining factor. I just don't want to buy a $350 pistol if a $250 pistol would be a better choice. I've never owned a handgun before, so I was also thinking the revolver would be a little safer and simpler than the semi-auto.

[sjsfire]

I've had this for about 20 years. A S&W 422 semi auto. It's light weight, 6 inch barrel, holds 10 22's in the magazine, adjustable target rear site, and walnut grips. This is the most acurate 22 I've ever shot. They come in a 4 inch barrel too. The same version is available in stainless as the 622. Check some local gun shops or gunbroker.com. They should be available for around $175 and up.

[nchawkeye]

Take another look at the Ruger semis...I was a revolover guy as well...Bought a Mark II several years ago and I love it...Consider this..You can put a clip in the gun and not have one in the chamber until you use it...So this is a very safe carry gun...

Another point...The Mark IIs are know to be very accurate, not so with the Single Six, they are bored for a .22 Mag, so regular .22s aren't as accurate as the .22 Mag has a larger diameter....

[legion]

Get a Ruger Mark II or Mark III. Best .22LR pistol I have ever owned.

[The Famous Grouse]

How about a Browning Buckmark? Available in various barrel configurations, adjustable sights, good accuracy. Worth a look at least. I've never been that impressed with the Single Six. Overweight, overpriced, and underperforming.

Grouse

[stalkingbear]

The absolute BEST bang for buck for you would be a ruger 22/45 blued with heavy barrel and adjustable sights-about 225-250 for GREAT accuracy and performance after a trigger job.

[npaden]

So no one is a fan of the Walther P22 Semi-Auto? Gander Mountain has one on sale for $250 right now.

http://gandermountain.shoplocal.com/gandermountain/default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2 489525&rapid=493614&pagenumber=6&listi ngid=-2092265103&ref=%2fgandermountain%2fdefault.asp x%3faction%3dbrowsepagespread%26storeid%3d2489525% 26rapid%3d493614%26pagenumber%3d6