22 Handgun
 

I'm in the market for a 22lr handgun. It will be used primarily for cheap handgun practice. Would like to be at $300 or less. What out there is decent at this price point? Also, anyone have any experience with the Walther P22?

Here's a pretty good discussion on the Walther P22 and the Ruger SR22 that you might find helpful. The Ruger is about $100 less than the Walther and appears to be in your price range.

http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/ru...2-walther-p22/

I'm not as much a fan of the "combat style" 22LR pistols out there as I am of traditional style 22's, like the Ruger Mark III or Browning Buckmark.

For combat style, I have the Sig Mosquito and Ruger SR22, I tend to favor the Sig for my larger mitts. My sis has a Walther P22, nothing wrong with it, but I prefer not to give my money to Smith & Wesson when I can avoid it.

For a practice pistol, however, a Ruger Mark III or Buckmark is a better choice. I have a beretta Neos also, it's a level behind, but also a price point lower too. I just ordered a Ruger Mark III blued taper barrel 6" for $310 to be a gift for one of my wife's friends that is learning how to handgun, pretty good price on an all steel pistol these days. The Ruger 22/45 has a different feel than the Mark III but has the same reliable and durable action, and can be had for under $300, wanna say I saw them listed for $275.

If you're considering the Walther you may want to take a look at the Bersa Thunder 22LR. It is a Walther copy without the price tag. Check out the reviews on it. I have one in .380 and it keeps on shooting with no malfunctions.
If you are considering a revolver and don't mind the extra weight than look a the Taurus Tracker line. They will shoot right along side any more expensive revolver. I have the Trackers in .22lr, 17HMR and .44 mag.

Instead of a 22LR, get a .22Mag and use it also for personal defense. Better penetration with the 22Mag.

Here's one 22 mag, of several out there.

My dad has a Browning Buckmark... nice gun, and shoots very well as a stock gun.

The Ruger 22/45 looks interesting and is in my price range. Any real world experience out there?

I have 2 of them, one a target bull barrel, one a "Lite". Same action as the Mark I/II/III that I hold so beloved, but a cheaper grip frame. The bolt release is a little different, but it's functional. Reliable, durable, but balanced differently than the same upper on a Mark III since it has a lot less weight in hand (polymer grip vs. steel).

The sub-$300 22/45 we almost ordered for my wife's friend is one of the molded panel grip frames, whereas I much prefer the feel of the models which use replaceable 1911 style panels. The target bull barrel with removable panels I have is $320 now, wanna say I paid $275 for it a couple years ago.

The 22/45's are exactly what they should be. They shoot straight, they run right, aftermarket part support is good, customer service from Ruger is top notch, and they're not insulting to the pocket book nor sensible eye.

I have a Browning Buckmark and love the gun. It's a little on the large side but very accurate and nice to shoot. I have had it for years, I believe mine is the Camper model.

Heavily leaning toward a Ruger 22/45. Hopefully I can find one locally to fondle.