firearms

[Lynn LeFey]

I'm not sure your instructor knows what he's talking about, in regards to 9mm.

We have had all kinds of problems finding .22lr, and it's been that way for a couple years. We currently have about 1500 rounds, and I'm pretty sure that will be enough to get us through the craziness, regardless of how long it lasts. We might go through 100 to 150 rounds per session of shooting, if we only take our own guns (instead of renting them). We use less if we rent, because we tend to rent 9mm pistols.

We had problems getting .380 ammo at a rental range about a month ago.

We have had problems in the past getting 9mm, but not for a long time. So...

[Chako]

I visited the local Canadian Tire store, and it looks like I can buy a box of 50 .22 LR for 2.99, or a box of 500 for 32 Canadian. Doesn't seem that bad actually. Lots of 9mm boxes as well...but those are a lot more expensive. 50 rounds for 30 bucks.

[Lynn LeFey]

I visited the local Canadian Tire store, and it looks like I can buy a box of 50 .22 LR for 2.99, or a box of 500 for 32 Canadian. Doesn't seem that bad actually. Lots of 9mm boxes as well...but those are a lot more expensive. 50 rounds for 30 bucks.

Wait a minute...
50 for $2.99 is .0598 per round
500 for $32 is .064 per round.
 

Makes no sense.

But anyway, yeah, that difference between price of not just the firearm itself, but the ammo, really makes the .22 the best option out there.

[Chako]

I know. Lots of things do not make any sense. For example, I can buy a box of 6 Cat snacks for 8.50, meanwhile I can buy them individually for 1,20 each.

[ColoSwiss]

There was an ammo shortage here in the US for over a year. However even at the height of it the local Cabela's had most ammo in stock. Currently I can pick up Blazer Brass or Federal 9mm FMJ for around $14-$15 a box of 50.

[JBW1]

I visited the local Canadian Tire store, and it looks like I can buy a box of 50 .22 LR for 2.99, or a box of 500 for 32 Canadian. Doesn't seem that bad actually. Lots of 9mm boxes as well...but those are a lot more expensive. 50 rounds for 30 bucks.

That's freakn awesome! Boxes of ammo at tire shops! So they'd better honor that road hazard warranty haha

[Chako]

Canadian tire is anything but just a tire shop. 

[Chako]

What do you guys think of this?

[ColoSwiss]

Here are some reviews (see the review section). Most users like it, but almost all say its finicky in the types of ammo it likes.

http://www.impactguns.com/issc-austrian-m22-glock-type-pistol-22-lr-4in-2-10rd-mags-black-m111000-798304034103.aspx

I've never seen one, so can't personally comment on it. I do try and stay with long-established brands. Have enough problems with those.

[jerseydevil]

One thing about .22 semiautos Dan - they are all picky about the ammo they'll function with, some much more so than others.  Many won't cycle at all without high-velocity ammo.  Ashley has a .22 pistol that had that issue with standard ammo, but when she tried some hi-vel like I suggested, she had no problems.  High-velocity .22LR can be hard to find at times.

[captain spaulding]

   Looks like a nice setup for the price. Like the reviewer said its a bummer it only comes with one magazine and to buy more they are not cheap. I guess that is really a minor complaint though. The design of the recoil spring is interesting. I hate that is has a magazine disconnect, but that is not a huge issue either. Some guns like the Ruger SR9's magazine disconnect can be easily removed if so desired. I do like that it is hammer fired and has a de-cocker. I also like the look of the firearm. I would be weary of the front sight though as the review seemed to have many issues with it.
   I am not a huge fan of semi auto pistols in .22lr for the simple fact that most mass produced .22lr ammo will have reliability issues compared to say a centerfire round which will cause all sorts of failure to fires and ejection issues. These sort of things can potentially be dangerous, but it is good to experience them so you know what to look for and proper handling when these situations happen. All I can say about that is if you are ever shooting and you pull the trigger and something does not feel right like a light blowback on the slide or a quiet load, do not keep shooting and check the firearm before proceeding. This includes squib loads. If you do not know about Squibs here is a link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squib_load

   Anyways I prefer revolvers for .22lr, but if you are set on a semi auto for .22lr than do not let me persuade you in any way. It is just a preference of mine. I think choosing the .22lr for the first firearm is a excellent decision. I do like the gun and think it would make a good first pistol to practice with. I am not sure how the process of selling firearm in Canada goes, but if it is not much of a hassle you could always sell it off if you do not like it.

[Lynn LeFey]

One thing about .22 semiautos Dan - they are all picky about the ammo they'll function with, some much more so than others. 

This is only mostly true. Our Ruger SR22 has eaten anything we've shot in it, and we've shot some cheap crappy stuff.

[jerseydevil]

One thing about .22 semiautos Dan - they are all picky about the ammo they'll function with, some much more so than others. 

This is only mostly true. Our Ruger SR22 has eaten anything we've shot in it, and we've shot some cheap crappy stuff.

Let me rephrase that then.  All .22 semiautos that I have shot have been picky about the ammo they will function with. 

[ColoSwiss]

If I was to recommend a .22 auto pistol it would probably be a Ruger Mk III (top) or 22/45 (bottom); probably with a 4" or 5" bull barrel, and definitely with adjustable sights. (May end up talking myself into getting another.  )

A proven, solid pistol; and one with good resale value if you decide you don't like it.

[Chako]

I wish I could just go and buy something...but I have a long wait before I can even do anything about it. Plenty of time to do my research.

Thanks for the info. I just might focus on revolvers...even though I do like the look and action of these semi-autos.

[captain spaulding]

If I was to recommend a .22 auto pistol it would probably be a Ruger Mk III (top) or 22/45 (bottom); probably with a 4" or 5" bull barrel, and definitely with adjustable sights. (May end up talking myself into getting another.  )

A proven, solid pistol; and one with good resale value if you decide you don't like it.

 

22/45's rock!

Disassemble and reassemble can be a pain, but once you get the hang of it it's not bad.

[ColoSwiss]

I wish I could just go and buy something...but I have a long wait before I can even do anything about it. Plenty of time to do my research.

Thanks for the info. I just might focus on revolvers...even though I do like the look and action of these semi-autos.

In .22 a good revolver is often the way to go. 100% reliability and easy cleaning. I have a S&W M-617 with a 6" barrel (below). Superbly accurate. It is pricier than the pistols we've been discussing. A somewhat smaller S&W is the M-63 Kit Gun. Ruger also makes double-action and single-action revolvers that are excellent.

[ducttapetech]

Ruger Black Hawk.
Nuff said.

JD, you are right. Most semi .22s are problematic with certain kinds of ammo. There are a few that seem to don't care.

[ColoSwiss]

50 rounds of .22LR at 25 feet through a S&W M 617; Weaver stance.

A pretty good day. 

[captain spaulding]

Nice shootin tex. 

[ColoSwiss]

Nice shootin tex. 

That's 'Colorado'!

Texan is a dirty name here!      

[Lynn LeFey]

Nice group. How is holding that hunk of metal up for 50 rounds? You get any shake by the end?

[ColoSwiss]

Nice group. How is holding that hunk of metal up for 50 rounds? You get any shake by the end?

Actually I did thirty rounds to start with that was almost as good (put it to one side in case things went down-hill from there.  ). Then the 50 'for record' (above). Then about 60 rounds double action-only, fairly fast, that covered about a 6"-7" circle. Then 12 rounds off-hand; not bad but a couple of fliers. Had some shakes there at the end, but the real problem was my hand cramped up about an hour later.

With two-hand Weaver stance weight isn't a problem; instead it helps to dampen movement. Toward the end there was a sort of 'zen' concentration on the hole in the center of the target.

[HarleyXJGuy]

One thing about .22 semiautos Dan - they are all picky about the ammo they'll function with, some much more so than others. 

This is only mostly true. Our Ruger SR22 has eaten anything we've shot in it, and we've shot some cheap crappy stuff.

Let me rephrase that then.  All .22 semiautos that I have shot have been picky about the ammo they will function with.

Don't worry on the internet everyone has pistols and rifles that never jam and have 1/2 MOA accuracy. That being said my Ruger Mark II shoots everything I can find and is stupid accurate. 

Will post some pics tonite if the internet works.

I am a sad panda that I just found this thread, so many thing I would have liked to reply to.

50 rounds of .22LR at 25 feet through a S&W M 617; Weaver stance.

If you ever decide to sell this pistol I call dibs. Want one in a bad way, such a great pistol.

[ColoSwiss]

Not for sale! 

You might also check out the Military Yearbook, Largest Non-nuke Explosions, and Natural Ability over Technology threads  here.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Not for sale! 

So you are thinking about selling it then?

Just let me know.

[Chako]

Hmmm...local gun shop both have a new Ruger Mark III and IIII. The Mark 4 retails for 435, the Mark III for 50 bucks more.

Still waiting for my paperwork to get home. I must be patient.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Hmmm...local gun shop both have a new Ruger Mark III and IIII. The Mark 4 retails for 435, the Mark III for 50 bucks more.

Still waiting for my paperwork to get home. I must be patient.

No used Mark II's? My fave model.

[Chako]

Nothing that I saw. They did have a pair of old High Standards, a Duramatic and a Sport King. Both going for 299, and a pair of Colt Woodsman...going for 399. The High Standards and the Colts look a bit rough to my untrained eyes. From what I see, used guns are almost as expensive as new at the local gun shop. 

[ColoSwiss]

Nothing that I saw. They did have a pair of old High Standards, a Duramatic and a Sport King. Both going for 299, and a pair of Colt Woodsman...going for 399. The High Standards and the Colts look a bit rough to my untrained eyes. From what I see, used guns are almost as expensive as new at the local gun shop. 

Woodsman was a piece I never managed to reassemble without resorting to profanity.

Had a couple of High Standards. Generally liked them until the hammers started following down to half-cock. Suspect previous owners had been messing around with the sears.

Like I said, a 40 year love-hate relationship with .22 autos, which is why I now have a revolver.