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Post by RambleTree on Feb 12, 2024 18:45:56 GMT
Hey folks, I'm not on any gun forums, so seeking opinions from fellow sword nuts:
Compact .22 lr pistol Already settled on caliber and configuration - I have others, so no need to convince me of alternatives.
Use/scenario/desired specs: - Hiking, backpacking, BOB survival pistol (for harvesting squirrels, bunnies, etc.) - last ditch self-defense - bigger than a pocket pistol, smaller than a Glock 19 - I'm 6', 180 lbs, medium size hands (med. or large glove size). - reasonably accurate, 3-4 in. barrel - not a revolver - secondary application as CCW - threaded barrel (I already have a Ruger 10/22, so just buying one suppressor would be ideal). - decent iron sights, or easy/cheap replacements (not planning on optics). - rail for a light. - Vermont handgun mag capacity: 15 rnds. - $200-400
Excluding: Glock 44 - heard too many reliability issues, and don't need it as a 9mm trainer. Ruger SR22 - pricier than I need for this. Kel-tec P17 - this would maybe be my first choice, except for capacity over legal limit. Don't want to mess around with mag limiters, etc. Love the idea of a Ruger Mk IV, especially for improved range/accuracy, but cost, size and CCW are outside of my parameters.
I've narrowed it down to:
Taurus TX 22 Compact
Walther P22 Q
M&P 22 Compact
Probably the best all around on my list is the TX 22 Compact. Also has the highest capacity (13+1), and apparently mags are interchangeable with TX 22 full size. Probably have to upgrade sights - looks like they assume most people will put a red dot on it.
Would like to hear thoughts, experience, etc. with these, or options I may have missed. Thanks in advance!
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Zen_Hydra
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Born with a heart full of neutrality
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Feb 12, 2024 20:24:17 GMT
I haven't tried any of the pistols in your narrowed down list, but I currently quite like my S&W Model 41.
Edit: I just realized what I previously posted is not entirely true. I recently inherited my brother's M&P 22 Compact with a threaded barrel, but I haven't had a chance to shoot it. So, still not very helpful, but I can certainly answer any form factor questions you might have.
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tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,786
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Post by tera on Feb 12, 2024 20:54:18 GMT
Of the three you list, I'd probably go with the M&P for general reliability. The TX22 supposedly runs well suppressed (Silencer Central frequently uses it as a host gun in their marketing). I have no direct experience with either on a range. My general recommendation for maximum reliability in a .22lr pistol is the Ruger MK(any) line. You may be able to find a used, threaded MKIII in your budget. Bigger, but dependable, and offer optic rail, too.
Having said that, as you mention backup CCDW, I feel obliged to mention you can get a threaded PSA Dagger for the same price (or less, if you look at gun.deals) than the TX22. That's a 9mm Gen 4 Glock 19 clone, but trimmed down a bit so it fits smaller hands better/prints less. Better defensive ballistics and you could keep a mag of 9mm shotshells on-hand to deal with snakes, etc. Note: those will not cycle the action, train accordingly. More expensive, and heavier to carry the same ammo, but depends on what you're already carrying as a lawful CCDW.
Also, be sure to look up applicable laws for suppressor use. If it's legal, cool. If it's not, there's Federal Law about upping the minimum sentence of (whatever) substantially because an NFA item was involved. This applies to defensive shooting scenarios, too. Consult legal counsel, I'm not a lawyer, etc.
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Post by RambleTree on Feb 12, 2024 20:58:18 GMT
I haven't tried any of the pistols in your narrowed down list, but I currently quite like my S&W Model 41. Edit: I just realized what I previously posted is not entirely true. I recently inherited my brother's M&P 22 Compact with a threaded barrel, but I haven't had a chance to shoot it. So, still not very helpful, but I can certainly answer any form factor questions you might have. That Model 41 looks sweet (and expensive)! Thanks for the offer of form factor input - I haven't gotten to a gun shop recently to physically handle the various models, so will have to do that. My choice may end up coming down to what's available within my price range.
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Post by RambleTree on Feb 12, 2024 21:08:58 GMT
Of the three you list, I'd probably go with the M&P for general reliability. The TX22 supposedly runs well suppressed (Silencer Central frequently uses it as a host gun in their marketing). I have no direct experience with either on a range. My general recommendation for maximum reliability in a .22lr pistol is the Ruger MK(any) line. You may be able to find a used, threaded MKIII in your budget. Bigger, but dependable, and offer optic rail, too. Having said that, as you mention backup CCDW, I feel obliged to mention you can get a threaded PSA Dagger for the same price (or less, if you look at gun.deals) than the TX22. That's a 9mm Gen 4 Glock 19 clone, but trimmed down a bit so it fits smaller hands better/prints less. Better defensive ballistics and you could keep a mag of 9mm shotshells on-hand to deal with snakes, etc. Note: those will not cycle the action, train accordingly. More expensive, and heavier to carry the same ammo, but depends on what you're already carrying as a lawful CCDW. Also, be sure to look up applicable laws for suppressor use. If it's legal, cool. If it's not, there's Federal Law about upping the minimum sentence of (whatever) substantially because an NFA item was involved. This applies to defensive shooting scenarios, too. Consult legal counsel, I'm not a lawyer, etc. Cool, thanks! I have an FMK 9C1 G2, (not threaded barrel) which sounds similar to the PSA Dagger you mentioned. The specs look like it's a little smaller than a Glock 19 (IIRC) -- however it fits perfectly in a Glock 19 kydex holster I got for it. I do like the 9mm shotshell rounds idea, good to know. Suppressors currently still legal in Vermont, but always good to research nuances of the law.
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tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,786
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Post by tera on Feb 12, 2024 22:56:29 GMT
I'm not thinking so much about legality of ownership (most States are permissive now, thankfully). It's more about additional risk if an action is deemed in court to be unlawful.
For example, in my State, there is no such thing as a warning shot. Discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate is legally the same as aiming at them. So, a warning shot could get you charged with a violent crime. It could be low level, especially if you put the bullet in the dirt and no one was harmed. Now let's say you had the suppressor on at the time.
Lst I checked, per Federal Law use of an NFA item during a Violent Crime carries a mandatory 30 year MINIMUM sentence. So if you might have gotten 1 or 2 years, or probation, for a potential misunderstanding of law when you were sincerely trying to NOT hurt someone, suddenly that's 30 years. Minimum. Mandatory.
Is this a problem as long as you are always legally in the right? Probably not. That's why I encourage consulting legal counsel regarding Suppressor use outside of range use. Suppressed hunting is legal in many states, but even then what happens if that Deer was actually a dude not wearing blaze orange?
Of course, if you pass the background checks to acquire an NFA item you're obviously a law abiding adult and don't need me lecturing. There are just some "gotcha's" not everyone thinks about, so I encourage getting solid legal advice before making firearms related lifestyle changes.
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Post by shinycanoe on Feb 13, 2024 4:06:49 GMT
I have Ruger MkIII "Lite" with a threaded barrel and a rail. It is fun to shoot and is accurate, but it is picky about which ammo it will cycle. It does not like hollow points (failure to feed), which is what you would probably use for a self defense situation.
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Post by RambleTree on Feb 13, 2024 14:39:26 GMT
I'm not thinking so much about legality of ownership (most States are permissive now, thankfully). It's more about additional risk if an action is deemed in court to be unlawful. For example, in my State, there is no such thing as a warning shot. Discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate is legally the same as aiming at them. So, a warning shot could get you charged with a violent crime. It could be low level, especially if you put the bullet in the dirt and no one was harmed. Now let's say you had the suppressor on at the time. Lst I checked, per Federal Law use of an NFA item during a Violent Crime carries a mandatory 30 year MINIMUM sentence. So if you might have gotten 1 or 2 years, or probation, for a potential misunderstanding of law when you were sincerely trying to NOT hurt someone, suddenly that's 30 years. Minimum. Mandatory. Is this a problem as long as you are always legally in the right? Probably not. That's why I encourage consulting legal counsel regarding Suppressor use outside of range use. Suppressed hunting is legal in many states, but even then what happens if that Deer was actually a dude not wearing blaze orange? Of course, if you pass the background checks to acquire an NFA item you're obviously a law abiding adult and don't need me lecturing. There are just some "gotcha's" not everyone thinks about, so I encourage getting solid legal advice before making firearms related lifestyle changes. I totally hear you, thanks for looking out!
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Post by eastman on Feb 14, 2024 2:30:52 GMT
I would never pick a Taurus over a Ruger because I let price be my deciding factor (kind of like not buying an Albion (or Valiant) since it is so much more expensive than a Deepeeka)
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tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,786
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Post by tera on Feb 14, 2024 2:37:36 GMT
I have a strong bias against Taurus. Kost people who've sold guns do. But, the G2/G3 line work, and have had fewer recalls than Sig's new Military issue p320 variants.
So, Taurus has its place. Just don't think of them as the best option, maybe only the best budget option. 🤷♂️
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seth
Member
Just Peachy
Posts: 1,006
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Post by seth on Feb 15, 2024 19:56:45 GMT
I really like the M&P 22 compact. It was a great shooter w/ good ergonomics. I also really like the Sig P322.
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Post by metinemre on Feb 16, 2024 2:11:22 GMT
I tested many before deciding for the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite 22LR Super easy to disassemble and clean.
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Post by RambleTree on Feb 16, 2024 18:27:08 GMT
seth Another vote for the S&W, cool. In reading reviews, articles, etc. I've seen a lot of people prefer the magazines over other polymer handguns. The Sig is super cool - but it's full size, much larger than I'm looking for. And - while I'd love to have a 20+ rnd. capacity, not legal in Vermont :-( metinemre I love the looks of that Ruger Mark series - like Han Solo's blaster! Looked at the Mk IV 22/45 Lite many times. If I were going larger than a compact, especially for a dedicated survival/small game hunting pistol, that'd be the one. That one-step access for cleaning is pretty awesome. Of course, I've started going down the AR-7, and various takedown rifles rabbit hole too . . . Seeing how my sword habit easily gets out of hand, and I don't have much storage/gun safe space, trying to keep my arsenal to a small number, based on utility, or specific use case configurations. Also, common calibers and readily accessible accessories. At the moment, for me in my environment and interests, that's .30-30, 9mm and .22 lr. Grew up around hunting guns, hunter safety courses, LE friends, etc., but new to ownership as an adult. When the pandemic started, I was like, 'Crap, I have all these swords, knives and backpacking/survival gear -- but no guns!'. So, going with what I can wrap my head around, and have some background with.
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Post by eastman on Feb 17, 2024 3:06:35 GMT
The Ruger Mark-series pistols are the gold standard for reliability in a .22LR pistol
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tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,786
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Post by tera on Feb 17, 2024 11:56:15 GMT
When the pandemic started, I was like, 'Crap, I have all these swords, knives and backpacking/survival gear -- but no guns!'. So, going with what I can wrap my head around, and have some background with. I was in the firearms industry when that hit. I cannot begin to explain what that was like. I'm no longer in that job. I miss it sometimes, but that was a unique time to be working it.
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Post by paulmuaddib on Feb 20, 2024 21:36:45 GMT
When the pandemic started, I was like, 'Crap, I have all these swords, knives and backpacking/survival gear -- but no guns!'. So, going with what I can wrap my head around, and have some background with. I was in the firearms industry when that hit. I cannot begin to explain what that was like. I'm no longer in that job. I miss it sometimes, but that was a unique time to be working it. Probably pretty similar to Y2K. Went to a lot of gun shows and gun/surplus stores back then. Always busy.
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Post by eastman on Feb 21, 2024 2:35:54 GMT
I had a side job as a demo rep for CZ pistols (and a few other companies). All of that ended with 'rona.
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Post by chadreyes on Aug 5, 2024 12:46:15 GMT
For a compact .22 LR pistol with your specs, all three options you’re considering are solid. I’ve handled the Taurus TX 22 Compact and liked its high capacity and decent ergonomics. The Walther P22 Q is also a good choice, known for its reliable performance and decent accuracy. The M&P 22 Compact is another great pick, though it’s a bit more pricey. I had a similar search and ended up going with a model that met most of my needs, though it was a bit over budget. The 9mm Pit Viper site had some recommendations that helped me find the right balance between features and cost. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable option, the TX 22 Compact might be your best bet.
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Post by howler on Aug 5, 2024 16:54:10 GMT
Browning Buckmark.
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Post by mrstabby on Aug 5, 2024 17:33:09 GMT
The Walther is a great little pistol, but it's hammer fired, which can be a concern for snagging on stuff. Some people don't like hammer fired pistols for self defense, just saying.
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