A low Price, but Accurate .22

[WildCat301]

Hello,

I have been lurking around this forum for awhile but I decided to join because I could not find the answer to the question I wanted to ask. My question is about the cheaper "unpopular" .22 hand guns. The two I have in question is the Comanche .22 revolver and heritage rough rider revolver. Now for my needs I want something I can target shoot in the back yard with and take squirrel hunting with in case I get bored with my rifle or shotgun. I want something that is accurate. I do not need the looks of a $1000 gun because I will not be entering it in any gun shows or have you not. So looks are not too important to me. So how accurate are these two guns? Can someone tell me about what groups they shoot at 25 yards? I do not need to hear that they are "crap", or "I held one at the local gun shop and did not like it" These reports from people that have never shot either of these pistols are all I can find about. I want to hear real reports on people who have shot these. If you have shot them, and did not think they were worthy of their price tags, please let me know. If both of these are a bust. I will be looking at the Beretta neo. I'm just looking for something I can shoot for cheap. My .45acp is killing me to shoot and its a real hassle to have to have my mom buy bullets for me since I am not 21.   Hence the reason why a .22 handgun sounds so sweet.   

[superdown]

I have owned the ruger single six , smith & Wesson double action 22 also the heritage arms garbage 22 revolver as far as the accuracy of the 3 the 22 smith was the best by far the ruger second and the garbage 3rd. you get what you pay for. superdown

[pelican717]

I have owned one of the Heritage .22's and for the price(169.00) it is pretty good. Accuracy was decent. It was slow to load. Don't know how it would be after several years. For a little more money you could a new Ruger Mk III, or a good used Mk II(better). These are good established guns with a lot of help for any problems, advice you may need.
I also have a couple of the Taurus Model 94 .22 revolvers, 9 shots, reliable and about $300 new.
They show up at gun shows occasionally for a little less.
Any way you go with a .22 is going to be fun
Good luck.!
Robert

[Savage]

As you seem to prefer revolvers, for a few bucks over the price of the two you mentioned, get a Ruger Single Six and be done with it. The revolvers you mentioned would be ok for light plinking, but certainly not adequate for any target work or hunting. While I have not owned the two revolvers mentioned, it is consensus that materials and workmanship are not up to minimum standards. I don't need to have owned one to figure that one out. Good luck with your choice!
Savage

[WildCat301]

Ive heard the rugar Single six is a real great gun. No doubt about that and if I had the money I would be owning one now. Problem is, being a poor college student, it is easier said than done. But arent they in the $450+ price range?

[superdown]

depending on were your at you could probably find a decent used one. here's one on gun broker that looks like it will be well under the $450 mark.http://www.gunsonthenet.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=96648947

[Graybeard]

Ive heard the rugar Single six is a real great gun. No doubt about that and if I had the money I would be owning one now. Problem is, being a poor college student, it is easier said than done. But arent they in the $450+ price range?

No they are not. Blued around here at least are around $300 new in box and used ones well under that. SS runs a bit more but not a lot more.

[WildCat301]

Is there much better accuracy in the Single Six over the lower price .22? What size of groups do you get at 25 yards? Because if a $300+ gun shoots a one inch group at 25 yards and a $170-250 gun shoots a 2" at 25 yards then for my needs I would get the cheaper gun. Yes I know the rugers and browings are a better looking guns as far as finish goes but Im looking for accuracy over looks. How much of a difference will there be in grouping at 25 yards? Thats what I want to know. The hole reason Im getting a .22 is so I can shoot for fun on a low budget. Thats why I want to keep my budget below $250 if at all possible. Thanks for all the insight so far. I have put thought into every post so far. Keep them coming.

[Savage]

Again, quality of materials and workmanship is as important as group size. What difference does accuracy make, when the gun is broken, out of time, or otherwise down? If you must have a $200-250 handgun, find yourself a used Buckmark or Ruger 22/45. Your grandchildren will be shooting it long after you're gone.
Savage

[Graybeard]

I agree with Savage. If your budget is the primary driver then buy a used quality gun that will last you a life time and still be worth passing on rather than an elcheapo new gun that might not last you a year before it breaks.

[Keith L]

I got a used single six with LR and Magnum cylinders that looked like new and worked fine for under $200 about a year ago.  I normally buy used if I can find what I am looking for.

[yorketransport]

For what it's worth, take a look at the High Standard Double-Nine. Being in your exact situation a few years ago, I can understand the frustration. I ended up getting the High Standard for $195 used at a local shop. The gun was not only an interesting piece ( it was stamped Western Auto Revelation), but also a great shooter. If you look on Gunbroker there are a couple of them up right now for under $200. Like a fool, I sold the gun a few months ago to buy something a little fancier that shot a little better for more than double the price.

[WildCat301]

Im starting to think maybe I should just save up that little extra and get a better gun. At the local gun shop I went to had a browning buckmark for $250 used and a ruger with a scope for about $300. I will try to post a picture of the ruger as it was a nice looking gun. I have always been kinda toying with a .22 hand gun with a scope so maybe that ruger would be the way to go. The rough rider is out on that I guess since you can not add a scope to it. But I was talking with a friend and he has the rough rider. So next time him and I are both back in town together from college, I will give it a couple of shots to see if it is out of the question or not. I will take a look at that High Standard Double-Nine also.

[Jal5]

wildcat- Not a bad price on the Buckmark, but the Ruger would be a good choice too either way you won't go wrong.

Keith L -that single six with the extra mag cylinder was an outstanding price. I saw one go on a local gun auction for $325 yesterday...too much for my budget.

Joe

[bscman]

If budget is a concern, here are a few (autos) that are inexpensive....prices are as seen local to me.

Ruger 22/45, adjustable sights, heavy barrel, $259...$239 for fixed sight version.
Beretta Neos "blued" 4.5" or 6" barrel $199. $259 for stainless.
Browning Buckmark Camper $259...$289 for upgrade to fiber optics
Smith and Wesson 22a $199

I own number 1 and 2 on that list, and have found them both to be VERY reliable, and well made firearms. The Ruger has the edge on accuracy, but the neos is a blast to shoot. The Browning buckmark has probably got to be one of the BEST deals going based on price. The Smith and Wesson I'm not a big fan of (aluminum, not dry-fire safe) but it has a lifetime warrantee and it seems there are a lot of satisfied customers out there.

Accuracy isn't the only consideration when buying a firearm...you need to look at the quality of the parts, and the fit/finish. A cheap gun might shoot great, but it's not going to be as reliable or as long-lived as a well made firearm. It's worth it to buy a "quality" piece.

[Ladobe]

You get what you pay for doesn't always hold true with modern firearms.   Many are way overpriced for the actual quality you get.   But buying the best you can afford is just common sense if you care enough about the sport that it will become a life long pursuit for you.   If so it's better to save longer to afford better rather than go cheap now and end up having to buy again soon.    Many of the favorite firearms I have are ones I've owned for up to over 50 years that have stood up to hard use and can still be counted on 110%.   Most are not as fancy as or with all the bells and whistles of my newer firearms, but they are very reliable and hold a ton of great memories.

No doubt where you are in the country will have a lot to do with gun prices, as will what type of source is selling them.   I some areas guns are literally given away while in others they command very high prices.   It's all about the economics of an area and supply/demand.   Often private sales are for much lower prices than buying from a business, plus if used you get the history of the firearm.   On-line buying can give you the advantage of buying from an area with lower prices if you can deal with transfer fees and shipping.   For the most part, guns were better made years ago and even relatively cheap old ones would stand up better to hard use than some of the high priced modern stuff out there now.  And there were a lot of cheaper guns made that never became what could be called collectable to choose from, so they have never become high priced.   Even buying firearms manufactured by companies long out of business does not have to be a concern with all the companies that stock old parts and plenty of good smiths around.   For some models parts guns are laying around everywhere that can be bought for a song.

As suggested a used revolver in good condition is a good starting place for you.   And for normal plinking/hunting at 22 rimfire ranges you certainly don't need one scoped if you'll do the practice with it.   

IMO your decision should be made based on your personal appeal and satisfaction with any firearm, not what it costs.   You after all are the one who'll have to live with it and will be selling yourself short with anything less.

Enjoy whatever you get, and shoot it often.

L.

[cybin]

I'm probably going to annoy a few people here--but I'd stay away from the ruger single six--I bought one after getting out of the service, it shot--but was poor in the accuracy department, I had one given to me after my uncle died, it wasn't any  better. Several years ago I won one in a poker game, all had the magnum extra cylinders--all shot only so-so.

Now the ruger semi auto's shoot very well. I have had 3 of them--still have 2. If your going to use it for some hunting, I would recommend getting one with the 6 inch barrel. Scopes can be added, but not really necessary. I have shot 2 Browning Buckmarks --excellent -both of them--even with barrels less than 6 inches--not sure if they were 4 or 4 1/2 inch barrels. I picked up a use ruger auto with a 6 inch barrel at a pawn shop for right at $200.00 about 2 years ago. It looked new. Shoots great.

You can buy cheap revolvers and probably be unhappy most of the time, but every once in awhile you will come across a gem. Back in 1967 I was at a gun show in Illinois, and bought a EIG .22 revolver. Paid $25.00 for it--it rattled when you shook it. I basically wanted it for dispatching animals in traps. I could shoot one inch groups with it at 25 yards all day long, as long as I only used 5 of the 6 cylinders--one cylinder shaved lead a bit--I marked it with finger nail polish so it was empty under the hammer. (no transfer bar) Two of my friends at the time had revolvers just like it. You couldn't hit the inside of a barn with them, standing in the doorway. You take quit a bit of the risk out of buying a gun when you buy a quality piece, but not always. Some quality guns just won't shoot either--but fewer and farther between. Take your time, don't be in hurry, and shop around. Sometimes the hunt can be more fun than acquiring the piece.
Good luck.

Cybin

[CajunBass]

I'll probably annoy even more people.

I've never fired a Rough Rider, but I have looked at them, and they ain't too bad.  From what I understand from some folks who do have they don't shoot too bad either.  Like Hi-Points they get ripped a lot and yes, it's true if you spend twice as much money you can get something better.  If you spend a lot of time looking you might turn up something better used for less than that.

I don't know about anybody else, but I think I'd rather be shooting. 

If I was a college student, on limited funds, I'd rather have a gun I could shoot today than be saving up for one I could still be shooting when I'm 50.  It sure wouldn't be the last gun I'd plan to buy, so what if it did fall apart in a few years?  By then I'll be out of college and hopefully working and then I can worry about getting a gun that will last. 

And who knows.  The cheap one might do that too.

[Keith L]

I bought enough junk over the years to not want to do it anymore.  All the "bargains" I got that were neat at the time and turned into trouble in short order have me delaying purchases until I can afford something that will work.  I also would rather be shooting, and you can't if you are waiting for repairs, or parts, or for the good deal to get back from factory service.  Even worse when it comes back in pieces with a letter telling you it is out of warranty and can't be fixed.  Then you may as well have piled up the money and set it on fire.

I have no experience with the Rough Riders and Comanches discussed in this thread.  But if you don't know people who are having good luck with them there just may be a good reason.

[WildCat301]

I will prob. pass on the rough rider revolver. The local gunshop does have a used but new looking beretta neo that feels pretty nice in the hand. The are asking 220 for it. Its the all black version. Is that a good price for one?

[bscman]

I will prob. pass on the rough rider revolver. The local gunshop does have a used but new looking beretta neo that feels pretty nice in the hand. The are asking 220 for it. Its the all black version. Is that a good price for one?

No, they're $199 NEW at sportsman's wharehouse for the black in either 4.5" or 6".
I paid $250 OTD for my 6" STAINLESS Neos in Late January/08--brand NEW.

Used, with original case, and both magazines....I'd pay 175ish if in good shape, but no more.
Buy new and get the warrantee.

[greener]

I've fired a Rough Rider and it was pretty accurate.  It didn't have the solid feel that my single six has.  The one person I know who owns a RR likes the revolver and has no complaints. 

I have a 22A and it is a darned accurate, reliable pistol, backed by one of the best warranties around.  Paid under $200 a couple of years ago.  I see them for just over $200 (new) now. 

I have 3 Rugers and a Buck Mark Standard.  If you want to go up in price a bit, I'd suggest a Ruger MKIII.  I like them slightly better than the Buck Mark.  However, the Buck Mark is a solid, accurate, reliable pistol. 

For me, it was hard to decide, so I ended up with a 22A, Ruger MK's, Buck Mark and single six.  I don't think you can "go wrong" with any of them.

[WildCat301]

So far, I like the neo the best. I just cant get over how good it feels in the hand. I have held all and like it the most. I looked at a single six last weekend. It was nice. But wasnt worth what they were asking for it IMO. So I think it will be the neo for me. But that may change depending if a buckmark is for sale for a good deal.

[bscman]

In my area, an INOX NEOS is about the same price as a basic Buckmark Camper.

I love my Inox barrel, both 4.5" and 6" barrels...it's a great shooter and very comfy. The safety is rediculous, though, if you plan to use it as anything other than a target pistol. The strap on a holster can disengage it, and you often "swipe" it off as you get a grip on the pistol.
Otherwise, zero complaints and zero issues with mine...I've got over 2,000 rounds through mine since Feb. and have had a whopping 3 malfuctions (2 stovepipes and a failure to fire). In it's defense, it was pretty dirty.

That being said, the buckmark is a great choice and probably a bit more accurate...but the neos really isn't the slouch some claim it is.

[WildCat301]

I would like the buckmark but they only place in town that sales them has them in pink splash only. They cant get any other one they said (academy). I shot my friends buckmark and really liked it. Can you get a holster for the two if you put scopes on them?

[bscman]

I would like the buckmark but they only place in town that sales them has them in pink splash only. They cant get any other one they said (academy). I shot my friends buckmark and really liked it. Can you get a holster for the two if you put scopes on them?

Neos holsters are hard to deal with, period...let alone if you add optics.
I use mine as a plinker/target pistol...so I usually have a bench around--good enough for me.

The buckmark is easier to find a holster for (and it's a more holster-friendly pistol).

Either way, you'll likely have to modify *most* holsters to work for a pistol with optics...they're very difficult to find.

[toysoldier]

I would be very hesitant to buy a used lower-priced revolver. The hand, pawl, and cylinder stop are small pieces of metal that wear out or break. Same for the springs. They are not easy to work on. I recently passed up an Italian-made single-action .22 revolver that was offered at a yard sale for $75. The cylinder wouldn't turn, and the seller was saying "it only needed a $3.50 part". H&R revolvers are probably the best of the lower-priced bunch, but I'd check them out carefully before buying. Semi-autos have fewer parts to go wrong, but need attention to the condition of the extractor, ejector, and magazine(s).

I've acquired and repaired a few"junker" guns. It was a good learning experience, and some of them turned out OK, but in the end I opted for newer, better quality firearms. Shooting them is a much more satisfying experience, and I have much more confidence in them. So, if you want to learn about gun repair, buy cheap. If you want to concentrate on shooting, spend more.

[WildCat301]

Ok, I think I found the pistol I want. My boss's friend has a brand new 8 year old NEF 9 shot revolver he brought in today. It has never been shot and it has been kept in a gun safe and oiled twice every year. It is double action and has adjustable sights. Are these good pistol? He wants $158 for it, is that a fair price?

[Keith L]

There is one now in its last day on Gunbroker for $135.  I don't think it has any bids.  I wouldn't pay more than $50.00 for one, but you need to know what you want.

[WildCat301]

Could you post a link to it? Or is it already over? I couldnt find a pic anywhere on google. But the gun he showed me was really nice. It felt really good to hold. He said he check some gun blue book and the price for one was around $190 or something like that he said. Dont know the number but it was more than what he wants to sell it for. Anyways it is the stainless model if that makes a different. Any one have a link with info on them cause I cant find anything.