Thoughts on 22 handguns

[Aesop]

Ruger Mk III w/5 1/2" target heavy bbl., and either the Crimson Trace laser grip, or a sturdy economical (not "cheap") red-dot top sight, or both, if you're a suspender-and-pants sort. Works day or night, available in stainless for ruggedness in inclement weather, and you can take anything up to small deer with one out to 50 yards with little effort beyond pointing. If you're where such is possible, adding a "can" is relative child's play.
Hell for durability and commonality, and it should already be on your Zompocalypse gun list anyways.
(And for pete's sake, ditch those abortion grip panels the idiots at S/R have recently clusterf**ked onto the handle. Standard, Pachmayr, or Crimson Trace grips all work fine, and don't look so effing dorky.)

I have that set up (presbyopia means never having to use your pistol sights, dammit), and it goes with me in the occasional wilds trip as adequate protection/survival from anything short of bear in this state, including two-legged varmints.
Both the subsonic rounds and the CCI birdshot are worthy additions to the fodder for it.
And despite having my eyes get wonkier each passing year, I still have to try in order to miss with the thing.

[Netpackrat]

Ruger Mk III w/5 1/2" target heavy bbl., and either the Crimson Trace laser grip, or a sturdy economical (not "cheap") red-dot top sight, or both, if you're a suspender-and-pants sort. Works day or night, available in stainless for ruggedness in inclement weather, and you can take anything up to small deer with one out to 50 yards with little effort beyond pointing. If you're where such is possible, adding a "can" is relative child's play.

If a can is in the future and you are buying a pistol pre-threaded or having it done, staying at or under 4" in length is supposed to be enough to keep most of the bulk high velocity .22lr from going supersonic.

Another point to consider is while a revolver allows you to use things like CB caps (as previously mentioned), you'll need an auto for suppressed use.

[blackeagle603]

all of the above. On a budget don't overlook the S&W 22A autoloader. Great value and accurate. Those can be had new for well under $300.

The mags don't like hollowpoints but you can shoot the lights out with one of those. The top rail is nice too if you want to put optics on it.

[Steamforger]

22 handguns are better than 21 handguns, but not quite as good as 23 handguns.

[Darrell]

My first .22 pistol was a Buckmark camper, it was a great little gun, and very accurate. Something I learned the hard way: don't dry fire it.

I am curious about that S&W Victory.

[evan price]

Sig-Sauer Mosquito- Absolutely Craptastic, avoid, avoid avoid! Sproingy trigger, FTF, FTE, Jams, feels like crap in your hand. Glad I unloaded mine for what I paid for it.

Walther P22- if you get one get the shorter 3.5" barrel version...the 5" has a fake "Compensator" that is more trouble than it is worth. Some people have had issues like slide cracking. IMHO it is from using high velocity ammo with a weak/worn recoil spring. A lot of folks thought it would only run with Velocitors or Stingers. Mine has 10K on it with Federal bulk. I like mine.

Smith 22A- Overlooked, but a great alternative to the Rugers etc. and can be gotten for $200 used sometimes. Mine is accurate but clunky, and a red dot mounts right on the rail.

Ruger SR22- a good alternative to the Walther, about the same feel.

Revolvers:
I've got a H&R 999 Sportsman Top-Break 9-shot 22. Fun as can be and accurate. Getting pricey from collectors but mine was under $300 shipped with some cosmetic issues that resolved pretty well.

Ruger's Single-Six is a great single action 22, six shot. Accurate. Reliable. And it looks 'cowboy' not tactical. Good ones used are about $300. They make a Single-Six Convertible which includes a 22 Magnum cylinder and that is even cooler.

[JAG2955]

And can I do your job some days? I was always jealous of guys who got to chase the deer off the runways.

The work can be fun. I enjoy it most of the time....but it pays shit.

Get hired onto a military base to do it. Any place with a runway should have a guy on contract, or at least for a group of military installations. BASH (Bird, Animal Strike Hazard).

I was getting a briefing from a guy who did them, and he's talking about how he uses crossbows, blank-firing guns, paintball guns-with or without pepper balls, air horns, dunebuggies with rear-facing seats for shooters, shotguns, bird bombs, whatever, to chase off the deer and geese. I asked him what he used the most. He said "mostly my black lab". So I said "Can I hire him direct?"

[slowpoke]

The ruger SR22 uses an aluminum slide versus the zinc one in the walther p22 for what its worth.

Nobody has mentioned the baretta neos yet, or get a micro supressor on a beretta 21a.

[Denis]

And can I do your job some days? I was always jealous of guys who got to chase the deer off the runways.

The work can be fun. I enjoy it most of the time....but it pays shit.

Get hired onto a military base to do it. Any place with a runway should have a guy on contract, or at least for a group of military installations. BASH (Bird, Animal Strike Hazard).

I know the BASH man at the local airport, who is a keen huntsman. He still can't believe that they pay him too.

22 handguns are better than 21 handguns, but not quite as good as 23 handguns.

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[First Shirt]

If you're really cash-strapped, look at the Heritage Rough Rider single-actions. Have a friend who's been carrying one while running his trapline for several years, and he's really pleased with it. Around here, they can be found for $150 or less, and come with the .22 Mag cylinder. Not a fantastic fit and finish, but serviceable.