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ОглавлениеChapter 4THE RIMFIRE HANDGUNS
In Chapter 3, an overview was presented of many of the rimfire rifles that are currently available. In the case of rimfire handguns, the primary uses for many shooters involve recreational shooting in the form of plinking but handguns are often used for hunting and dispatching pests. Rimfire handguns are not normally the first choice for defensive purposes although they may certainly be used in that manner. There is also a great deal of interest in formal target shooting (both paper and silhouette targets) for which specialized high-end equipment is required (see Chapter 12). These uses for rimfire handguns will be considered separately.
This Ruger Single Six Bisley model is a good choice for plinking and general sport shooting. Having fixed sights, it is not a good choice for formal target shooting.
Popular rimfire handguns are produced in (left to right) single- and double-action revolvers and semiautomatic pistols. The guns shown are (l. to r.) the Colt Frontier Scout, the Smith & Wesson K-22, and the Smith & Wesson 422.
Basically, rimfire handguns fall into the broad classifications as “sport” and “target” models. Sport models generally have shorter barrels and may not have adjustable sights or at least may have sights that are not as sophisticated as those on target models. Rimfire handguns intended for high level competition usually have rather long barrels and the best possible sights that are fully adjustable. Some of the most sophisticated target handguns are single shots that are designed for ultimate accuracy rather than rate of fire. Although revolvers were popular target handguns in the past, the majority of target pistols today are semiautomatics. In this chapter, a discussion of rimfire handguns is presented and some specific models are discussed, but it is not meant to be a catalog of all currently available models. For that type of coverage, consult the current edition of the Gun Digest or Handguns 2005 (see Appendix A).
Before progressing to the subject of rimfire handguns, it is appropriate to make clear certain factors related to terminology. The inclusive term “handgun” applies to any firearm that can be fired with one hand. Long ago, the term “pistol” was used to describe such a piece, and the pistols of that period had a single chamber and a single barrel that was loaded from the muzzle. As firearm technology developed, it was soon observed that one shot was quite limiting in some situations so double barreled pistols were made. At that time, they were still loaded from the muzzle. Further developments led to “pistols with revolving chambers” which we would now call a “revolver”, but they are still appropriately called pistols. Still later, pistols were developed that had one barrel and one chamber that could have several cartridges held in a magazine. While in some circles these and the single shot types are referred to as “pistols” and those with revolving chambers are called “revolvers”, the historical use of the term “pistol” was in the same sense that the term “handgun” is now used. It was a global term used to describe a piece with any type of action. It may be supposed that the old song, “Pistol Packin’ Mama” did not necessarily distinguish whether she had a semiautomatic or revolver! If I remember correctly, she had a 44 caliber, which indicates that it was of the “pistol with a revolving chamber” type.
Practical Considerations
Rimfire handguns are available that range from tiny derringers and revolvers to target pistols that are a foot long and weigh three pounds. One would neither choose the former for target shooting nor the latter for concealed carry. The choice of a rimfire handgun must be made with the primary end use in mind although there will certainly be some overlap possible. The selection may represent a compromise. For example, a rimfire handgun with a barrel of medium length and good sights could easily be suitable for informal target shooting as well as hunting. A rimfire handgun with a 3-inch barrel might serve for self-defense and pop can plinking. If a handgun with a 6-inch barrel and target sights is selected, it would serve well for small game hunting and formal target shooting. No one handgun is going to be the best choice for covering the entire spectrum of rimfire handgun shooting sports.
The principles involved in choosing a rimfire handgun are no different than those involved in choosing anything else. Personal preference weighs heavily in the decision as does intended use. A handgun for concealed carry should not have a long barrel and high, adjustable sights with sharp corners. A handgun for hunting squirrels or formal target shooting should not have a 3-inch barrel and fixed sights. The type of handgun should be matched to the functions it will perform. Fortunately, there is considerable overlap and one handgun can be used in a variety of ways even if some compromise is involved. For general sport use, the handgun chosen should have a barrel that is 4-6 inches long. Barrels shorter than 4 inches give short sight radius which makes accurate shooting more difficult while barrels longer than about 6 inches makes the piece too long for convenient carrying.
In recent years, the use of scopes on handguns has become more common. The reason is quite simple; there is only one distance at which the shooter’s eye can be focused. The target and the front and rear sights are at different distances from the eye so all cannot be in sharp focus simultaneously. In a scope, the crosshair or other type of reticule appears to be at the same distance as the target. It is simple to align the reticule on the target and squeeze off the shot. Just as in the case of rifles, the level of accuracy achieved with a handgun is much greater when a scope is used (see Chapter 15). While scopes are not part of the equipment allowed for formal target shooting, the hunter of pests and small game is under no such restrictions. A scope-sighted handgun can give outstanding accuracy which may equal that of some rifles. A brother of the author regularly hunts squirrels with a scoped Ruger Mark II 22/45. If you plan to engage in the growing sport of handgun hunting, you may wish to give some consideration to the ease of mounting a scope on the handgun you select. In this regard, the Smith & Wesson 22A and 22S Models are excellent because they are sold with a permanently attached scope rail in place. Only the scope and rings are needed to attach a scope.
Revolver or Semiautomatic
When one is choosing a rimfire handgun for plinking and pest control, the choice must first be made between revolver and semiautomatic. Revolvers come with one of two types of actions. A single-action revolver must be cocked manually for each shot while a double-action revolver can be fired simply by pulling the trigger. This action causes the cylinder to turn to place a fresh round under the firing pin while moving the hammer to the rear. When the trigger is pulled sufficiently far to the rear, the sear is released and the hammer falls causing the gun to fire. This action can be repeated to fire successive shots until the cylinder is empty. Any cartridge that fits correctly in the cylinder can be used. Therefore, Short, Long, Long Rifle and shot cartridges can be loaded in any cylinder that is designed to handle the 22 LR.
Single-action revolvers must be loaded one chamber at a time. On most current models, there is a loading gate at the rear of the cylinder on the right hand side that swings to the side to expose the chambers. A cartridge can be inserted in a chamber, the cylinder rotated to expose the next empty chamber and another cartridge inserted. The process is repeated until all chambers have been loaded. After the cartridges have been fired, the empty cases are removed by opening the loading gate and moving an ejector rod to the rear. This forces the empty case out of the back of the chamber. Rotating the cylinder to the next chamber and moving the ejector rod backward knocks out another empty case, etc. Loading and removing empty cases are slow processes with a single-action handgun.
Virtually all double-action revolvers of today have a cylinder that swings out of the frame on the left hand side. A latch, located on the left hand side of the frame behind the cylinder on most models, must be moved which unlocks the cylinder so it can be swung out of the frame. An ejector rod that is located at the front of the cylinder can be pushed backward which forces all of the empty cases out at the same time. As a result, loading and unloading are accomplished much faster than with a single-action revolver. However, for a great deal of sport shooting, rate of fire as determined by the speed of loading and unloading is of no importance.
Semiautomatic handguns hold cartridges in a magazine that is contained within the grip. In firing, the force generated by firing a round moves the slide to the rear against a strong recoil spring, and it also cocks the hammer (which may or may not be externally visible). The spring forces the slide forward, which allows it to engage the top cartridge in the magazine forcing it into the chamber. Therefore, the semiautomatic is actually a self-loading handgun. Incidentally, it is sometimes found that a particular semiautomatic handgun will cycle more reliably with some types of ammunition than with others. You may have no way to test this before you buy the piece, but if you find that your pistol “jams” with some particular brand or type of ammunition, by all means try a few others before you assume that the pistol is defective. The experience of this author with several pistols that have been fired with a wide range of ammunition is that most rimfire pistols are remarkably forgiving with respect to type of ammunition used. Of course, 22 LR semiautomatic pistols will not function reliably with 22 Short, Long, or shot cartridges.
Semiautomatic pistols hold the removable magazine in the grip.
In order to ready a semiautomatic for firing, the magazine must be loaded with cartridges. There is a often great deal of difference in the ease of inserting cartridges into the magazines of different semiautomatic pistols. A long spring inside the magazine places pressure on the magazine follower, and the spring tension increases as each successive cartridge compresses the spring. The magazines of some pistols have a small button on the side that allows pressure to be applied to compress the magazine spring that way rather than by applying force from the top by pressing on the cartridges. Some magazines have buttons on both sides of the magazines so that the follower can be pulled downward and held there as cartridges are inserted. Check the magazine of any semiautomatic pistol that you consider buying to see how easily it can be loaded.
After a loaded magazine is inserted in the grip of the pistol, a cartridge must be moved from the magazine into the chamber. Pulling the slide fully to the rear and letting it go accomplishes this. The strong recoil spring forces the slide forward and as it moves, it takes with it the top cartridge from the magazine. Here a word of caution is needed. Some pistols allow the slide to be drawn to the rear only when the safety is in the “off” position. When the slide on such a pistol moves forward during the initial loading, the pistol is ready to fire! Other models allow all operations to be conducted with the safety in the “on” position, which is highly desirable. Generally, it is the older models that must have the safety off to operate the slide. It is an advantage to be able to open the slide with the safety on.
Moving a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Pulling the slide fully to the chamber requires the slide to be drawn back and released.
A great many semiautomatic handguns intended for plinking have sights that are not fully adjustable. It may be possible to move the rear sight laterally in its retaining notch, but there may be no provision for elevation adjustment. This may not be as bad as it sounds at first. Rimfire handguns for plinking are intended for use at short range. The targets may be no more than 10 to 15 yards, and at such distances small sighting errors are likely to be unnoticed. Moreover, the difference in point of impact caused by using different types of ammunition will be small enough that the average shooter will probably not notice the difference. Handguns having fixed sights are entirely practical for a lot of reasons. First, if the handgun is going to be carried in a holster, there is no possibility of changing sight settings by inserting or removing the gun from the holster. Second, fixed sights are sturdy enough that some bumps and scrapes can be endured without affecting the sight adjustment. That may not be the case with target pistols having precise, adjustable sights that are less robust. Third, at the average distance at which the handgun is used there may be no need to adjust the sights. Fourth, if you do not need adjustable sights on your pistol for its intended uses, there is no need to pay for them. High quality adjustable sights often add $20 to $50 to the cost. Firing at a 4-inch black circle at 50 yards is an entirely different matter as is trying to take squirrels at ranges of 25 to 30 yards. In these cases, the handgunner is looking for all the accuracy possible and that means adjustable sights that are set for the type of ammunition being used at the appropriate range. The same fine handgun with adjustable sights makes an appropriate piece of equipment for target shooting as well as an effective tool for hunting small game and pests.
In summary, if you plan to shoot pine cones and pop cans at short range, almost any rimfire handgun will serve well. A low-end model with a short barrel and fixed sights will work just fine. If you want a handgun that you can use to hunt small game and pests or if you want to participate in more serious target shooting, a model having a longer barrel and adjustable sights is in order. Whether the handgun is a revolver or autoloader will be dependent on your personal preference. There is a wider choice available in the case of semiautomatics and they are more popular than revolvers today. It is the opinion of many, including this author, that the revolver is generally safer for inexperienced users. With an autoloader, the pistol is ready to fire just as quickly as the action cycles and puts a fresh round in the chamber. With a revolver, immediately after a shot the hammer is down and the chamber in line with it holds an empty case. A double-action revolver can be fired again by pulling the trigger, but the long, heavy double-action pull is required which is not likely to be accomplished by slight pressure applied by an inattentive shooter. This is not so with the autoloader which requires only light finger pressure to fire again.
A few single-shot handguns are available. One often sees an article dealing with “handgun” hunting in which a single-shot pistol having a barrel as long as 14 to 16 inches is used on a piece that is chambered for a cartridge that is normally used in centerfire rifles. These “handguns” may even have a bolt action or break action that is identical to that used on some models of rifles. The stock has been cut off and reshaped to give a pistol grip, but in reality these “pistols” are short rifles. They almost always have scope sights attached. Instead of “handgun” hunting, the sport is more appropriately called “hunting with a short rifle with the stock cut off” hunting. In order to effectively use a cartridge that is normally used in rifles, the barrels are of necessity longer than those used on handguns. In the area of rimfire handguns, there are a few single shot models and in calibers like 22 WMR and 17 HMR they are effective for hunting and pest control. As a handgun for the general uses for which rimfire handguns are appropriate, the single-shot is really a minor player in a big game.
Calibers
Along with the type of action, the choice of caliber needs to be made. In rimfire rifles, identical models are available in 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 17 HMR calibers and some are also available in 17 Mach 2. This is by no means the case with handguns, and comparable models are not always available. One outstanding exception is the Ruger Single Six convertible, which comes with one cylinder that chambers the 22 LR and another that chambers the 22 WMR. It is possible to offer a combination such as this even though the bullet diameter for the 22 LR is 0.223” while that for the 22 WMR is 0.224” and the small difference causes no problems. This is a single-action revolver that gives the shooter the choice between two power levels (and price levels in ammunition). Another manufacturer that offers a single-action revolver with two cylinders is Heritage. Some older Harrington and Richardson revolvers offer two cylinders and can be found on the secondary market.
One factor to consider when discussing handgun calibers is the difference in velocity that results from the short handgun barrel compared to that of a rifle. The 22 LR develops maximum velocity while traveling approximately 16 inches in a rifle barrel. If the barrel is longer than about 18 inches, the velocity actually decreases slightly because of being slowed by friction. In a 6-inch handgun barrel, the velocity produced by a given load is somewhat lower than it is when the same load is fired in a rifle. In most cases, there is approximately 125 to 150 ft/sec difference between the velocity produced by a 6-inch barreled handgun and the velocity given by the same load in a rifle. Moreover, because there is a gap between the cylinder and barrel in a revolver (usually 0.002 to 0.008 inches), some gas escapes through this gap and is not used to push on the bullet. As a result, a revolver having a given barrel length generally gives lower velocity than that produced by a semiautomatic having the same barrel length and firing the same type of ammunition. Incidentally, barrel length of a revolver does not include the cylinder in the measurement. The barrel length for a semiautomatic is the distance from the breech to the muzzle.
Rimfire handguns are produced in the (left to right) calibers 17 Mach 2, 22 LR, 17 HMR, and 22 WMR.
The fraction by which the velocity from a handgun is lower than that given by a rifle depends on several factors. First, even with the same barrel length (which does not include the length of the cylinder), a revolver will generally give a velocity that is approximately 50 ft/sec lower than that of a semiautomatic. As will be discussed in Chapter 7, most types of ammunition give about the same velocity from a 6-inch barreled revolver as from a semiautomatic having a 4.5-inch barrel. Of course, the length of the gap between the cylinder and barrel has a significant effect. A gap of 0.003 inches results in less velocity loss than does a gap of 0.007 inches.
A semiautomatic with a 5.5-inch barrel will give approximately 50 ft/sec higher than one with a 4.5-inch barrel (see the table of velocities presented in Chapter 7). It should be remembered that there are other factors that influence bullet velocity from semiautomatic handguns. Dimensions of the chamber and bore as well as bore smoothness have some effect on velocity. Therefore, it is possible for a particular handgun with a 4-inch barrel to give velocities that are as high or higher than those from another specimen with a 4.5 or 5-inch barrel.
As a result of their using larger charges of slower burning powders, some of the hyper velocity loads in 22 LR suffer a greater loss than do ordinary cartridges when fired in handguns. This effect is even greater in 22 WMR and 17 HMR calibers which need longer barrels to allow the powder charges to burn efficiently. In a handgun with a 6-inch barrel, the 40-grain 22 WMR bullet that is driven to about 1,900 ft/sec in a rifle achieves only approximately 1,450 to 1,500 ft/sec which generates an energy of almost 200 ft lbs. Although energy this high does not make a 22 WMR handgun a better choice than most centerfire calibers for defensive uses, it is more effective than a 22 LR, 25 Auto, and some other lowpowered calibers. While they cannot fire ammunition of any other caliber or accept another cylinder, there are several double-action revolvers available in 17 HMR caliber. With cylinder swapping options that exist for some single-action revolvers, a handgun in 17 HMR could use a cylinder chambered for the shorter 17 Mach 2 if one exists as an option. The 2005 Ruger catalog lists the 17 HMR/17 Mach 2 combination for the Single Six Hunter.
The Ruger Single Six Hunter has a 7.5-inch barrel. In 17 HMR caliber, the 17-grain bullets are given a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,000 ft/sec from a revolver barrel of this length. This represents a velocity that is about 600 ft/sec lower than the same load gives in a rifle. The 20-grain bullets, which are driven at 2,375 ft/sec from a rifle, achieve only 1,725 to 1,750 ft/sec from the handgun barrel. Much of the effectiveness of the 17 HMR that results from high velocity is lost in handguns. In fact, the velocity of the 17 HMR bullets from handguns almost exactly duplicates that from the 17 Mach 2 when fired from a rifle. While not equal to the performance of a 17 HMR rifle, the handguns offer flat trajectory when compared to any other handgun in a rimfire caliber. They are suitable for taking small game and varmints.
The Ruger Bearcat is a small single-action revolver that makes a good trail gun. The small grip allows shooters with small hands to fire it comfortably.
Available in 22 LR, the Smith & Wesson Model 617 makes a good choice for any type of shooting. The same gun is available in 17 HMR and 22 WMR.
If you are selecting a handgun specifically for hunting small game and pests, you may wish to consider a piece chambered for one of the magnum calibers. However, since the primary use of a rimfire handgun is for pleasure and target use, the caliber that makes the most sense is the 22 LR. With a good handgun chambered for the 22 LR, you can do a lot of shooting because the cost of ammunition is so low. In some cases, the rimfire handgun is an understudy for a centerfire piece and the choice of handguns in 22 LR is very broad indeed. Because of this, it is possible in many cases to select a rimfire handgun that operates in much the same way as a centerfire model which makes training with the rimfire have some carryover value.
Revolvers
The most famous single-action revolver of all time is the legendary Colt Single-action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, which was introduced in 1873 and was for a time a military sidearm. From 1957 to 1977, Colt produced a scaled-down model known as the Frontier Scout that was chambered for the 22 LR, but it was also marketed later with a cylinder that chambered the 22 WMR. Although these models have been discontinued, they are frequently found as used guns. Single-action revolvers of the Colt style (and Ruger single-actions made prior to 1973) allow a blow on the hammer to cause the revolver to fire. The firing pin makes direct contact with the cartridge. Even though the hammer can be moved back to engage a safety notch, this was not totally effective in keeping the firearm from being discharged. Accordingly, users of this “old style” revolver normally carried them with only five cartridges in the cylinder and an empty chamber below the hammer.
The Taurus double-action revolvers are available in blue or stainless steel. They are outstanding firearms at reasonable prices.
Ruger has offered the Single Six in 17 HMR caliber for a couple of years and in 2004 introduced the Single Six Hunter version which has a 7.5-inch heavy barrel. The top rib of the barrel has the curved grooves milled into it so Ruger scope rings can be attached, and it is also grooved for attaching the tipoff mounts. This handgun weighs about 45 ounces, and it is clearly intended for hunting small game and pests. It appears that this fine revolver will be made available with a second cylinder chambered for the 17 Mach 2 round. The Single Six Hunter is already available as a convertible model with 22 LR and 22 WMR cylinders.
By far the most commonly encountered singleaction rimfire revolvers at the present time are the Ruger Single Six in its various forms and the small-scale revolver known as the Ruger Bearcat. All current Ruger single-action revolvers are designed to be carried with all chambers loaded because the hammer cannot strike the firing pin until the trigger is pulled causing a transfer bar to be moved into position to transit the blow from the hammer to the firing pin.
Several years ago, the single-action Colt Frontier Scout revolvers were quite popular. Shown here are two fine examples of this model.
Many years ago, two of the most popular target revolvers were the double-action Colt Officer’s Model Match and the Smith & Wesson Masterpiece, both of which were available in 22 LR. These fine revolvers were capable of outstanding performance even in formal competition. In addition to these models with 6-inch barrels, both Colt and Smith & Wesson produced target grade revolvers with 4-inch barrels that were intended to serve as companion pieces to the centerfire firearms carried on duty by many police officers. The Colt Diamondback was available in both 38 Special and 22 LR as was the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece. None of these models is produced at this time. However, Smith & Wesson offers two types of double-action revolvers in 22 LR. The first is the Model 617 that is a full size revolver weighting 41 ounces and having a list price of $663. This stainless steel model with a full-length barrel lug can be considered as a modern replacement for the legendary K-22 Masterpiece target revolver. The Model 317 Airweight is a small frame eight-shot revolver that is available with a 3-inch or 1.88-inch barrel. Weights are only 11.9 or 10.5 ounces respectively. Large-frame revolvers are available in 17 HMR (Model 647) and 22 WMR (Model 648) from Smith & Wesson. In 17 HMR the barrel lengths are 8.38 and 12 inches with weights being over 50 ounces in each case. The 22 WRM is available with a 6-inch barrel length. List prices for these models are in the $650-$700 range. For defensive purposes, Smith & Wesson markets the Model 351 small-frame piece in 22 WMR that has a 1.88-inch barrel and weighs only 10.6 ounces.
Another fine double-action 22 revolver is the Ruger SP 101 which is available as a six-shot stainless steel model having adjustable sights. With a suggested price of $505, it represents the middle ground in the price range. This is a very sturdy revolver that weighs 34 ounces and has adjustable sights. It is an excellent choice for the backpacker and woods roamer. This model has recently been discontinued, but Ruger still has some warehoused, and it is still available from some dealers.
Taurus offers an extensive line of revolvers chambered in 22 LR, 17 HMR, and 22 WMR calibers. These include the Hunter (12-inch barrel, 56.8 ounces) and Tracker (6.5-inch barrel, 45.6 ounces) which are available in all three calibers. These models have list prices of approximately $400. In addition to these models built on large frames, there is also a series of rimfire revolvers that are built on medium frames that are available in a wide range of finishes, barrel lengths, etc. These models have list prices in the $350 range and weights run from 25 to 30 ounces.
Autoloaders
When it comes to autoloaders, the rimfire shooter has an enormous range of models from which to choose. Even if some of the classic models like the Colt Woodsman are no longer being produced, the spectrum of products available encompasses the Smith & Wesson Model 41, a high-level competition model, on one end and the diminutive Beretta Bobcat on the other. There are many models in between. The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is available in 5.5- and 7-inch barrel lengths with weights of 41 and 42 ounces and has a list price of $1,026. The Beretta Bobcat has a 2.4-inch barrel, weighs 11.8 ounces, and has a list price of $290. There is truly a rimfire autoloader for almost any taste.
Autoloaders from a particular manufacturer can often be considered as a family of related products that share many common features. For example, popular sport pistols include the Browning Buck Mark, which is available in numerous configurations from the long, heavy-barreled Silhouette competition model to a 4-inch barreled sport model that is intended as a camp, trail, or plinking model. The Buck Mark 5.5-inch barreled standard model comes with excellent sights that are fully adjustable and a trigger action that is about as good as that on almost any other mass-produced pistol. Having experience with two of these fine pistols, this author can attest to the fact that groups smaller than one-inch at 50 feet on an indoor range are the norm with factory sights when using appropriate ammunition. There is also a target version that has a 7.25-inch fluted barrel. List prices range from $279 for the camper model to $586 for the target model. The Silhouette version comes without sights but has an accessory rail for mounting optional sights.
Ruger’s Mark II Standard model is one of the most durable and dependable rimfire autoloaders made. It is also a beautiful piece.
Labeled by Ruger as “The number one 22 pistol in the world,” the Ruger Mark II (and the recently introduced Mark III) may well be just that. The Ruger Mark II was introduced in 1982, but its forerunner was introduced in 1949 and the Ruger autoloader has been in production ever since. More than a dozen variants of this enormously popular pistol were available as the newer Mark III went into production. The Standard model comes in either blue or stainless versions with fixed sights and having list prices of $299 and $390, respectively. Available barrel lengths include 4.75 and 6 inches. Several target models are available including those known as Target, Government, and Competition models all of which have adjustable, target-style sights. List prices range from $365 to $555 depending on the specific version. These versions with adjustable sights are furnished drilled and tapped so that a Weaver-type scope base can be attached. One target model that is available in both blue and stainless steel is produced with a 10-inch bull barrel, and it weighs approximately 51 ounces. The Ruger autoloader has established an enviable reputation for reliability and durability in the more than half a century that it has been in production. The onemillionth pistol was produced in 1979 and total production is well over 3 million. Another successful autoloader from Ruger is the version known as the 22/45. This model features a polymer grip frame that has the size and angle that duplicate the feel of the famous Colt 1911.
For target or silhouette shooting, the Brown Buck Mark 5.5 Target is a superb choice. It is equipped with target sights and a scope rail.
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is the premier autoloader for high-level target shooting.
After production of over 3 million Mark II pistols, the first Ruger Mark III pistols became available in 2004. Major changes include safety features like a loaded chamber indicator, a magazine disconnect, and a key lock system. Late in 2004, the stainless steel Mark III 678 Hunter model appeared that features a 6.88-inch fluted barrel. The receiver is drilled and tapped for attaching a scope rail that comes with the pistol. Another version of the Mark III is known as the Model 512, which has a blue finish and a 5.5-inch heavy barrel (list price $382-483 depending on features). The Model 22/45 (list price $305) is also being upgraded to become a Mark III. The final 1,000 of the Mark II pistols were shipped in November 2004 carrying the “One of One Thousand” logo on top of the receiver.
Kimber markets an autoloader that is a clone of the Colt 1911, and it is available in 22 LR and 17 Mach 2 calibers. The slide is made of aluminum in the 22 LR pistols so the weight is only 23 ounces. In the 17 HMR pistols, a steel slide is used so the weight is approximately 31 ounces. Famous for fine centerfire pistols, CZ also produces a 22 LR version of the Model 75 known as the Cadet.
The SIG Trailside is a sport pistol of convenient size and weight.
In addition to the Model 41 target model, Smith & Wesson has an extensive line of 22 LR pistols in the 22A and 22S series that is available in various finishes with barrel lengths of 4, 5.5, and 7 inches, and the barrels can be easily interchanged. The 22A models have alloy frames and weigh around 30 ounces. They have list prices in the $283-355 range depending on options selected. The 22S models are made with stainless steel barrels and frames which gives weights of over 40 ounces. All of the 22A and 22S versions have scope rails that accept Weaver-type rings so a wide variety of optional sighting equipment can be mounted, and the accuracy displayed by these fine pistols makes them suitable for hunting. With the wide selection of options in finish, grips, and other options available, almost any taste can be satisfied by one of the Smith & Wesson pistols.
Beretta markets an extensive series of pistols known as the Model U22 Neos. Barrel lengths of 4.5, 6, and 7.5 inches are available in several finishes. List prices are in the $310 to $365 range with the target version listed at $440. Beretta also produces the Model 87 Target, a high-quality piece that has a suggested price of $708. Another Beretta model that is more conventional in its appearance is the Cheetah, which comes with a choice of 3.8 or 4.4-inch barrels. The Cheetah can be fired in double-action mode for the first shot. Sigarms markets an interesting pistol known as the Trailside. It is available with 4.5 and 6-inch barrels with corresponding weights of 28 and 30 ounces. Retail prices are in the $350 to $400 range. High Standard has produced rimfire autoloaders for many years. Current models include several target versions known as the Victor, Trophy, Olympic, and Citation, which have retail list prices in the $750 to $800 range. These are pistols that have established an enviable reputation.
With a 3.4-inch barrel, the Walther P22 is a compact, lightweight sport pistol.
One of the recent additions to the lineup of 22 autoloaders is the Walther P22. This pistol is designed with the look and feel of the famous Walther P99 centerfire pistol that is widely used in law enforcement and military work. With a polymer frame, the basic P22, which has a 3.4-inch barrel, weighs only about 18 ounces. The target model, which has a 5-inch barrel and adjustable sights weighs approximately 20 ounces. Both models have many unique features one of which is a replaceable back strap that can be interchanged to alter the grip size. The P22 also comes with a built-in lock that requires a specially designed key to place the pistol in a firing configuration. Dual safety levers are mounted on the top of the receiver at the rear, but they do not function as decocking levers. Moreover, barrels of different length are interchangeable to convert a sport model into the target version.
There are also several compact pistols available in 22 LR that are intended for carry or defense. These include the tiny Beretta Bobcat with a 2.4-inch barrel and a weight of only about 11.5 ounces. The Bobcat has a list price of approximately $265. Taurus produces a small double-action-only (DAO) model known as the PT 22. It has a 2.75-inch barrel, weighs only 12.3 ounces, has a list price of slightly over $200.
Frequently, one reads on the chat room of some internet forum how the writer just loves a particular handgun. In the next post, another participant tells how his specimen of the same model jams frequently. It may be that the first writer owns a particularly good sample while the other got one made on Friday as they used to say. Part of the difference may lie in the types of ammunition being used in the two pistols. Certain types of pistols function much better with some types of ammunition than with others. For example, some older pistols were designed to handle standard-velocity loads by making use of a rather soft recoil spring. Modern high-velocity loads should not be used in such models. Still other pistols seem to function best with high velocity loads. Ammunition such as CCI Stinger and Quik-Shok is produced with a case length that is approximately 0.1 inch longer than the standard 22 LR case. It should come as no surprise that such ammunition might not feed reliably in certain semiautomatic pistols.
If a rimfire pistol fails to function flawlessly, there are four things to check in seeking a remedy for the situation. First, make sure that the action is clean and properly (but not overly!) lubricated. During firing, autoloaders have unburned powder deposited in the action that can result in enough gunk so that the bolt does not cycle smoothly. Second, check the loading ramp that leads into the chamber. It should be smooth and correctly shaped. Third, check the lips on the magazine. If a magazine is dropped on a hard surface, it is possible for the lips to become bent. Since this is the area from which the cartridges are fed into the chamber, the bent magazine may not allow the pistol to function correctly. Fourth, try different ammunition. Some variation in dimensions between types of ammunition is inevitable, and different types of lubricant may make a difference in feeding. If these simple factors do not solve the problem, have the pistol checked by a competent pistolsmith.
Thoughts on Selection
Gone are the superb Colt Match Target Woodsman and some of the High Standard pistols of many years ago. They are now highly prized as collectors’ pieces. Even with the disappearance of these fine firearms, the rimfire handgunnner has a wealth of choices that includes both autoloaders and revolvers. What follows should not necessarily be taken as strongly as if they were recommendations. I am merely making some summary comments based on first-hand experience. For sporting purposes, it would be hard to fault the Ruger Single Six, especially with the extra cylinder in 22 WMR caliber. Such a handgun is suited to plinking, small game and pest shooting, and woods roaming. The Ruger single-actions are famous for their durability. In 17 HMR caliber (or 17 Mach 2 with the optional cylinder), a Single Six is a good choice for small varmints at long handgun ranges (although you will probably need a scope for taking varmints under such conditions), but it does not really fit the role of a plinking handgun, and it is far less versatile than the 22 LR/22 WMR version. The recently released Ruger Single Six Hunter has a built in rib that accepts Ruger rings for ease in scope mounting. The large frame Smith & Wesson doubleaction revolvers such as the Model 617 are superb handguns that can readily accept scope mounts. The Taurus revolvers represent excellent values as well. A handgun from any of these famous makers would make a superb choice for all around use.
The autoloader fan will find a wide selection of models in a broad spectrum of price ranges from which to make a selection. Before selecting any rimfire autoloading handgun, examine several models to determine how the size, weight, and handling characteristics compare. If an autoloader is your cup of tea, it is hard to imagine a more reliable, dependable rimfire handgun than the Ruger Standard model in either the Mark II (which is still in the display cases of many dealers) or the recently introduced Mark III configuration. As a plinking pistol for the outdoorsman, the Standard model is adequate, but one of the variants with adjustable sights would be a better choice if the pistol is to be used as a training piece for formal target shooting or for small game or pest shooting. Another excellent choice for general use would be one of the several versions of the Browning Buck Mark. In my experience, they are extremely accurate and reliable, and the Buck Mark Standard weighs only 32 to 33 ounces.
