The Advantages of Buying a 22 Pistol
The 22 pistol is a great firearm for total novices. There’s little recoil and ammo is cheap, making it the perfect way to develop fundamental marksmanship skills.
The rimfire ignition can cause the pistol to fail to fire when the trigger is pulled, but this can be fixed by using quality ammunition.
Affordability
Whether you’re shopping for a competition pistol or a basic target model, a 22 pistol is an excellent value. Typically, a single rimfire cartridge can be purchased for less than half of a full box of centerfire ammo. That means you can stockpile thousands of rounds without breaking the bank.
The affordability of a rimfire pistol also makes it an ideal training gun. The low recoil and inexpensive ammo can help new shooters develop handgun confidence and proficiency with little risk of expensive mistakes. The small size and light percussion can even make it more accessible for people with arthritis or other hand-strength issues that could prevent them from using heavier caliber handguns.
Many of the top rated 22 pistols feature a range of features to suit different shooting styles and preferences. For example, the Browning Buck Mark Hunter 5.9 and Sig P322 offer a familiar experience for those familiar with centerfire 1911 handguns at a fraction of the cost. Other options include the KelTec P17, Taurus TX-22 Compact, and Ruger Wrangler.
Lightweight
Most 22 pistols are not designed to take a beating. That said, they can still be a great way to get in some target practice when a larger caliber handgun isn’t practical.
Taurus’ TX22 Compact offers a 13-round staggered column magazine and an accessory rail that sits ahead of the trigger guard. It also incorporates the manufacturer’s Performance Trigger System, which promotes accuracy and is a pleasure to shoot.
Competition 22 pistols tend to differ from one another in three ways: First, they have better barrels that promote more on-target follow-up shots. Second, they are lighter in weight. Finally, they are usually designed to be easy to operate with features like optics-ready slides and Picatinny rails. These are a good choice for beginners who want to experience the fun of shooting a small pistol without spending a lot of money. They are also ideal for older shooters who may be experiencing arthritis or hand-strength issues that limit their ability to handle a larger pistol.
Low Recoil Sensitivity
As Isaac Newton taught us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When a gun is fired, it sends force downrange and back into the shooter’s hand. This forces the pistol to rotate around your hand and causes the muzzle to rise. This can be uncomfortable or even painful for some people.
A 22 pistol has less recoil than standard caliber pistols, making it an excellent choice for recoil sensitive shooters such as elderly individuals and some women. It can also be used by people with arthritis and other hand strength issues.
However, it’s important to note that rimfire ammunition has the potential to be unreliable. Sometimes, the firing pin will hit the bullet and fail to ignite it. As a result, it’s not as effective as centerfire rounds. That being said, special rimfire shot cartridges loaded with bird, snake, or rat-shot are available that offer very short range pest control.
Easy to Conceal
It has been said that shot placement trumps caliber; where those bullets hit in a fight for your life matters more than the fact that you are firing a 9mm or.45 ACP. Many people find that a 22 pistol fits that bill. It is easy to conceal, light in recoil and cheap to shoot.
It is the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world and there are firearms in a variety of sizes chambered for it. The 22 pistol is perfect for a new shooter to learn the fundamentals of gun safety and control without getting overwhelmed by power and recoil. It is also a good choice for experienced shooters who want to practice or hone their skills through plinking.
Smith & Wesson offers four different Bodyguard models in 22LR that fit into readily available concealed carry holsters. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and needs. It may be the six-shot DAO hammer-fired model, a Crimson Trace laser-equipped variant or a lightweight aluminum frame with no frame safety.
