Posted: 8/4/2012 7:55:36 AM EDT
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Hey Everyone,
I am looking for some recommendations for a good semi-auto and revolver .22 trainer. I will be purchasing 3-5 of the semi-auto's and 3-5 of the revolvers to use for CCW courses as well as basic handgun training. So I am looking for a reliable semi-auto with easy to use controls, an external safety, decent - not 15lb trigger pull, and that is easy to take apart and clean. For revolver looking for good weight balance and decent trigger pull (seems that many are light with very heavy trigger pull). Looking to spend no more than 350 on each. Not a fan of the target pistol type setups as I find many of them to be A. hard to clean, B. Significantly different in form and function (in other words I want something similar to a defensive gun in terms of looks and function). So not really looking for a buckmark or ruger 22/45 etc. I rented a Walther P22 and was NOT a fan of it. I did NOT like the magazine release location (not a fan of new shooters sticking fingers in the trigger guards), or really the overall feel. I also rented a Ruger SR22, and must say I was actually a decent fan of it. It was filthy (rental) and shot everything like it should, seemed to have good function, only thing that makes me weary is the small size. Its really small framed. Good for small handed shooters, but can make it difficult for regular to large hands to shoot. The other 3 I have been considering are the ISSC 22 (glock look alike), (S&W MP look alike) MP22, and GSG1911 .22. However none of these are available for rent therfor I am looking for other's opinions. I have heard some mixed reviews about the ISSC so that may be out. What do you think?? |
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Why not a mix of different .22lr type pistols for training?
Think a couple of those 22 1911 clones. A few of the Sr22's A couple of the Mki or Mkii pistols (They're stupidly simple to field strip after the first time), they have a nice trigger, and are great for a new shooter. The S&W 422 is a good option as well. |
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Quoted:
Over time I plan to do just that, however I starting off my classes will have 5 students on a line at the time, per regulation, and in that case having the same type of gun for qualification as well as to teach operation to a group is beneficial. Ah, I see. That sorta stinks though 
Because, you can't just collect .22lrs as you find them cheap in a pawn shop, you know? Hmmm, Honestly, with that criteria, I'd pick a ruger whatever and just buy 5 of them from buds gunshop. I say ruger only because they'll send out parts no matter what. Have five ruger guns and one loaner / spare .22lr pistol. That make as much sense to you as me? As far as cleaning, (I've only had my own Mki and friends ruger in comparison). If it's a steel gun, just drop them in a solvent bath for a half hour, scrub with toothbrush, then lube with CLP. |
| If these guns were for classes that would see a LOT of rounds over the years, I'd be inclined to go wth a MkIII or Buckmark (maybe a RIA XT22. They're not "proven" yet, but they're built like tanks). I would skip the pot metal guns as much as possible. Maybe the M&P and SR22 |
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I have several .22 conversion units for my Sigs and my 1911, as well as several other .22 pistols. I am also a firearms instructor, and I have used both the conversion units and the stand alone pistols in that training. My current favorite standalone .22 pistol for training new shooters on a self defense type handgun is my S&W M&P 22. Its manual of arms, trigger pull and ergonomics are identical to the center fire pistols of the same brand. The M&P 22 functions exactly like the larger caliber guns and it shoots just about everything I feed it. The slide locks on the last round, the safety is completely functional (if you use it) and it is more than accurate enough to demonstrate trigger control and follow through.
I picked mine up for $360.00 new and have seen them on sale since then for around $350.00. Seriously, if your are looking for a full sized trainer that is a direct stand in for a center fire semi auto, you should give this pistol a serious look. My only complaint about them is the mag disconnect safety, which I'm not a big fan of, but it's not a deal breaker. For a single action stand in trainer, the GSG 1911 series would be my choice, for many of the same reasons. The mag disconnect on the GSG series is easy to remove. Just my dos centavos... -Tac |
| Im with TAC. The GSG 1911-22 has done well for me in steel matches. I did replace the guide rod and spring with one from GSGPro.com. The GSG has a feel of a real 1911 and all safeties other buttons are identical. I also have the S&W MP22 which seems to do well and feels well but I have had so much luck with the GSG the Smith does not get thrown into my range bag as often. |