Posted: 12/14/2006 4:14:41 PM EDT
|
What are some compact to sub-compact rimfire guns? I want something i can drop into the cargo pocket of my pants when walking through the woods or out on our property... I dont care if its an auto or a wheel gun. It will be used for plinking, and maybe getting some rabbit when camping (less than 25yds). I have given thought to the following: S+W Model 2213 (what is the bar running down the front of the grip frame?)  Astra Constable  Beretta 87bb (Non-Target)  If anyone has any of these guns or would like to add another one to the fray, I would like to hear from you. I would also like to know what kind of accuracy I could expect. Thank You, Moose |
|
The North American Arms mini revolvers are the best for not printing like a gun in a pocket. I like the 1.25" 22Win Mag gun. The Beretta 21 is the mouse gun all others are judged by. The Beretta 950 is smaller in either .25 auto or 22short The Keltec P32 is my mousegun of choice. |
That is frigging sweet, I wish I could get a can for my bobcat, but alass Missouri allows everything but cans. |
|
"S+W Model 2213 (what is the bar running down the front of the grip frame?)" That is the magazine release. I had one of the 6 inch barrel versions of that pistol back about 15 years ago and it was a supremely accurate and reliable pistol. I never should have sold it. |
|
Had an Astra Constable for better than twenty years. Ran thousands upon thousands of rounds thru it. Eventually sold it when it got tired. Good gun. Have a Taurus PT22. DAO, been a good gun. No complaints. Recently acquired an FEG SMK-22. Hungarian copy of the PPK in 22. No longer imported to my knowledge. Been very happy with it so far. Friend has the Bersa. Several thousand rounds thru it. Good gun. The Smith I am not a fan of. Our club had three of the full sized version and they have all been problem children. Chief complaint the the H'shaped piece that is key to the take down. Made out of pot metal. Breaks with some frequency and its not an easy part to find. Plus its the most butt ugly thing Smith has every produced. It's an an old design that Smith has ressurected a couple of times in their history. A slight modification of the Model 61 Escort, which can trace its features back to the old Clement designed 32. Do not expect tack driving accuracy out of any of them. Minute of pop can is about all you can expect. Find ammo your gun likes. Most will show a preference for one brand over another. |
| I keep a 22 for the exact same reason. I do a lot of hiking on our land and its just fun to have a 22 for plinking or critters. I had a Beretta 21a but it was just to small for my hands. I feel that if I picked up some extended mags with a pinky rest that would of helped. I ended up selling the beretta and buying a Walther P22. The walther is loaded with cool features but overall feels cheap. If your just wanting a 22 pocket gun I would consider the Beretta 21 its very compact and the overall quality is excellant. |
|
Something you might want to take a look at is the Phoenix Arms HP-22. It's an inexpensive .22 auto that, although descended from the saturday night special junk autos, is reportedly very reliable and a very good buy. They're pretty small, single action with an exposed hammer with a magazine disconnect (easily modified) and have a ten-round magazine. IIRC, you can pick one up in a "range kit" that comes with a few magazines, a 3" and a 5" barrel, and a replacement "magazine" that's a safety for under $200. Naturally less if you get just the gun and extra mag. Yup, here's one on gunbroker for $199, although I could've sworn I saw some at local fun shows for less. Although I'm sure they'll quickly be discounted as junk guns by others here, you should take a look into em. I'm planning on buying one as soon as I turn 21. |
| I would pass on the phoenix unless you can find one for $100 or less. They can be fun and are fairly reliable and accurate but the materials and safties suck. The decock safty on mine got to the point where it was so loose that it would just drop from fire to safe and I finally had to glue it into the fire position. This must be common because Ive seen other do it as well. Mine also started to self destruct at about 6000 rounds and by the time I reached 8,000 or so it was completely shot. The problem is the slide is made from soft molded zinc and after time the hammer wore nearly 1/8" off. |