THE BEST .22 HANDGUNS - RUGER SR 22 - II part

THE BEST .22 HANDGUNS 

II part

RUGER SR 22

 

RUGER SR22

Undoubtedly, Sturm, Ruger & Co. has been a well-known leader in the .22 pistol market since the release of the Ruger Standard pistol in 1949. Following the new trends and markets requirements, Company introduced in 2012 the new rimfire DA/SA pistol dubbed SR22 as an answer to SIG Mosquito and Walther P22.

Actually, the SR22 mechanically shares more similarity with Walther P22 than a Ruger SR series pistol and of course it is the exact opposite of the rest of the company's great rimfire pistol Mark line. The most noticeable feature is its traditional design amalgamated with an impressive direct blowback action as well as its compactness that allows a weight of only 18 ounces, thanks to its aluminum slide and polymer frame. As aforementioned, the SR22 mimics the feel of a full-size pistol and looks more like a regular carry pistol than a previous reminiscent of WW Two handguns.

The SR22 is a compact DA/SA semi-automatic pistol featuring the 3.5 inches stainless-steel barrel matched with an aerospace-grade aluminum slide and the frame made of nylon polymer. Also, the front of the frame is equipped with a small underside Picatinny-style utility rail intended for variable mounting of most popular accessories.

The Ruger SR22 is a simple blowback pistol which means its barrel stays fixed and does not have to be disassembled for cleaning. As for the cleanup, the SR22 has a delightfully simple system with takedown switch located inside the trigger guard. Rotating the takedown switch to its fully down position (six o`clock) the slide is freed to be removed. The gun comes with two steel, single stack, 10-round magazines accompanied by the magazine extensions providing a comfortable and secure all-finger grip.

RUGER SR22

If we try to single out some exceptional SR22’s feature that will be for sure excellent sighting system, highly adaptable to different shooting tasks (not too much of that out there in rimfire .22’s). The side is topped with iron sights that at the first look seems to be common three-dot variety, but no. These all-around sights are nicely made with the front sight dovetailed into the slide and rear sight fully adjustable for windage and elevation, which looks more like target sights than "self-defense" sights. 

The main shortcomings of this pistol by some reviewers would be the unacceptable heavy trigger both in double action and single action mode. The SR22 trigger comes in single action at roughly 7 pounds, while the double action is a solid 10 pounds making the Ruger SR22 a "tactical plinker" type of handgun. All in all, considering pros and cons, it’s hard to get a real fun plinker or training handgun under $300.00 from one of the major and respected American firearms manufacturers.