Appropriate semi-auto .22 handgun for students to use in NRA Basic Pistol Course

[britishjohnhall]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an appropriate semi-auto .22cal handgun that I can get 1 or 2 of, for students that are new to shooting/ never shot a handgun before. Nothing expensive, but something that will get the more timid students comfortable handling a handgun before moving up to a larger caliber. Also any thoughts on good vs bad safety features for a handgun being used in an instructional setting? Any personal experiences with handguns that suck when teaching someone to shoot?

 

[Boom Boom]

Plain-Jane Ruger 22/45 5.5" target model, http://www.ruger.com/products/2245Target/specSheets/10107.html

Superb for the price.

If you want a bit fancier, get the model with removable 1911-style grips, http://www.ruger.com/products/2245Target/specSheets/10140.html

 

[joppaj]

The Ruger Mark III and Browning Buckmark are probably the most common by a lot.

 

[basscat]

M&P 22. Why? Share characteristics of most modern semi auto pistols. Shape, grip, barrel ,etc. Commom safety location. Not to finicky on ammo. Widely available and cost effective. Reliable and accurate and just plain fun to shoot.

 

[jr88]

I have found revolvers to be great for first time shooters. The DA/SA helps teach various trigger feels, the lack of flying brass lessens intimidation and the controls are minimum.
The NRA used to recommend a concealed hammer DA Revolver as the best choice for beginner defense guns. What are they telling instructors currently?

 

[plinkerton]

M&P 22. Why? Share characteristics of most modern semi auto pistols. Shape, grip, barrel ,etc. Commom safety location. Not to finicky on ammo. Widely available and cost effective. Reliable and accurate and just plain fun to shoot.

I love mine, and have taught my daughter and a few friends how to shoot with it

 

[Jimbob2.0]

Ruger 22/45 or Sig 226 Classic .22 both can be had in the $300 range if you shop wisely (you really have to watch for the Sig 226). THe nice thing about the 226 classic is you can by the xchange kits and upgrade them to centerfire later for more advanced training on the same platform.

 

[Mooseman]

Ruger Mark I, II, or III. Ruger SR22.

 

[adit]

Ruger Mark I, II, or III. Ruger SR22.

+1

 

[budman93]

Ruger Mark I, II, or III. Ruger SR22.

This! Any of the Ruger .22's would be an excellent choice.

 

[Tactics]

M&P 22. Why? Share characteristics of most modern semi auto pistols. Shape, grip, barrel ,etc. Commom safety location. Not to finicky on ammo. Widely available and cost effective. Reliable and accurate and just plain fun to shoot.

This.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hogarth]

In the NRA Basic pistol class I took a few years back (4 or 5 yrs ago) I shot a S&W revolver (not sure of the model #...it was stainless with a 4" or longer barrel and held 8-10 rds) and then a 1911 clone (I think it was a regular 1911 with a .22 conversion kit). Both worked well enough.

 

[joppaj]

That would be an S&W 617 in all likelihood.

 

[cowboy321]

Ruger Mark I, II, or III. Ruger SR22.

Ruger 22 is nice !

 

[Proline Fisher]

Another vote for the Ruger SR22. Easy to clean, reliable cycles must bulk ammo, and have seen a few come with 3 mags for $299. Also it has a Ambidextrous safety/decocker and mag release.

 

[Crab Bait]

Buck Mark

 

[ProShooter]

Ruger SR-22, hands down....and Ruger gives instructor discounts.

That's what we use.

 

[501st]

PPQ .22

an alternative would be the M&P .22 pistol.

 

[swinokur]

If you can get mags out of state, the M&P 22 can accommodate 12 round mags. Might be nice in a class setting.

 

[britishjohnhall]

Thanks for all the input! I think I'm leaning towards getting the Ruger SR22, and a revolver. That way students can get a feel for both types handgun.