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Here's a youtube review of the Walther and the Ruger. The reviewer liked both, felt the Walther was prettier but said if was going to carry one, it would be the Ruger due to the unreliabilty that he's experienced with the Walther.

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WildBill wrote:The more I look at the SR22, the more I like it. Now if the only made a double stack magazine.

I thought the same thing as the gun is so much fun to shoot and I was pulling my thumbnail off reloading. I ran across these last week, ordered them and tried them at the range and boy, do they help with the reloading.

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Dragon wrote:Hello again everyone! Dropping in to ask another question. Last time I asked here I got great feedback so why not see what everyone's opinions are concerning this brand of gun.

The Ruger SR22 : http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/models.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now of course I do remember everyone's advice about trying out some larger handguns, and I still plan on doing so, however I've managed to convince my Husband that the best gun for me is a gun that I'll carry without fear. Even if it isn't the "ideal". He has agreed that if I decided to, he will be okay with me getting a .22 cal pistol. (At least until I'm more comfortable with something larger. And hey, it'll make a great practice gun when/if I upgrade.)

So until we actually have a chance to head out to a range or group to try out some larger handguns, I want to do some research into quality brands/names/models. I've often read good things about Ruger in general, and squirm every time I read about Walther due to very common negative reviews. But are the reviews I've been reading accurate? Basically, the question I'm trying to ask is, does anyone here own/use a Ruger SR .22? How is it's durability?

And on a similar line of thought, what is the best "Brand" to go with when shopping for guns? (Generally speaking, I know that choice is very personal and everyone is going to have different preferences, but what are yours?)

You've really seem to have a handle on this gun shopping idea. I have no doubt that you'll select the gun that best for YOU. I have a SR22 and love it, as does my wife. She likes the low recoil and the ease with which she can work the slide. I've been running mostly Remington Value (525 rd.box) through it with only two misfires in 1500 rds or so. Ruger's are known for being able to run almost any kind of ammo. I have 3 Ruger pistols, two of them .22's, Ruger dominates the .22' market and they know what they're doing. Very durable gun. I run most of my tactical drills with it and then repeat with my PX4 9mm. Saves a ton of money.

You are absolutely correct that the best gun for you is the one you feel most comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Get a larger caliber if you want to but don't think you have to. If you present this gun to ward off a bad guy, he's not going to checking the barrel for your caliber choice. He's probably going to think 'Holy Chihuahua!, that gal's got a gun!" If the presentation doesn't convince him to reconsider, then 10 well placed .22 hollowpoints certainly will. If you use CCI Stinger ammo, it comes out of the barrel at 1124 fps with a muzzle energy of 191 ft/lbs. ( That will leave a mark.) Accuracy and attitude go a long way in these situations. Plus, the odds are really, really in favor of you never having to use this weapon defensively, so you'll be mostly using it for recreational use. And a .22 is a lot of inexpensive fun.

As to brands. there are so many good guns out there, that you'd be hard pressed to find a bad one. Particularly if you speaking of .22's. Ruger, Sig, Walther, S&W, Colt, Taurus and Chiappa (among others) all make serveral models of .22 and they're all good manufacturers. Can't go wrong with any of them and as you wisely mentioned, the best gun is the one you like.

Don't forget about revolvers, wheel guns are a lot of fun. My wife's favorite plinker is our Ruger Single Six (.22/.22mag). It's heavy enough that even using the magnum loads, there's no recoil. And she can clear out an X ring with that.

Good luck, let us know what you end up with.

Regards.