I want to buy an inexpensivepistol for plinking/target shooting . . .?

Question

Can you recommend a good brand name/ model / caliber, etc. I don't want to go over 200 bucks, if possible.

Also, I'm not sure whether to get semi-auto or revolver. I like the look of revolvers better than semi-automatics.

Can any experienced shooters help me out?

Answer 1

For plinking you caliber choice is probably 22 lr.
I love Browning Buckmark pistols, but they will probably be more than $200. Ruger Mark II, Mark III, and 22/45 pistols are also great choices, but once again more than $200. You might find used versions of either for under $200. Ruger revolvers in 22 lr are great firearms; but new more than your budget. As far as 22 lr revolvers go there are lots of cheap ones out there, and they are just that, cheap. So, save up some money and get a good one. The most affordable quality revolvers made today are being made by Taurus. They generally have good quality and shootability. My favorite among them is the Tracker in 22 lr, but once again it is over $200. As far as the target shooting, probably the Ruger 22/45 is the cheapest acceptable option. I have been shooting a Buckmark in competition for over 10 years and have well over $1,000 invested in my primary firearm. As a matter of fact, my grips cost $200 and I got them on sale. (And many of the people I shoot with have 2 and 3 times that much invested--but a couple of years ago a guy with an essentially stock Ruger 22/45 was the top shooter).

Answer 2

To get a decent gun for under 200 you could buy used. I would rather get a quality built used gun rather than a cheap P.O.S. accident waiting to happen. I just got a Walther P22 for three hundred (new). Used ones are cheaper. Ammo is cheap as heck and it's fun to shoot. got 550 rounds for 14$. Its a little semi auto but revolvers are cool to. Just shop around ask questions and don't impulse buy. Semi's sometimes jam as where a revolver wont but they hold more ammo. A revolver is easier to clean and you can see the ammo in the chamber. Its all about what you like/want not about what someone suggests. If you don't like your gun you wont have a good experience, so get something with a brand name that you feel comfortable with. I went to a range and rented stuff to find what I liked. Why ask when you can try.

Answer 3

The best target pistol for the money and that’s in my books is the Ruger MK I or MK II 22 LR
Semi auto and very very accurate, you wont find many as accurate as this for twice the money.
I use mine for target and hunting small game.
If you have friends that have any 22 LR pistols see if they will let you shoot them or go to a shooting range and ask those shooting the 22 LR pistols if you could give it a try and offer them a couple bucks for the ammo you shoot, I have strangers shooting mine all the time.
That way you can try out several different weapons first.
Once you shoot the Ruger MK I or MK II you wont want anything else.

But the price is a little higher, but it holds a good resale value.
But you can get a better price by buying used at a pawn shop or gun shop.
I do believe you would be very satisfied with the Ruger MK I or MK II.

Look at the link attached to see what it looks like.


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78042446


D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 4

Get yourself the Smith & Wesson SW22A, under 200 bucks, shoots inexpensive ammo (22LR) and is surprisingly accurate, mine has well over 20,000 rounds thru it so far and it just keeps on shooting.They have a full length weaver rail so mounting optics is no problem, many combinations can be used, I've had everything from my M4's Eotech, to a scout scopes, to red dot scopes, to open iron sights, it's a fun gun to shoot, it's a full size, not a little compact pos that shoots around corners. If you want a cheap centerfire pistol, I'd look at used pistols at a gun shop first, then a pawn shop, if you see nothing you like there, look at getting a HiPoint pistol, yes they're ugly, yes they're cheap, but they have a lifetime warranty, no questions asked, if it breaks, they fix or replace it, free.

Answer 5

With sales tax you more or less have o go over $200. I now that S&W model 22A guns were on sale recently around here for only $199. You do not have to spend $400-500 for a good .22 pistol. Browning makes a good line of .22 pistols that usually start out at $259+.

Answer 6

Get a 22 If you want a rifle buy a ruger 10/22 you can get one for around 200$.If you want a Hand gun get a Ruger Mark II I seen a used one the other day for 200$.Im not sure what they are new.

Answer 7

I recommend the Ruger Mark II Model 22/45*. I bought mine brand new 8 months ago at a sporting goods store for $225.00* Great gun , Great buy*....

Answer 8

I would love to give you good brand names, until you said under $200. Most of the guns that you can get for under $200 are either pieces of crap, or extremely worn out.

You should get a .22 pistol. They range generally for about $400-$500.

You can get a Ruger, Browning Buck Mark, Walther P22, Sig Mosquito, or Kimber for a reasonable price. The latter 3 tend to cost a little more.

Answer 9

If you're looking for something larger than a 22, go with a hi-
point. They have them in 9mm, .40, and .45. You can pick one up brand new for about $159.

Answer 10

Ruger
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78063228
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77576897
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78381020

High Standard 22
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78031306
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78030933
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77859359

Or an H&R
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=78054288

Either revolvers or semi-autos are fun for plinking, so pick the one which makes you happier.

BTW: Don't expect a decent gun new for around $200, go used and you can find a good gun at that price, with some looking.

(NOTE: the links are for illustration, not to advertise gunbrokers or to promote the sellers.)