Recomendation needed - Pistol for youth

[blue_drgn]

Recently my 12 yo twins have expressed an interest in shooting the my PT 22... Problem is it jams like crazy and I have a few light strikes per mag. I want a semi auto pistol in a similar size to a PT 22 but I want something that is really reliable. I found a site that compares the PT 22 to a Phoenix Arms HP 22and a Walther P22 but I wanted to reach out to all the knowlegable folks here and get your opinion on these firearms as well as any other 22 cal pistol you might recommend for children who are comfortable and safe with rifles but would like to get into pistol shooting.

Thanks so much

[acosenza2]

I don't have a Walther P22, but when I do decide to get a 22, it will more than likely be the Walther P22. I hear nothing but good things about them.

[PhilB]

Based on what you've said, I'd recommend giving serious thought to a revolver. Simple, goes bang every time. A good way to teach basic handgun handling without the complication of racking slides, clearing jams, etc.

Look for a used S&W, Ruger or new Taurus, Heritage, etc.

--Phil

[spblademaker]

As an instructor, I would agree with PhilB. Keeping everything safe and simple makes for an enjoyable time for all!

[toml]

Revolver, or Ruger Mk. II/III.

[L T C]

Anytime I take kids shooting, the Ruger Single Six always keeps them happy.

I think they get a kick out of loading/ unloading it, having to thumb the hammer back and all keeps them happy.

Also, they don't go through ammo as fast, and they pretty much handle the whole thing by themselves.

Sometimes with the semi autos, they will just speed through the ammo shooting as fast as they can... which is fun sometimes, but you know what I mean. Seems like more time is spent loading mags than shooting.

[Sparks]

I have the Walther, and it's fine. Nice litle gun. Anytime I take a new shooter, youth or adult, I start with an old FIE SAA clone in 22. Like the Single Six only cheaper. Safest place to start is with a SA revolver.

[bigandy1966]

Ruger single six, It comes with 2 cylinders that let you shoot the cheap and popular .22lr and a second for the more snappy.22 WMR. Its like getting 2 pistols in one. Very accurate, reliable and they have a transfer bar for safety. And you can hunt small game with it

[BrowningBoy]

My girls both started on a Ruger Single Six. I recently purchased a Ruger Mk III that they will be shooting shortly.

[TJB63]

I own a P22 and never had any trouble with it, they seem to be Hit or Miss.

Although they are bigger in size to the P22 - You should consider either one of the Ruger Mark III's or a Ruger Single Six or the Browning Buckmark - All three of those are pistols that your kids will hand down to their kids one day and all three are quality built to last, I own a Single Six - a 22/45 Mark III and a Ruger Mark I that my father bought new the year I was born, All three shoot just fine.

A Bonus or two with the Single Six - It also comes with a .22 Magnum Cylinder and being a 6 shot single action, It will tend to teach aiming and better shooting skills rather than just blasting through ammo, plus the loading process is a lot slower saving a few pennies on ammo if you are the budget minded type.

TJB