Although a Ruger or Browning 22 target pistol is probably a better long term investment I still think the SM and p22 have their place. If you arn't looking for a "buck rogers" looking pistol but rather a smaller combat style plinker either would do.

I have a P22 with laser, and I have had good luck with it especially after some slight mods and a little TLC fluff and buff. There are some wear related issues with the P22 however due to it's "low cost" construction. Some info and fixes I have found on this is in the P22 Bible.


A couple of other "good" action type plinker pistols might be:

Pheonix Arms HP 22 - low cost < 150 zinc SNS but supposedly reliable

Firestorm 22 FS22 just like a Bersa 380 < 300 all steel and reliable by all accounts I have heard

Taurus 970 or 990 revolver < 350 Although not semi this has become my favorite 22 plinker.