That's a toughie. Usually the first .22 is an "understudy" for the "main" gun -- a 22/45 or conversion slide for a 1911, for example. I don't know of a .22 that replicates the handling and manual of arms of the XD.

Single actions like the Ruger 22/45 and Buckmark duplicate the grip angle of the 1911, and so don't have that Luger look, but with their light single action triggers, they invite AD's by people just starting to learn, like your wife.

A Smith & Wesson kit gun (they make several variations on the J-frame .22) is a good beginner's gun, because of the double action trigger. The titanium frame weighs nothing, but costs a lot. The stainless steel version is dandy, too. Neither, though, replicates the feel of the XD.

You might want to look at the Walther P22. It's as close as I can think of to the look and feel of the XD.

My top two are the Ruger Mark and Browning Buckmark, but you shot them down right away. Hmmm.. Another option is the S&W 22a. Definitely in the price range. I can't say that it's much like the XD though.

I looked at the P22, but it was too small for my hands, and I didn't like the way the barrel was secured at the breech with a nut. Many complained of it coming loose too. Perhaps it would work better for you though.

I'm not all that familiar with revolvers, but S&W and Ruger both make solid shooters I understand.

Best of luck.

I looked into the various 22s in early 2006. I thought I'd settled on the S&W 22, but since then, I've read a few things (people's neg reports) that made me reconsider. I've shot the Walther P22, but its not really a "target" quality 22. The Beretta is nice, but rather high priced.

I think the Buckmark and Ruger are probably the 2 best ones unless U spend a fortune. W/ a child on the way, I eventually want a 22 so I can teach the child, and also possibly get my wife interested in shooting w/ low, low recoil.

The Ruger is a pain in the butt to disassemble, but it seems that after U do it a few times, it won't be that big of a deal. I've decided that I will buy a Ruger 22/45 (it has the grip similar to a 1911, instead of that high angled grip of the older Ruger 22s). They make a 4" barrelled version w/ fixed sights. The fixed sights have white dots - I hate all black sights.

The Rugers seem to be the standard for 22s.

I've got a Ruger MkIII stainless with a bull barrel - yes, they can be a pain to strip down and clean compared to other guns, but it's not too bad once you get used to it. Other than that, a nice .22, very accurate and came with a nice trigger out of the box. And you can't find a .22 with more aftermarket parts and accessories..

A sig mosquito is pretty good for replicating the feel of a full sized combat auto.

My girlfriend has a Walther P22 that has performed well since Christmas

My personal .22 is a sig(hammerli) trailside that I adore. I wish they still made them. Accurate, reliable and comfortable. CDNN still has some at closeout prices.

The Buckmark, Ruger 22/45, and the Walther P22 are all fine pistols. I own & highly recommend all 3.

For a beginner, maybe the Buckmark or 22/45 might be better because of the simple Single Action only trigger.

The P22 has advantages of adjustable grip size and external hammer.

On the other hand, you couldn't go wrong with a S&W revolver either.

Go around the gun shows at the private vendors tables and see if you can find a SP-101 Ruger in .22cal. They don't make them anymore but they do pop up every now and then. It will last for ever. They haven't been out of production but a couple of years. Good luck.

Revolver - Taurus 94 (.22LR 9-shot), Taurus 941 (.22 Mag, 8-shot)

Semi-auto - Browning Buckmark or Walther P-22.

Can't beat 'em for the price.

I was in this same boat like a year ago. I also didn't really like the looks of the Rugers and Brownings and even though 95% of the people said get one of those, I knew I wouldn't be long term happy with it.

I ended up with a Beretta 87T. Now, they're expensive, but I was lucky enough to find one NIB on clearance. I think it ran me ~ $500. I put a dot sight on top and it's pretty friggen accurate.



Edit - It's also a good way to get my g/f to go to the range with me.

I'd be weary of the P22. I shot one at the range and it was a POS. Numerous FTF's and FTE's per clip. I was thinking about getting one, too, but I'm glad I tried before I buyed.

There is a Sig Mosquito in 22. I have no experience with it, though.

Originally Posted by Spartan

I'd be weary of the P22. I shot one at the range and it was a POS. Numerous FTF's and FTE's per clip. I was thinking about getting one, too, but I'm glad I tried before I buyed.

There is a Sig Mosquito in 22. I have no experience with it, though.

I never had a problem with my P22, it shoots great. I think for the money the best 22 I have is the U22 Neos Beretta. I love the Ruger MKII target pistol but have had problems with it since I bought it. I'm getting ready to send it back.

Originally Posted by spacedoggy

I never had a problem with my P22, it shoots great. I think for the money the best 22 I have is the U22 Neos Beretta. I love the Ruger MKII target pistol but have had problems with it since I bought it. I'm getting ready to send it back.

WHat kinda problems?

I'm considering a Mark 3.

I held the Neos, but I don't like the grip angle. And, I've read people always complaining about the trigger...

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

WHat kinda problems?

I'm considering a Mark 3.

I held the Neos, but I don't like the grip angle. And, I've read people always complaining about the trigger...

I think it's a chip on my feed ramp. I have had others that had no problems at all years ago. I love the weight and feel of it and it's a great shooter.

If you don't like the grip angle on the Neos, I doubt you'll like the MK 3 either. But you will like the angle of the Ruger 22/45. Mine is accurate & reliable - as long as I keep it clean - and I shoot bulk ammo through it. When it gets dirty it tends to jam (FTFeed).

Originally Posted by James NM

If you don't like the grip angle on the Neos, I doubt you'll like the MK 3 either. But you will like the angle of the Ruger 22/45. Mine is accurate & reliable - as long as I keep it clean - and I shoot bulk ammo through it. When it gets dirty it tends to jam (FTFeed).

Yea, I plan to get the 22/45 version. I don't like the standard grip on them.

Originally Posted by spacedoggy

I never had a problem with my P22, it shoots great. I think for the money the best 22 I have is the U22 Neos Beretta. I love the Ruger MKII target pistol but have had problems with it since I bought it. I'm getting ready to send it back.

Well, that's good. I just know I had a problem with the one I shot... there's also a thread on AR15 called, "How I made my P22 not suck" that was started in Feb 05 and is still getting replys.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=27&t=13896

I shot a P22 that belongs to a guy I met on Glocktalk locally - his works well.

I traded for a used P22 last month from a friend. It's been reliable and suprisingly accurate, considering the 3.4" barrel.