.22 pocket gun

[GLU]

Opinions, anyone?

My High Standard is too bulky.

I like the little Walther TPH but it is pricey.

I have heard a lot about the Beretta 71 but have no experience with one.

I am seriously considering a Beretta 21a. I like its "user-friendliness" (being able to load with one hand, easy to clean and strip, etc.). Besides it's not too expensive.



Also, ammo choices for varmints, etc? I've heard about CCI SGBs. Any suggestions?

[Bill]

No reason to go for a .22 pocket pistol when one can buy a Keltec 32 auto or .380 auto that deliver much more horsepower while riding comfortably in a pocket. These guns are so lightweight and thin they are carried with ease and comfort. I'm addressing the issue only from a concealed carry standpoint for self defense.
Take care, Bill

[satellite66]

I have the Beretta 21A .22 and it is a great little pocket gun but Bill is correct you can get more firepower in almost the same size package. My buddy just got a Kahr PM9 and it is only a fraction larger than my Beretta. It does weigh more but as far as bulk they are almost the same. It is pricey though compared to the Beretta.

[z537z]

If you like a small 22 for varmints and whatnot, look up the Beretta 87 cheetah. It's a Beretta model 84 (9mm) frame, but .22 cal. Small, I think 8rd mag, but still useful enough to shoot targets, and plink cans at longer ranges.

If it's just for fun, 22's the way to go. If its' defense, then yes look into a .32 at least.

For other small 22s, look at Walther's P22. I'm sure I'm forgetting some others, but you get the idea. Beretta makes a quality product, but something this small has little use in either defense/plinking area.

_z

[GLU]

Guys, I intend to use the .22 for plinking, mostly. Obviously, if someone turns on me, I'd use it in self defense, but that is not the primary use I intend for it. I wanted a pocket pistol size because a) It's very hot where I live for 9 months out of the year (Vegas), and b) I am an active sportsman and either boat or hike a lot (in shorts). I want to get a concealed carry permit only so that I'm not illegal when sporting. A Beretta 87 weighs 20 oz and is somewhat bulky, but I'll think about it.

[Neil]

GLU WELCOME to the TTF.

I've got an Iver Johnson .22lr TP 22. looks like a Walther. I don't know if you can find them but I think it's fun to shoot, mine isn't super reliable cause the Extractor spring is poo. so it doesn't grab the spent case all the time. It just needs a spring kit.

I would go with the Beretta or the walther never go with a Knock off.

[lead]

The Walther P22 is very light and reliable. The 3.5 inch barrel isn't too hard to conceal. It's a gun that tends to be picky with ammo until you break it in. Stick with high velocity stuff.
The Iver Johnson that Neil mentioned is a good choice but they haven't been made in awhile and some that you find are showing the wear and tear. Astra made a similar gun called the Constable. Same size as a PPK. Those tend to be in good shape, but priced like a new Walther P22.

[portagee]

GLU I,ve got a Beretta mdl 70s and it is the most reliable 22 i have ever owned. It has a single action trigger and is quite shootable and don't remember ever having a ftf. I also have an Erma/Excam/Iver johnson px 22 which is a mini ppk copy and it is a great little hideaway but not a plinker as it is reliable for a couple of mags of CCI Stingers and then can be somewhat unreliable. I've replaced the finger rest grips and it is easily carried but agree with others when they say pack more pistol power.

[stash247]

Re-read the preceding post. While they are a bit heavy, the Beretta model 70-S is a pistol good enough to be an 'issue' weapon, often 'accesorised', by the Israeli Mossad; speaks highly of the overall build quality
Essentially the same pistol is available in .22, .32, and .380, should you desire a "battery", all on the same frame.
I really like my 70-S, in .22, because it has enough size to hang onto,and enough accuracy, to shoot well. Didn't like the plastic grips, and made some slim, wooden ones, to replace them, without the thumb shelf the originals had, and would never think of trading it, now.
As to pricing, I see them at gun shows in the 200-250 $US range, vs the TPH @ 400 $US. I own both; the Beretta is my personal favorite, owing to it's reasonably sized handle. Just my .02.

[MisterEd]

Last year while "kind of" looking for a Walther PPK/S in .22 I stumbled upon a Bersa M. 644 in a pawn shop. A quick glance made me think it WAS a Walther as it is almost an exact clone. It was fairly dirty but appeared to be in very good condition and I got it for a very good price.. A complete disassemby and cleaning revealed a very tight and incredibly smooth little auto. It is all steel and after little "tweaking" (mostly on the mag which I think had been bent somehow) it shoots reliably and accuratly. I believe Bersa is still making a small .22 in DA. I recommend anyone who comes across one of these to buy it. They seem few and far between but are very well made with excellent machine work.

[exexpat93]

Plinking - Pocket gun is almost a contradiction.

My choice would be the P22 Walther or the new Sig Mosquito.

Beretta 70s, 87, or 21 (that is the 22lr version model number isn't it?) are all good guns too. One might be too big and the other too large for your intentions.

I am sure there are some small snubby revolvers (or 2 -3 inch barrel lengths) in 22lr and can't think of them at the moment from SW and Taurus.

[Deputy Dawg]

IF you can find one Wilkinson arms SHERRY 22 AUTO is a very small semi-auto pistol also called the POCKET PARTNER. it is about the size of a Baby Browing 25acp.Woodman had one for sale. you can find him on this forum.

[stash247]

The Beretta m-70S is a steel framed copy of an alloy framed pistol whose numbe I can't at the moment, recall, but, It Worked Good, too. It is exactly the same size as the Jaguar, and Puma, in .32, and .380. Good, adjustable, but small, sights.
Reliable as the sunrise, for my experience, and a little too big for a front pocket, but the gun of choice, of the Mossad, in Israel, for 'clandestine diplomacy', which is high praise, from where I stand.
An 'almost' pocket pistol, with great sights, and ample grip, It's toobig to be a pocket pistol, and less than a 'target pistol, for accuracy, but, if you are able to find one for $300, or less, buy it, or call me: one of us will be ticked pink!
The Walther TPH was built, for pre '68 sales, as a blued, alloy frame, pistol.
It is both very desirable, as a shooter, and very collectible; figure $600 US.
The American TPH, from the plant in Alabama, was initially built only in stainless, now in blued steel, as well. Both of these pistols were built in .22LR, and .25 acp.
The early Alabama TPH's were somewhat 'iffy', where first shot, double action, was concerned; I sent three back, before finding one that was 100% reliable, in this regard; should you buy such a pistol, before ever thinking of putting it into 'defensive' service, please assure your self that it will fire, every time, from a chamber loaded, double action, first shot!!!
If that one chokes, there may not be further opportunity!
On a 'larger' note, if the funds allow, the Seecamp .25, .32, and now, the.380, pocket pistols are as reliable as time; almost as expensive.
If you have the time, look at the Kahr MK-9S, a 9mmP, or +P, all steel pistol, slightly smaller, but thicker, than the Beretta. Also the Smith 537PD, in .38 Spl, weighing only 10 Oz, five shots. Both are a far cry, in caliber, but only an ounce or an inch, from the original topic.
I own, or have owned, all of this stuff, and, being frugal, do a lot of research, before spending money! With exception to the Early Walthers (US), as I have mentioned, all are keepers, and most, 'round here, have been kept!
Best to ya all, Terry

[travihanson]

I carry a .22 short. It's an Astra Cub. I also had a Phoenix Arms .22 which was nice once you got rid of the magazine safety took a file to the other safety's...(darn Californians....) Both great pocket pistols. The p.arms cost about 125 bucks where I'm from and about an hour of modifications if you know what your doing. Not great field stripping but nothing a can of Carb cleaner wouldn't fix. I had it apart once, and I know I ran about 1000 rounds through it. I would run about 200 and once it would gum up I would poke a can of that to it, put the break-free to it and hammer down

[Bill DeShivs]

Yes, the Beretta 21 is probably the only gun in it's class. I say go for it.
The Taurus copy is DAO, and probably not a good plinker.
Bill

[skeeter1]

I have a Beretta 87 Cheetah, and as much as I like it, it doesn't sound to me like what you're looking for. The Beretta 21A Bobcat sounds like a much better idea. The Cheetah is too big for all but the largets pockets, and it also costs twice as much as the 21A. They're both high quality firearms.

[torpedoman]

a buddy of mine got a beretta for his wife it is a little 22 either tomcat or bobcat . he got it out and asked me what i thought the accuracy range was and i said 20 ft. after a bit og practice we were hitting a 4X4 plywood piece at 75 yds.I was impressed.

[jeanp1948]

I like my little Taurus P22. It's cheap and shoots great. I also like the flip up barrel for quick loading. I could go more expensive but this baby does what I want.

[raveneap]

I had a Bobcat and it was a great pocket gun but not anything I really wanted. Picked it up in a trade. This morning I ordered a new Beretta Cheetah. Not a pocket gun by any means but been wanting one for a while and finally found a reasonable deal. For a pocket gun I'd recommend the Beretta 21A Bobcat if you're comfortable with a .22LR.

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by raveneap

For a pocket gun I'd recommend the Beretta 21A Bobcat if you're comfortable with a .22LR.

I agree, Raven. Nice little pocket pistol. I have one in .25 that I will carry if I simply can't conceal anything more capable.

[wjh2657]

All mentioned seem to be pretty good. I have been carrying around the house (Bathrobe pocket) a S&W 2214 for years. I have a tricked out (Grips,Lasersight,etc.) Glock G22 .40 S&W that is the house gun, but you never know when you can be compromised a distance from it.
I like the M2214, it is accurate enough for last-ditch up close work and is very reliable. Problem is, I don't know if they even make them anymore and I would bet they are probably not as accurate as the Berrettas for field carry.

[berto64]

I have a nice 1908 Colt in 25 calibre that I love. Not as much punch as a 32 but more than a 22.

There's also my Baby Browning & Colt Jr, all in 25.

[stash247]

I guess I must have missed this week's 'Game Planning Meeting' !
"pocket carry", in a bathrobe?
If I am going out, and 'going light', I could carry a 'proven' TPH Walther, in .22, or .25ACP, but that's not much energy.
Seecamp will find a .32, or .380, in a similar package, with more energy, total reliability, and a few more 'dead presidents'; Kellgren has some sorta 'cobby looking' but excellent performing weapons, in the same calibers, for half the money.
But, here's my take, having worked a lot of 'security details' , at close to the 'highest level', for a number of years.
Assess your 'physical Plant' and establish where the 'entry opportunities' exist, and defend them, with a 'dedicated weapon', on the location; my 'patio door' is an easy 'point of entry', and impossible, to post a weapon at, but the linnen closet, on the other side ofthe living room, holds a 12 Gauge shotgun, and the open sppace between the two offers a clear, 28 foot, field of fire; the front door has a velcroe'd holster, on the inside, for a j-Frame Smith, ditto, the master bedroom door, which offers coverage of either of the other two bedroom's doors, as they enter onto the hallway.
The Master bedroom has large windows, adjacent to the bed; this could be the 'worst nightmare', but in addition to a 1911, in the headboard of the bed, my 'fallback' position would be the hallway, where the shotgun lives!
I live with two small (50 pound), very alert, very agressive, Australian Cattle Dogs, who like me, but are wary of everybody else; they will 'tolerate' you, in my home, but feel no particular need to 'like' you, fact is, they probably will not 'like you', at all!
They are obedient, and a word is enough to 'settle' them, with company, as long as you keep your distance, from me; fifty pounds of dog is, I understand, somewhat less than 'formidable' , until you know the 'girls'.
Either will put a cow, horse, or the meanest bull on the lot, 'on the trailer', in 90 seconds or less, without injury, to the dog; I'm rightly proudof my 'ladies', as they just 'do things right': interaction with humans is a limited thing, mostly with me, and that's OK too, 'cept for me, they really don't like people!
Now, do the numbers. A three bedroom house, single resident, four guns, and two dogs, with better security than the Pentagon, from a functional perspective!
True enough, I have to endure those 'vicious curs', on the bed,licking my hands, and face, every night, and have to clean 4 weapons, periodically.
I will offer that a .22, or .25 handgun is a touch better than a sharp stick, but not a lot; I would far rather have a big, sharp knife!
My two little dogs make the idea of carrying a gun in my bathrobe ludicrous; they will buy me the time to drop the robe, put on a pair of pants, and shoot yer A**, anywhere you choose to enter, without invitation.
IF, to address the original post, I HAD TO HAVE, a sub-minimal caliber pistol, a 'proven' TPH , in .22 LR, or better, in .25ACP, or a CZ 1945, in .25 acp, would be my pick, but it is a question, addressed from the 'wrong end', IMHO.

[TheJakster2]

Lots of good guns mentioned here, I bought my wife a Walther P22 few months back it has been a fun little shooter. Very affordable. But the previous poster was correct it tends not to like the standard lr ammo. I have had great luck with Aguila Hyper Velocity rounds, put almost five hundred rounds through without a jamb. Fairly accurate too, well not so much in the wifes hands. She may not kill an intruder but she's gonna make him hurt all over.
As for my self I just picked up a Bersa 380 Thunder for my CCW. It's lightweight at 23 oz. Feed it some Cor Bon 90 JHP and you have a lethal little carry package. It's easy to disassemble, has a butter smooth trigger(consistent seven pounds double action pull) and a safety package second to none. Better yet it's affordable. Only had my at the range once but was very satisfied with the results so far. What I like most is the grip is larger that most of the other CCW and for someone with big hands it was just more comfortable.

[wjh2657]

Wow, somebody doesn't have any rug rats wandering around the house! I totally agree that stashing big guns in every room would probably be the ideal situation, but would without a doubt end in tragedy if there are any children around. Leaving guns available to teenagers almost assuredly guarantees a Zero Tolerance at the school when one of them shows up in a backpack!( Don't give me the "my kids wouldn't do that" routine either) As a retired High School teacher I have heard it from nice middle class church going parents every time we have had a gun show up at school. Each time it was Daddy's gun too! Sorry but teenagers are strange critters and do strange things. Thankfully they grow up to be young adults and produce loving grandchildren, so bear with them! I have grandchildren and therefore I keep my guns locked up behind double lock doors and use trigger block locks. The Glock comes out only after everybody has left for the night.

In our "safe room" drill, required under TN (courts not laws), retreat is not necessry but securing your own safety first is! Posting weapons all over the house would put all of those weapons at the disposal of the breaking-in folks while wife and I are in locked bedroom. Court would say I armed the poor druggie and made him a target!

I now normally have the Glock next to me wherever I am in house after dark and all friendlies have gone home. I do agree that a .22 is a poor choice for defense.

If you have no children coming and going and live in a state with a court system that isn't going to try to give your house away to the kinfolk of the perpetrator, I do think a well posted arsenal would actually be the most effective.