A friend at work asked me what pistol I would recommend for his father in .22 caliber. The gentleman has been retired for quite a few years and doesn't want to spend more than about $200. His son asked me because he knows I use to be heavy into guns (still like them). Problem is I haven't been keeping up with them for the past 5-6 years. I got into airguns a few years ago, and then back into fishing last year. My time has been spent on forums dealing with these two hobbies.

My first thought was "Taurus' since I know they were making some decent products at a reasonable price. Not sure if that is still the case, or if they are asking a lot more for their guns now that they are better established in this country. Maybe another company has taken over their old spot. I haven't started researching yet. Thought I'd ask here before starting.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Bud's has the Ruger 22/45 on sale for $258. That is well over budget, but a good price on a very good pistol IMO.

My local gun guy swears by the S&W 22A. I have not shot one, but he has a couple and bought one for his father. They are listed for $232 at Bud's. I have not purchased from Bud's, just use them for reference. I can usually buy local for the same or less if I'm not in too big a hurry.

Thanks, Mac.

I would second a Ruger reccomendation. A mark II might be able to be had for ~200, best 22 semi pistol in my opinion, by far.

I've got a Buckmark Camper by Browning that is awesome!

I have a Ruger Mk I, very nice little gun, but it's old and long out of production, but I imagine the current production MK III is just as good if not better. IDK price wise what they run, but I don't think they are too much. Your price range is a little low IMHO for a quality gun. Pay the extra...it's worth it.

I have a Ruger Mark II Target (bull barrel) stainless. This thing is super accurate and one of the most dependable semi-autos out there. They can be found for around $250.

I have shot the Ruger Mark 3 and the S&W 22A. Both were very very accurate.I preferred the S&W over the Ruger. Im partial to S&W, so take my advice for what it is. You cant go wrong with either pistols. Both are over your maximum price. I would check used guns for the price range.

I love my Ruger 22/45 and probably run around 200 rounds per week through. However, since even most used ones are out of your price I'd recommend look at the S&W22a. Cabelas will run it on sale for $199 as a door buster sale. I've rented one a few times and at some point will buy one.

Another Ruger vote here. I love shooting my MK I

I would second a Ruger reccomendation. A mark II might be able to be had for ~200, best 22 semi pistol in my opinion, by far.

I agree

Thanks guys. I was surprised to see this many answers. Forum looked to be pretty slow at first.

Pay the extra...it's worth it.

I can't/won't disagree with that statement, but it ain't my money!

My .22 pistol is a Browning Medalist. A co-worker offered me $1500 for it without ever having seen the gun. Definitely a few $$ more than I paid for it.

Shot the Mark II last weekend for the first time. Accurate and easy to use. Nice little pistol. Think I might get one for my son to shoot.

My dad has 3 old Ruger 6 shooter revolvers that i grew up shooting. I love those things and the Ruger Mark 3. I recently purchased a S & W 22a and love that one also.

I've got a Buckmark Camper by Browning that is awesome!

I second this! Great gun, fun to shoot!