I just started target shooting with a Ruger Single Six 22. While it's nice it's kind of frustrating to load each bullet 1 at a time then extract them one at a time. After looking around at local gun shops I think my next gun will probbably be a Beretta U22 Neos with a 6" or 7.5" inch barrel. What I'm wondering is if anyone has one of these guns and what there opnion is on it for a starter semi-auto. Also if the DLX is worth the extra money I'm not to sure what they mean by triger adjustments. Any opnions or info would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum.

I've heard the Neos can be kind of hit or miss on quality.

The best semi-auto 22's (that are readily available) would probably be a S&W 41 or a Colt Woodsman, but they aren't quite entry-level pistols.

I have a Ruger MkII and while reliable and accurate, it can be a bit of a bugger to disassemble. I only take mine all the way down once a year with my gun guru in attendance. But, I really don't shoot it that much anymore. I'd think twice about buying a MkIII. They are apparently even harder to re-assemble.

Ruger makes a model - the 22/45 - that has a grip angle that mimics the 1911. I like those.

Some guys have had real good luck with the Walther 22's, others, not so much.

I've seen some Browning Buckmarks priced quite competitively recently. They have a pretty good rep.

Also don't overlook buying a centerfire pistol that has a 22 adapter like the 1911's and the CZ's.

For my money - you already have one of the best 22 plinkers available. Do you have a new one with the reverse indexing pawl, or do you have to fiddle around lining up the chambers with the loading gate? I have tried both and the indexing pawl makes a world of difference in loading/unloading speed and convenience.

I got my single six used at Joe's Sporting goods. I wanted to start with a revolver because it seemed to me a bit simpler to maintain than a semi-auto. When I got the gun the deal looked up the date of manufature from the serial number and told me it was manufactured in 82 making it 1 year younger than me But it does take some jimmying to get the rod to seat through the cilinder so I only take the shells out one at a time thus the original question.

I bought a 6" one when I wanted a .22 plinker because of the price, the Beretta name, and the integral scope rail. Mine has been reliable and reasonably accurate, but the trigger sucks big time, and the grip feels... unusual... to me. I never shoot it now since I got my CZ Kadet conversion kit and will probably put it up for sale before too much longer.

Yeah, you've got the "old" new model.

But to clarify - because it is a single-action, all the Single Sixes only eject one at a time. But, with the new ones, the chamber lines up perfectly every time for ejecting the spent cases.

I don't know if it can be upgraded to the new indexing system or not. It's still a real nice gun and will last forever.

Yeah I thikn I get what you mean I have to turn it half a click or so too get the chamber to line up with the rod to eject the bullet. I plan on keeping the pistol I like it alot but I wanted to pick up an auto to see how I liked it. It wasn;t til after I got my ruger and started reading alot more on handguns that I learned that all single actions are this way and the double actions have the cilinder that rotates out.

I tried the Smith and Wesson 22 but it didn't feel right in my hand and the ruger MK3 was too grip heavy. I prefer a more barrel heavy pistol ballanced more on the middle of the pistol the ruger was too back heavy for me.

Ruger does have several different models. Some of them have heavier barrels than the others.

I think the Walther has an optional muzzle break that adds more weight to the front too.

Did you look at the various MKII models?
I have the stainless steel slabside barrel target model. It has a nice grip and seems very well balanced. Probably more weight up front than the standard MKII's.

There is a bit of a learning curve to tear down and re-assemble. Especially the re-assemble part.

I just tried what they had in the store. Not sure wich type exactly it was I might go to Bill's and see if they have any 22's to rent and try them out see wich feels best.

Side note does anyone know of a good 22 leuge to get started with? I'm a pretty horrid shot but it's fun and maybe if I'm in a leuge some people could give me pointers.

I have both the U22 Neos and the Ruger 10/45 that DeanC discussed. I will have to dig the Neos out of the safe to remember what model and features it has. It is a fun gun to shoot and seems to shoot pretty accurate.

My Ruger 10/45 is a 5" w/bull barrel. I am very much in the 1911A1 camp and this Ruger does a pretty good job of mimicking that platform.

I recently picked up a Ruger MKIII stainless hunter.



It has a long fluted barrel (they call it 8", but I believe it's just short of that). Besides being very pleasing to the eye (all stainless, cocobolo wood grips, and a selection of hi-vis sites), it's VERY fun to shoot, and I didn't find it too difficult to field strip. Re-inserting the mainspring housing is really the only part that can be tricky...there is a little lever that needs to be in the right spot in order to get it back together correctly.

I got it at Gander Mtn. in Forest lake for ~$430. Little pricey when compared to the neos, but I find it far superior. I shot a neos and it just seemed kind of clunky and the action wasn't as smooth as I would've liked. The balance is really nice with the longer barrel, and the grip reminds me of a 1911. Check one out if you get a chance...

The 22/45 has the same angle as a 1911 (75° ?)and is sized to have about the same circumference:



The standard Ruger MkII/III has a thinner grip and a steeper grip angle more like a Luger (65° ?):

We have the Neos. It's a nice little plinking pistol. The action is a little odd, but it is easy to use.

Do you have the Neos or the DLX I'm also trying to understand what the trigger adjustments they talk about on another site are for the DLX.

Also what do you mean by the Action is a bit odd? This will be my first semi-auto so I'm not really to sure what to expect from one.

I've been really happy with my Cheetah Target 22. Its extremely accurate. Little up there with regards to price, but worth it.