The first and last gun I bought (though not the last I’ll ever buy) Ruger SR22

Published on March 11, 2026
Duration: 10:25

This review covers the Ruger SR22P, a .22 LR pistol initially purchased as a first firearm due to its beginner-friendly design and manageable recoil. The speaker details its features, including a 10-round magazine capacity and hammer-fired action. Despite the SR22 series being discontinued, the speaker acquired a 'long slide' variant, comparing its trigger pull and physical characteristics to the original model. The review highlights the pistol's reliability over extensive use.

Quick Summary

The Ruger SR22P is a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol often recommended as a first handgun for its beginner-friendly design, manageable recoil, and ease of handling. Key features include 10-round magazines, a 3.5-inch barrel, and a hammer-fired action with a decocker. The SR22 series has been discontinued by Ruger.

Chapters

  1. 01:03Introduction: First Gun Purchase - Ruger SR22P
  2. 01:14Beginner-Friendly Design and Handling
  3. 01:34Key Features of the Ruger SR22P
  4. 01:59Magazine Safety and Reliability
  5. 02:24SR22 Discontinuation and Market Availability
  6. 03:06Acquiring a Second 'Long Slide' SR22P
  7. 03:45Physical Differences: Standard vs. Long Slide
  8. 05:37Trigger Pull Test: Old SR22 Double Action
  9. 06:13Trigger Pull Test: Old SR22 Single Action
  10. 06:51Trigger Pull Test: New SR22 Double Action
  11. 07:27Trigger Pull Test: New SR22 Single Action
  12. 08:02Field Stripped Comparison: Internals
  13. 09:07Final Comparison and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Ruger SR22P considered a good first handgun?

The Ruger SR22P is often recommended as a first handgun due to its beginner-friendly design, which includes manageable recoil, easy handling, and features that aid in learning safe firearm manipulation. Its .22 LR caliber also makes ammunition more affordable for practice.

What are the key features of the Ruger SR22P pistol?

The Ruger SR22P is a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol typically featuring 10-round magazines, a 3.5-inch barrel, a hammer-fired action, and a frame-mounted decocker. It also includes a magazine safety that disengages the trigger when the magazine is removed.

Has the Ruger SR22 been discontinued?

Yes, the Ruger SR22 series of pistols has been discontinued by Ruger. This means new production has ceased, and availability is now limited to the used market or remaining dealer stock.

What are the differences between the standard and long slide Ruger SR22P models?

The primary difference is barrel length: the standard SR22P has a 3.5-inch barrel, while the 'long slide' variant features a 4.5-inch barrel. This also results in a proportionally longer slide and can affect the pistol's balance and potentially accuracy.

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