What is the Right .22 Handgun for You?

Published on April 3, 2026
Duration: 15:15

This video from Hickok45 explores various .22 caliber handguns, focusing on helping viewers choose the right one. He discusses the pros and cons of double-action revolvers, single-action revolvers, and semi-automatic pistols, highlighting factors like ease of loading, reliability, ammunition sensitivity, and overall shooting experience. The presenter emphasizes that .22 caliber firearms are fun, inexpensive, and suitable for a wide range of shooters.

Quick Summary

Hickok45 explores .22 caliber handguns, comparing double-action revolvers (like the S&W 617) for ease of use, single-action revolvers for traditional appeal, and semi-automatics for speed and capacity. He highlights .22s as fun, affordable, and low-recoil options suitable for all shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .22 Handguns
  2. 00:20Shooting Targets with .22
  3. 00:43.22 Caliber Overview
  4. 00:59Do You Have the Right .22?
  5. 01:21Sampling of .22 Handguns
  6. 02:00Sponsors: Davidson's, Sonor & Desert Institute, Alabama Holster
  7. 02:39Types of .22 Pistols: Semi-Auto, DA Revolver, SA Revolver
  8. 03:01Why .22 is Fun and Inexpensive
  9. 03:06Loading a Double-Action Revolver
  10. 03:52Simplicity of Double-Action Revolvers
  11. 04:08Shooting the Double-Action Revolver
  12. 04:33Double Action Malfunction Explanation
  13. 05:14Hammer Fall in Double Action
  14. 05:40Double-Action Revolver Recommendation
  15. 06:03Smith & Wesson Model 617
  16. 06:08Single-Action Revolver: Colt Old Style
  17. 06:14Loading a Single-Action Revolver
  18. 06:49Shooting the Single-Action Revolver
  19. 07:01Single-Action Operation
  20. 07:10Variety of .22 Single-Action Revolvers
  21. 07:44Capacity and Operation of Single-Action
  22. 08:14Awkwardness of Loading/Unloading Single-Action
  23. 08:58Semi-Automatic .22: MarkV with Suppressor
  24. 09:09Advantages and Disadvantages of Semi-Automatics
  25. 09:15Ammo Sensitivity in Semi-Automatics
  26. 09:37Ammunition Flexibility: Revolvers vs. Semi-Autos
  27. 10:02Suppressor Issues with Semi-Automatics
  28. 10:11Shooting the Semi-Automatic
  29. 10:15Magazine Loading Advantage
  30. 11:02Ammo Cycling Issues
  31. 11:20Suppressing Semi-Automatics
  32. 11:37Shooting More with Semi-Automatic
  33. 11:51Semi-Automatic Trigger and Advantages
  34. 12:04Preference for Semi-Automatics
  35. 12:07All .22s are Fun
  36. 12:11Favorite: Double-Action Revolver
  37. 12:22Recommendation: Get All Three Types
  38. 12:29Flexibility of Different Types
  39. 13:02Neglecting .22 Firearms
  40. 13:14Shooting at a Friend's House
  41. 13:24Benefits of .22 Caliber
  42. 13:41Favorite .22 Handgun Showcase
  43. 13:45Get a .22 Handgun
  44. 14:00Sponsors: Talon Grips, Ballistol
  45. 14:50Social Media and Website Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of .22 caliber handguns discussed?

The video discusses three main types of .22 caliber handguns: double-action revolvers, single-action revolvers, and semi-automatic pistols. Each type offers different advantages and disadvantages regarding operation, capacity, reliability, and ammunition compatibility.

What are the advantages of a double-action .22 revolver?

Double-action .22 revolvers are praised for their ease of loading, accessibility of the cylinder, and general reliability. They are often recommended for new shooters due to their straightforward operation and fewer potential malfunctions compared to semi-automatics.

What are the drawbacks of semi-automatic .22 pistols?

Semi-automatic .22 pistols can be sensitive to ammunition types, sometimes failing to cycle properly with weaker loads or subsonic rounds. They may also require more frequent cleaning to maintain reliability, especially when suppressed.

Why are .22 caliber firearms recommended for new shooters?

.22 caliber firearms are recommended for new shooters because they are fun to shoot, generally inexpensive, and have low recoil and noise. This makes them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of individuals, including those sensitive to recoil.

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