My Two Cents - Ruger SR22 Review (.22 LR)

[@waynebrown4496]

I got the SR22 for my wife but I end up shooting it all the time! I love, love, love this little gun! It is by far the most fun firearm I've ever used and it shoots every round I run through it!

[@thuknocka1]

owned ruger handguns for over 20 years. never had any problems.

[@darkwriter77]

Agreed. The safety lever's operationg is a bone-headed move on Ruger's part, but at least it's easily ignored. If used as a CCW piece, one would presumably just use the safety as a decocker and then carry with the safety off since it is a DA/SA trigger (the long, heavy DA pull is, in itself, a "safety"). And at the range, the safety doesn't spend any time in the "ON" position since the gun is always either loaded and being fired, or it's empty with the slide locked open.

[@ldtriplesix]

I love my SR22. And I love the backwards safety

[@ml2trick]

Bought one. Shoot every ammo i put through it. 500 to 600 rds of Remington and CCI and Federal. 10 yards tack driver. 18 yards and over,takes practice. Nice little pistol. 300 + tx out the door. Remington is dirty ammo and this gun shot over 200 rds no cleaning. Sweet pistol people.

[@keithchirsan9840]

As a photographer I have to compliment you on the lighting. Looks like you purposely lit it from the side by a window--or a big softbox if you are also a photographer. Your lighting really brings out the texture and detail and dimension of the SR22.

[@darkwriter77]

Keith Chirsan Thanks. The lighting effect wasn't really intentional; it was just the brightest place I had available at the time in the house that I was living in when that video was recorded.

[@blackbullitt6398]

I've always been a fan of Rugers. I purchased the SR22 based on recommendations from friends and KZbin reviews. Field stripped, lubed and headed to the range. After about 100 rounds I gave up. At leased a dozen or more failures to feed, stovepipe and failure to eject. When I was unable to extract the spent bullet from the barrel I packed up and went home. Not giving up on the SR22 just accepted the fact I got a lemon. I'll be calling Ruger.

[@darkwriter77]

Sorry to hear that. What type(s) of ammo were you using? If you were only using one brand/type of ammo, you might want to try switching ammo first to see if that changes anything. Many semi-auto .22's, regardless of make/model, can be picky about what ammo they like or dislike. I was lucky to get an SR22 that will gobble just about anything. If yours still has the same problems, no matter what ammo you feed it, then yeah, time for it to take a trip back to Ruger - they'll make it right.

[@itethe]

I see the safety really bothers you, I agree it's backwards. I think the reason for this is because it also functions as the decocker. It would be awkward to have the decocker to have to be swept upwards to drop the hammer.

[@shango02005]

I can't wait to fire mine at the range! I've had it for two weeks now and it's driving me nuts that I haven't fired it! lol Got a pretty good deal on it, too: $300 out the door! Great review, man!

[@zzremington]

Got mine last month, I've taken it to the range multiple times and I've run a few hundred rounds of .40 grain coppers. So far, very happy with it. It's light, shoots accurate, feels good in my hand. Recoil is almost non-existent. I like this one so much more than the Walther 22.

[@bobregan1749]

Great review, my wife just purchased it she loves it.

[@rattrap8810]

I have the long barrel sr22 and have zero complaints and lots of praise for this sweet work of art. Agreed, fits my hand like a glove. Maybe even handsex would discribe it.🐸

[@darkwriter77]

Nah. I'm pretty sure that "handsex" is another word for "fapping." :-)

[@AP43026]

I bought the long barreled version. Had a lot of problems with failure to fire, about 30% and with several brands and types of ammo. Sent it back to ruger. They replaced the barrel, slide, and extractor. Then factory fired 40 rounds and report no issues. I have not taken it to the range since it has been returned.

[@darkwriter77]

I currently have one of the longer-barreled versions of the SR22. When I first got it, it didn't like to chamber the first round of any magazine - same problem with all 4 mags I had on hand. I removed the barrel (just takes one screw - use blue Loctite when reinstalling), did a light bit of filing to remove a ridge just at the base of the chamber/top of the feed ramp, polished it up, and it's been working flawlessly since. Minor finishing work, probably would've sorted itself out just by firing a lot of rounds through it if I'd wanted to go that route, instead.

[@chriskilner4110]

I wish people would stop saying the safety on the SR22 is backwards. Ordinary safeties, like those on the 1911 and other guns, may be up safe, down fire... but DECOCKING safeties operate as down for safe. This has been this way since the Walther PP, continued with the Walther PPK, P-38, P-1, P22 you mentioned in the video, and PK380. The HK USP and the Beretta M9/92FS (and clones like the Taurus PT92) and other widely-used guns (Bersa Thunder series) operate this way... because they are decockers. Just my 2 cents...

[@darkwriter77]

The SR-22 operates backwards compared to pretty much all other semi-auto pistols with a FRAME-MOUNTED safety (1911, Hi-Power, SR9, PT-22, M&P, Shield, etc.). All of the guns that you mention, except the PT92, have SLIDE-MOUNTED safety/decocker mechanisms. The PT92, as well as the PT24/7 Pro DS (and G2), uses a frame-mounted safety with a decocker. On those, it's up for Safe, down for Fire, and pushing down firmly past the Fire position decocks it, with the safety rebounding back up to Fire when you release it. So again, the SR-22 safety is indeed backwards from the norm.

[@johndavis452]

My HK USP, was same safety as this

[@judibarton9220]

This gun is a perfect fit for me! I love shooting it and have had no problems with any of the features. I use it for practice because the ammo is so much cheaper than the ammo for my .38. My kind of firearm!

[@mofatjippyfransisco713]

I used the picatinny rail to mount a spare olight pl mini 2 light, not for the light capability...it was just the easiest way to add weight to the front of the frame. Once I felt that extra weight up front, it was a permanent addition for sure....the light part will probably never turn on...thats just fine.

[@destroyjevin3365]

I recently bought one and it's a nice gun and my first .22. I also bought the Ruger security 9 two 15 rounds and viridian laser as will Ruger is a good brand

[@alanmckean]

I bought an SR22 for my wife but I have been shooting it a lot at the range lately. Very good and reliable shooter. Great fun. I added the LaserMax rail-mounted laser to it a few days ago, thinking that since my wife doesn't practice much, the laser would be better for her. Once I got it sighted in, WOW! I have never shot bullseye, 3" groups at 50' before but I did today. Highly recommended.

[@arthursmith643]

Alan McKean swap out the polymer guide rod and spring for the steel guide rod with spring. Puts a touch more weight in the front of the gun. Helps with recoil. GallowayPrecision sells them I think I paid $20.00 plus shipping. Worth it? I think so.

[@FrancisMainaWanjau]

Hi @Alan McKean, What type of laser did you mount?

[@2mini50s]

Shot mine for the first time today.. It was nice!!! It shot the same ammo that my sig misquto refused to.

[@darrinreynoldsjr.8762]

Fuckin sig misquote.. had such a bad stovepipe the range master head to get a tool set

[@timberwolfmadcat4815]

Excellent review, smooth no ah, ahs, no duh, duhs, and no um ums. Easy to listen to and informative, thanks.

[@darkwriter77]

Thanks. It usually requires a LOT of retakes to get one video right, and anymore, I have to record every video in segments because it's hard to go 15 minutes or so without screwing up. That's where all of the ah's, uh's, and umm's go. Also, lots of flubbed words and angry cursing. I should probably make an outtakes video sometime, or start tacking them on at the end. :-)

[@timberwolfmadcat4815]

darkwriter77 . Then your editing is professional enough to edit the next Star Wars.

[@salenaponce7344]

I'm sold! This will be my next purchase for sure.

[@Larry-tl6vw]

I have 6 22 LR guns, SR22 is my favorite to take out and shoot, very accurate , and it will eat anything you run threw it...

[@MasterSeaKor]

I fell in love with this gun today. I put 225 rounds through a rental at my local range today and wish I had time for another 225. I will be getting one in 2 weeks, should I start bitching about the 22L shortage now or wait a couple weeks? Oh crap I only have about 400 rounds left. Just a great little pistol.

[@NativeTexMexican]

Okay, Im sold. As soon as I get paid I'll be heading to my local gun shop. They have two in stock. Thanks for the ammo advice too.

[@darkwriter77]

Nope, it's just aluminum anodized in silver. Because it's a blowback action pistol, they used aluminum for the slide to make it light enough to operate with the low power of .22 LR. If they used stainless steel, which is heavier, they would have needed to significantly change the mechanical design of the pistol so that it would still function reliably - the SR22 moves the whole slide under recoil, whereas most others just move a much smaller bolt assembly.

[@BAHRAMCR]

Thanks, the best price I have found so far has been at Sportsman store for $329.

[@darkwriter77]

My mistake again - I meant under $350, not $250. I can't type or think straight before I have my coffee in the morning. :-)

[@jamiesloan5902]

I've been watching a lot of reviews on this gun. I want it!!!!!! I absolutely love the decock feature. Makes it very safe to carry, without having to keep the gun on safe. I like having a long trigger pull for my first shot, especially if I'm carrying a gun for self defense. I think a safety would be easily forgotten in a high stress situation. Matter of fact, I've watched lots of videos where the good guy has tried to use his weapon, and forgot that the safety was on. This could get you killed!!!! So, I don't like a safety.

[@darkwriter77]

Just as well, I don't like anything in .22 LR for concealed carry, mainly because .22 LR is a rimfire round and, as such, it tends to be a less reliable cartridge than anything of a centerfire design. Never mind that .22 LR has some pretty abysmal terminal ballistics, as it's all a moot point if the thing won't reliably go bang in the first place, y'know? The SR22 is a fun plinker and maybe a trainer, but realistically, not a good CCW choice.

[@debbiewilson4832]

Excellent review. At 15:01, if you were on a game-show where you would win $1,000,000 if you could correctly answer this question... what would you answer? ("I don't know" wins you nothing. Even wild guesses are welcome and possible wins.) The Big Question: Why did Ruger design the safety in the SR22 to be the opposite of most guns?

[@saddle8bag]

Was just recently contemplating this or a M&P compact 22. Decided that since my other gun's safety works the same way, to go with the M&P over the Ruger. It also fits the hand wonderfully and is a joy to shoot. 22s are great. Really liked the decocker on the Ruger, but I saw that the exposed hammer can bang up your hand after awhile. With the M&P, I shot a ton of old ammo the my FIL had (probably from the 70s). A few didn't go off. The hammer struck the round, but it didn't fire. I assume it was the ammo. With new high velocity ammo, the pistol's been perfect. Both came with two mags and could be had for under $300. Great bangs for the buck so to speak...

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I like the safety, I think it is better thought out then the other way.Your thumb is already there all you have to do is raise your thumb.

[@darkwriter77]

Well, the SR22 does have the same bass-ackwards safety as the issued Taser on my duty belt, so I guess it does at least have that common manual of arms going for it. LOL

[@TN-pw2nl]

Mine failed to extract a couple of Thunderbolts when I first got it. I got a steel guide rod and now no failures with several brands of .22. I don't know if the steel guide rod helped, or if the gun just needed breaking in. I enjoy shooting it very much.

[@darkwriter77]

***** The guide rod did nothing, I assure you. Remington Thunderbolts are garbage ammo - they were back in the 80's when I first used them, and they still are today (many bad primers or wimpy/dud loads and waxy bullet coatings). With Thunderbolts, like many other cheap bulk ammo in .22 LR, you'll occasionally get an under-powered round in the bunch. With blowback action pistols like this, it will go bang, but it won't have enough "oomph" to push the slide back enough to kick out the empty round and pick up the next round. The simpler solution is just to use better ammo, usually anything made by CCI that's standard velocity or higher. I've always liked Federal ammo, but their bulk ammo still has the same issue with occasional under-powered rounds.

[@jeffreymliss]

If you like the Ruger SR-22, try a SR9 or SR9c. I have the SR9c and it feels great in my hand, too. Despite having a 3.4" barrel, it's spot on for me at 50-75 feet. Practically zero recoil and exceptionally reliable/accurate. I also have the SR22, which I find fun to shoot. Mine likes ONLY copper jacketed ammo.

[@darkwriter77]

I've owned botht he SR9 and SR9C as well. Those were very good pistols, too, but I eventually came to favor the ergonomics of the Smith & Wesson M&P and SD lines more, so I traded them both off. Currently, my CCW preferences are the SD9VE and M&P Shield 9mm, with a Ruger LCR .357 and a Kel-Tec P32 occasionally getting carried now and then.

[@jeffreymliss]

darkwriter77 . Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I now carry an M&P Shield, alternating with a SR9c and LCP. I had an M&P 9, but didn't like it. It's nice there are many choices.

[@TheMajHavoc]

Been studying this sidearm for awhile now, liking it more & more every time i pick it up. Almost bought it in South Bend yesterday but the FFL/Transfer was too high $75 ??????? I'll find it closer to home soon & it will be in my arsenal.

[@electrochubb]

My SR22 runs all the ammo as well...target stuff & hi-velocity equally well.I might choose this for my EDC gun.I'll be loading Federal H-Power or mini-mag solids for carry. ...what you say .? A .22 for personal protection.?yep, a few double taps like the intro demo will stop an aggressor.

[@Hydrayak]

Snake shot doesn't always cycle. I use my SR22 as a snake gun when fishing in over grown areas.

[@pickin4you]

They screwed up the safety because they built in the decocker. For the safety to work right, they would have needed to add a separate decocking lever. And a thought on the tight mags. Maybe, probably contacting the bottom of the grip, which slides on. Maybe trim the bottom of the grip sleeve so the mag will not hit it on the bottom????

[@darkwriter77]

Good point on the decocker - makes sense, in a way. Although I wish they would at least offer a "decocker only" version like they did with their P-Series pistols so the lever only drops the hammer and then springs back up - there is NO logical reason for a manual safety on a DA/SA pistol. Not sure if trimming the grip sleeve would do any good, as I can't see that it's contacting the magazine in any way.

[@pickin4you]

darkwriter77 . I just checked mine, and when I grip it, the mag it super tight going in. If I hold it by the slide and push on the mag. it goes in much easier. On mine anyway, the grip is tilting when I hold it, and its causing the mag to have to be pushed hard to seat it. If I re-align the grip, and do not hold the grip, the mag. goes in much easier. On kine, when I grip it, the back of the mag base pad touches the sleeve. When I do not grip it, it does not touch. The sleeves fit tight, but they still have some give to them. Mine does anyway. Not sure how to fix this.

[@darkwriter77]

A stainless SR22? That's news to me, if they exist. I've seen that they have a silver anodized two-tone model, but it's still an aluminum slide and not stainless. Either way, it won't rust up on you if you choose to use it as a CCW, and it cleans up plenty easy after shooting.

[@coyotebrown2294]

So a close to perfect pistol for it's role, but I'll never get over the safety working backwards :(

[@coyotebrown2294]

When I take what feels standard high thumb grip I use on Glock or 1911 it's actuated accidentally, either at first or in the middle of a string.

[@debbiewilson4832]

Why do so many people seem to hate the magazine disconnect? Do you really fire your gun that much... with no magazine anywhere in... or near it?

[@lsmft9576]

You are right. Very cool gun.

[@niceguyzo6]

Just got one today and love it.

[@therifleman5611]

I've ran about 500 rounds through my Ruger SR22 and have had no failures. but as far as accuracy it's not all that great. Mine's only good for about 5 yards if that. so going to trade it back in on something with better accuracy, maybe the new Glock 44 22 LR or a Ruger 22/45 Lite, whatever I want or like. I just don't like the poor accuracy it has.

[@joerico9461]

The Taurus PT 809 has a decocker all the way up is safe down is fire and further down is the decocker so you can carry cocked and locked just like a 1911 all guns that have decockers are not the same

[@darkwriter77]

True, but the PT809 still has the more-normal "up for Safe, down for Fire" manual of arms with the safety lever. The SR22 is ass-backwards for some reason: up for Fire, down for Safe. It's just confusing if you're used to the more standard way, especially since very few pistols with frame-mounted safeties run this way. (Slide-mounted safeties, however, also tend to be backwards. But then again, slide-mounted safeties just plain suck.)

[@TurfSurf]

I love to shoot my 22, but now I don't even look at any 22 pistols or rifles anymore, because I have not seen any 22lrs for sale for almost a year now, so if you buy a 22 piece, it's basically a paperweight, just get a 22 or 25 or 380 or even a 9mm cal air rifle, some might be more expansive than the real firearm, but at least you can get ammos at any time.

[@darkwriter77]

I hear ya', man. I haven't shot my SR22 probably since this video was made. I have a few bricks of .22 LR on hand, but I'm afraid to burn any of it up because I can't replace it ... or at least I'm not willing to spend $75 or more per brick to get it from the scumbags that buy it all up and resell it. I've had better luck finding .45 ACP and 9mm in stock than .22 LR, and since it's considerably more pricey, my range time has pretty limited these days. :-(

[@TurfSurf]

Me too, I have about 3 large boxes left, and that's it. Not touching mine at all, and I am not willing to pay extortion prices to buy 22s. I rather shoot my blow back CO2 pistols before I pay the ammo scamers.

[@darkwriter77]

***** Same here ... hence the reviews I've done more recently on pellet pistols. :-)

[@darkwriter77]

Thanks! It's a great little shooter - I'm sure you'll love it.

[@fr373969]

just fyi, you can dry fire this pistol, that's why it is better than mp22 comapct or p22 for beginner imho..

[@darkwriter77]

Yuan-Jen Lee Dry-firing the SR22 is not something I would get in the habit of doing. The firing pin still strikes the barrel hood when this happens, and it creates a ding in the surface that can affect function, as well as putting undue stress on the firing pin (it's designed to sustain strikes to soft brass primers, not hardened steel). It won't necessarily break anything if it happens now and then, like if the gun fails to strip a round off the mag because of an underpowered round (frequent issue with bulk Federal ammo), but if you sit there and just dry fire the thing over and over and over again, eventually something's going to give.

[@slyjb8733]

Yuan-Jen Lee pretty sure you can a lot of stuff i read and even the manual says its okay to dry fire

[@slyjb8733]

Yuan-Jen Lee like he said i wouldnt do it non stop though just in case

[@artsmith103]

Yuan-Jen Lee it's designed to be dry fired. No issue.

[@rocky7983]

I feel your pain, I don't like the idea the mag doesn't connect at once and the safety release.

[@redneckmini14]

im pretty sure the reason the safety seems backwards to u is because it is a safety/decocker. the sr9 and other sr handguns r striker fire, so the safety goes up. this is just the typical way that these two designs work. i have never seen a hammer fire gun where the decocker goes up. maybe they r out there, but i cant think of any.

[@darkwriter77]

redneckmini14 As I believe I mentioned in the video, if it was mounted on the slide, it wouldn't be as confusing to me because then it would be like every other DA/SA gun out there (Beretta 92FS being the most common example). But with it on the frame, it's just confusing because my thumb automatically thinks it's like how all the other frame-mounted safeties that Ruger uses on their guns (SR1911, SR9, LC9, Mark III, etc.) with down being Fire and up being Safe. Bersa uses the standard up-for-Safe frame-mounted safety with their Ultra Compact 9/45 pistols, which are hammer-fired, and putting the lever up to Safe decocks the hammer - why couldn't Ruger have done it this way, too? It really has nothing to do with whether the gun is hammer-fired or striker-fired, but rather it was just a goofy decision made by Ruger's engineers.

[@MMAFan20]

I'm torn between this and the Walther P22QD I like the hammer and decocker but I hear they aren't reliable. Other videos say they fixed it with the upgrade.

[@donjo9411]

I would definitely carry this gun daily

[@darkwriter77]

...until you could afford something in a centerfire caliber. The problem with the SR22 as a carry gun is not the pistol, itself, but the inherent unreliability of rimfire ammo in general. Even with quality ammo, I have WAYYYY more dud rounds in .22 LR than I've ever had with anything in .32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, etc. It's all about how the rimfire primer is manufactured that makes it unreliable: there's often a little "gap" inside the rim where the primer agent is thin or missing, and if the firing pin hits that spot, you get a click instead of a bang.

[@bettersteps]

You can pull back the hammer with the mag out. I just tried it on mine.

[@darkwriter77]

Yes, you can pull the hammer back with a mag out. So what? The trigger is still dead. Still nonfunctional. Still doesn't fire. Magazine disconnect means gun with no mag no go pew pew no more. Not sure what point you're trying to make here, guy.

[@bettersteps]

@@darkwriter77 13:42 Your words. Your video.

[@jizzythefroggy1108]

snake shot is for single shot guns or revolvers. if you like shooting snake shot get a small cheap revolver from a gun show or gunbroker and you'll be set ;)

[@homertalk]

Beautiful gun!

[@TedSchoenling]

Treat the frame safety as a decocker and it is like CZ's ;)

[@danz9351]

I currently have a Ruger SR9c that I keep in my home but was looking to get a smaller caliber to carry on me. I was considering the SR22 but some of my friends are telling me that I should carry a larger caliber than a 22. Thoughts?

[@darkwriter77]

+Dan Z I wouldn't recommend .22 LR simply because rimfire cartridges are inherently less reliable by design than centerfire cartridges. At a minimum, I would suggest either .32 ACP (with FMJ only) or .380 ACP (only with Lehigh Defense or Inceptor/Ruger ARX ammo); ideally, I would recommend .38 Special or 9mm as a basic caliber. There are PLENTY of options in those calibers that are the same size or smaller than the SR22 and will serve you better. If you want the ultimate in teeny-tiny/lightweight in a bare-minimum caliber, pick up a Kel-Tec P32 and load it with Fiocchi or Sellier & Bellot FMJ ammo and you'll be fine; a better option would be a Ruger LCR in .38 +P or .357 Magnum (you can load .38's in it, but the extra frame weight tames recoil better) or a Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380; and better still would be a Sig Sauer P938 or P290, or a Smith & Wesson Shield in 9mm. All shoot comfortably and reliably without painful recoil and will offer adequate ballistic penetration (and expansion in 9mm/.38 Special calibers) when used with the right ammo.

[@scottperson9487]

Great gun. I love mine even with the quirks. Why does a magazine disconnect bug anyone? So many "accidents" have happened when someone checks the chamber and then removes the magazine to "clear" the gun instead of removing the magazine and checking the chamber that I understand why the lawyers added it. (I am not a lawyer)

[@darkwriter77]

The magazine disconnect was something originally developed for military/police pistols (like the Browning Hi-Power) in case a close-quarters struggle ensued for the gun and the mag could be dropped, thus rendering the gun "safe." Such a feature is pretty useless and unnecessary in a concealed carry application, and 100% useless for plinking/target pistols. Also, it affects the trigger pull quality and often doesn't allow magazines to drop freely. Regardless, mechanical safeties are NEVER a substitute for proper safe handling of a firearm.

[@scottperson9487]

I agree completely with the last comment but you missed the point of my comment. I "understand" why they are being added to guns it is because people do not properly handle a gun safely. It just does not bug me.

[@darkwriter77]

Scott Person No, I get what you mean. But again, no number of added mechanical safeties can overcome unsafe handling of a firearm. Basically, you can't "idiot-proof" a gun. If you build something to be idiot-proof, someone will build a better idiot. The only way to make a gun 100% safe to "protect" people who won't handle them safely is to build a completely non-functional firearm ... and then some idiot will find a way to make it functional just for the sake of hurting themselves and then suing the manufacturer.

[@scottperson9487]

darkwriter77 . Totally on the same page. Keep up the videos.

[@scottperson9487]

darkwriter77 . www.foxnews.com/us/2013/12/10/teen-hero-16-fatally-shot-inside-indiana-home/ Sad that this happened.

[@imagin273]

great video, you sold me on the SR22

[@renemaier5197]

good review, this gun is so awesome and very handsome

[@rolsonDotcom]

I bet the safety was a mistake in the design phase which they couldn't rectify before production

[@darkwriter77]

Nah. Wasn't a mistake by design. They deliberately made it that way ... although, again, I can't for the life of me figure out what sort of logic went behind that decision to give it a backwards safety. There are other pistols out there with similarly backwards "Up for fire, down for safe" type manual safeties, but they're usually ones with slide-mounted levers instead of grip frame-mounted ones.

[@armedfarm3429]

@@darkwriter77 It's a bad deal because a guy could get things mucked up with all the other "like" pistols the way they should be, not to mention the other safeties could cost a feller a dog bite out here.

[@anselmoalliegro460]

After you take up the trigger slack, as you squeeze, and before the sear releases the hammer, there is an annoying click. Is there any way of fixing this?

[@darkwriter77]

+Anselmo Alliegro I've never noticed anything like that with mine. It could just be that yours still needs some break-in to help everything smooth out. Just keep shooting it a bunch. As long as it's not actually malfunctioning, it shouldn't be an issue. Besides, the SR22 is not a target pistol, it's more of a trainer to replicate compact centerfire pistols (such as the SR9C), so it's not going to have a perfectly crisp trigger such as, say, the Ruger Mark III or 22/45 Lite pistols.

[@RamiroUM]

I actually pref the safety the way it is

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

Still waiting to shoot mine. I have the SR22T can't wait to put my suppressor on it and run some rounds through it, btw does anyone know where you can buy mags for this thing at a discounted cost for buying multiple mags, $35 is a bit high. I want at least four more.

[@armedfarm3429]

I wish the Ruger was getting the reviews the Taurus xt 22 was getting because the Rugger is a nicer looking- handling pistol. But all of them goofy safeties & accuracy problems........................

[@darkwriter77]

I owned the Taurus TX22 not too long ago. Thing would lock back after every other round no matter what, so I sent it back to Taurus for repair. Got it back with a note saying they "adjusted" the slide stop. Then, not only would it not lock back on an empty mag EVER, but if you manually locked the slide back, it would randomly drop the slide closed on its own! Nope! Not for me. Got rid of it ASAP. (Aside from that, it DID have a nice trigger, felt nice in-hand, and fired most brands of ammo without issues.)

[@houstonb9646]

Glock, SR22, SR9c what's your opinion on what's best as far as reliability, accuracy and carry? Thanks

[@darkwriter77]

+Houston B Any pistol can only be as reliable as the ammo it chambers and fires. For that reason alone, I wouldn't recommend any .22 LR for CCW purposes unless you absolutely positively do not have any other alternative. Rimfire cartridges like .22 LR have an unreliable means of powder ignition. I've had more duds than I can count with .22 LR ammo (even with CCI), but only one or two EVER with centerfire pistol cartridges.

[@houstonb9646]

+darkwriter77 thanks man I really appreciate your response and knowledge. Learning something new everytime, again thank you

[@darkwriter77]

+mr1bienvenu1 The problem is not always the brand; the problem is the design of rimfire ammunition, in general. It is inherently not as reliable as centerfire ammunition. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of failures I've had with CCI, and I've shot a crap-ton of it over the years - it's great stuff, but not perfect. Duds with CCI are pretty rare, but it's still not something I'm usually willing to bet my life upon when there are plenty of affordable centerfire-caliber options out there in the same size package (or smaller) with very little recoil that will perform just as well or better (the Kel-Tec P32, for example).

[@ams914]

The slide stop is not reversible right?

[@aluisious]

The safety doesn't bother me. I don't use safeties on guns, that's what my trigger finger does :p

[@annubis1238]

Now almost 3 years later, any problems with the take down lever breaking?

[@darkwriter77]

+offonroad None whatsoever. But then again, I haven't gotten to shoot it very much over the past couple of years because .22 LR ammo still continues to be kind of difficult to obtain at reasonable prices. People are STILL camping out in places like Wal-Mart to buy it up and resell it at inflated prices ... and people are still dumb enough to pay those inflated prices, which is why they keep reselling it. So my SR22 hasn't had nearly as much fun time as it deserves, unfortunately.

[@annubis1238]

10-4, thankyou for the info.

[@darkwriter77]

+Robdoggierob It's been so long since I've seen .22 LR on a store shelf, I honestly couldn't tell you for sure.

[@Robdoggierob]

darkwriter77 Oh damn that sucks. I guess it must be harder to find in some places. Doesn't seem to be a problem here. Thanks for the response :)

[@michaelohara2161]

Guns with decockers, decock by pushing the lever down, that's why. It is not out of the ordinary. Good video though.

[@darkwriter77]

Not all are designed this way. Some manufacturers with frame-mounted safeties will decock the hammer as you press the lever up to put it on Safe, such as Bersa.

[@rickcole2301]

I got and idea if it bothers you that much why don't you call and ask him they'd be happy to tell you everybody that does a review on this pistol they have the same problem with the safety but since they're the ones who designed it there must be a reason why they did that way that is all I feel better now

[@darkwriter77]

Well, as long as you feel better, I guess that's what's important. :-)

[@flywithabel]

Do a review on your gun stand!

[@darkwriter77]

+Abel Joel LOL! I haven't posted a video on my channel for about 18 months now. Been super busy with working a totally insane schedule and writing/publishing a ton of fiction until just this past month. Might be able to finally start getting back into it a bit this year, now that I have a set schedule again with sane hours.

[@flywithabel]

Haha. I hear ya. I just bought the Sr22 a few weeks ago. Love it so far. 

[@UPGardenr]

I like the safety that way just me

[@darkwriter77]

UPGardenr I kinda wish they would make a decocker-only version of the SR22, like they did with many of their P-series pistols. There's no logical need or practical use for a manual safety on a pistol that has a DA/SA trigger, unless it's a CZ75B type design that allows for the option of cocked-and-locked carry (which the SR22 does not).

[@82raptor]

Say what you want but in my opinion the 22/45 lite is just a bit better!

[@darkwriter77]

"Better" kind of depends on what your needs/wants are. I hated the field strip/reassembly process of the 22/45 that I had, and the SR22 just feels like it was molded perfectly for my hand. Just personal preference - I don't think one could really do wrong to buy either pistol.

[@82raptor]

darkwriter77 . I have bigger hands so for me the SR22 was just not as comfortable as the 22/45 lite. The take down process CAN be a bit of a pain but practice makes perfect. Both of these guns are great but right now I am saving up for a new SR9C.

[@Frank-px2gq]

Remember Red for HOT ( Fire)

[@BAHRAMCR]

You did not talk about the price !

[@darkwriter77]

Sorry. It sells at most places for less than $350. Since I made this video, they have released several other versions of the SR22 with different slide and frame colors, and with the option of a threaded barrel, so the prices can vary quite a bit, just like the Ruger Mark III and 22/45.

[@stratfinders8095]

I carry a 22. Any questions? LOL!

[@darkwriter77]

+StratFinders Two questions, actually: 1. Which .22 LR do you carry? 2. Why not something bigger, or at least in a centerfire caliber like .32 ACP?

[@jimdelora2732]

Just got mine...$395 in NJ.....

[@justinheretotroll3032]

+Jim Delora New $309(what a deal!) in Iowa :) Great handgun!

[@darkwriter77]

To my knowledge, no, it's not reversible.

[@Ken-co5pc]

how much would this sell for?

[@darkwriter77]

+Ken Blalock Ruger's site lists the MSRP for the standard SR22 as being $439. I can't recall having ever seen a standard one on sale for that high of a price. Typically, they're somewhere in the low- to mid-300's. The newer models with different finishes, threaded barrels, extended barrels, etc. are probably at $400 or higher new. Decide which specific version you want, then shop around locally and online for that to see who's got the best deal.

[@Ken-co5pc]

+darkwriter77 Thank you.

[@artsmith103]

Ken Blalock Maybe now a little lower price. I just paid $330 with paper work. No tax where I live :-) I've seen them new on GunBroker.com for $280 but then shipping plus FFL gets it close to $330 again. For some people maybe a great way to avoid tax.

[@hominhchi]

I just ordered a stainless while watched you and other about this SR22. I hated you guys. :)

[@justinheretotroll3032]

Those grips do not "come right off" lol

[@darkwriter77]

+Justin Heretotroll They're kinda difficult the first time or two, but they get easier to take off and put on after you do it once or twice. Kinda like that pin in the grip of the M&P pistols that holds in the grip panels - getting it out that first time or two is a real chore.

[@justinheretotroll3032]

Yep once I got it the large one came right off, tried the little one and decided I liked the large one better. That little bugger was ON THERE!. I love it, very ergonomic.

[@angeldej4225]

Purchased one about two years ago, it is the worst pistol I ever bought. It literally does everything you mentioned on the video. Failure to feed, stove pipe. Didn't matter what velocity ammo or brand I used.The white dots on the rear sight fell off. I also replaced the guide rod, didn't do anything for it. Will never buy Ruger anything ever again...!

[@darkwriter77]

Did you ever try contacting Ruger and having them fix it under warranty? I had a later model SR22 (4.5" barrel) and something went awry with the barrel rifling that caused all of my ammo to keyhole at all distances. Called 'em, sent it in (free shipping to/from), and they had it back to me within a month. Not a single problem since then. Only Ruger model I've ever had to send back for repair, and I've owned a LOT of Rugers over the years.

[@hominhchi]

I thought it was SS. It looks like SS.

[@braveheartwarrior]

love it but the safety is DUMB why why why why... thanku I had to get that off my chest

[@rafaeldiaz631]

Sr9c

[@darkwriter77]

Rafael Diaz Ummm ... what about it?

[@johndoe3640]

The double action trigger pull is long, heavy, full of creep and stacks badly. It was designed by a lawyer. The magazine safety ruins an otherwise great gun.

[@bfx20018f]

You don't have to use it.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Are you calling a Walther a Valther?

[@darkwriter77]

Ja! Das is Deutch! (Germans often pronounce W's as V's. Ex: "Vee haff vays of makeeng you talk...")

[@johnsilver7150]

I was wanting to get a 22 handgun for plinking. After watching all the you tube vids on the SR22 I decided to take a closer look. I went to the local shop and after checking this pistol out I would never purchase this Firearm. It has the worse trigger I have ever seen. It is rough, notchy and heavy even single action. Terrible. And I examined several to make sure it was not just one.Ruger should be ashamed. I have had pistols and revolvers for many years . This firearm is terrible.

[@darkwriter77]

I think you have "plinking" and "competition match-quality" confused. This IS a pistol for plinking, and possibly as a cheap trainer pistol for defensive shooting drills. It is NOT meant to have a super-light, super-short, super-crisp trigger, as most defensive pistols on the market are deliberately made with triggers that are somewhat heavy and generally far from ideal for precision shots. If something with a superbly light, short, crisp trigger is what you seek, you'd be better off instead looking at the new Ruger Mark IV (I currently have the stainless Hunter model and love it to pieces, it's a dream to shoot) or perhaps the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory (I also had that, but traded it in towards the Mark IV).

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

Still waiting to shoot mine. I have the SR22T can't wait to put my suppressor on it and run some rounds through it, btw does anyone know where you can buy mags for this thing at a discounted cost for buying multiple mags, $35 is a bit high. I want at least four more.

[@darkwriter77]

I can't recall the last time I ever saw ANY Ruger pistol magazine (except maybe a Mark III or 22/45) selling for less than $30. Aside from maybe 1911, Hi-Power, and Beretta 92 magazines, $30 to $40 per mag has pretty much become the norm for just about every handgun manufacturer out there. At least Ruger's mags do have a pretty good reputation for reliability. Of course, if a third party company starts making SR22 mags, they might be cheaper, but if it's anything like ProMag, they can be VERY hit-or-miss in terms of quality and reliability.

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

This is true, I found good deals on the BX 25 mags from Cabelas, & saw great deals on the 10/22 rotary mags in which I wanted 5 more.