A 22 pistol is a great gun for people who want to carry a handgun but don’t need or can’t afford a large capacity handgun. These guns are also great for people with arthritis or limited hand strength who can’t shoot a full size pistol. They are light and easy to conceal so they are great for self-defense.
Bill Ruger read the market correctly in 1949 when he introduced a single action rimfire pistol that was cheaper than others and just as good to shoot. The Ruger Single-Six looked a lot like the Colt SAA, but was smaller and used the grip frame that had proven to be the one most likely to fit the majority of shooters.
The High Standard – often misspelled “Hi-Standard” as engraved on some early models – became the de facto standard for target pistols. The rifled barrels were exceptional, and the triggers were smooth and well suited to marksmanship practice. The High Standard was also an excellent service pistol, with suppressed versions serving in World War II and the Cold War. They were carried by OSS field operatives (including Air America pilots) and members of the Army’s Special Forces in classified Studies and Observations Groups, including Navy SEALs and Green Berets.
In 1961 Browning began producing a more affordable version of the High Standard called the Nomad. Its serial number was prefixed by the model letter code and then a two digit year of manufacture. For example, a Nomad produced in 1962 would have a serial number that read 01000P2. Later, in 1976, John Val Browning, the grandson of the founder of the company and then president of the company, introduced a new series of 22 pistol designed by Lee Faber that used a different frame and had the same dimensions as the earlier Single-Six and Nomad models. The new line, the Buck Mark, was made entirely in the US and had a simpler takedown procedure that did away with the need for tools. The new models had a more modern appearance, and the new safety was bilateral paddle-shaped safeties rather than a small safety button in the middle of the grip frame.
The Heritage Rough Rider is a lightweight, reliable and accurate rimfire pistol. Its 10+1 capacity, ergonomics and ease of use make it a great choice for home defense, especially for those with hand-strength limitations or arthritis. The slide serrations are well-placed to facilitate rapid loading and the frame mounted safety is easier to operate than the usual slide-mounted safeties found on most other pistols of this type. The sights are adjustable and provide a very precise sight picture, even at longer distances. The rugged, no-frills design makes this a pistol that will serve its owner well for years to come. It’s also a great pistol for beginners who are just starting out in shooting. The accuracy of the rifled barrel with a full load of ammunition is impressive and will make anyone feel confident firing a 22 pistol in a defensive situation.
Thursday, October 12, 2023