Phoenix Arms HP-22

ZackJones

Greetings,I'm looking for opinions on the Phoenix Arms HP-22 pistol. My dad is interested in one and I was thinking about picking it up for him. Is there anything good or bad I should know in advance?Take Care,Zack Jones

Sage

Gun Tests, June 2000-Don't buy rating, during testing slide locked back ending test session. Improperly installed recoil spring was the problem. I would not buy one of these for my dad. Spend a little more money and buy him a Ruger or a used High Standard.

pabooger

I have owned one for two years. It's not a bad handgun for the price. Ive shot a lot of rounds thru it. As far as Im concerned it has three downfalls, it's a real * to put back together after you tear it down, the firing pin block is a pain in the butt, and my slide tends to stick when gun gets dirty. This could be cause the spring is weak im not sure. I agree with Zack, I would pay a little more and buy a Ruger, or maybe a Taurus. Taurus makes a real nice semi Auto 22 and it wont cost you an arm and a leg. Pabooger

EVILDR235

I had 2 of them.Wasted hours trying to get them to work properly.Stripped them both,and sold parts on eBay.Buy a Ruger 22 Auto Pistol.Anything thats been made for 53 years,has to be good.I own alot of them at this time.Looking for more.Dr.Evil

leeblackman

I think pabooger had it on the dot as far as its downfalls. If you really want one, don't let anyone here tell you otherwise, just don't risk your life on it carrying it for defense, its not good enough for that. But just for plinking around, why not.I'd say make sure to break it in properly, and maybe have it polished up by a gunsmith on the places where the factory cut corners to save time and money. For reliable functioning I'd probably stick to only ball fmj ammo. And keep it very clean, don't over oil it.

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Visit me http://www.geocities.com/gunsmithlee

ZackJones

Thanks, everyone for your replies. The HP-22 wouldn't be for me. It's for my father for his Father's Day present. He likes to shoot .22 and think I'm going to get him the full Range master kit that comes with 3 and 5 inch barrels.He does not carry and my carry weapon is a Glock 23.Take Care,Zack Jones

JudgeColt

I have always thought these were kind of neat pistols, and have been meaning to buy one just to see. I seem to recall that the American Rifleman Dope Bag gave a fairly good review of one. I too like the "kit" package. I think anyone could give the pistol a "fluff and buff" without the services of a gunsmith. Most guns have a few rough edges that the average tinkerer can remove easily. I would polish all friction contact points and the feed ramp, plus the breechface and extractor hook. My guess is that the pistol will run well enough for a plinker after such treatment. I would be curious to know where Mr. Blackman get his full metal jacket .22 rimfire ammunition. I have heard of such ammuntion (for specialized military applications), but I have never seen any. I would guess it is very expensive, if it can be found.[This message has been edited by JudgeColt (edited 04-03-2002).]

pabooger

I feed my Hp22 Thunderbolts, I realize that they are cheap ammo but they are a little more pointed and seem to feed better in the semi auto's.

EVILDR235

Hi,how about a range report on your dads gift.Good luck,Dr.Evil

ZackJones

EVILDR235:I have to find the pistol first I have a local shop hunting for the RangMaster kit for me. They have one in Blue but not Nickel and I know dad wants the Nickel version. Whenever I do get to shoot it I'll post a message here.Take Care,Zack Jones