22 WMR

Geri

Need sosm input on the 22WMR semi-auto handguns. AMT? Others? Thanks

dtknowles

I had an AMT Automag II with 6 inch barrel. Was a bit fussy about feeding CCI ammo, it also was not 100% with Winchester ammo either. Mine was not accurate enough to take advantage of the extra velocity, I was thinking it would be good for longer shots like 75 yards or so. My Single Six is much more accurate.

Tim

spasmcreek

had to clean chamber regular because they had 6 tiny holes drilled in chamber liner that acted as gas check on case to retard blowback...3 barrel lengths, would only go with 6"..... mine was OK.... like grendel they are to expensive now ...better luck with revolver

jamesjo

Have a new Houston built AMT, Really a finicky eater at first and went back to High Standard twice. Now seems to be much better after I have a few hundred rounds through it. other problem I have is that at 25 yards it shoots about 1" low with sights adjusted to the the stop. Also pretty pricey piece but as I get to know the pistol it I am liking it more and more.
Also just purchase a new Excel Arms MP-22 22 WMRF semi automatic, It is a single action striker fired piece, 8.5" bull barrel, stainless steel and polymer construction. Pretty large piece with a nice rail on top for optics. Have not had a chance to fire it yet, but so far very impressed with the piece. Much cheaper than the AMT. You can check them out at excelarms.com I believe these are your only two choices for 22 mag in a semi automatic, and I would not be afraid of buying either one again, I have heard alot of bad things about the Older CA built AMT pieces but have had no experience with them.

tsr1965

Don't do it. The AMT's are unreliable, and you will spend more time clearing stoppages than shooting. Want a 22wmr in a handgun....T/C Contender, Anshutz Exemplar, or revolver.

gunnut505

There's nothing wrong with the older AMTs that a guy with a welder and the address of a good parts house can't fix; the only trouble I've had with my AMTII is the lug under the barrel cracked a weld at 30,000 rounds or so. 15 minutes work with a TIG got it running again.
It has been my most accurate semi in this caliber, though I do shoot it a lot and know where it hits. I've had no problems whatsoever with the chamber or the many tiny blind holes drilled there to allow the case to expand and release easily; I don't use cheap ammo like CCI or store brands, maybe that and scrupulous cleaning have saved me the troubles others have had. Grendels are getting VERY expensive; I got my first for $250 back when mags were only $17 from the factory, and they've gone past $600 in lots of auctions for the guns, and the mags are going for anywhere from $75-$125 each!
As far as I can tell, my T/C Contender hasn't been able to fire more than one shot at a time since it was made, so I'm not sure they qualify as semiautos; they are, however, very accurate and fairly inexpensive.
Revolvers, on the other hand, are plentiful and not very pricey; but you may give up some accuracy in the dual caliber models.

Geri

Thank for the input. Revolver/ Ruger, S&W, taurus, colt, etc. any prefernces?

stankemp

One more weigh in on AMT Automag IIs. I have the short baerrel and long barrel versions. I'm missing the intermediate barrel to round out the collection. Neither is unreliable and both are great fun guns. Not terribly accurate but accurate enough. These beasties like Winchester and CCI Maximags. The muzzle flash is spectacular and recoil is light. Cost of ammo for plinking is a bit expensive. The short barrel piece is good for CCW. All in all I'm keeping these and looking for the intermediate barrel . Both mine were made in Irwindale, CA.
Stan