New 12/22 to my USFA 22LR Collection

Doc Sunrise · December 24, 2009, 04:13:26 AM

My new 12/22, bottom of the group, Nickel plated with Fleur de lis Walnut grips is gorgeous. The second gun is a USFA 22 Plinker with second 22 mag cylinder, the remaining three are 12/22's. So far all have shot wonderfully, so I expect the new one to do so as well. My son and I have loads of fun at the range shooting these 22's along with our Colt M4 Carbine and S&W M15-22 in 22LR. The rifles were our birthday presents. The new 12/22 is our Christmas present.

Fit & Finish is excellent. The Fleur de Lis grips are beautiful. The 12/22's with the Walnut grips are consecutive numbered guns.

Blackpowder Burn · December 24, 2009, 07:27:51 AM

Doc,

Sounds like you've been a good boy this year to get all those neat presents. And those are absolutely gorgeous revolvers. Maybe some day I can save up the money to buy a nickel plated USFA.

Sikeston Slinger · December 24, 2009, 08:48:04 AM

Doc:

Beautiful guns, as always!

I have a question for you. I have never owned a .22 revolver. I am intrigued by the 12/22 (even in the face of some of the other comments on these I have seen). In your opinion, what barrel length shows the best balance - 5 1/2 or 7 1/2 (or 4 3/4, if you have handled one of those). I imagine the cylinder is heavier, and the barrel is heavier - all of my USFAs are .45 Colts.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you and the board!!!

Doc Sunrise · December 24, 2009, 12:18:15 PM

Merry Christmas to all as well!

Sikeston Slinger, I have not handled a 4 3/4" 12/22 yet, but the 7 1/2" is better balanced between it and the 5 1/2" models. The 7 1/2" feels smooth like an extension of your arm when raising it. The 5 1/2" feels a bit heavier in the palm of your hand. It still points very well and shoots very easily. Compared to the 5 1/2" plinker the 5 1/2" 12/22 actually feels lighter in the hand. I can only imagine the 4 3/4" 12/22 would feel close to the same as the 5 1/2", so I believe the 7 1/2" is the best balanced.

Charlie Bison · December 25, 2009, 12:44:43 AM

Sikeston Slinger, I have handled all three and without a doubt the 4 3/4 balances the best. These are very heavy guns being that they are full size frames in 22 caliber. After I felt all three I went with 4 3/4 ain't she a beaute!

Doc Sunrise · December 25, 2009, 08:44:50 PM

To me, the 7 1/2" barrel weight offsets the heaviness of the frame and makes the entire gun feel balanced. When you hold the 7 1/2" loosely, it does not tilt in any particular direction. It holds its position very well. However, when doing the same with the 5 1/2", the entire gun feels like it wants to roll backwards, which I believe is due to the weight of the frame and cylinder not being balanced out by barrel weight. This is strictly my perception and opinion.

Capt. Willard · December 26, 2009, 11:35:58 AM

Love those plinkers...I have one on my wish list for quite awhile now.
For me the 7/12 barrels balance and point much more naturally!

Sikeston Slinger · December 28, 2009, 12:31:00 PM

Wow - those are shore-nuff some pretty guns - Doc's and Charlie's!!!

Well, looks like I need to get me a 4 3/4" and a 7 1/2" so I don't have to make such a hard decision!!!