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I would like to get my wife a .22 lr semi-auto that is similar to her Kahr P9 9mm. She now shoots a Ruger 22/45 for fun but consistantly has a hard time getting the magazine lined up to easliy slide in. Also, I clean her guns for her when we get back from the range and I HATE trying to get that Ruger back together again after cleaning.

So, any ideas for a .22 lr semi-auto that comes close to the same feel and action as her Kahr ?

(You'll probably see this query on several forums)
Paul G

I don't know anything about the Kahr, but I like my P-22 Walther.

I hear mixed reviews, but mine has been fun to shoot, and in my opinion is much more like a carry weapon than the Ruger.

pfgrone wrote:Also, I clean her guns for her when we get back from the range and I HATE trying to get that Ruger back together again after cleaning.

It's a .22; spray it down, oil it, and forget it.

Seriously. I know that's hard to adjust to, especially for those of us who are former military, but the fact is, .22s just don't need detailed cleaning. Competition shooters strive for consistency, and many rimfire competitors absolutely will not clean their guns in the traditional sense.

Think of a good .22 like you would a good cast iron skillet: once it gets seasoned, don't let soap anywhere near it.

Kevin

I've taken to using a large can of generic spray brake cleaner. It's identical in ingredients to the brand name brake parts cleaners, at about a third the cost at places like Walmart.

I hose the gun down at the range, dip a swab in bore cleaner, and run it through, rinse with brake cleaner. Then a few drops of oil in the right places, and high heat lithium grase on slides and bearing surfaces of revolvers.

I find I can clean up half a dozen guns with this method in less than 15 minutes before leaving the range. Which makes sense for me, because all the guns are already outside and available.
Once the guns are cased they don't have to be all be drug out again at home.

pfgrone wrote:So, any ideas for a .22 lr semi-auto that comes close to the same feel and action as her Kahr ?

Don't know how much it will help, but there are about 20 .22LR pistols reviewed here at GunDirectory.com. I think it'll be the size and grip-to-trigger feel that will be hardest to match. KRM45 may not know anything about the Kahr, but the Walther P22 he mentioned may come pretty close. It's just a fraction of an ounce lighter than the Kahr, about half an inch longer, and exactly the same height. But it's a DA/SA trigger, not a DAO.

The Taurus 22/25 is a DAO, but is a differently-sized pistol; smaller with a 2.75" barrel. The Bersa Thunder 22 may be an option worth a look, too. It's a little larger in all dimensions than the Kahr--but close--though I don't know what kind of trigger system it has.

I agree the Rugers are a pain to field strip...in fact, "field" may be a misnomer unless you regularly carry a rubber mallet in your backpack. But what I especially like about my little Ruger 22/45 5.5" bull barrel is that it has the same basic grip shape and angle as a 1911, and the trigger is close enough to a 1911 to serve as a good plinker that doubles as practice. At the range I can switch back and forth between the Ruger and the 1911s without having to readjust to the "feel" in my hand.

Good luck!