Recommend the Beretta Neo?

[ag1052]

I'm new to guns. Ill be getting a 9mm for self/home defense fairly soon but I've been considering also getting a 22lr pistol to get some shooting experience since (when you can find the ammo it's cheap). I'm looking to stay under the $300 mark. From what I've found it seems the beretta neo looks like it fits my needs. Anyone have any thoughts on it?

 

[CrazedJava]

Actually wrote a review on it last year -

Beretta U22 Neos Review

Since I've written that review it continues to perform great. I like the fact that it is not ammo picky and in fact has not had any issues despite the fact I can't always be choosy on what ammo I have on hand. These are bad days to have a .22 that will only use a particular brand.

 

[Orbie]

I owned one and while it shot great right out of the box, I didn't like the grip angle or how the safety can dig into the web of your hand. Go to Academy or your lgs and fondle one to see what I mean. You can order a kit from Beretta that converts it into a rifle and thus have 2 guns in 1. (If you don't already have a 10/22 or similar .22 rifle). Not a horrible gun but I also wouldn't choose it over a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger 22/45.

 

[OnyxATX]

The Ruger 22/45 personally gets my vote for a 22 pistol.

 

[Orbie]

Java, just read your review. Spot on in many aspects and overall was a great review that covered everything. Do you have anymore reviews? I would enjoy reading them when I have time.

 

[CrazedJava]

Nothing else published. Have some unfinished ones for a Magnum Research Baby Eagle and Ruger P89 that I plan to finish "someday"

 

[ag1052]

Thanks guys, if you all have recommendations please feel free to post. As long as its a good 22lr handgun (also Id like to stay away from the ones that are picky on the ammo brand, that is what attracted me to the neo). It doesnt even have to be a semi automatic. A revolver would be just fine but Id rather it not look like a movie prop for a western.

 

[CrazedJava]

What's your price range? The revolvers are nice but get expensive fast. (Edit - Duh. $300 from the original post)

For automatics that are NOT ammo picky amd all for around $350 or less you can get -
S&W M&P 22 - Fired this one and loved it
ATI GSG 1911-22
Ruger SR22
Browning Buckmark
Ruger 22/45
Beretta Neos

From my own experience, I would stay away from the S&W M22A or the SIG Mosquito. I generally have not heard positive things about the Walther P22 either but can't speak from experience.

Everything I recommended is either a gun I own, a gun I've fired, or have had regular positive reviews and/or owner input. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

I personally own a Heritage Rough Rider that is essentially a Colt Peacemaker clone in .22. It does look like it is out of a western but it was cheap ($190 at Academy) and it is damn fun to shoot. The sights are not the greatest though.

 

[TheCytochromeC]

I love my neos with its 6" barrel. It eats everything, and I mean everything. In fact, some guy at the range asked if we could swap .22's for a second to see how he liked it. He didn't.. and most don't. I tested the buck mark he lent me by putting my "neos ammo" through it. It jammed about 20% of the time.

The bad :the front sight can use some paint as it comes from the factory black and the trigger reset is almost non-existent. I like the thin grip and don't mind the angle too much. It's definitely a different pistol that's for sure. For the price and finish you get, in my opinion, it's worth it.

 

[Blind Sniper]

Java, does your Rough Rider have the laminate grips, the fake ivory, or the normal wood? With any luck I'll be getting the laminate for my 21st in November (the .22 Mag conversion cylinder is just a bonus IMO).

 

[CrazedJava]

Java, does your Rough Rider have the laminate grips, the fake ivory, or the normal wood? With any luck I'll be getting the laminate for my 21st in November (the .22 Mag conversion cylinder is just a bonus IMO).

Whoops, I guess I left out some details since there are so many variations. $190 is not really a great deal, they can be found cheaper. However, mine came with the .22 WMR cylinder thus the higher price. I wanted the ammo flexibility after the panic hit. Laminate grips and 6" barrel. The 4" barrel does look pretty sweet but I decided to go with function over form.

They also make models with adjustable sights as well. Mine just doesn't have them

 

[Blind Sniper]

Yeah, if I can find one with the 6 inch barrel, .22 Mag conversion and laminate grips I'm jumping on it

 

[CrazedJava]

Keep an eye out at Academy. They go fast but turn up often.

Grabagun.com was getting them in stock regularly as well.

Also, Academy rotates the Neos in and out pretty good as well. $250 is a decent price. I see them go for $300 at other places but it's silly to pay that much when there are so many Academy's around.

 

[ag1052]

I personally own a Heritage Rough Rider that is essentially a Colt Peacemaker clone in .22. It does look like it is out of a western but it was cheap ($190 at Academy) and it is damn fun to shoot. The sights are not the greatest though.

I looked up the Rough Rider and everything Ive read seemed pretty good. It seems like a great value. I dont know why exactly I dont want a gun that looks like its from a Western but I think as long as I dont get the long barrel version it may work for me.

 

[deemus]

The Nano is just too darned small for my hand.

Had a Herotage arms gun, loved it.

 

[BIGPAPIGREG]

If you are still looking, the Beretta PX4 STORM sub compact in 9mm or 40S&W are very nice shooting guns as well.

 

[CrazedJava]

The Nano is just too darned small for my hand.

Had a Herotage arms gun, loved it.

The Nano is not the same gun as the Neo.

 

[deemus]

lol. Yes it is. Ill be wearing my glasses from now on.

 

[CrazedJava]

Sorry if my reply came across as terse, by the way. Was in a hurry. Not an excuse for rudeness but there it is.

 

[deemus]

No worries. I got thick skin. If I was offended, you would know it.