Erma .22

Jasta2 · 11-20-2018, 05:57 PM

I came across a Erma 22 today in a Pawn Shop here in Fl. Kind of rough, but I've been looking for one. There are asking $399 for it. Not sure what they bring now days, but putting it mildly, it's been well used. I owned one of these about 25 years back. Not sure what I paid for it then, it looked almost new, but I ended up returning it. I tried 5 kinds of .22 through it and it would always jam after the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round. That was with a full mag each time. So any idea on what a well used Erma 22 might be?
Thanks.

ithacaartist · 11-20-2018, 06:47 PM

Bill,

If it's one of the early, mostly cast zinc alloy models (Ep- or La-22), four Franklins is a bit steep for well-worn. A KGP series would be a bit better value. Be patient, and I'm fairly confident you can find one on GB, etc. in better shape... or one with some wear and miles on it for less, perhaps for less than $300. I realize that prices of Ermas have risen significantly over the last half-dozen years or so, but they still don't work any better than before!

If you do wind up with another, using CCI Mini-Mags and tuning the feed lips of an original factory mag will yield the best results. One jam per mag seems run-of-the-mill, and is something I'll put up with from one of these plinkers, albeit potentially embarrassing.

rhuff · 11-21-2018, 02:03 PM

I thought that you, or someone else, was recommending to stay away from the Mini-Mag .22cal rounds due to the increased pressure breaking parts on the Erma. Is that true, or did I just dream it??

ttarp · 11-21-2018, 03:00 PM

I've actually had pretty good reliability out of my KGP after a very thorough cleaning, and discovering what ammo it preferred. I think I paid around $400 on GB before shipping and transfer fees, I think I overpaid, but its in pretty good shape, and I was a little impatient after losing several auctions.

The .32 KGP's can go for absurd prices, I watched one sell for over $700 on GB!

Jasta2 · 11-21-2018, 03:12 PM

I've never tried any mini-mag 22 rounds.

ithacaartist · 11-22-2018, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

I thought that you, or someone else, was recommending to stay away from the Mini-Mag .22cal rounds due to the increased pressure breaking parts on the Erma. Is that true, or did I just dream it??

No, it's the CCI Velocitors and Stingers--hyper-velocity ammo--that will snap the front ears right off your forward toggle link in one mag or less. Way too hot.

rhuff · 11-22-2018, 01:00 PM

Thanx for this information......now if I can just remember it!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

11-20-2018, 05:57 PM	#1
Jasta2 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 514 Thanks: 349 Thanked 101 Times in 52 Posts	Erma .22 I came across a Erma 22 today in a Pawn Shop here in Fl. Kind of rough, but I've been looking for one. There are asking $399 for it. Not sure what they bring now days, but putting it mildly, it's been well used. I owned one of these about 25 years back. Not sure what I paid for it then, it looked almost new, but I ended up returning it. I tried 5 kinds of .22 through it and it would always jam after the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round. That was with a full mag each time. So any idea on what a well used Erma 22 might be? Thanks.

11-20-2018, 06:47 PM	#2
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,336 Thanks: 7,244 Thanked 2,558 Times in 1,361 Posts	Bill, If it's one of the early, mostly cast zinc alloy models (Ep- or La-22), four Franklins is a bit steep for well-worn. A KGP series would be a bit better value. Be patient, and I'm fairly confident you can find one on GB, etc. in better shape... or one with some wear and miles on it for less, perhaps for less than $300. I realize that prices of Ermas have risen significantly over the last half-dozen years or so, but they still don't work any better than before! If you do wind up with another, using CCI Mini-Mags and tuning the feed lips of an original factory mag will yield the best results. One jam per mag seems run-of-the-mill, and is something I'll put up with from one of these plinkers, albeit potentially embarrassing. __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

11-21-2018, 02:03 PM	#3
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,289 Thanks: 2,704 Thanked 971 Times in 716 Posts	I thought that you, or someone else, was recommending to stay away from the Mini-Mag .22cal rounds due to the increased pressure breaking parts on the Erma. Is that true, or did I just dream it?? __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

11-22-2018, 01:00 PM	#7
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,289 Thanks: 2,704 Thanked 971 Times in 716 Posts	Thanx for this information......now if I can just remember it!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!! __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

11-21-2018, 03:00 PM	#4
ttarp User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: S.E. Texas Posts: 24 Thanks: 11 Thanked 15 Times in 10 Posts	I've actually had pretty good reliability out of my KGP after a very thorough cleaning, and discovering what ammo it preferred. I think I paid around $400 on GB before shipping and transfer fees, I think I overpaid, but its in pretty good shape, and I was a little impatient after losing several auctions. The .32 KGP's can go for absurd prices, I watched one sell for over $700 on GB!

11-21-2018, 03:12 PM	#5
Jasta2 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 514 Thanks: 349 Thanked 101 Times in 52 Posts	I've never tried any mini-mag 22 rounds.