To put it bluntly, if you pay more than $100 for one, you're being ripped off. Even $100 is a bit generous for a Jennings. Simply put, they are junk. If someone came into my shop and tried selling me one, I wouldn't even give them the time of day for it. At a gun shop, they typically sell for between $75 and $125, based on wear and condition. It's doubtful that shop paid more than $50 for it if they bought it from an individual.
Yes, a Jennings J22 will fire without a magazine inserted.
That's a task best left to a gunsmith.
Recommend you ask a gunsmith for help
These retail for about $85 new.
Best to ask a gunsmith for help if you don't have a manual
.22 LR rim fire
They were about $60 new, and now about $100 in good condition at a gun show.
$50 to $75. These were very crude, low cost firearms of no particularly high quality.
The estimated value of a Jennings model J-22 pistol is between $80-$150 dollars depending on finish and condition. They are becoming more rare and are going up in value rapidly. They are a part of the Ring of Fire pistols and have a unique place in history as the original "Saturday Night Special", which may ultimately make them a must-have with collectors or "mouseguns".
used about 125 (like new) - 50 (worn) dollars us. New about 150.00 Us.
On mine which has a 314xxx serial (bryco arms Jennings J22). The serial number is located on the frames left hand side towards the rear. It is beneath the slide behind the safety and grip. PS: I have seen some J22's that do not have the s/n stamped in this location so yours may be different.
Probably not. IIRC, the Jennings company is out of business as a result of lawsuits. The J-22 was made from about 1981 until the company was sold a few years back, and I know of no serial number records for them.