|
|
11-16-2010, 07:42 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oregon & Japan
Posts: 14,106
Likes: 45,807
Liked 33,045 Times in 9,027 Posts
|
|
The Best 22 Semi-auto Pistol
Okay, I got my 1937 K-22 and and a 22 Colt OMT from '37 or '36, so I think I have rimfire DA revos covered. There is nothing better than those two in a DA. The end. (Well, shoot... Mebbe an OMS and make it a trio.)
What is the best -- accuracy and fit and finish -- 22 auto handgun ever? Not rarity. Had a K-22 2nd and sold it, so that's not what I am into, tho a K-22 2nd is a beaut. I'm lookin' for the absolute best semi auto, with best defined as fit and finish, accuracy, and, of course, reliability, tho, I s'pose, in a rimfire, I'd probably put reliability last outta those three. Not an SD weapon, to be sure. Anyhow...
1930s Colt Woodsman? That's what I am thinkin'.
I know that High Standards, Browning Buckmarks, and Ruger IFM ("I Forget the Model") fans are out there, so speak on up. And there is an S&W, right? An M41 or somesuch?
(I got that, "Dang! I need another gun" feelin'... )
Last edited by Onomea; 11-16-2010 at 07:47 AM.
|
11-16-2010, 08:14 AM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 931
Liked 3,590 Times in 816 Posts
|
|
What about a nice older S&W Model 41 with the cocking indicator? Plus there are a lot of factory extras that make the hunt that much more fun.
__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II
|
11-16-2010, 08:55 AM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: middle Ga.
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 211
Liked 610 Times in 301 Posts
|
|
The best 22 semi pistol? That would be the Target model of the Ruger Mk II. Either the 5 1/2 in barrel or the 6 7/8 in Gov't model.
While it isn't near the level of beauty, art, or craftsmanship of a Colt or S&W, it is the most accurate and most dependable Semi available.
Others come close, but the MkII is the top of the heap.
|
11-16-2010, 09:03 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Houston
Posts: 557
Likes: 4
Liked 11 Times in 7 Posts
|
|
I have always had a Ruger of some sort around. The one I have now is the SS MKII Government Model Target. It shoots like a rifle. The fit and finish is pretty good also. I have also had 2-3 Ruger Standard Models over the years that have served me well. I have also owned a High Standard and had access to, (through my brother), both a Browning Nomad and Buckmark. They were good guns and the fit and finish was a notch better than the Rugers. I like the Rugers because I have never had ANY trouble with them. No jams, or failures of any kind.
|
11-16-2010, 09:13 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO.
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 5 Posts
|
|
It is on your list but pretty hard to improve on the Buckmark.
|
11-16-2010, 09:35 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 1,133
Liked 6,605 Times in 2,458 Posts
|
|
I like the Buckmark over the Ruger but my next .22 pistol might be the CZ Kadet. It seems like everyone who has one has great things to say about them and you can buy a 9m/m or .40 conversion kit.
|
11-16-2010, 09:37 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,303 Times in 4,232 Posts
|
|
Pre-WWII Colt Woodsman Match Target
|
11-16-2010, 09:38 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Rocky River, OH, USA
Posts: 9,451
Likes: 1,271
Liked 9,184 Times in 3,621 Posts
|
|
Best for what?
For an all around .22 pistol, I like the Ruger MkII. It's accurate enough for bullseye competition (Most people seem to start out with one.), but durable enough to shoot high speed ammunition through without breaking anything. There are lots of third party accessories for them.
For a target pistol, at least at a semi-reasonable price, I prefer the High Standards. Since almost everybody uses dot sights now, the Victor is nice to have, but not strictly necessary. You could go with a Walther or a Hammerli, but you're going to pay a LOT more money.
|
11-16-2010, 09:41 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tierra del encantamiento
Posts: 3,479
Likes: 6,321
Liked 6,553 Times in 910 Posts
|
|
The Hämmerli 208s. Period. Yes, it's expensive.
Bullseye
__________________
Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.
|
11-16-2010, 09:45 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Liked 53 Times in 20 Posts
|
|
Define "best". I am an old target shooter and while the 41 is an excellent gun, and the Ruger is hard to beat for price/build/performance, neither are the "best. There are a number of 22s built as Olympic class target guns. Built by Pardini, Feinwerkbau, Hammerli, etc they have features and hand-matched components and build that make them truly "the best".
Olympic rapid fire competition used to be based on the 22 short. I have a Pardini in the collection with a ported bbl, electronic trigger, and meticulously assembled at the factory that will put five match grade rounds into one hole at 25 meters in the blink of an eye. They have a current model 22LR with a specially weighted and reciprocating muzzle arrangement that puts Lapua match rounds down range in the same fashion.
They cost more than a 41 but perform better. Great? Cheap? Pick one. Dave
__________________
Time Wounds All Heels
|
11-16-2010, 09:57 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 6
Liked 351 Times in 243 Posts
|
|
.22lr autos that I have owned are Ruger MKI Target, Ruger MKII with 10" barrel, S&W 622 and a Jennings. Currently I only have the Jennings, the others were all sold or traded off and I don't miss any of them, which means they aren't getting replaced, ever.
I'm not saying go out and buy a Jennings, it's just the only one of the group that serves it's purpose. I've been hoping to find a nice Buckmark or older High Standard target model, or better yet a .32 S&W Long match pistol and even a S&W 41, but my plans are on hold for now.
|
11-16-2010, 10:00 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Vandalia, Ohio
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 297
Liked 231 Times in 137 Posts
|
|
Ive had em all and Id go with the buckmark.
|
11-16-2010, 10:26 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ocean Shores, WA, USA
Posts: 5,775
Likes: 201
Liked 5,063 Times in 1,767 Posts
|
|
I have to agree with Dnovo and cmort, it depends on what you want it to be the "best" of. Accuracy? Fit & Finish? Aesthetics? Price? Dependability? General usability? Etc.,etc.......
Whatever you pick will excel in one or several of these categories but will be a compromise in others.
For pure accuracy( with the main emphasis on match competition), the Euro guns mentioned are the winners. (You don't see world class matches being won with M41's or Rugers.)
For fit and finish, the early M41's are hard to beat.
For price the Buckmarks, Trailblazers and Rugers are all great competition entry level and general plinking choices.
Aesthetics? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If all guns looked the same they would probably look like Glocks. (Which, IMHO, is a neuter. )
__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446
Last edited by deadin; 11-16-2010 at 10:29 AM.
|
11-16-2010, 11:16 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 22,065
Likes: 10,777
Liked 15,467 Times in 6,788 Posts
|
|
Best for the money is the Ruger MII, not the 1 or the 3.
__________________
Still Running Against the Wind
|
11-16-2010, 11:22 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
Beauty - Browning Medalist
Function - High Standard (all)
Best of Both - High Standard Victor
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
11-16-2010, 12:39 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,075
Likes: 27,790
Liked 33,581 Times in 5,253 Posts
|
|
Go Italian:
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”
|
11-16-2010, 01:23 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Pensacola,FL
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 4,198
Liked 998 Times in 536 Posts
|
|
Accuracy +1 for Hammerli 208S , FWB AW93 pretty close 2nd
Fit / Finish +1 for Browning Medalist , pre war Colt Match Target
Affordable option IMHO would be a Hamden made no prefix s/n High Standard ( with good factory mags ) . High Standard only American pistol ever to set an Olympic record .
|
11-16-2010, 01:27 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 10
Liked 78 Times in 51 Posts
|
|
The Model 41 is certainly pretty and has a great reputation, even if somewhat finicky.
But I have 2 scoped Ruger MKII Government Competition models and they will outshoot most rifles at 50 yards. Win Dynapoints always turn in <1.5" groups at 50yds from even an improvised rest. From a decent rest with target grade ammo, they are phenomenal. Inexpensive, utterly reliable and super accurate, they are a deal that is hard to beat.
__________________
" I said, good DAY! "
|
11-16-2010, 01:34 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
|
|
For fit and finish, the Browning Medlist, for function and accuracy, the High Standard Victor (older Hamden gun). For best for the money in accuracy and dependability, the Russian built IZH35M.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
|
11-16-2010, 04:17 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 192
Liked 1,112 Times in 558 Posts
|
|
With my eyesight, a Beretta 70S is as accurate as anything else. Excellent fit and finish, adjustable sights, holds 9 rounds with the factory magazine or 10 rounds with an aftermarket magazine. With the target grips replaced with the earlier small flat sided grips, it is small enough to fit in a coat pocket.
By comparison, a Ruger feels like holding a 2x4. And the Beretta is much easier to strip and clean.
Last edited by cowart; 11-16-2010 at 04:25 PM.
|
11-16-2010, 04:22 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 1,315
Liked 1,830 Times in 701 Posts
|
|
The Browning Medalists are gorgeous--look them up on one of the auction sites and take a gander at one in the fitted case with all the accessories (barrel weights, forend, tools, mags, red velvet) The ones I've shot have been very accurate. Actually, maybe you shouldn't look them up--it's a drool inducing setup. Fit and finish are jewel like. I have some idea of your taste, and I think you would really like these.
If I wanted a target gun, it'd be one of those or the S&W 41. Terrific shooters and handsome guns. Both of these guns should have great triggers right out of the box. The 41s are nicely done up guns, but the Browning takes it on fit and finish.
'Course the High Standards are classics, too.
For a plinker the Browning Buckmark is nice. There are a lot of variations of these, I think some with an ugly polymer stock--the ones I've shot have been all metal and good shooters. I had a Ruger but could never warm up to it--especially when I took the thing apart.
Last edited by Cooter Brown; 11-16-2010 at 04:27 PM.
|
11-16-2010, 06:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Santo las nubes, Florida
Posts: 8,968
Likes: 9,179
Liked 14,621 Times in 4,681 Posts
|
|
Ruger KMKII. Joe
__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster
|
11-16-2010, 06:41 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upstate, S.C.
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 78
Liked 220 Times in 133 Posts
|
|
I've had a Ruger MKII 5.5" heavy barrel for some 18 years. Very good pistol. Built like a tank. But, it does not like CCI .22lr rounds. Will not chamber them. Have never taken the time to figure out why. When I get the time (and a few extra $$), I would like to mount a red dot site on the little bugger.
|
11-16-2010, 06:48 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
My Plain 'ol Ruger Mark II is the most accurate pistol I have ever used. I can bang a 18' steel plate at 150 Yards without thinking about it.
It was also used on the Alfalfa ranch I worked at when I was younger to kill Rabbits. Kept it on the tractor with me and when I got near the fenclines (where Mr. Bunny liked to hang out) I would pop a cap in their little tails for good luck.
|
11-16-2010, 06:54 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times in 28 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bassamatic
It is on your list but pretty hard to improve on the Buckmark.
|
I'll second that opinion!
__________________
LEO since 1981.
|
11-16-2010, 09:08 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Oregon & Japan
Posts: 14,106
Likes: 45,807
Liked 33,045 Times in 9,027 Posts
|
|
Thanks, guys. Lot of good thoughts in here. Much appreciated. Now I'll go off and do some research.
Re what I meant by best, for those with inquiring minds:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Onomea
... best defined as fit and finish, accuracy, and, of course, reliability, tho, I s'pose, in a rimfire, I'd probably put reliability last outta those three....
|
I'd add, in that order, too: Fit and finish, accuracy, reliability. My theory being that any pistol with a terrific fit and finish is bound to be pretty darn accurate. There is the overall esthetic appeal as well, but that's awfully subjective.
|
11-16-2010, 10:08 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW Georgia
Posts: 336
Likes: 9
Liked 94 Times in 22 Posts
|
|
My favorite .22 semi-auto (and overall favorite gun) is my S&W Model 41. It is attractive, accurate, and just plain fun to shoot.
I've got a Colt Match Target, Ruger .22/45, Ruger Mark II with lots of Volquartsen parts, and a Beretta 21A Stainless Bobcat to choose from, but the 41 is my favorite.
|
11-16-2010, 11:32 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1,209
Liked 1,017 Times in 363 Posts
|
|
I vote for second series Woodsman - standard and Match Target.
__________________
6/23/2022
|
11-16-2010, 11:42 PM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times in 10 Posts
|
|
I probably shoot Ruger MK II's more than anything, primarily because I prefer shooting suppressed .22's. I have several Colt Woodsman's, Hi-Standards, S&W 41's, etc. I probably prefer my '62 vintage 5" Model 41 over all the others, though.
|
11-17-2010, 08:27 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 3,043
Liked 1,791 Times in 932 Posts
|
|
An old original Hamden made High Standard Victor, or a Hammerli if you're really serious and can afford it.
|
11-17-2010, 02:40 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 527
Liked 3,813 Times in 1,243 Posts
|
|
When I bought back in the mid 80's, all the Buckmarks and Woodsmen were gone, so I bought what I thought at the time was the best available - Ruger Mk II 5.5" Bull bbl.
I added a Clark Competition trigger and a BoMar adjustable rear sight, then I ramped the front sight and added a lime green insert - like a S&W.
Replaced the grips with ones that fit me well and the rest is history. This thing flat out shoots! Is it the finest fit and finish? Best styling? Probably not.
What it is, is mine - modified for my needs and a beauty in its own right. Everyone that shoots it falls in love. More popular than some of my other custom revolvers. Simple, elegant, accurate, dependable and it's a Mk II which is arguably the best of the series.
One day down the road, the Mk II will have a cache all its own and a high desirability factor like Buckmarks and Woodsmen.
|
11-17-2010, 05:58 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Southern OH USA
Posts: 878
Likes: 43
Liked 69 Times in 44 Posts
|
|
Without getting into the high dollar Olympic class guns, in my order of preference...
S&W model 41
High Standard (Victor, Olympic, or Supermatic)
Colt Woodsman/Woodsman MT
Browning
Beretta
Ruger will always be last on my list.
|
11-17-2010, 06:37 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Deere Country, Illinois
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 4 Posts
|
|
With my eye sight and this Ruger Mk 3 Hunter and a TruGlow Red dot sight, Golf Balls are dancing at 25 yards.
__________________
Rick
American Blacksmith
|
|
Tags
|
22lr, 622, beretta, browning, buckmark, bullseye, classics, colt, k-22, m41, model 41, olympic, polymer, rimfire, ruger, russian, walther, woodsman, wwii |
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|