Low cost 22lr

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Cal44

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I'm looking for a low cost 22lr pistol for target shooting at the range and plinking.

Which is better: The M&P 22 or the 22A?

If 22A, than long or short barrel?

Dave
 
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Everything else being equal, a longer barrel and longer sight radius should be more accurate.

I certainly wouldn't consider the MP22 a target shooter, but it is a fun plinker.

You may want to consider the Ruger Mark III pistol.
 
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I have both and really like shooting the M&P22 the best. The 22a shoots fine but is heavier. Accuracy for both is about the same for me. M&P22 has 12 round magazines, 10 round for the 22a. My 22a is pickier about ammo also. M&P eats and ejects anything.
 
MP22 mags are in high demand and virtually impossible to find right now, but you shouldn't have any problems buying extra mags for 22A. Just something to think about. If you do buy a MP22, buy some extra mags if you can find them.
 
I watch the forums and now have 10 mags for my M&P22. They can be found, if you order them, as soon as you read the postings, as to who had them. I've never paid more than $28 a piece, plus shipping.
 
Not sure what you consider low cost but I have a Browning Buckmark and I'm way more accurate with it than I am with my Shield or 9c. Fun to shoot and well built.
 
I have enjoyed my Ruger Hunter stainless

I added a red dot and grips.

I am into the weapon about $600.

Not cheap but it is a weapon that will out live me.

Russ

DSC_0129.jpg
 
For accuracy and plinking fun you will probably get the biggest bang for your $$, with one of Ruger's heavy barrel 22s. A proven design that has won many many matches, and has a host of after market goodies if you want. New or used they sell for a very reasonable price.

I have been shooting my 22/45 for 17 years now.
 
Cal44 said:
I'm looking for a low cost 22lr pistol for target shooting at the range and plinking.

Which is better: The M&P 22 or the 22A?

If 22A, than long or short barrel?

Dave
Click to expand...

If you're limiting yourself to just those two choices, then I would definitely go
with the M&P 22. It's also more easily adaptable to suppressor use! ;)

IMG_1307.jpg
 
You won't go wrong with either a Ruger or a Buckmark. Both have a lot of aftermarket options. I have a Buckmark "Camper" model I picked up for under $300 (from BassPro of all places) and added some stuff from Tactical Solutions. Barrel is also threaded to accept a suppressor.

5u2ygyjy.jpg
 
I have a 22a and several MKii's
I strongly suggest a medium or heavy barrel 6-7/8 MKii
The 22a is ok, but internally does not compare well to the MKii.
I would not suggest the M&P 22 for target work, IMO it is a plinker.
 
If your looking for just fun at the range I would go with thevM&P22. The other upside that I find is it is structured like a full size 9 or 40 so when I shoot I get practice
 
I have owned both and while the 22a is a good shooter the MP22 is hands down more fun to shoot. It is much lighter than the 22a and just as accurate
 
I got this about a month ago and love it. Ruger 22 45. Put a low cost bsa red dot and it is a nail driver. Its not a Smith but its a fine little toy. Went ahead and had my gunsmith do some duracoating so I wouldn't have to worry bout rusting as much.

Sent from my dang phone
 

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I own a Ruger MKI, MKII, and a SR22.

All of them are excellent shooters and eat everything I throw at them.
 
I have the M&P 22 and the Ruger 22/45 Mark III Target.

The Mark III is a nail driver, but I enjoy the M&P 22 more (also have M&P 9 FS).

Sounds like you might have to get both..lol..

Decisions, decisions...
 
I own a wide variety of 22s, including a 22A, buckmark, 22/45, 1911-22, M&P22, etc. The 22/45 would be my choice. That's saying a lot being I am NOT a big ruger fan but the these little 22s are the 1911s of rimfire. All kinds of aftermarket mods available. Would highly recommend the volquartsen trigger kit.

The GSG, or Sig, 1911-22 is a fun 22 . Great little firearm that can be tricked out as well. Surprisingly accurate. A lot of 1911 interchangeable parts. On the downside, the slide finish is junk and you NEVER want to dry fire it even when using a snap cap, else you'll break the firing pin. I sent my slide of for cerakote and have worked the action to a very acceptable trigger.

I like my M&P 22. Trigger pull is very heavy though and no way that I know of to fix that.
 
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The Ruger 22/45 LITE cannot be beat for being so lightweight, accurate, and customizable. It is right at the top of my favorite guns of all time. If I had to eat what I killed, and could only have one gun, the Ruger 22/45 LITE would be it period. I also own the M&P and it is a great shooting, lightweight, wonderful little firearm, but it's not in the same class as the Ruger. I did add a set of Williams Fire Sights to the Ruger, WORTH EVERY PENNY. I liked the Williams so much I took the Millet Red dot off and have not put it back since. Also you'll want to drop out the magazine release safety and install a $6 bushing in it's place, this really makes the gun a WINNER and loosens up the action and makes the trigger much better at the same time. I have hundreds and hundreds of rounds through mine. The only way to make it malfunction is add too much lube. It likes a nice thin coat and no more.

In short, if you're "into" target shooting, get the Ruger 22/45 LITE.

DR



 
If you want a pistol that the whole family will enjoy. Hands down the M&P 22.
I also have a Ruger MKiii with bull barrel and although it is a tac driver and I really enjoy shooting it. My wife absolutly hates the slide. My son isnt to crazy about it either.
 
I had a Browning Buckmark 22 but sold it a couple of years ago, which now I regret. It was a very accurate shooter, even with a short barrel. To fill the void I bought a M&P22. Really liked that it is the same size as the 9/40. I bought 2 extra mags when I got mine a couple of weeks ago. They had a several more mags out on the shelf this past weekend.
 
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