New Ruger 22/45 vs SW Victory

[Kevin J.]

I have been shooting a lot more .22 through my SW 617 but I am thinking about adding a new semi auto (even though I do currently have a Browning Buckmark).

What's your all thoughts on the SW Victory vs the Ruger 22/45? Or are is there another I should be considering?

Thanks...

 

[wood714]

Ruger 22/45 is too much fun!

 

[Model 15-4ever]

I have both pistols: S&W Victory and Ruger 22/45 Lite. They both shoot equally well with the right ammo. Your choice probably comes down to which balance and feel do you prefer. S&W is heavier (all steel). Ruger significantly lighter.

S&W iron sights are far better than the Ruger. I added a fiber optic front to the Ruger, but the rear is still plain black.

On the other hand, easier to mount an RDS to the Ruger, and it still retains it's iron sights if you remove the RDS. S&W requires rear sight removal to mount the RDS.

 

[erikpolcrack]

I have both a Buckmark and a Standard Ruger 22. Like them both very much. No experience with the S&W. The Buckmark was first and I really didn't need to get the Ruger - always just wanted one. You're probably good to go with just the Buckmark, it's a fine pistol, but ....

 

[Kevin J.]

Thanks guys. I should have mentioned I am looking for one that will work well with optics. My Buckmark would require an $80 adaptor plate and removal of the top strap with the sights. I am leaning toward the Ruger as it allows one to retain the iron sights.

The new Rugers also have the simplest field stripping set up.

 

[Eric300]

I have a Browning Buckmark 5.5 Field (90's) and a Ruger MKIV 22/45. I like them both, but if I had to get rid of one...bye-bye Ruger. The Buckmark is way more accurate and will outshoot the Ruger all day long. Better factory trigger on the Buckmark, too.

My brother has a S&W Victory (that he bought from me). It's fun to shoot, and a dependable pistol.

 

[dobegrant]

I also have both, my Ruger is a mk IV standard 22/45 target so is similar in weight, both are great guns accurate and reliable, so it really comes to how they feel in the hand, I can’t even decide if I prefer the MK IV 22/45 or the MK IV Hunter which has the Luger style grip frame

 

[Faulkner]

I have a both the Ruger MKIV (and MKII's and MKIII's) and a S&W Victory. I prefer the Victory over the MKIV although both of them are accurate and reliable. Probably just a personal preference thing. I will note that my favorite are my several Ruger MKII's, which are out of production. if you can find a nice used MKII I'd consider it over the MKIV.

I also own a Browning Buckmark and I'm not a fan of those.

 

[djohns6]

I have a MkIV Hunter and a MkIV 22/45 . They both shoot really well . Very simple to mount optics . No experience with the S&W . Bad experience with a Buckmark ..

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I would buy the Ruger/Buckmark any day over a free victory.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Never owned a 22/45 but have owned several MKI, MKII and a MKIV Rugersrs and do own a Victory with carbon fiber barrel and optics. Straight out of the box the Smith has a better trigger but both can be easily upgraded but the Smith has a big advantage without spending extra money. My Victory came from the factory with the CarbonFiber barrel and Vortex red dot.

As far as field stripping, you need an Allen wrench for the Victory and the Ruger is a push of a button. Both take only seconds to strip. Also with the Smith barrels interchange in seconds. Both are very accurate and reliable.

 

[target tech]

I recommend the Ruger. Be very careful though, it can be a rabbit hole you may never get out of. This was a $360.00gun new, now who knows.