I am starting to do some target shooting with 22's. I currently have a Beretta U22 Neos (6" barrel) on loan from a friend. Pretty good shooter. Thinking of a few options. Whay say you? Thanks.
Recommendation for entry level Target Pistol in 22LR
- Thread starter robrossk
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RMFnLA
Member
Go handle them, shoot them if possible.
The way it feels is more important than our opinions.
The way it feels is more important than our opinions.
maxfam
Member
I have 6 Ruger MK II target models, 4 or 5 Browning Buck Marks, one S&W model 41. I would definitely start with almost any of the Browning Buck Marks. Great pistols at a fair price. They have different grip features on different models, so you should try to handle as many different models as possible.
gwpercle
Member
I started with a Ruger MKI Target w/ 6 7/8" tapered barrel .
Long thin barrels are not the most accurate shooting ... I didn't do great
Mark II Target w/ 5" heavy bull barrel shot better scores ... much better
Then ... S&W model 41 , heavy barrel with tune up , trigger job and red dot sight mounted by Clark Custom Guns . The trigger job opened the door to higher scores and was a pleasure to shoot .
Knowing what I now know ... I wish I had started out with the S&W model 41 ... the Clark Custom Guns trigger job was the secrete to success .
Gary
Long thin barrels are not the most accurate shooting ... I didn't do great
Mark II Target w/ 5" heavy bull barrel shot better scores ... much better
Then ... S&W model 41 , heavy barrel with tune up , trigger job and red dot sight mounted by Clark Custom Guns . The trigger job opened the door to higher scores and was a pleasure to shoot .
Knowing what I now know ... I wish I had started out with the S&W model 41 ... the Clark Custom Guns trigger job was the secrete to success .
Gary
Our Ruger MKIV, after just about 150 rounds, now has a nice trigger.
No need to swap it out for now.
Did okay with the RMR and DPP, and we'll see how it really shoots at 25/50/100yds with the 2x scope and the 2.5-8x32mm.
IIRC the aluminum frame IVs use 1911 grips.
I gave the new Colt Ace, I bought decades ago,
to my brother back around '80.
I had an old K22M and drilled/tapped it for
scopes/red dot mounts.
As stated, try some out at the LGS/range.
Then also get a Levergun in 22LR just because.
No need to swap it out for now.
Did okay with the RMR and DPP, and we'll see how it really shoots at 25/50/100yds with the 2x scope and the 2.5-8x32mm.
IIRC the aluminum frame IVs use 1911 grips.
I gave the new Colt Ace, I bought decades ago,
to my brother back around '80.
I had an old K22M and drilled/tapped it for
scopes/red dot mounts.
As stated, try some out at the LGS/range.
Then also get a Levergun in 22LR just because.
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I think it depends on your budget and aspirations. 
Of the poll options, I would opt for one of the Rugers (I am partial to the Mark II but I think they will all work). If you get to be really good a different trigger may be helpful.
If you are really good and have a bigger budget, a model 41 may get you to a higher level.
Agree with trying several options before committing to a purchase. Happy hunting!
Of the poll options, I would opt for one of the Rugers (I am partial to the Mark II but I think they will all work). If you get to be really good a different trigger may be helpful.
If you are really good and have a bigger budget, a model 41 may get you to a higher level.
Agree with trying several options before committing to a purchase. Happy hunting!
Electraclyde
Member
I recommend a revolver to start with. I prefer the S&W 617
Another vote for the Buck Mark. My wife and I each have one. Her’s is a UDX model which has finger grooves on the frame - it’s an amazing feeling gun and really excels for small hands. I have the Hunter model with the 7-1/4” barrel and also love how it feels. When I was looking, I found that the Buck Marks had the best out of the box trigger and the ergonomics were perfect for us.
I always liked the Luger-style grip of the Rugers but I’ve never shot as well with one. Also not sure that it really matters for you, but I think the barrel assembly (Upper) on the Ruger is the serialized part so barrel swaps can’t just happen by buying a new one online. Also worth noting that I did have a 22A years ago and sold it, but it was a decent gun as well.
I always liked the Luger-style grip of the Rugers but I’ve never shot as well with one. Also not sure that it really matters for you, but I think the barrel assembly (Upper) on the Ruger is the serialized part so barrel swaps can’t just happen by buying a new one online. Also worth noting that I did have a 22A years ago and sold it, but it was a decent gun as well.
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Durango Slim
Member
Ruger.
Millions have been sold for good reason- they work.
Like any .22lr, usr good ammo. I only shoot CCI Stingers in my .22s and have had so few failures I can't remember the last one.
I bought a 22/45 MKIII, added an adjustable trigger, a Hogue grip and a cheap red dot. The thing is a laser. Makes shooting well easy.
Millions have been sold for good reason- they work.
Like any .22lr, usr good ammo. I only shoot CCI Stingers in my .22s and have had so few failures I can't remember the last one.
I bought a 22/45 MKIII, added an adjustable trigger, a Hogue grip and a cheap red dot. The thing is a laser. Makes shooting well easy.
JohnHL
SWCA Member
Bob, I have 2 Mark IIs.
A stainless 6 7/8" tapered barrel target model and a blue 6 7/8" bull barrel gov't target model.
If you'd like to try them, give me a call.
John
AJ
US Veteran
I and my friends use Browning Buckmarks. We have had the Hegis Flips done to ours for lighter trigger pulls. Reminds us of our Browning Medalists (the Buckmarks Great-Grandfather).
We have 2 Buckmark Target model pistols with scope rails.
I use one with a 2X pistol scope for fun plinking. My wife used her Buckmark with a red dot for .22 bullseye shooting. I used a Hi Standard with a red dot, Herrett grips and a muzzle brake and she gave me run for my money with hers.
Great guns.
I use one with a 2X pistol scope for fun plinking. My wife used her Buckmark with a red dot for .22 bullseye shooting. I used a Hi Standard with a red dot, Herrett grips and a muzzle brake and she gave me run for my money with hers.
Great guns.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
Entry level...Browning or the Ruger. Aspirational gun for later...Smith Model 41.
High Standard made some outstanding .22 target guns as did Colt...but they've passed into collectible territory with prices to match even if they can still hold their own with today's guns.
High Standard made some outstanding .22 target guns as did Colt...but they've passed into collectible territory with prices to match even if they can still hold their own with today's guns.
Rpg
Member
The Ruger and the Buckmark line are the best of the contemporary 22 target pistols you’ve listed. The Ruger trigger is the least desirable of the three I’m discussing.
If you keep your eyes open, you can find a Colt Woodsman with adjustable sights that will out shoot any of the guns you’ve listed. Interestingly, they can often be had for no more than the contemporary ones you’ve listed. The Colts have the best triggers of these three.
If you keep your eyes open, you can find a Colt Woodsman with adjustable sights that will out shoot any of the guns you’ve listed. Interestingly, they can often be had for no more than the contemporary ones you’ve listed. The Colts have the best triggers of these three.
I think the best starting question is what kind of target shooting? Bullseye, speed, or just casual paper targets at the range? The next question is how serious do you see yourself getting into it? Without knowing the answer to those questions, if I had to recommend one 22lr handgun that can do pretty much anything at very a reasonable price, I'd pick the Buckmark. Plenty of ways to customize them to suit whatever needs you have. The are both accurate and reliable... what else do you need?
I've got no experience with Ruger MK III or IV pistols, but know my way around the basic MK design and wouldn't have a problem recommending them either (though I'd stick with a MK II - just me maybe).
The vast majority of my 22lr shooting is plinking on paper, or if I'm lucky, steel targets when I'm at my folk's place outside of deer season. So for me, any of my 22's suit my needs just fine.
I've got no experience with Ruger MK III or IV pistols, but know my way around the basic MK design and wouldn't have a problem recommending them either (though I'd stick with a MK II - just me maybe).
The vast majority of my 22lr shooting is plinking on paper, or if I'm lucky, steel targets when I'm at my folk's place outside of deer season. So for me, any of my 22's suit my needs just fine.
AJ
US Veteran
AJ
US Veteran
dsf
Member
As mentioned some HS pistols have gotten very expensive. But there are still many models out there in the $400.00 range which is pretty competitive. A plain old Sport King with fixed sight has a much better trigger pull than a Ruger Standard. Adjustable sight HS present a really nice picture. I like the Ruger just fine, but would dig into HS first for a deal.
Magazine cost and ensuring they work well in the HS is another issue. Ruger definitely wins that one.
Magazine cost and ensuring they work well in the HS is another issue. Ruger definitely wins that one.
Entry level?
What does that mean----you want start with something less than the best? If that's the case, why bother?
It only costs a little more to go first class!! Then there's no question about what needs improving----the gun, or the shooter!
We were all entry level at one point in time. Those with first class equipment progressed more quickly than those without.
I went from competitive shooting to racing sports cars----same church---different pew!
Ralph Tremaine
What does that mean----you want start with something less than the best? If that's the case, why bother?
It only costs a little more to go first class!! Then there's no question about what needs improving----the gun, or the shooter!
We were all entry level at one point in time. Those with first class equipment progressed more quickly than those without.
I went from competitive shooting to racing sports cars----same church---different pew!
Ralph Tremaine
Valmet
Member
I’ve been a big fan of the Ruger Mk IV Target. Bought mine in early 2020 and it’s been fantastic.
