Joe Hohmann
Member
If you are considering a semi-auto, look at each one being field-stripped on Youtube. You may not be interested in a Ruger MK after seeing that.
Selecting a 22 lr handgun - Suggestions?
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memphisjim1
US Veteran
You cite cost as a major criterion. If the competition is some variation of Steel Challenge, I strongly recommend the Rugers. I have a MkII 22/45 I bought at a pawn shop about 7 years ago. I like the 22/45 better'n the plain old Mark II mainly because of the magazine release location. Two years ago I added a MarkIII Hunter to the battery because I like the fluted barrel more than the Target model's slab sided one. Both of mine sport red dots (a concession to my 72-year-old eyes), are as accurate as I'm capable of being and most importantly shoot just about any ammunition I can find. I have other semiauto and revolver .22s but those are my primary competition guns and I love them. The used 22/45 cost about $225 way back when and the new Target cost $450 two years ago.
Dirtman
Member
Cleaning the Ruger Mark......
I have heard that Ruger 22's are probably the dirtiest guns out there. I wanted to buy one but I will probably be buying the S & W Victory after looking at youtube videos on cleaning them. I have an S & W 22A that shoots like a dream. It's the poor mans Model 41.
Rugers are not an easy gun to disassemble and reassemble. There are lots of youtube videos on the subject. Here is one to check out [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_Cp6lMxXg[/ame] .
Before Ruger lovers flame me I have to say I really like all other Ruger products.
I have heard that Ruger 22's are probably the dirtiest guns out there. I wanted to buy one but I will probably be buying the S & W Victory after looking at youtube videos on cleaning them. I have an S & W 22A that shoots like a dream. It's the poor mans Model 41.
Rugers are not an easy gun to disassemble and reassemble. There are lots of youtube videos on the subject. Here is one to check out [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_Cp6lMxXg[/ame] .
Before Ruger lovers flame me I have to say I really like all other Ruger products.
Lots of good advice. I've had a BuckMark for 2-3 years and really enjoyed shooting it; decent fit for both me and my wife. I recently bought a S&W Victory and...I think the BuckMark will be leaving soon. The Victory fits us both better than the BuckMark and is very accurate. Try each one and stick with a major brand that works for both of you.
Save yourself many headaches and buy a Browning Buckmark. I bought a Ruger mk III, cleaned it 3 times and promptly SOLD IT!! Reassembly was a royal pain.
mesaman
Member
Start with a Hi Standard Sportking for economy then move up to the Ruger Mark lll and S&W. Take your wife with you for grip comfort, as well as her being more frugal than you (usually). If the store is large enough to accommodate you with an in-door range, ask to fire it once or twice, if not, buy the one you can afford and find a location where you can shoot a couple of magazines through it. Personally I would shoot my K-22 but it's out of your price range.
rt11002003
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I tend to prefer guns with smooth, light triggers that break cleanly. Example: S&W Model 41. Great gun, but expensive, about $1,500/$1,600. I had a S&W Model 422 for awhile. It was really nice,almost as good as the Model 41. Should have kept it. Had a S&W 22A, never learned to love/like it. Have fired the S&W M&P 22's and the new Victory. I liked the Victory best; seemed to be the better of the three for target shooting.
I've not learned to like the Browning BuckMarks. Triggers too rough for me. Owned a Micro Target BuckMark that was the best of the BuckMarks I've tried.
I have several conversion kits (5?), none of which I find satisfactory. The .22lr conversion kit for my SIG p210 6 is probably the best of the bunch.
I owned a Hammerli Xesse Sport for about a year. Super little gun. With a Larrysgunshop two stage trigger, it is a shooter. There are better .22lr pistols around, but for the cost one can't beat it. Too expensive for what you state is your budget, about $1,000, but you might keep it in mind for "someday". It's light weight, super accurate. I broke mine shooting hi velocity ammo in it. Right now I'm considering buying another one. Everyone recommends buying the older model, before the one imported by SIG, the "Trailside". Some of the Trailsides were great; some horror stories. Mine was mfg. in 2014. by Walther, the current mfg.
Now to everyone's favorite, well m/b not quite everyone; the Rugers. I own three. A Mark ii Government Target, a Mark iii Target and a Mark iii Competition Target. When stock, I didn't find any of the triggers acceptable. That's because I was comparing them to the S&W Model 41 and the Hammerli. I modified the Mark iii's using Volquartsen parts and aftermarket hammer bushings. Those triggers are now better than the Model 41, almost as good as the Hammerli. They are on par with the best 1911's I've ever shot and a SIG X-6; which has an unbelievable trigger. The Mark ii will get the Volquartsen treatment when it comes back from Ruger CS.
My favorite Ruger, at the present, is the Mark iii Target. It has the best all around balance; and is as accurate as the longer barrels of the other two. You'd probably want to change the grips for your wife; they're large.
My local range has a variety of .22lr pistols. Because I keep an annual membership and go there frequently I've had a chance to shoot a lot of their guns. My recommendation is that you find a range like that one; and you and your wife try everything available; both to handle and to shoot.
Don't sweat the field stripping of the Rugers, or the BuckMarks. Just follow the instructions.
I've not learned to like the Browning BuckMarks. Triggers too rough for me. Owned a Micro Target BuckMark that was the best of the BuckMarks I've tried.
I have several conversion kits (5?), none of which I find satisfactory. The .22lr conversion kit for my SIG p210 6 is probably the best of the bunch.
I owned a Hammerli Xesse Sport for about a year. Super little gun. With a Larrysgunshop two stage trigger, it is a shooter. There are better .22lr pistols around, but for the cost one can't beat it. Too expensive for what you state is your budget, about $1,000, but you might keep it in mind for "someday". It's light weight, super accurate. I broke mine shooting hi velocity ammo in it. Right now I'm considering buying another one. Everyone recommends buying the older model, before the one imported by SIG, the "Trailside". Some of the Trailsides were great; some horror stories. Mine was mfg. in 2014. by Walther, the current mfg.
Now to everyone's favorite, well m/b not quite everyone; the Rugers. I own three. A Mark ii Government Target, a Mark iii Target and a Mark iii Competition Target. When stock, I didn't find any of the triggers acceptable. That's because I was comparing them to the S&W Model 41 and the Hammerli. I modified the Mark iii's using Volquartsen parts and aftermarket hammer bushings. Those triggers are now better than the Model 41, almost as good as the Hammerli. They are on par with the best 1911's I've ever shot and a SIG X-6; which has an unbelievable trigger. The Mark ii will get the Volquartsen treatment when it comes back from Ruger CS.
My favorite Ruger, at the present, is the Mark iii Target. It has the best all around balance; and is as accurate as the longer barrels of the other two. You'd probably want to change the grips for your wife; they're large.
My local range has a variety of .22lr pistols. Because I keep an annual membership and go there frequently I've had a chance to shoot a lot of their guns. My recommendation is that you find a range like that one; and you and your wife try everything available; both to handle and to shoot.
Don't sweat the field stripping of the Rugers, or the BuckMarks. Just follow the instructions.
ThunderGuy
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I'm late to the party but wanted to get my two cents in.
Agree with those who recommend Browning Buckmark. Well made, good balance, accurate and ammo friendly.
Likewise S&W M&P .22. For my hand, its 18 degree grip makes it an excellent point/shoot handgun.
I would also like to sing the praises of the HP Phoenix in .22 LR. This 10 shot semi-auto is made in Ontario, California. It is about the size of a Ruger LCP. Many discredit it for the several safeties but it is as accurate as any gun I own. Bud's frequently has them for $119 cash price. It also comes in a target package with longer, exchangable barrel.
I have a Walther P22 and Taurus PT22. I like them but don't recommend them for accuracy.
I also recommend using standard velocity ammo, about 1200 fps more or less. Slower rounds usually don't cycle properly in semi-autos. Personally, I would only use hyper velocity in revolvers and rifles. Copper coated also makes barrel cleaning easier, though lead rounds like Blazer seem to work well in anything.
Good luck with your selection.
Agree with those who recommend Browning Buckmark. Well made, good balance, accurate and ammo friendly.
Likewise S&W M&P .22. For my hand, its 18 degree grip makes it an excellent point/shoot handgun.
I would also like to sing the praises of the HP Phoenix in .22 LR. This 10 shot semi-auto is made in Ontario, California. It is about the size of a Ruger LCP. Many discredit it for the several safeties but it is as accurate as any gun I own. Bud's frequently has them for $119 cash price. It also comes in a target package with longer, exchangable barrel.
I have a Walther P22 and Taurus PT22. I like them but don't recommend them for accuracy.
I also recommend using standard velocity ammo, about 1200 fps more or less. Slower rounds usually don't cycle properly in semi-autos. Personally, I would only use hyper velocity in revolvers and rifles. Copper coated also makes barrel cleaning easier, though lead rounds like Blazer seem to work well in anything.
Good luck with your selection.
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Try a S&W422 if you can find one. Also you don't know anything about 22's, you want to enter a shooting contest with no experience, you want a 22 that will fit two people and you want to spend no money? My suggestion is forget about a 22 and just keep saving.
Lotsa opinions -- some I agree with some not so. I'm an old fart but in my prime used to shoot in a .22 league. Our team all had High Standard Citations --- we never lost a match! I still have that gun but they are quite pricey today. Their take-down is very simple and quick -- push in a pin at the front of the frame, and the whole barrel assembly comes off! Takes 2 seconds, and goes back on just as quick!
Bought my wife a first model Ruger Mk -- without a number. Only drawback to this first model it only holds 9 rounds! But is an easy shooter for first timers. Same applies to many varieties of this Ruger pistol. Pistol vs revolver ---- pistol is easier to use for newbies.
S & W has come out with a new target-style pistol that looks like a mix of the Ruger and HiStandard older models --- and it is reasonably priced!
Check it out.
Bought my wife a first model Ruger Mk -- without a number. Only drawback to this first model it only holds 9 rounds! But is an easy shooter for first timers. Same applies to many varieties of this Ruger pistol. Pistol vs revolver ---- pistol is easier to use for newbies.
S & W has come out with a new target-style pistol that looks like a mix of the Ruger and HiStandard older models --- and it is reasonably priced!
Check it out.
I have heard that Ruger 22's are probably the dirtiest guns out there. I wanted to buy one but I will probably be buying the S & W Victory after looking at youtube videos on cleaning them. I have an S & W 22A that shoots like a dream. It's the poor mans Model 41.
Rugers are not an easy gun to disassemble and reassemble. There are lots of youtube videos on the subject. Here is one to check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h_Cp6lMxXg .
Before Ruger lovers flame me I have to say I really like all other Ruger products.
People get weird about cleaning guns. I have a 1968 vintage Ruger Mark 1 that has little bluing left, the grips replaced last year because the original grips were worn so thin they fell apart, and the gun has been dis-assembled for cleaning exactly zero times. When it starts getting sluggish, prop the action open, squirt entire gun minus grip with carburetor cleaner and scrub action with a worn tooth brush. I have seen quite a few guns harmed by over cleaning. My old Colt Woodsman has only been taken down 1 time in the 40 years I carried around the mountains and under the seat of my trucks.
Went back and looked at the new S&W catalog. Two models to consider in the SW22 Victory line.
#108490 - straight out basic model.- MSRP $409.00
#10201 - similar but has added feature of threaded match barrel, and a
picatinny-style rail included - MSRP $429.00
Take your pick !
#108490 - straight out basic model.- MSRP $409.00
#10201 - similar but has added feature of threaded match barrel, and a
picatinny-style rail included - MSRP $429.00
Take your pick !
Wee Hooker
Member
My 2 cents formed from my 30 years experience in having owned well over 40 various 22 handguns (and still keeping 15), I'd suggest that any number of the models suggested will get you started. That said, if you want the best bang for the buck in accuracy, reliability, versatility and aftermarket support-ability that you won't grow out of, there is nothing out there that compares to a Ruger MKII, MKIII or 22/45 pistol.
p.s. Rimfire central is a great resource for anything dealing with .22 handguns.
p.s. Rimfire central is a great resource for anything dealing with .22 handguns.
I'm in the Ruger MK camp. You just can't beat them for the money.
I've got 3 of them, two of them being the stainless MKII 5.5" bull barrel.
Great guns.
I've got some older S&Ws, 3 Colts and others but for the money, I vote Ruger MK.
I've got 3 of them, two of them being the stainless MKII 5.5" bull barrel.
Great guns.
I've got some older S&Ws, 3 Colts and others but for the money, I vote Ruger MK.
Bulldawg Dad
Member
I always wanted an SW M-41 but just couldn't ever bring myself to fork that much cash over for a rimfire. I have owned SW 422's and 22-A's but was sorely disappointed in those. Not real familiar with the new SW Victory. I have owned numerous Ruger MKII's over the years and currently have a MKII 6 7/8" barrel Competition Model (Slabside) and a MKIII 6 7/8" Hunter and love them both. I would opt for the 5.5" Stainless Bull Barrel Ruger MKIII if I were to do it over.
Lots of good advice, but I'd suggest considering what kind of competition or competitions you're interested in participating in, and find out what others are using. What gun best fits that style of shooting? If you can, watch people at these events, see what they use, and in particular, watch what kind of problems they have with a particular gun or ammunition. (Some of these guns are VERY particular about the brands of ammunition, and what they shoot most reliably.) And if you need to be able to do a fast magazine change, pick one with a button release, NOT something like the Ruger Mk 1 or II, but the Mk III or 22/45 are fine.
I'm running the regular .22Cal bowling-pin shoots at my club, and see quite a range of makes and models. Overall, the Ruger Mks and 22/45s seem consistently more reliable, in all their versions and upgrades.
Most any .22lr will be good for plinking or casual shooting at short ranges, but if you really get involved at something more advanced, you might want something that can grow with you. A new Ruger MkIII Target model can be had for $300-$400, and offers an easily attached rail to mount optical sights if you want. There are also a number of simple to install upgrades available, drop-in parts, with no real need for a gunsmith. This was the route I took, starting out with an inexpensive platform, and gradually improving it over time. I did eventually get a MkIII Hunter specifically for the longer range indoor and outdoor Bullseye competitions, but by this time I knew exactly what I wanted, and which other upgrades to put in right from the start.
In the end, it all comes down to what you want to do with it, and what your budget will allow. The biggest mistake I see is when people go out and buy something totally inadequate for what they want to do, and either have to buy something else, or give up in frustration. And whenever possible, "Try before you buy." either at a range that will let you rent the model(s) you're interested in, or at a club or with a friend who will let you try a gun to see how you like it.
I'm running the regular .22Cal bowling-pin shoots at my club, and see quite a range of makes and models. Overall, the Ruger Mks and 22/45s seem consistently more reliable, in all their versions and upgrades.
Most any .22lr will be good for plinking or casual shooting at short ranges, but if you really get involved at something more advanced, you might want something that can grow with you. A new Ruger MkIII Target model can be had for $300-$400, and offers an easily attached rail to mount optical sights if you want. There are also a number of simple to install upgrades available, drop-in parts, with no real need for a gunsmith. This was the route I took, starting out with an inexpensive platform, and gradually improving it over time. I did eventually get a MkIII Hunter specifically for the longer range indoor and outdoor Bullseye competitions, but by this time I knew exactly what I wanted, and which other upgrades to put in right from the start.
In the end, it all comes down to what you want to do with it, and what your budget will allow. The biggest mistake I see is when people go out and buy something totally inadequate for what they want to do, and either have to buy something else, or give up in frustration. And whenever possible, "Try before you buy." either at a range that will let you rent the model(s) you're interested in, or at a club or with a friend who will let you try a gun to see how you like it.
Ruger make s great 22 pistols
The Ruger Lite is a sweet choice. That would be my next one mostly for target. I have the Ruger SR22 and l love it. I also have a Beretta Neos and a Colt Frontier Scout. I like them, but love the SR22 feel and quality, and think that Lite is better then either. I hear good things about Smith and Wesson M&P 22. I have a few M&P 9mm and they are great.
The Ruger Lite is a sweet choice. That would be my next one mostly for target. I have the Ruger SR22 and l love it. I also have a Beretta Neos and a Colt Frontier Scout. I like them, but love the SR22 feel and quality, and think that Lite is better then either. I hear good things about Smith and Wesson M&P 22. I have a few M&P 9mm and they are great.
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I agree, I have a MKIII 22/45 and have used Carb Cleaner, WD40 and Brake Clean. I follow up with a couple of drops of oil on the slide & other moving parts. I also run a brush with Hoppes through the bore now and then. If I use the brake clean, I follow up with WD40 because the brake clean leaves no residue of anything, the carb cleaner is very similar to the brake clean.
Every time I strip this, I swear I'm getting rid of it but then I shoot it and it stays. I've thought about getting one of the quick strip kits, along with a trigger but keep procrastinating.
I bought the Ruger over the Buck Mark because the range where we shoot had both on their wheel. I tried 2 Buck Marks and they had feed problems. The owner swore that it had never happened before and that it had to be the ammo. The Ruger never missed a beat. The ammo was purchased at the range, I don't remember what it was but wasn't something I'd heard of.
Dear friends, I adhere to the idea of acquiring a gun used masterpiece, .22 lr. My recommendation is a Browning pistol model Challenger brand, made in Belgium by the National Arms Factory War Belgium.
It is magnificent, as close to perfection.
It has interchangeable pipes 6 and 4 inches, adjustable trigger gold, handle with fine checkering walnut, all forged steel. adjustable with the rise not on the car but still in one piece with the pipe and most importantly a view, no jams NEVER. And it is highly accurate, all 10 to 25 yards!. And closing is finished in fine blued, is a gem.
I inherited mine from my dear Dad. Here I send the photo to enjoy.
fraternal embrace from Montevideo, Uruguay
PEAR
It is magnificent, as close to perfection.
It has interchangeable pipes 6 and 4 inches, adjustable trigger gold, handle with fine checkering walnut, all forged steel. adjustable with the rise not on the car but still in one piece with the pipe and most importantly a view, no jams NEVER. And it is highly accurate, all 10 to 25 yards!. And closing is finished in fine blued, is a gem.
I inherited mine from my dear Dad. Here I send the photo to enjoy.
fraternal embrace from Montevideo, Uruguay
PEAR
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