My 2 cents worth.
Hello nntw,
The Rugers are more popular due to 50+ years establishing themselves as an American classic .22 and a darn fine gun. They don't have the triggers of Model 41s, but if you are handy, you can improve them and there are lots of aftermarket parts for them. I own a Mk I and a Mk II and had three others in the past. All were accurate and reliable.
Ruger .22 autos have earned their following, but S&W's 22A and 22S guns are just as accurate, require cleaning much less often, are easier to disassemble for cleaning and are much easier to reassemble afterward. The Rugers trap firing debris inside their receivers because it can only get blown out through the small ejection port while the 22A/S design vents unburnt powder freely out both sides the same as a High Standard or Buckmark. When your 22A or 22S does need cleaning, just press in the button with your thumb, then lift the barrel up the same as a High Standard. I have not owned a Buckmark so I will leave it to others to comment on them. I prefer the all stainless 22S's heft over the 22A, but the 22S was discontinued.
Most of the time we buy what looks good to our eye when we would be better off buying what fits our hand. S&W offers 2 stock choices for their 22S and 22A, bulky wood and the standard smaller ugly rubber. The rubber fits me well and the 22S is not good looking with any stock so I'm happy with ugly.
The tubular Ruger receiver also looked unconventional when it was introduced. It took Ruger 30+ years selling them at bargain prices to make them as familiar and popular as they are. Rugers are no longer a bargain. For about half the price of a steel framed Ruger .22 you get a better gun in a 22A.
Hope this helps you decide;
Gil
