The Best 22 Semi-auto Pistol

[Cooter Brown]

The Browning Medalists are gorgeous--look them up on one of the auction sites and take a gander at one in the fitted case with all the accessories (barrel weights, forend, tools, mags, red velvet) The ones I've shot have been very accurate. Actually, maybe you shouldn't look them up--it's a drool inducing setup. Fit and finish are jewel like. I have some idea of your taste, and I think you would really like these.

If I wanted a target gun, it'd be one of those or the S&W 41. Terrific shooters and handsome guns. Both of these guns should have great triggers right out of the box. The 41s are nicely done up guns, but the Browning takes it on fit and finish.

'Course the High Standards are classics, too.

For a plinker the Browning Buckmark is nice. There are a lot of variations of these, I think some with an ugly polymer stock--the ones I've shot have been all metal and good shooters. I had a Ruger but could never warm up to it--especially when I took the thing apart.

 

[pharmer]

Ruger KMKII. Joe

 

[palmetto99]

I've had a Ruger MKII 5.5" heavy barrel for some 18 years. Very good pistol. Built like a tank. But, it does not like CCI .22lr rounds. Will not chamber them. Have never taken the time to figure out why. When I get the time (and a few extra $$), I would like to mount a red dot site on the little bugger.

 

[laney566]

My Plain 'ol Ruger Mark II is the most accurate pistol I have ever used. I can bang a 18' steel plate at 150 Yards without thinking about it.
It was also used on the Alfalfa ranch I worked at when I was younger to kill Rabbits. Kept it on the tractor with me and when I got near the fenclines (where Mr. Bunny liked to hang out) I would pop a cap in their little tails for good luck.

 

[smith revolver cop]

It is on your list but pretty hard to improve on the Buckmark.

I'll second that opinion!

 

[Onomea]

Thanks, guys. Lot of good thoughts in here. Much appreciated. Now I'll go off and do some research.

Re what I meant by best, for those with inquiring minds:

... best defined as fit and finish, accuracy, and, of course, reliability, tho, I s'pose, in a rimfire, I'd probably put reliability last outta those three....

I'd add, in that order, too: Fit and finish, accuracy, reliability. My theory being that any pistol with a terrific fit and finish is bound to be pretty darn accurate. There is the overall esthetic appeal as well, but that's awfully subjective.

 

[Rawhyde]

My favorite .22 semi-auto (and overall favorite gun) is my S&W Model 41. It is attractive, accurate, and just plain fun to shoot.

I've got a Colt Match Target, Ruger .22/45, Ruger Mark II with lots of Volquartsen parts, and a Beretta 21A Stainless Bobcat to choose from, but the 41 is my favorite.

 

[armadillo]

I vote for second series Woodsman - standard and Match Target.

 

[Steave]

I probably shoot Ruger MK II's more than anything, primarily because I prefer shooting suppressed .22's. I have several Colt Woodsman's, Hi-Standards, S&W 41's, etc. I probably prefer my '62 vintage 5" Model 41 over all the others, though.

 

[Moonman]

An old original Hamden made High Standard Victor, or a Hammerli if you're really serious and can afford it.

 

[Snapping Twig]

When I bought back in the mid 80's, all the Buckmarks and Woodsmen were gone, so I bought what I thought at the time was the best available - Ruger Mk II 5.5" Bull bbl.

I added a Clark Competition trigger and a BoMar adjustable rear sight, then I ramped the front sight and added a lime green insert - like a S&W.

Replaced the grips with ones that fit me well and the rest is history. This thing flat out shoots! Is it the finest fit and finish? Best styling? Probably not.

What it is, is mine - modified for my needs and a beauty in its own right. Everyone that shoots it falls in love. More popular than some of my other custom revolvers. Simple, elegant, accurate, dependable and it's a Mk II which is arguably the best of the series.

One day down the road, the Mk II will have a cache all its own and a high desirability factor like Buckmarks and Woodsmen.

 

[ohiobuckeye]

Without getting into the high dollar Olympic class guns, in my order of preference...
S&W model 41
High Standard (Victor, Olympic, or Supermatic)
Colt Woodsman/Woodsman MT
Browning
Beretta
Ruger will always be last on my list.

 

[Blacksmith58]

With my eye sight and this Ruger Mk 3 Hunter and a TruGlow Red dot sight, Golf Balls are dancing at 25 yards.