What type of .22 caliber auto to buy?

[thebusinessend]

I know this is a S&W forum and that being said, I just put a deposit on a 686 4" revolver.

However, I have one hand gun permit left to use (NJ) and I am seriously looking for a .22 caliber (auto) under $400 to plink and use for target practice.

I have read the most positive reviews online about the Browning Buck-Mark .22 and wanted to get your opinions on a specific model to choose (UDX, Camper, etc.?

Also, are there any other .22 auto's around $300-$400 that you would recommend?

Thanks.

 

[DrewW]

The Smith 22a is around $200 and I love mine, it is a great gun for plinking and is pretty accurate, me and a buddy were out shooting the 22a and his browning buckmark one day and both shot about the same accuracy wise for both of us.

So far mine has around 2000 rounds through it and the only FTF's I have had were with some Winchester .22s that when ran through my Marlin rifle still wouldn't go off and it typically shoots everything so I am blaming that on the ammo not the gun.

The downsides to the 22a are the lack of anything aftermarket for it. Also many people who have tried putting red dots on them say that the way the integrated rail is on top of the gun limits your choices, I don't know just use open sights on mine.

When I had to make this decision I decided that the extra money for the Browning wasn't worth it for me as that could buy a lot of ammo. After shooting both together I would say that either will serve you equally well.

 

[Racer X]

I have both a Ruger 22/45 and a Mark III. Very reliable and both found under $350 easily. For example http://www.summitgunbroker.com/Ruger_MKIII.html Tons of aftermarket stuff for both if that matters.

 

[thebusinessend]

What Type of .22 caliber (auto) to buy?

I know this is a S&W forum and that being said, I just put a deposit on a 686 4" revolver.

However, I have one hand gun permit left to use (NJ) and I am seriously looking for a .22 caliber (auto) under $400 to plink and use for target practice.

I have read the most positive reviews online about the Browning Buck-Mark .22 and wanted to get your opinions on a specific model to choose (UDX, Camper, etc.?

Also, are there any other .22 auto's around $300-$400 that you would recommend?

Thanks.

"Are we at last brought to such a humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense? -- Patrick Henry

 

[blaiwayw]

Another vote for the Ruger .22 semi-auto. The earlier versions up to the MKIII have the magazine release on the bottom of the frame. I really like the MKIII, with the mag release on the grip. The Ruger can be had in many styles and has lots of aftermarket support. Reliable, accurate, and reasonable priced.

 

[JamesArthur60]

Correct, this is a S&W forum. But my favorite and only .22 auto is the Ruger 22/45. Should be well within your price range.

 

[sar4937]

I know you said auto, but a 617 10 shot has auto capacity, and similar handling to your 686.

 

[Ed333]

Ruger

You should be able to get a new Ruger 22/45 with two mags, and 5.5" bull barrel for $250-270. Doesn't get much better than that. I would (and have) taken a ruger any day over a Buckmark. Second choice would be my used Mk II stainless target model (heavy taper 6 and 7/8" barrel), acquired from Kittery Trading Post for $240. These pistols will shoot much better than you can, i guarantee it. Third choice, cause pricier , would be a new MkIII bull barrel, blue, 5.5", I have one of those too, but still within your stated budget.

 

[Racer X]

Another vote for the Ruger .22 semi-auto. The earlier versions up to the MKIII have the magazine release on the bottom of the frame. I really like the MKIII, with the mag release on the grip. The Ruger can be had in many styles and has lots of aftermarket support. Reliable, accurate, and reasonable priced.

My Mark II 22/45 is also a frame mounted release, NOT at the base of the grip. That may be either the Mark I or even the original pre Mark I versions.

 

[Wee Hooker]

My 2 cents. If you asked over at rimfirecentral (dotcom) you would get a three to one vote for the Ruger MK II/III or 22/45 series. You'll also see ALLOT of the Rugers in formal competitions. There is a reason for that. FWIW, the Browning Buckmark would come in second. The browning has a better out of the box trigger but is not easy /or as inexpensive to outfit with extra mags, grips, holsters, sights, drop in parts etc.

(FWIW, I own three MK II's and a Buckmark and enjoy them all. If i could only have one (Egads!), it would be the Ruger hands down.

 

[jensb]

Ruger pistols are great buys and good shooters.

 

[Model39]

Buy the S&W/Walther P22. They are lightweight, double action and come in a variety of flavors (colors). They can be had with carry barrel and a weighted target barrel, and are alot of fun to shoot, and are inexpensive but well made. Sorry to hear about the New Jersey restrictions. I guess New Jersey has the same "favorable" attitude toward guns like here in New York.

 

[84CJ]

OK I have a 617 and a model 41 love them both BUT you wont find either one of those for around 400.00 If you do grab it quick.

In your price range I would go with the Ruger. I also have a couple of those and like them very much. No problems with either and not so finicky with ammo.

Good luck hope this helped. Welcome to the forum.

Don't settle for something. Find what you want if you are short funds save up a little then get what you really want. I have a safe full of stuff I really don't care for because I settled for it instead of what I really wanted. If you are limited in what you can buy make sure it is what you really want

 

[alwslate]

I have a Ruger MKII and a Micro Buckmark and like both. I also have an
old beater Colt Challenger. With a budget of 400.00 and a limit of only
one purchase you might want to look for a mint Colt Huntsman or nice
Woodsman if you like classic blued steel.

 

[mitchshrader]

I got the Ruger Mk III Hunter, stainless, 6 7/8 fluted barrel and fiber optic sight. It's made me look like a better shooter than I've been in 30 years. Fun, cheap, feels like a real gun in your hand, and shoots like a laser beam. What's not to like? Now, I PAID a bit, especially for the half dozen spare mags, but not counting them I stayed inside 400$. I'm still able to point shoot with that gun and I'd thought it was lost forever. I don't dare try it with .38s cause I'd shoot up a case getting my eye back. With the Ruger, 1000 rounds is plenty for a weekend and everybody gets to shoot it. Nice gun. I'm mulling a spare.

 

[PDL]

I know this is a S&W forum and that being said, I just put a deposit on a 686 4" revolver.

However, I have one hand gun permit left to use (NJ) and I am seriously looking for a .22 caliber (auto) under $400 to plink and use for target practice.

I have read the most positive reviews online about the Browning Buck-Mark .22 and wanted to get your opinions on a specific model to choose (UDX, Camper, etc.?

Also, are there any other .22 auto's around $300-$400 that you would recommend?

Thanks.

Don't know where in NJ you are, but I got a Browning Buckmark Challenge SE for $329 at Eff's. And they're usually high on pricing. Been a fun gun with no problems except with Remington Thunderbolts. CCI's and Federals were great. It's a range gun so far, so I haven't explored aftermarket stuff, but HiViz makes a front sight for it - not that I've needed it yet. It's been great at the range for sure. I thought I was looking for a Ruger at first, but I found the Browning to be just fine and at a better price. It's also easier to strip and clean from what I've read.