Which .22 plinker should I go for?
- Thread starter rte148
- Start date
Mule88
Member
Id vote for the Browning Buckmark
Ruger Mark II bull barrel. IMO the only 22 semi that your child will pass down to their children other than a high dollar S&W 41, Browning Medalist or the like.
My father has a Mark I that's still going strong after 40 years.
My father has a Mark I that's still going strong after 40 years.
Raspy
Member
I love my Ruger MKll Government and will never sell it. But I also like my S&W 10 round 617 in 4". Both fun plinkers. Same number of rounds, but different.
Then there's the Diamondback. But it's so nice that I worry about using it. Better trigger than anything else.
Then there's the Diamondback. But it's so nice that I worry about using it. Better trigger than anything else.
Raspy
Member
The MK lll is a step more complicated than the MKll. Different mag release and loaded chamber indicator, I think, are the main differences. The MKlll has a 1911 style mag release that doesn't make sense to me since it's not a combat gun. The MKll slab sided Gov't target model seems like the best of the best.
My favorite semiauto plinker is a Ruger MkII 22/45 with a 4" bull barrel. The manual of arms is very similar to the 1911 .45 pistol, so using it reinforces muscle memory for the larger gun. Takedown on this one is quite easy, much smoother than on most of the steel-frame models. Therefore easy to clean in a few minutes.
Although I have a couple of MkIIIs, I'll never buy another. The loaded cartridge indicator and the magazine safety make the takedown way too complex and neither device really serves an important function if you're aware and observe the standard safety precautions. The more gadgets, the more possibility for failure. I've also found the quality control on the MkIIIs to be spotty. If you have or can find a MkII, those are the guns to get.
John
Although I have a couple of MkIIIs, I'll never buy another. The loaded cartridge indicator and the magazine safety make the takedown way too complex and neither device really serves an important function if you're aware and observe the standard safety precautions. The more gadgets, the more possibility for failure. I've also found the quality control on the MkIIIs to be spotty. If you have or can find a MkII, those are the guns to get.
John
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
I have shot these pistols. If you are just looking for a plinker, the Beretta U-22 neos is one that fits a smaller hand and they are accurate and reliable. I have had one for a couple of years and I shoot it quite a bit. I have never had a malfunction while using CCI ammo, either mini-mags, or stingers. It does not really like the cheap bulk ammo I bought for it though. I think they were Remington "golden bullets" some didn't have enough oomph to blow the bolt all the way back.
If you don't like Berettas the Ruger is excellent. I hit better with the beretta than I do with my Ruger though. the beretta I have has a 6" and the ruger has a 4". I need all the help I can get when shooting handguns.
Peace,
gordon
If you don't like Berettas the Ruger is excellent. I hit better with the beretta than I do with my Ruger though. the beretta I have has a 6" and the ruger has a 4". I need all the help I can get when shooting handguns.
Peace,
gordon
Terry C
Member
Ditto the Ruger 22/45 vs. MkII/III. While they are basically the same pistol, they each have a significantly different "feel" due to the grip shape and angle.
I have the 22/45 (MkII) which mimics the 1911, but I have no problems with the traditional Ruger grip.
