Ease of .22lr pistol disassembly/reassembly

[Gregbug]

I used to own a Ruger 22/45 .22lr pistol. Hated to clean it. When the manufacturer instructions reference wooden dowels and hammers for disassembly/reassembly, well, it just doesn't seem right. Since I hated to clean it, I didn't shoot it. Finally sold it.

I've got the itch now to buy another .22lr autoloading pistol, something I can teach my daughters to shoot with. I won't buy a Ruger because of the above issue. Here's my question: Is a Browning Buck Mark easier to take down for cleaning than the Rugers? How about a Trailside?

Thanks for any details and advice you can send my way.

[actionflies]

Anything will be easier than a Ruger 22lr. Fortunately, there are website with pics to help you field strip the Ruger. I think Ruger MKIII and Browning Buckmarkl are the best value 22lr. in the market and will last a lifetime of fun shooting.

[Pilot]

Learn to clean the Ruger. :rolleyes:

[XavierBreath]

Cleaning a S&W K-22 Outdoorsman is a snap.

Just put a rag through the chambers and a patch down the bore. Wipe off the exterior. A Model 17 will suffice if you can't find an Outdoorsman.

Other options are the Ruger Bearcat, and the......... Oh, right Autoloading pistols.........

Browning Buckmark. Don't disassemble it. Run a bore snake down the barrel and keep shooting. Of course, you can do that with a Ruger too.

[Bill B.]

Browning Buckmark. Don't disassemble it. Run a bore snake down the barrel and keep shooting. Of course, you can do that with a Ruger too.


If only more shooters would leave their Ruger's alone and take this advice. There is no need to fire even a brick of ammo through these pistols and then take them completely apart for cleaning. Shoot and enjoy!

[Rembrandt]

Easiest .22 I've found to breakdown is the S&W model 41....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Rembrandt51/5.jpg

[snorko]

With the Buckmark, you still need a screwdriver. For some reason, I do not like needing a tool to field strip a handgun.

[blkbrd666]

You can disassemble a Beretta U22 Neos with one hand as long as that hand has a thumb and at least 2 fingers.

[Milkmaster]

Disassembling the Ruger Mark pistols aren't THAT bad. I never have to use a hammer on the two I have. You just have to learn and do it a couple of times, and it will not be a problem afterwards. Ruger Mark pistols are IMHO the best value out there in 22lr. Others can be easier to take down, but will probably cost you more and not serve you any better. All that being said...get what you like and enjoy the heck out of it. Good Luck!

[presspuller]

Take a Ruger a part and put it back together enough times that you can do it with your eyes closed and its no bigger of a deal to strip than a 10/22. Its all in what you get use to.

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, a S&W M22A is a snap to take apart, clean and reassemble. Seriously, very easy...

[seuss]

I second the 22A-1. My S&W 22a-1 is a snap to take down, even with the red dot on top.

[seuss]

Also ive put 4000 plus rounds through it with only two FTE.

[chris in va]

something I can teach my daughters to shoot with

He needs something lighter guys. How about a P22, is that difficult to clean?

[DMZ]

P22? Very easy to breakdown and clean.

[dagger dog]

When the MKI II III 45's are new they can be a pita to break down but as they age they become easier to re-assemble. The most I've ever had to use is the small split ring that holds my keys to catch the latch and every once in a while a rubber mallet or the rubber heel of my shoe to give the barrel a whack to lossen it from the grip housing.

One of my buddies was in love with his old MK I and could strip it and re-assemble in less than 2 minutes!

[Deltaboy]

Get another Ruger MK II bore snake remove grips and blast with Gun scrubber. wipe down let dry and reassemble.

[ClemY]

S&W Model 41 is perhaps the easiest to take down.

The Ruger MK III certainly has a learning curve associated with take-down. You can make it a little easier by removing the mag safety. I did this by replacing the hammer and sear with VQ MK II parts.

[franconialocal]

Walther P22....and it's a great size for a "smaller" person.

For full size feel.....maybe one of the Sig conversions. I have a P-220 conversion and it's been great.