Which .22 pistol?

[Trumpet]

Hey guys,
Well, I think I'ma going to be in the market for another .22 pistol soon. Now, I don't do any formal target shooting, just casual. I have a Ruger KMK678GC and I love it! I was thinking of getting a Ruger KMK512, but I just wanted to check to see what my other options were.

Here are the stipulations.
1) Minimum plastic. I just don't like it. In fact, call me old fashioned, but I hate the stuff :barf: . There. I said it.
2) Must be accurate. (Duh. like who would want an inaccurate pistol)
3) Must be $400-ish.
4) Must last a lifetime

I'd get a S&W 41, but my budget just won't allow for it. Plus, I have too many other irons in the fire (CMP Garands, SASS....).

How are the Sig Trailsides? How would the Sig, Ruger Mk II (KMK512), and Browning Buckmark compare? I was looking at either the Buckmark "Bullseye" or the "Field". Would the fact that the Buckmark is aluminum cause longevity issues? I guess I have minor issues with all of the candidates. I mean, the Ruger is a PITA to strip down, the Browning has an aluminum frame, and the Sig has a plastic magazine.


Recommendations?


Thanks all
Rich

[Dot_mdb]

A fun gun to shoot, but not a target pistol is the Bersa/Firestorm .22. It costs about $200.

Bill

[Croyance]

I can't compare all the guns on your list, since I haven't tried them all.

However, on the Buckmark:
There are many models, from the base Camper on up.
Mine has an excellent trigger.
Has eaten everything.
As for the aluminum frame, you do realize that it is the .22 LR you are using, right? Not exactly high pressure, high intensity round. It will wear fine.

[MarkDido]

I've been leaning towards either the blued or stainless MK II with the 6" bull barrel. I just like the lok of the Ruger over the other .22 semi-auto models.

[capbuster]

I cannot really give an opinion on the other brands you mentioned. I have been very pleased with the Ruger MKII model. The 6 7/8" barreled model has been my target pistol for the past 12 years. I recently purchased one with the 5 1/2" bull barrel and I find that it is just as accurate and reliable as my older MkII.

[makarov]

Even if you are just doing some informal target shooting for $400 it is hard to beat one of the Russian IZH-35m - they are a real target pistol.

Other choices would be a Ruger Single-Six, for something different.

Browning Buckmarks or the older Challengers or Medalists are nice too if you can find one in your price range.

[rick_reno]

Go with the Ruger - assuming you already know the takedown/reassembly of one.

[Brian Williams]

You already have one of the best off the shelf inexpensive target autos, get a S&W 22 revolver. I have a S&W 35-1 6 shot J frame with target sights and a 6" barrel. This is always in my range bag, No mags to load, just fill a pocket with a handful of 22lr and stand at the line, load and shoot, dump empties, reload, shoot, repeat.:D

[Bullet Bob]

Get a used S&W model 17, the "K22 Masterpiece" - they really are. Available in great shape for $300.00 - $350.00. It will always gain in value, and you will be able to pass it down to your heirs. Not to mention, there is not a more fun, enjoyable gun to shoot. Smooth, precision, mechanical feel, accurate, lovely to behold.

[Barbara]

I have two. A Phoenix Arms .22 that has been broken longer than it ever worked. I also have a S&W 22A that I love to shoot, but which is the pickiest thing I've ever seen and hates all ammo. When it shoots, it does it well, smoothly and accurately, but its such a pain I rarely use it anymore. It's also a hassle to clean.

[Warhawk]

Howdy Trumpet, Why not go to www.rimfirecentral.com and read up on these choices?

The Rugers are bulletproof, and the buckmarks are good too, and replicate the controls of a 1911.

Not sure why you would look any farther than these two choices.

[ExtremeDooty]

I have an RG 14S that I would let go of for $400, maybe even a little less if you're a shrewd negotiator.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Go ahead, and get the Ruger KMK-512; as you won't likely
ever regret it! Just pack an old toothbrush in your range
bag, for the occassional cleaning of the breech and every
thing will be fine.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[asa]

Why not check your local dealers for one of the Colt Woodsman series? I own several and wouldn't use anything else. Used specimens in your price range should be around at some point and-unlike most of the modern pistols-don't lose 40% of their value when you walk out the door. I admit my bias-I'm a Colt collector-but a " shooter" Woodsman, Huntsman, Challenger, or Targetsman will be accurate, handle nicely, and just be fun to shoot.

[farscott]

I would just wait a bit and save for the S&W M41. Used samples go for about $500 in this area, so the "savings time" will not be too long. That way you are sure to get good ol' blued steel. :)

[Red_SC]

I've used both the Ruger MkII and the Buckmark. I wanted to like the Ruger more, but I ended up liking the Buckmark. Either one is a great choice, though.

[mhdishere]

I'll buck the trend here of folks recommending autos, how about a S&W 617 revolver. Ten rounds in the new ones (I have an older one that holds six), and the thing shoots like it's got eyes. For a more packable gun how about the kit gun, J frame .22?

[Richard]

Have you ever thought about a CZ75 Kadet. This is my favorite 22 pistol. Regards, Richard:D