What's the best modern .22LR semi-auto Pistol Plinker?

[AirPower]

I'm looking for a .22LR plinker so I can shoot it along side of Ruger 10/22. So far the choices I'm looking at are Walther P22, Beretta U22 Neos, Sig Mosquito and Ruger Mark III. I think that's about it for modern .22 semiauto handguns.

I didn't like the Ruger MkIII that my friend hand. I've read about Walther P22 having zinc slide that'll eventually give out. I dont' know much about the Neos or Msoquito. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks.

 

[ugaarguy]

I'd do a search for each model here on THR. From my reading here, and experience with friends' guns I'd recommend a Ruger MKII or 22/45 built off the MKII action; or a Browning Buckmark. I've yet to shoot a S&W 22A, but they're well regarded and certainly worth consideration.

 

[wooderson]

The Neos feels weird. Very plastic, very light for the size. I don't like the feel at all.

If it was the grip angle that bothered you on the Ruger, you could try a 22/45 - more traditional, 1911-esque grip. The Browning Buck Mark is a great option as well, I preferred it to the Ruger and wound up with a Hunter (7.25" barrel).

 

[Baphomet]

If you don't like the MKIII, my second suggestion would be one of the Browning Buckmarks.

 

[otomik]

Beretta 87, regular or target

 

[Mortech]

Ruger Mk Series by far

 

[Mark54g]

Beretta Neos. They look like space guns, strip like magic and group very well. Get the INOX as the black finish is nothing to write home about. SOME day, Beretta is going to get the carbine kit out for it.

 

[Ala Dan]

Browning Buckmark~!

Many models out there, pick the one that is right for you.

 

[Stachie]

The Berretta Neos are very nice. They are very accurate and feed exceptionally well. Also, they strip easily.

 

[RemingtonFreak870]

Ruger Mk series.

 

['Card]

I've got a Ruger 22/45 that's been an awesome little training pistol for first-timers and relative newbies I take shooting with me.

 

[borrowedtime69]

Ruger MK II 22/45

i have two of the MKII's and i couldnt be happier. i have a P4 4" bull barrel, and a 6 7/8" slabside target models and they are the only semi- auto .22 pistols i carry with me when camping or traveling. i tae one or the other of them every time i go hunting.

try to avoid the new MK III's as they have too many lawyer issues that make it harder to take down/reassemble.

also, if you do a thread search at Rimfire Central you will find that there are many unhappy owners of the Walther P22. they are not built to last and have frequent problems. best of luck -Eric

 

[Hawaiian]

Bought my son a Neo. Don't care for it that much. I don't think the newer MKIII is as nice as the II. I love shooting the II.

 

[Monkeybear]

The P22 is OK at best, its only a good choice if everything else is too big or too heavy for you. I have one for my fiance to shoot with.

The Neos breaks down super easy for cleaning but the frame is too light and any barrel over 4" for it makes it overly nose heavy. I sold mine cheap, had the 6.5" barrel(impulse buy).

I have on layaway a Browing Buck Mark Challenger 2004 Shot Show Special Edition at Gander right now. Ill let you know how I like it.



My advice if you want a large steel gun that feels and handles like a centerfire, is easy to clean and break down and has a great reputation for accuracy check out the CZ Kadet Pistol, if you dont already have a CZ 75. If you do check out the Kadet Kit.


No expierence with the Rugers.

 

[mljdeckard]

I wanted a Mk II, but since I got the Ciener conversion kit for my Kimber, I have forgotten why.

 

[SAG0282]

The SIG/Hammerli pistols.

 

[Levan9X19]

I guess Buck mark will be a great choice for plinking. and there are dozens of models to choose....

 

[vegasshooter]

When I bought mine I looked at EVERYTHING there was out there. The Neos feels like a toy. Don't like the single action of the Ruger and the Brownings as well. I bought the Walther P22 and also the Bersa Firestrom .22lr. The Walther needed a couple of things done to it but it shoots great but may be just a little small. The Bersa is great if you run hot loads through it. Tried some subsonics and it failed to eject/feed and everything else that could go wrong. In the sub $300 dollar price range, these are two of the best. Also, both shoot DA/SA so that if you have a Fail to Fire, you can strike it again and hope it goes POP.

 

[GunnySkox]

I got to put about forty rounds through a P22 a couple weeks ago, and it was an absolute blast. I loved how _tiny_ the gun was, and my only complaint was that I bet if they fattened up that magazine a little bit, they could fit more'n ten rounds in it. Especially given the wackily disproportionate floorplate compared to the magazine tube.

~GnSx

 

[Phil DeGraves]

S&W M41

 

[MCgunner]

Nobody's going to mention the "trailside". I think it's "trailside". The folks here is where I first heard of the gun. Saw one at Academy, not a bad price (something around $350), nice lookin' gun. If I was in the market for yet another .22, I might just pick one up.

 

[iostorm]

Beretta U22 Neos, incredible gun. easy to do tutorial on the net to do a trigger job on it, makes it smooth as glass. IMO best on the market currently.

 

[pablo45]

I like the Walther p22. I love it and it is more accurate then i thought it was going to be. Only 200.00 and it is pocket size so if i take it hunting i can easily store it.

 

[New_geezer]

People seem to love or hate the Neos but it really is a well made accurate gun that is not especially expensive. At least with the 6 inch barrel, I've consistently read the 4 inch barrel is not as accurate. The grip angle is similiar to the Ruger Mk series and I had trouble getting used to it but if you like it the Neos is a good choice and a good value.

I also own a Buckmark and a Sig Trailside. The BuckMark is a solid choice and I love mine. But BMs are getting pricey at least around here. I bought my Trailside when they were expensive and kinda regret it - for all its virtues and there many, there is just a cheapness about it and many owners have reported some serious quality issues tho so far I've been lucky with mine. Personally, regards the Trailside, I think there are better options available regardless of price.

 

[DWARREN123]

The Rugers or Brownings. The main thing is fit of the grip to you. I picked a Browning Buckmark Camper due to the grip size and angle, I like it much more than the Ruger.