S&W 422 or Buckmarck?

I got a 6" 422 target for HS graduation. I shot it side by side with a friends 6"ish heaavy barreled Buckmark. Pretty equal all around, imho. I prefer the 422, probably because I have had it so long. Bought the 4.5" and 3" 2214 also. Definitly lighter.

As a 422 owner that has also shot borrowed Buckmarks this would be a hard choice. Both are superb guns. But if I were using it for any speed matches such as Speed Steel I'd go Buckmark. My beloved 422 is a trifle light for rapid firing. I found that the gun and my hands were still wobbling a touch from the recoil by the time I had the sight picture on the next target. Yeah, yeah, I know that the recoil of the AWESOME .22LR isn't much to write home about. But when you're trying to rip off 5 hits in under 3 seconds it matters. For that the Buckmark or an all steel Ruger simply is the better option. But for basic plinking you can pick either and come away a winner.

Now since you're in the US if you expect to ever want to carry in the woods then I'd go 422 all the way without a single glance back. The mostly alloy 422 is a superb gun for woods carry because of the super slim design and light weight. And if you're up to the job the 422 will keep your camp dinner pot filled in fine form. Mine is every bit as accurate as my Ruger or any other .22 I've shot short of a Hi Standard fancy competition match gun.

So all in all unless you need the light weight or you need the recoil absorbing mass then it's a wash. Either are great. The only other reason to shift one way or the other would be if kids or small of stature women will be shooting it on a regular basis. There again the light weight of the 422 would seem to point in that direction over the Buckmark.

edited....i misread your post.

my vote is for the buckmark.

422 is discontinued.
The Buckmark is not,,,

Experience with both

As a plinker I enjoy the S&W 422/622 the most. Mine like CCI Mini-mags best. 15 yard sandbagged groups run 1 1/4" to 1 1/2".

The Buckmark is more accurate and likes Federal Gold Medal. 15 yard sandbagged groups run 1/2" to 3/4".

The choice for plinking will boil down to personal prefrence.

I would vote for the Buckmark. Currently available in any number of variations and to me has a much better feel and balance to it than the S&W Model 422.

Buckmark

Limited experience with the 422 as I have never owned one but have shot one on several occasions that a buddy owns. The Buckmark "feels" better to me which is a totally subjective opinion.

Sold my Buckmark. Was not a fan.

Which would you recommend and why?

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I have both a 622 and a Buckmark Field 5.5. Either are fun for plinking, but the Buckmark has a better trigger and I shoot it much more accurately. I've never liked the takedown of the 622.

If you are a lefty, the 622 grip may feel better, as some Buckmarks are made for right hands.

Because the Buckmark is still made, I'd suggest it over the 622.

If one day you consider to fit a can, 422 is a better choice. Barrel is threaded already, just need an adapter and barrel is sitting low.

If its just for fun, you will probably eventually end up with both! I am personally not in love with the Buckmark, but there is a lot more stuff for them which allows for some futzing which is fun.

I've enjoyed my Browning buck Mark for years.

I've added a optic sight to mine.



It's very reliable and fun to shoot.

nosmr2 said:

Sold my Buckmark. Was not a fan.

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What did you expect? You should have purchased a fan if you wanted to move air.

What did you expect? You should have purchased a fan if you wanted to move air.

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Good one.

saenzrich,

i like my buchmark 5.5" target, love my hi-standard similarly equipped, but prefer my ruger 5.5" bull, target-sighted 22/45. i swapped in a $30 volquartsen sear that brings the trigger to less than 2 lbs; they're available for $249 from grice's wholesale in clearfield, pa.

The Trailside points well for me, is very accurate, but often doesn't lock the slide back and mags are expensive. It is discontinued, but can be found here and there at quite reasonable prices.

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FWIW, the Hammerli X-esse is pretty much the same gun as the Trailside and is currently in production and available in the USA through Larry's Guns.
Trailside/X-esse magazines run about $35.

I have a 422 and several Buck Marks. I prefer the Buck Marks because of their trigger and the platform's greater adaptability. The 422, with it's high mounted sights and threaded barrel, would be handy if someone wanted put a can on it.
Regards,
Greg

Never own or shot 422/622. But my 2206 was very well made and I love the size and weight. I'll choose my 2206 over Buckmark any day.

Gawd those S&W's are UGLY.

Buckmark or Ruger MK II.

I have a 4" 422. Yep, they's uglyyy but shoot sooo well.. and light.
I'd get a Browning Nomad over any new Browning or Ruger.

Buddy just got the Buckmark. Field stripping alone rules it out for me. Any of the Smith's tear down easily compared to Ruger or Buckmark. If you want light, get the 622. Better finish than 422. If you want solid weight go 2206. 2206TGT is drilled and tapped for optics, finely adjustable Millet target sights, and has fat target grips.

I have the 6" 622 and prefer it over the Buckmark which I sold.