22LR Semiauto shopping help

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Trent

Trent

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Hey guys. I've got a friend who is looking to buy his first handgun. He's looking at various 22LR semi-autos, and he's wanting some input. It's just for target shooting, accuracy is a priority, and a budget of $400 has been set.

The only 22LR handgun I own is a Ruger MK III competition model which is out of the budget, so I'm of limited use. :(

Can you guys give any input / help / advice?

Thanks!
 
A base model MK III is under $400, I recommended a Mk III to him, but wanted to keep an open mind for other options. :)

Are there any semiauto other pistols in that price range that are as good as the Ruger MK III? I haven't shot many 22's.
 
Ruger also sells a Target version of the 22/45. Same gun, less expensive polymer frame.

For budget target guns, there really isn't anything better. Lot's of aftermarket trigger parts out there, too.
 
S&W M22A, Buckmark Camper, or Beretta Neos would be good to look at if he doesn't want the lower end Rugers.
 
Onmilo said:
Browning Buckmark Camper Model.
Click to expand...

Ditto.


BuckMark and Ruger Mk series is going to be the overwhelming top 2 choices.

Both fine choices in their most basic offerings and both should be under $400.

In regards to cleaning... I think the disassembly of the Ruger is overblown as well is the top strap coming loose afterwards on the Buckmark.

The Ruger has an enclosed bolt whereas the BuckMark has an external.

The BuckMark has an easily removable barrel where as the Ruger is NOT (needs a smith I believe) so if barrel swaps are in the future keep that in mind.

The Ruger has more after market trigger support... and the BuckMark guys will say its because the Buck has a better trigger and doesn't need it. The BuckMark does have a better factory trigger but the Rugers isn't bad.


Chevy/Ford or Toyota/Nissan/Honda (notice I left out Dodge :evil:)....

IMO, It really comes down to how does it feel in the hand and maybe the removable barrel issue..
 
In that budget any of the Rugers are fine. I just picked up a M&P22 for $319 from CDT and it's growing on me. About the same size and weight as it's bigger brothers, good for training. Accurate as any I've used, and smooth. Threaded barrel if there's a suppressor in his future :what:
I added the Pachmayr Glove and Dawson fiber optic sights for giggles.


-Mike




MP22PachmayrGlove_zpsed8ec7fa.jpg
 
I have owned both and found the Buckmark more accurate in my hands (due to the better trigger), but the Ruger was more reliable and less finicky about ammo. Buckmark was much easier to takedown (for me) and had a better grip. Overall, in my experience, the Buckmark wins but not by much (I think it cost a little more too)
 
Ruger or Browning, flip a coin. Both are going to be accurate enough for paper, plinking and squirrels.

Since I've never bothered to really clean either of mine in over 10 years (just a spray with break cleaner and a bore snake followed by some oil), I'd say that they're both plenty reliable. If your friend does plan on cleaning his new pistol, people claim the Browning is easier to disassemble/reassemble over a Ruger.
 
Anyone mention Ruger yet? :D

I have a Mk-II Standard that I bought new in 1987. It's this gun and its performance that lead me to follow the Ruger-recommendation train.

I like the looks of the 22/45, but haven't handled one yet. Since my pistols, especially my .22 caliber ones, serve "general-use" duty, and are not limited to "accuracy" target-use, I'd choose (were I shopping for a first .22 handgun) the Ruger SR22 over the 22/45 today. But, if his intended use is as you described, the latter might be the better choice for him.
 
Would like to thank every one for all the input and look forward to more. I did handle most of these guns today. I found the SR22 to be way too small for my hands. I did find the longer guns to feel better.
 
jagarls said:
Would like to thank every one for all the input and look forward to more. I did handle most of these guns today. I found the SR22 to be way too small for my hands. I did find the longer guns to feel better.
Click to expand...

^^ This would be the friend I was asking for. Talked him in to joining THR tonight.

Welcome to the board, you guys can handle it from here. :)
 
You might try a few things.....first if a SR22 is small, you have bigger paws then me :)

You might look at some of the S&W offerings....I flat can't hold on to them...they are too big. They are going to be at the upper end of your price range, but it is worth a look anyway.

I would also say give the Neos a shot (doG I am in a mood today) If you can get past the star wars look it really is a very nice little pistol...points very well, has that nice rail already there....my wife calls hers the alligator gun. I have a red dot on mine and shooting plates at 50 is really no challenge. It is just that natural. Then there is a carbine option, a little spendy when you can find one, but it will give you two guns in one, and that short little barrel on the thing will surprise you out to 100. The buckmark also is setup like this I think, but the one I have is a little picky about ammo, the Beretta eats everything.
 
A Ruger Mk.III 22/45 with a 5.5" bull barrel would be my first choice and should be priced right around $300. I would also recommend the Beretta Neos in the same price range.
 
I will join in and suggest the Ruger line of .22 pistols. Between my wife and me we own two MK 2's, and one SR22 pistol. Both are for us totally reliable and fun to shoot. Accurate too! I'm not disparaging other makes, it's just that the only other .22 autos I have experience with was back in the day, a Smith 41 and a Colt Match Target before they became super high dollar guns. Don
 
If the Beretta Neos grip angle is acceptable to you, its the best value in an accurate 22 pistol. The Blue models can be had for close to $250, new. The Stainless versions are a few dollars more. The magazines are superb, much smoother than the New Ruger magazines. If I didnt have four Ruger Mark pistols, the Neos would be my Go-To target pistol.
 
+1 on a Ruger MkIII series something, but I have nothing bad to say about the Browning Buckmarks too. Used MkII's tend to be somewhat rare, and of course you see fewer different models in a shop if they have one or two.

Obviously try to handle as many as you can in the stores and with friends. At least one will call out to you. :)

Both are good, and there are options in the states price range. The real trick right now is the ammo. :/
 
I have a polymer frame Ruger 22/45, and I love it. It's my go to camping pistol. I can't tell you how many rounds through it, but it's boringly accurate and reliable. Under $400 to boot.
 
jagarls said:
Would like to thank every one for all the input and look forward to more. I did handle most of these guns today. I found the SR22 to be way too small for my hands. I did find the longer guns to feel better.
Click to expand...
A couple more things, welcome to THR, and you might want to check out some of the different target grips. Sometimes you can try the expensive target model with the fancy molded grips, then buy they lower cost model and add the fancy grips that fit your hand later as an aftermarket item. For both Rugers and Brownings there are many, many places to find things like this.
 
Matt Dillon said:
How much are CZ Kadets going for today? My Kadet kit for CZ75 has been very reliable and accurate.
Click to expand...
CZ stopped importing the full CZ Kadet pistol, but still sells the Kadet Kit. They are now north of $400.
 
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