Accuracy of 22 convertible vs. 22 semiauto

[honkeoki]

Hello, all. I want to buy a 22 plinker but I'm torn.

I've read that Single Six convertibles are made to shoot 22 WMR and suffer in the accuracy dept with 22 LR. I'm a big fan of the convertible, because I like options and because I can stuff those cylinders with anything -- Colibri, snake shot, 22 short, you name it. Also because 22 WMR is a bit more powerful -- and it's like having two guns in one!

I live in South Florida, about 20 miles from the factory that makes Rough Riders, so I could pick up a convertible for around $150.

On the other hand...

I could get a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger Mk 2 for about the same price ($300). Advantages here are increased accuracy (I think) and better sights. The sights on the Single Sixes I've seen are big and ugly. Downside here is: can't use "exotic" ammo.

The purpose of this pistol is to dispatch the occasional rat in my backyard. I live in the city so all my shooting is done at the range.

Please lend your opinions on these choices.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The question is, what do you REALLY want?

The Rough Rider doesn't have a reputation for quality, and personally, I'd be happier with a Single Six.

I think you'll find if you are doing a lot of shooting almost all will be .22 LR, because of cost. If all your shooting is at a range, then .22 LR is definitely the way to go. Hunting might justify a .22 Mag convertable.

The Buckmark and Ruger MKII are fine pistols -- I've owned a Ruger .22 Automatic for many years, and like them. I don't think either one of these pistols would be a bad choice.

 

[honkeoki]

Thanks, Vern. The problem is, I'm having trouble deciding what I really want.

BTW, where are you in the Ozarks? I grew up there myself, in Searcy County, northern Arkansas, along the beautiful Buffalo river.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I'm in Stone County, about 10 miles south of Mountain View. I graduated from high school in Independence County, Pleasant Plains. My dad had a ranch there.

If you want a fun gun, a Single Six is fine. If you want accuracy, go with the MKII or the Buckmark.

 

[J Miller]

honkeoki,

I have both a Ruger Standard .22 Auto, and an Old Model Super Single 6 convertible.
The Auto is somewhat easier to shoot once loaded, but the magazines are a pain to load.
The Revolver is more accommodating about what ammo I feed it, and it functions flawlessly.

As for accuracy, I think that depends more on me and what kind of physical and emotional state I'm in, than what ammo the two guns like. Or the inherent accuracy of their designs.
I rarely shoot mags out of the Single 6, yet I'm glad I've got the option to do so.

If I were to chose between these two guns, (I'd have to be forced into it), I'd choose the Super Single 6. It's much more versatile in the long run.

And Vern's advise is spot on. Go quality, between the Roughrider, and Ruger, the Ruger wins. No contest.

Joe

 

[grimjaw]

Vern Humphrey, I'm envious! That's one of my favorite places in the state. Why didn't my parents wise up and stay in the hills?

I recently bought the new Single Six. It'll truly be "fun" when I get a new set of reduced power springs on it. The trigger is not pleasant from the factory. It is accurate, and the cylinders are a breeze to change. One of the many reasons I bought it was for the convertible option. I want a rimfire rifle in .22WMR, too, figured it would be a good fit.

I don't shoot .22LR out of it enough to know if there's a difference in accuracy. I have the adjustable sight version, and they are kind of ugly. Fixed sight versions are available, though.

jmm

 

[mec]

I've found a couple of the long single sixes to be very accurate with both loads. My convertible seems to produce just a little less velocity from its 9.5" barrel than a circa 6" chambered for long rifle- when long rifle cartridges are used.

A lot-probably most Ruger MKII/IIIs will regularly shoot groups of .5" and under at 25 yards. I really cant benefit from the accuracy gain without a scope and a bench rest.

 

[toolmaker]

If I could add my 2 cents, I am a fan of both the Single Sixes and the Mk2's. I have 2 of each (a stainless fixed sight Single Six and a Super Single Six, as well as a 10 inch MK2 and a 5 inch bull MK2, all stainless steel).I have scoped the 10 inch MK2 and the Super Single Six with Weaver 2x fixed power scopes. Using PMC pistol match .22LR ammo in the Super Single Six, I consistently get a tiny bit under 1 inch groups from the gun, 25 yards, from a sandbag rest. The MK2 groups a little better, but I expect that--the down side is that it has a few fails to eject with the standard velocity cartridges. I do like quiet loads, big AND small bore. The way I look at it, if a gun can group as well as these under ideal conditions, any variance is most likely due to my shortcomings. I too like the versatility of .22 magnum use in the revolver when needed, and I only count on my revolvers to give me 100% reliability with all ammo. That's also why I carry an SP101 in my pocket instead of a semiauto. You could do as I do---buy both! This is, of course, all just my opinion. Let us know what you decide.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I'm envious! That's one of my favorite places in the state. Why didn't my parents wise up and stay in the hills?

We have a saying hereabouts, "If you live in Mountain View, you never die. Because, what's the point?"

I bought this place in '69, when I came home from my second tour in Viet Nam -- 160 acres for $50 an acre. It took me 30 years to get the kids through school and accumulate enough to live on -- we built in '99.

 

[halvey]

If you will really use the gun for hunting or varmint control, get the Single Six. I have various varmints at my place and depending on the varmint, it's much easier to shoot those CB caps or 22 shorts out of a revolver.

But you know, for the price of these 2 guns, get both.

 

[honkeoki]

CBs and shorts

Is it even possible to shoot low-power loads like shorts and CBs out of a semi-auto? I imagine the pistol cycling about 1/4 or less and jamming...

The opinion seems to lean toward the Single Six. I'm definitely going to do some comparison shopping at the next gun show.

 

[halvey]

You can, but reliability is bad. In a pinch I have hand loaded CB's into my Buckmark. Not recommended however.

 

[ID_shooting]

my wife and I both sold our MKIIs and new have single-six convertables. They are accurate enough to bust clays at 50 yards, I have taken several wistle pigs past 75 with mine. We shoot nothing but LR though ours, but it is nice to have the mags available if needed.

 

[BigG]

Those two cartridges use different diameter projectiles. .222 for LR and .224 for WMR, IIRC.* Any bore has to be large enough to use the .224 so the LR is problematical if you are looking for optimal accuracy. For a revo I would just buy the LR type. as the WMR is hardly used (in my experience) while the LR will be a favorite plinker. JMTC YMMV etc.

*Edit - this difference can be seen as the WMR bullet is fully contained within the cartridge case, modern style, while the LR continues to have an old black powder style "heeled" bullet with the exposed bullet and ctg case having the exact same diameter.

 

[115grfmj]

not sure about the accuracy concerns......

I bought my stainless 4" single six about 7months ago, and while it
definately has its likes and dislikes, I can do 1.5" at 25yds supported (bench rest) with cci mini-mags. Does slightly better with the 22mag, but
H*ll, that way good enough for varmints, and plinking.

BTW I can never miss the oppurtunity to show it off.