Best .22 Plinking Gun?

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4Freedom

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Hi, I am looking to purchase a .22 semi auto and possibly a revolver too for plinking. I am leaning on Brownign Buckmark, Ruger Mark II or Mark III, but not sure exactly which to get. I see some Buckmarks, Mark II's and Mark III's on gunbroker in the $300-$550 range, depending on model. Between Buckmark, Mark II and Mark III, which do most of you prefer? I have heard lot of people disappointed with the safety features of the Mark III, but seeings its the newest model, maybe it is best to go with that? I don't exactly like buying used guns; I see a few NIB Mark II's, mostly factory rejects, surplus or something like that.

Does anyone have any other types of .22 handguns/revolvers they like better than the Buckmark or Mark II/III? Any thoughts on S&W 41? I am trying to look for a gun that will help prepare me for using my S&W M&P 45 DA and my Sig P229 Elite DA/SA. The one think I liked about the Walther P22 I tried was that it had lot of snappy recoil for sucha small gun. THis made it more like shooting a larger caliber. I like to have a gun that gives me a realistic feeling of shooting the larger caliber. I was really not very accurate with the Walter, but maybe because it was an overused range rental gun, it seemed off target.

Anyway, I appreciate your suggestions. If anyone can let me know what they consider a good deal for the gun they suggest, I also would appreciate that too. Thanks.
 
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I have the Buckmark and my son has a Mklll. They both shoot great and it's just a personal preference as to which is the best to own.
 
I have 3 MK IIs and love 'em. Stay away from the MK IIIs they are a horror show to take apart. Case in point,I picked up an AR lower at my local dealer and 2 gentlemen were looking at a MK III and the main concern was disassembly. I was there for about 30 min and they were still trying to put the pistol back together and that was with the help of the counter guy as I was leaving. I have one other 22 a S&W 617 six shot 6" barrel and if I do my part I can hit a 12 ga hull from 25 yds. Oh and it' a pre lock to boot.
 
The neglected one....

There is one pistol that is never mentioned (unless by me) in these recommend-a-.22 semi-auto threads and it's a shame because they're fantastic. I've owned two (still have one) and they will go toe to toe with anything out there. Welcome to accurate, jam-free, a great trigger and way cool looking:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=126130962
 
Either Ruger mkII\III or buckmark are good options. The Ruger will feel sturdier or 'beefier' if you like strong, heavy steel guns. Just handle both. I think sometimes people over complicate the mkIII and its differences from mkII to the point of saying the new gun is near worthless which is a shame. They both are great shooting pistols. I've had both. The loaded chamber indicator does not present any function concern and is present on more guns all the time in various forms. Seriously, to disassemble, is not terrible. Read the manual, learn it or watch one of the many many videos either on Rugers site or youtube - no problem.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/N-RugerTV-TT-MarkIIIDisassembly.html

lol.. eventually you'll want a Ruger & a Buckmark anyway.
 
There are a number of good candidates for you to look at. I like the Ruger MK II and III, but there are other good ones out there.

The S&W 41 is a terrific gun, but it is expensive enough that it is probably out of your price range. It is also a more closely fitted gun, and is probably more sensitive to fouling. I have one. It shoots great, but I tend to prefer the stainless Rugers for fun.

I am also a revolver guy. I like S&W 617s and the 63-4. They are great revos, but not cheap. If you like a single action revo, the Ruger Single Six and Bearcat are good candidates.
 
If you come across a S&W 422 on the used lists don't pass it up. It's no where near as expensive as the 41 mentioned above but, for me at least, shoots just as good a group as the other fancy target specials I've been handed to try. I recently got one and it's nice and light in the hand so you feel it shooting. It's also darned accurate if I do my part of the job and it's pretty close to the same grip angle as a 1911 so what your hands learn with it will translate well to other pistols.

For a revolver although I understand that the Single Six's are fantastic I'd suggest a swing out cylinder of some sort so it's easier to reload. Having to use the single round at a time reloading gate typical to most single action style revolvers takes far too long when you're plinking with .22 where you want to spend more time shooting than reloading.
 
I like my S&W 22A. Accurate, reliable, easy to disassemble. Not spendy. As for rifle, I like my Henry Frontier: accurate, reliable, smooth as butter action/trigger - and, wait for it - not spendy; but also, not a semiauto.
 
Both my sons have Buckmarks with target barrels and Hi-Viz sights. Nice guns, they shoot well and are very accurate.
 
The Model 41 is an excellent gun.

It's not usually what comes to mind when someone asks about a "plinking gun.":)

Ruger 22/45 (Mark II version) would be a gun that's very accurate, very reliable, and cheap.
 
You asked about rifles also. The old Nylon 66 was the best available for years. I still have one and it still shoots fine. Everyone likes the Ruger 10-22 now because of the removable mags. I have a couple but really like my Ruger bolt for squirrel hunting and plinking. I have them all sighted in at 100 yds. Try it, you will like it. Inherited an old H&R nine shot revolver that is as true as can be. The Browning Buckmark is hard to beat but most main brand 22 pistols are also. I bought mine used 10-15 yrs ago and it is still very accurate, wc
 
Last night I shot a tricked out CZ PO1 (similar to the CZ 75) with a Kadet .22 conversion kit installed and it was so very sweet and accurate shooting.
I've always wanted to try the .22 only CZ Kadet model and while it might not be the exact same as this PO1 was, it must still be pretty nice.
I've read nothing but good reports about them.
 
Either the Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark II/III are excellent choices. You won't go wrong with either. Choose the one that seems to fit you the best.

I like double action revolvers for plinking. The good ones are just a lot more expensive than semi-auto pistols. Choose Smith or Colts.
 
Since you have a lot of suggestions on auto's how about taking a look at a SA revolver? A Ruger Bearcat or Single Six would make for a nice accurate & durable plinker.
 
The Model 41 is an excellent gun.
Click to expand...
The OP asked about guns in the $300-$550 range. A Model 41 hardly fits into that range...

If you're looking for a revolver you might be able to find a nice used S&W M17 in that price range. I think it's one of the best rimfire revolvers ever made.
 
I have heard lot of people disappointed with the safety features of the Mark III, but seeings its the newest model, maybe it is best to go with that? I don't exactly like buying used guns
Click to expand...

Just because something is a newer model, doesn't necessarily make it better. For example, as nice as the new S&W 617s are, I and many others believe the older S&W K-22 Model 17s and 18s are even better; possibly the finest DA 22 revolvers ever made, along with the Colt Diamondback. K-22s are pricey ($500 and up these days), but they are a wonderful gun to own. I get a warm fuzzy just knowing I have one of these fine beauties:


K22_12-3.jpg



Plus, you pass up many spectacular deals if you don't consider used. Heck, just this morning I walked into a local pawn shop and they had a pair of Marlin Model 60s (tube feed semi auto rifles) for $65 each, one of which came home with me. My sister picked up a lightly used Ruger Mk II recently for $199. Bull barrel, adjustable sights, very nice gun. At the same time, my parents bought a 22LR High Standard Citation dating to '62 or so for $450. The finest shooting semi auto I've ever handled, given it's ultra slick trigger. High Standards are stupid easy to field strip for cleaning too. By comparison, the first time my sister and I field stripped her Mk II it made my brain hurt :eek: . But, I imagine after doing it a few times it will get better.

Anyway, in a SA revolver the most popular (for very good reason) is the Ruger Single Six. Look hard enough, and you can find new ones for just under $300. Used, when you can find them, don't sell for much less. If you want something even more affordable, you might give the SA Heritage Rough Rider a try. You can usually get one for under $175 new. I even saw a used one for $80 a couple of years ago. Just be aware that though usually reliable, Heritage does put out a higher percentage of lemons than Ruger does with their Single Six.
 
Plinking, Ruger Mark. Tons of fun, accurate, Ultimate mag loader thing you can buy makes mag loading easy.

Ruger Single Six or bear-cat. Waste less ammo. Have the same amount of fun.
 
There really are very few options on the new gun market for a decent .22 Plinker pistol.
That said, of the ones you have selected, my choice would be for the Browning Buckmark. Very decent handgun and still priced affordable.
 
All these folks have offered good suggestions. We have two 22 autos in the house. A Ruger Mark III Hunter (6" bbl) and a Beretta Neos (4" bbl). The Neos is an odd looking pistol, but feels great in the hand and is easy to shoot well. It isn't as muzzle heavy as the Ruger, but muzzle flip is virtually nonexistant.
The Ruger was nearly twice the price of the Neos, but I would rather shoot the Neos.

Pick up and handle a bunch of different guns, revolvers and autos alike. Buy the one that really wants to go home with you. As the guys have said, don't discount revolvers. A good 22 revolver is a joy to own and shoot.

Bill.
 
About a year ago, I was looking for an affordable 22 revolver for plinking as well...it ended up being a Heritage rough rider 22LR/Mag single action, under $200, and it's gotten the job done so far. I'm happy with it.
 
Among my favorite range companions, now that 9mm ammo is just about impossible to find, in no particular order:

1. Ruger Bearcat
2. Ruger Charger
3. Ruger Mark 1
4. Colt Challenger
5. Browning Buck Mark Hunter (brand new)

Depending on which gun I have in my hand at the time, I don't stop to consider any other.
 
ruger mkII

it's hard to beat a nice little ruger mkII auto for plinking.... i got a new one last fall an i've yet to get to the range with it... it has only shot the test round that came in the box with it.... with spring coming up i'm getting more anxious to get her out.........

LIFE IS SHORT.....
 
Don't get me wrong, I love Rugers, have 6 of their single actions. I've had a MkI and MkII and they were OK but not great.

I just bought a new Buckmark Camper with the HiViz front sight. I love it, it fits great and shoots very well. It feeds most any ammo except the Remington value packs and it's the ammo, not the gun. It came with 3 mags and a nice gun rug with the Browning logo embroidered on it. I'd buy another in a heart beat...
 
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