Best .22 semi-auto?

[270Win]

My dad is in the market for a .22 semi-auto for target/plinking purposes. While he hasn't completely ruled out revolvers (so feel free to suggest a superior one), he is definitely aiming at semi-autos.

The only clear advice I've heard is to be wary of the Walther P22. I've heard that there are also some problems with the Sig Mosquito. I've heard good things, on the other hand, about the Beretta Cheetah.

What else is out there? And which ones should be be avoiding? Thanks in advance!

 

[PattonTime]

.22 Browning Buckmark

My Buckmark is the Micro Model, 4" barrel.
It is one of my many favorite guns and I have had zero problems with it.
I have had two different friends buy one after trying mine at the range.
However, I will be picking up my dream .22 next week at Sportsmens Whse.
S&W Model 41 in 5.5 barrel
I don't think you could go wrong with the Buckmark, but I know folks that
are quite happy with their Rugers too!

 

[strat81]

I have been pondering this question myself lately too. The one I'm considering the most is the Browning Buckmark. Ruger MkII/III and 22/45 models are very good, but I refuse to buy one based on the company's political history (yes yes, I'm crazy, and I carry a grudge, don't try to talk me out of it). They do make some fine weapons though and have a lot of aftermarket support for them. Others to consider are the S&W Model 22A and Beretta Neos. The Walther P22 looks awesome but I too have heard of some quality issues. The Sig Mosquito is one I won't go near for the same reasons as the P22.

 

[bestseller92]

Ruger.

 

[vta33]

Ruger Mark III 22/45 5.5" bbl, target model

Well, two years ago I noticed that the most popular .22lr pistols at the local range were the Browning Buckmark and the Ruger Mark I, II or III.

So, without having fired either pistol, I bought a Ruger Mark III, 22/45 when I found it on sale for $255. The 22/45 grip is comparable to the size of the grip on a .45ACP.

The Ruger is remarkably accurate and the only change I made was to replace the factory sear with a Volquartsen sear, which reduced the trigger pull to 2-1/2 lbs.

It's a fun pistol that my kids and I enjoy.

 

[bensdad]

I can't say enough good things about my S&W 22A. It's a really wonderful gun for the price.

 

[jonnyc]

Search for info on the Buckmark and Ruger models. I would vote 100% for the Buckmark, but you will be well-served with either.

 

[orionengnr]

Another vote for the Ruger MkII.

The new MkIIIs have lawyer-crap (loaded chamber indicator, magazine safety) and many of the new ones have plastic frames.

I've looked at S&W M-17 and M-18 revolvers on the 'net, but nice ones are hard to find and priced out of my range. If you find a nice one, grab it. Last one I saw (close to a year ago) was really nasty looking and priced at $400. No thanks.

 

[WeedWhacker]

The new MkIIIs have lawyer-crap (loaded chamber indicator, magazine safety)

Unfortunately, the new Buckmarks also have a magazine "safety". Very annoying. That aside, though, I'm very happy with the Buckmark.

 

[P97]

I have the Ruger Mark 111 22/45 4.5 Hunter. It is very accurate.

 

[DJAteOhAte]

I just picked up this Beretta U22 Neos 6.0 Inox a couple of days ago. I don't know if it's the best, but it sure is a lot of fun to shoot!

 

[Trebor]

I reccomend eithter the Ruger Mk II (or Mk III) or the Browning Buckmark. You won't go wrong with either design.

Personally, I like the Ruger Mk II the best. It is durable, as reliable as a .22 can be, and accurate. There are also a ton of aftermarket parts out there if you want to upgrade or customize the gun later.

 

[Ringer]

Bought my daughter a Ruger MKIII 22/45 a few weeks ago. Think I paid $269 for it. Neither of us could be happier with it. Yeah, it has the mag disco and other "lawyer crap" as it's referred to, but it's been flawless so far in the few hundred rounds we have put down range. I don't know why I never got into .22's before but this one has me hooked. I'll be buying another similar model to have for my own soon.

 

[gudel]

are there any 22 semi auto that is easy to field strip: no tools, no meathead muscle use necessary, more like the Glock field strip ease?

 

[R127]

I've had no trouble with the P-22. I feed it CCI Stingers mostly, and CB shorts because they won't cycle the slide so I can hand cycle without clearing a jam.

 

[[email protected]]

Ruger or Bronwing just take your pick. Do a search and you will find these threads always boil down to either the Browning Buckmark or the Ruger MKII.

I like the MKII but the Browning is a good gun as well.

 

[sm]

Older and Used-
High Standard (various models)
Colt Woodsman
Ruger MKI, MKII
Smith Model 41

New:
Buckmarks
Beretta 87 Target Cheetah

 

[12many]

Great pics DJ.

I have a couple Ruger Mark III and am happy with both.

 

[Dr.Rob]

You should still be able to find a Ruger Mk2 new in the box.

 

[heypete]

I rather like my Ruger Mark III pistol. I removed the magazine disconnect immediately after purchasing it, and it works fine. The loaded chamber indicator doesn't annoy me (I'm left-handed, so I don't even see that side of the pistol).

Reliable, accurate, and fun as you can imagine. I'd like to cut back on the trigger takeup, but otherwise is fantastic.

My only complaint is that one cannot remove the barrel (I don't know if it can be done at all, or if it requires special tools), as I'd love to get a threaded barrel for shooting suppressed without having to get the excellent heavy barrel threaded back a bit. Oh well.

 

[Arch]

I own a Buckmark standard, and for what it is, it's a great gun. I found the overall finish, and feel of it to be one up on the Ruger. Although I haven't anything bad to say about the Ruger either.

May I suggest the S&W 617 revolver? With a 6'' barrel, those are a whole heap of fun. They are a quality gun too. I would have no reservations with exclusively shooting high velocity ammo though those things.

 

[HornsKeith]

Buckmark or Ruger (your choice, but I prefer the Buckmark) + Ultimate Autoloader. Makes for hours of cheap and quick shooting. The loader is worth its weight in gold, especially if there are multiple people shooting one gun.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

Ruger Mark 2

I've complained and moaned about the takedown, call me a hippo-crit.
I've bashed all of the aftermarket parts.

Ruger takes the cake.
Solid, reliable, accurate, affordable.

I had and traded a MkII 678 Gvt, hit everything I ever pointed it at.
Never jammed, good looking, a bit heavy, but a good grouse gun.

When I buy another doubleduce, it'll likely be a Ruger.

 

[JoeHatley]

are there any 22 semi auto that is easy to field strip: no tools, no meathead muscle use necessary

S&W 41

No tools, easy to do, takes about 5 seconds.

Joe

 

[Confederate]

Two of my favorite are the Ruger Mark IIs and the Ruger Single-Six. The latter is a hoot to both shoot and clean. It also comes with a .22 WMR cylinder which lets the gun pack a real punch.

Those are my favorites.