Buckmark or Ruger MkIII

[Werewolf]

Tomorrow I am going to go buy either a Browning Buckmark (the one with hooded front sight and built in Weaver rail) or a Ruger MkIII.

My preference is the Browning because I think they make a better product than Ruger but to be honest I'm not sure. I've never owned a .22LR semi-auto pistol and know squat about them. I know Browning makes a hell of a good shot gun, really good pistols in 9mm and a solid bolt action rifle. My personal experience with Ruger hasn't been good (two vaqueros - both POS) but so many people say so much good about Ruger that well...

Cost isn't an issue. What matters to me is ease of maintenance, reliability and inherent accuracy. I will be getting one with a minimum 5.5" barrel length. I am not into modifications so that isn't an issue either. I use a local gunsmith to do repair and maintenance (stuff like a complete tear down, ultrasonic cleaning, etc) I can't do so customer service isn't an issue (if it was Ruger would lose out in half a heart beat).

So which is better the Browning or the Ruger?

Inquiring minds want to know?

 

[distra]

I have a Buckmark 5.5 that I used in the bullseye league this winter. It is definately accurate, nice to shoot, easy to clean, and parts are available. From what I've see and heard about the Ruger it's a good pistol as well. There maybe more aftermarket parts for the Ruger, I'm not sure. I personally like the feel and balance of the Browning, the Ruger just didn't feel as nice in my hand. My vote is for the Browning.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I bought a Ruger Mark II. I'll never buy anything from Ruger again.

 

[BevrFevr]

Not a big fan of ruger right now either

The 10-22 rifle is pretty good but I have a POS MKII and a POS Single Six. Never did like my p-85. YMMV

 

[Steve C]

The Browning 5.5" Target may cost a bit more than the Ruger but you're getting more of a pistol. I've shot one for the last 7 years in our clubs limited Bullseye league. In addition to the top rail and better sights than the Ruger, the Browning also has an adjustable trigger, something you'll have to add to the Ruger. Lots of the guys in our club shoot Rugers and in general I'd say the Browning is more reliable. I clean my Brownning once before the season starts and its rare to have an alibi from a jam that's not strictly ammo related. I'll sometimes go the entire season without having to shoot an alibi. We have a Spring and a Fall 10 match season, 60 rounds for score, using .22lr only.

 

[Werewolf]

Mucho Gracias Guys...

The Buckmark it is!

 

[Marshall]

Good choice, I like mine. Post some pics of it after you get it.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned several Ruger 22's and never had a problem with them. I've got two now.

The Buckmark isn't a bad choice either. You'll be satisfied with it. Or with a Ruger if you change your mind.

 

[Werewolf]

Good choice, I like mine. Post some pics of it after you get it.

Already GOT IT! Bought it about an hour ago. Took a break from work and went down and laid down the cash.

I've never handled a .22 Pistol before and I was quite surprised at the heft and feel. Very comfortable in the hand. The trigger is among the best if not the best of all my other handguns (which includes multiple S&W's, CZ's, SIG, Ruger's and a Taurus). It's got a built in Weaver rail and hooded sights (front and rear). Never used hooded sights before but they seem like they'd probably go a long way towards reducing glare in high light, sun in the face type conditions (can't hurt and I imagine they can be removed if I don't like them). The only down side to a hooded front sight is when taking a sight picture at the shop I tended to automatically center the front post in the circle made by the front hood while ignoring the rear sight. That will take some practice to get used to.

Blowback action too which is inherently more accurate than the more common recoil action found on most semi-auto pistols.

And it looks great. Very nice wood grips and a matte black finish that is very much to my liking. The lettering is Gold but low key and not pimp style like on some other handguns with gold trim/lettering.

I'm really looking forward to shooting it (and using it as a teaching tool for my granddaughter). I will post pics sometime this evening after I get home from work.

OH! And again thanks for the feedback guys. It was very helpful.

 

[Werewolf]

Pics as promised.

A left side and right side view.

 

[Ala Dan]

BuckMark for me, too~!