Dilemma: Ruger MKIII or M&P 22

[SW40]

Hi folks,

I have a dilemma. I own a Ruger MKIII 22/45 and I like the gun pretty well. However, I have the opportunity to buy a M&P 22 pistol...if I sell the Ruger. Funds need to be made available, I will not be able to get the M&P22 without first selling the Ruger. I have an offer on it already.

My rational is this, I will be picking up a M&P 40c as my CCW. I want an inexpensive way to train at the range on weekends and the .22 companion to the .40c would be a great combo.

My question to you all is, what would you do?

 

[HOOfan_1]

Inexpensive training equals reloading with like weighted bullets to what you carry IMO.

IMO the Ruger is a better .22 pistol. The S&W is more than likely a high quality gun, but it is built for the novelty of shooting .22 from analogue of a full size frame.

You will get the training benefits of working the controls, you will not get the training benefits of bullet impact or recoil.

If you really don't care for the Ruger, go for it. If you like the Ruger, then IMO it is a better striaght up .22 pistol.

 

[SW40]

Thanks Hoofan.

I dont have the option of reloading right now. So this would be the next best option I guess.

 

[SwampWolf]

I agree with everything HOOfan_1 said.

 

[bannockburn]

I would also agree with the concept of using the M&P .22 as a great way to develop your techniques with the larger caliber pistol at a much lower cost.

 

[Fishbed77]

Easy choice - one is a high-quality, accurate, reliable, and well-made firearm that will last a lifetime.

The other is a potmetal rimfire made by a company (Umarex) better known for airsoft toys.

 

[flatlander937]

I was kind of in the same boat... I own a 1911 and thought about a .22 1911 looking gun... ended up with a 22/45. It's got the 1911 grip angle, but that is truly it. The weight balance is way off, the trigger is very different, etc.

FWIW I love it... it is still a fantastic trigger control practicing gun. If you have a gun that is for SURE more accurate than you are... then how do you know how well you're really doing?

After putting about 800rds through my 22/45, the accuracy with my other gun(now gunS) greatly improved despite them not being remotely similar.

I think it's more about shooting time period than necessarily having an exact replica to train with.

If you really want to get an M&P 22... I would keep the Ruger and keep both... if at that point you decide you want to get rid of one or the other, then so be it.

My $0.02.

 

[SW40]

Thanks for the sound advice guys. I think I am going to hang onto my Ruger. Im still going to get a M&P40c. I might still get a M&P22 later just for a carry around in the woods gun like it was mentioned above.

I feel more like I can pass this Ruger down to my son rather than a M&P22.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Easy choice - one is a high-quality, accurate, reliable, and well-made firearm that will last a lifetime.

The other is a potmetal rimfire made by a company (Umarex) better known for airsoft toys.

I didn't know the M&P 22 was made by Uramex. Is it made in Germany?

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I personally would keep the Ruger. While I love S&W the M&P22 isnt my favorite. I have a MkII competition that I honestly wouldn't trade for two M&P22's. That being said I bought my wife a M&P22 & a P22 to shoot. She loves them both. I am not saying don't buy one, I am just saying that I personally don't think its worth trading the Ruger for.

 

[SW40]

The M&P22 was made by Walther for Smith and Wesson with Smith and Wesson's specifications.

There are two plants that Walther uses. One is Umarex and the other isnt. So im not so sure that its made in the Umarex plant or not. Could be. Just need to see something that says it is. You can tell by looking for the stamp on the chamber.

 

[Fishbed77]

The M&P22 was made by Walther for Smith and Wesson with Smith and Wesson's specifications.

There are two plants that Walther uses. One is Umarex and the other isnt. So im not so sure that its made in the Umarex plant or not. Could be. Just need to see something that says it is. You can tell by looking for the stamp on the chamber.

The M&P-22 is made by Umarex at the Umarex factory in Arnsberg, Germany (near Cologne). It may or may not be marked "Carl Walther, Ulm", but this doesn't mean anything, since Umarex owns a large stake in Walther and stamps the Walther name on many of their products for marketing reasons.

All "true" Walthers are made at the Walther factory in Ulm, Germany. They will carry the "staghorn" proofmark. These pistols include the P99, PPQ, PPS, and SSP/GSP.

 

[mgmorden]

I dont have the option of reloading right now. So this would be the next best option I guess.

I don't know - a basic reloading setup is about 1/4 to 1/3 the cost of these guns .

Between the two though, I'd go for the Ruger. Its a better .22, and about the only thing you'll be getting from practicing with a .22 is general trigger time. Not that that's bad (it WILL help your shooting), but I wouldn't worry about matching make and model to the carry gun.

 

[Fishbed77]

Not that that's bad (it WILL help your shooting), but I wouldn't worry about matching make and model to the carry gun.

I think this is especially true for the M&P-22, since it's operation is not identical to the centerfire M&P pistols, anyway.

 

[MCgunner]

I'll never sell my Mk 2. If I wanted a M&P, I'd just BUY one. You got a credit card?

 

[chris in va]

I had two 22/45's, neither did it for me. The 5.5" version especially was top heavy and unbalanced.