for .22 handgun,which is better?

[loonie]

I was asking for some suggestions here about .22 calibre handgun and now got something in common: for best price-performance ratio,ruger 22/45 MKIII seems to be the unbeatable one. but I just wonder which model I am supposed to pick.
ruger 22/45 MKIII series has 1911's grip compared to ruger MKIII series.

ruger 22/45 P512MKIII
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=10107

ruger MKIII512
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=10101

from the above,it seems 22/45 has more thing to get,but some complaint on it's trigger policy.....should I go for browning buckmark?

 

[22-rimfire]

Without a doubt I would choose the 512 with the 5.5" heavy bull barrel. I have it in the Mark II version, and very satisfied with it.

 

[ugaarguy]

Loonie, you have forced me to beat a dead horse. The Ruger MKIII, Ruger 22/45, and Browning Buckmark are all fine 22 LR handguns. Try to find a gunshop that has all three in stock. Go and handle them, and see which one feels best in your hand. Whichever pistol feels best in your hand is the one you should get.

 

[EddieCoyle]

Loonie,

Although they're similar guns, they have a very different feel. You should try each one. It will be immediately obvious which one is right for you. I mean it. You'll know right away.

 

[loonie]

thanks,I like to hold 1911...so I guess 22/45 is better for me?

 

[ugaarguy]

thanks,I like to hold 1911...so I guess 22/45 is better for me?

I would think so. If you also want a centerfire pistol you might consider a 1911 and get a 22LR conversion unit. I also like the idea of starting out with a 22 to learn on. Go whichever way you think would be best.

 

[Jackal]

I have a Buckmark with a 4" barrel. Balance is great, accuracy is good enuff, reliability is super even with CHEAP ammo and the trigger....... stuff of legends. That said, i dont enjoy shooting it. I much prefer shooting my Phoenix Arms HP22. Dont ask me why, but that little gun just fits me sooo well. And it has not once, ( yes you heard right ) ever malfunctioned in the 750rds. ive got through it so far. People call me crazy for liking it, but it all comes down to what feels best for you, and what you will enjoy shooting the most.

 

[loonie]

I cant wait to handle either ruger 22/45 or Buckmarks,today just placed my order. ruger 22/45 P512MKIII blued,for 370 canadian dollars(including tax and ship).

 

[ugaarguy]

Congrats on the new pistol order Loonie. Post pics and let us know how it shoots once it arrives.

 

[Ala Dan]

By far, a MK-III KMK-512. Keep the breach clean, and you will have a
winner~!

 

[MCgunner]

That said, i dont enjoy shooting it. I much prefer shooting my Phoenix Arms HP22. Dont ask me why, but that little gun just fits me sooo well. And it has not once, ( yes you heard right ) ever malfunctioned in the 750rds. ive got through it so far. People call me crazy for liking it, but it all comes down to what feels best for you, and what you will enjoy shooting the most.

The HP22 is pretty much a POS, but I have one, and I like it. :banghead: Sure, it's a zinc gun. Sure, it's cheap. What's wrong with cheap? You ain't using this thing, or at least I ain't, for anything more serious than field carry for targets of opportunity, small game, snakes, and of course paper and beer cans. The thing is AMAZINGLY accurate for a tiny little gun. Mine'll shoot 3" groups at 25 yards off sand bags to POA with Stingers. I've NEVER owned such a small gun that was that accurate, let alone one so cheap. It feeds, extracts, ejects reliably and it has a hammer which is really cool in a zinc gun.

I bought the 5" barrel/finger extention magazine and it shoots 2" groups at 25 yards using cheap federal lightening from the bargain pack. This is serious accuracy from a cheap, small gun. I like the 3" best cause of the pocket portability. I can carry this thing afield so easily, just slip it in a pocket, and it's accuate enough for small game. Amazing.

I think you'll be changing recoil springs soon. Mine go limp after 500 rounds or so, annoying. I order 'em and keep a supply on hand, cheap enough. That's the only thing I have against the gun for what I use it for. I had some issues with it, a cracked slide. The slide was redesigned and Phoenix Arms replaced it without hassle with the new design which eliminated the weak spot the slide had and has been fine since. But, where the HECK are you goin' to get a gun this neat and useful for under 100 bucks anywhere else? They're so cheap, I've thought I might get another one or two of 'em. Maybe get a nickeled one this time.

I've had other zinc guns in the past. I've had some that had good attributes, but few of 'em I actually liked. This HP22 has grown on me. Accuracy does that to me for some reason, no matter the platform. If the thing is accurate, I don't care if it's a $5,000 free pistol or a $100 pocket gun, I become fond of it quickly.

 

[jjohnson]

Go Ruger!

Well, for price/performance, they're really hard to beat. Period.

I have an old blued Mk1 Target (bull, 5.5") (1970 vintage) and a stainless 22/45 Target 6" 2000 vintage. I shoot both of them every week. Like any other .22 auto, they do need cleaned once in awhile, and that mainspring housing still gets me once in awhile (oh, yeah, turn it upside down, barrel up, pull the trigger...) but the things are just rock solid, reliable, accurate - and priced right. What ELSE do you want?

Not to knock stuff like BuckMarks. If you want custom parts though, like a trigger shoe, mag pads, match extractor.... like the 10/22, the Ruger has everybody and their brother making custom stuff to please you. You can spend a lot more and get a lot less. If you get good enough to want custom smithing done, people like Clark and Volquartsen make a living doing Ruger jobs.

If an auto is what you're looking for, by all means, go try a couple of them on at your gun shop. The standard Marks and the 22/45s handle differently, and that's like trying on shoes - what fits YOU? I think you'll find a Ruger that'll do you right.

PS - oh, sure, that's what I get for not reading the whole thread, sorry. You made a good choice!

 

[loonie]

PS - oh, sure, that's what I get for not reading the whole thread, sorry. You made a good choice!

thanks

 

[loonie]

Congrats on the new pistol order Loonie. Post pics and let us know how it shoots once it arrives.

for sure,it will take 2 weeks. I am gonna post here that time.