Let' Talk Rimfire Handguns

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The URX grips on my Buckmark Camper fit me very well. (A few other grips styles are available)

The ~Mark's~ just don't seem to fit me quite right. (That 'nub' some have on the lower end of the grip prevents me from obtaining a full-comfortable purchase)

Fondled some Victories,,, They say it resembles the feel of a prior S + W model. (Unclear which one)
Well, it very well may, but to me the back of the grip is a bit too 'rounded under' down low and,,, just feels,,, different than any of my other pistols,,,,,, and not really in a good way,,,,

The modular concept of the Victory is nice if you plan on changing things. Easy to disassemble,,, Have heard the barrel retaining screw may be a bit tricky for some folks to keep tight.

Wife has an SR 22. No complaints, but it's 'a whole different animal' with a different purpose in life than the 3 listed above. Would be unfair to compare it with any of those 3, so I won't.
 
I love rimfire handguns. I think I have maybe a dozen, probably a baker's, of them. Two of them are Mk-II Rugers (one Target 5.5-inch and one Standard 4.75-inch.) The others are an eclectic assortment of acquisitions from over the years. One of my favorites is my most-obscure, a FEG AP-22 Mk-II. It's essentially an all-steel version of that company's PA-63, imported by Interarms in 1998.

I do have a NM Single-Six, but I have not fired it yet. I simply keep forgetting I have it, but it's in the range bag now for the next trip (two Heritage RR revolvers have been satisfying my SAO revolver itch for the time being.) I also recently got a Beretta 21A that needs to be tried out.

Some that remain on my "want" list include a Beretta 70 and/or 71, Ruger SP-101-22, Walther TPH, and a vintage Interarms PPK/S. A Bersa Thunder 22 would probably make a good sub for that last one, but would not have the collectibility factor.

I don't see myself getting the TPH or the SP-101-22 due to their prices, though.
 
I shoot a Ruger MK3 Target w/bull barrel. has never failed to fire or go into battery in 1000's of rounds. I clean it about every brick or so but not a complete strip detailed cleaning. It is more accurate than I am by far. Had a S&W 22A that was the most accurate 22 pistol I ever shot. It did not like cheap ammo nor would it shoot CCI Stinger for hunting (would rupture a rim about every 10th round fired) With CCI Mini Mag or target ammo it was the cats meow. Sold it to get a 1911 GSG 22. MAJOR screw up on my part. MAJOR SCREW UP! STUPID STUPID STUPID.
 
darkcloud said:
MAJOR screw up on my part. MAJOR SCREW UP! STUPID STUPID STUPID.
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Been there, done that. Sold my Security Six because I was competing with an M9 in the Air Force."I'll never shoot revolvers again." Idiot. Sold my S&W 22S because "I'm done with handguns." Idiot. Sold my 30-30 because "I never hunt." Moved to AK the following year. Idiot. Was thinking about the 22S a few moments ago and lessons learned. If I now go and buy another semi-auto 22LR, the cost of that second gun is the price of a lesson learned. (Never sell a gun.) The price of that lesson with regards to the Security Six is the upset stomach I get every time I think about it.
 
sparkyv said:
D.B., I have both the Ruger Mark IV, and the SW Victory. The trigger on the Ruger is horrible, the Victory is very good. Of course there are aftermarket triggers available at around $125 and up. The Ruger is built like a tank. The Victory cost me $317 shipped! I would go with the Victory. I don't live where the temperature gets that low, so I can't comment on that.
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I'm surprised to hear a negative trigger report on the Ruger. I had one. It was awesome. I'm not surprised you like the S&W, their other rimfires have all be good. Does your Victory have a plastic buffer behind the recoil spring that breaks all the time? And, of course, it seems like everything Ruger is built lie a tank.
 
I enjoy a circa 1970s S&W Model 41.
If kept clean and fed CCI Standard Velocity ammo I can best any of the scores I've shot with a Colt Huntsman or Ruger MKII.
I just have to treat her right.
Or else!
 
rpenmanparker said:
What about a Ruger SR22 striker-fired pistol?
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Is there such a thing? Mine has a hammer.

For the quality per dollar, it is hard to beat a Buckmark. Even the lower end non-target models are very easy to shoot well and the target models are excellent. There are a lot of Buckmarks around and well cared for used model should be available at the $300 range.

I also have a nice K-22, but I prefer the Buckmark. I'm just not a revolver guy but it is a quality firearm no doubt.
 
D.B. Cooper said:
I'm surprised to hear a negative trigger report on the Ruger. I had one. It was awesome. I'm not surprised you like the S&W, their other rimfires have all be good. Does your Victory have a plastic buffer behind the recoil spring that breaks all the time? And, of course, it seems like everything Ruger is built lie a tank.
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I'm disappointed that I should have to mention the heavy Mk IV trigger, D.B. The Victory does have a plastic buffer, but it's YUGE and quite beefy. I don't think it will ever need replacing, but time will tell. Much better than those bread clips used on the 22A-1 that require relatively frequent replacement. BTW, my 22A-1 is a tackdriver with out of the box trigger.
 
Skgreen said:
Fondled some Victories,,, They say it resembles the feel of a prior S + W model. (Unclear which one)
Well, it very well may, but to me the back of the grip is a bit too 'rounded under' down low and,,, just feels,,, different than any of my other pistols,,,,,, and not really in a good way,,,,
Click to expand...

It has a similar grip profile as the SW 22A-1, Skgreen. Yes, definitely different/unusual, and not for everyone.
 
sparkyv said:
I'm disappointed that I should have to mention the heavy Mk IV trigger, D.B. The Victory does have a plastic buffer, but it's YUGE and quite beefy. I don't think it will ever need replacing, but time will tell. Much better than those bread clips used on the 22A-1 that require relatively frequent replacement. BTW, my 22A-1 is a tackdriver with out of the box trigger.
Click to expand...
Yup. That was my experience with my 22S. I could almost write my name with it, but I had to frequently change out that stupid buffer.
 
darkcloud said:
Had a S&W 22A that was the most accurate 22 pistol I ever shot. Sold it to get a 1911 GSG 22. MAJOR screw up on my part. MAJOR SCREW UP! STUPID STUPID STUPID.
Click to expand...

D.B. Cooper said:
Sold my S&W 22S because "I'm done with handguns." Idiot. Was thinking about the 22S a few moments ago and lessons learned. If I now go and buy another semi-auto 22LR, the cost of that second gun is the price of a lesson learned. (Never sell a gun.)
Click to expand...

The SW 22A-1 / 22S was never popular, had issues with cracked alloy frames, and generally was hated on by many. But as darkcloud said, it shoots VERY well. Still have mine thankfully, with the 5.5" and 7" barrels, and have plenty of spare buffers in hand. I agree, never sell a gun....well, rarely sell a gun. o_O
 
One neat trick with a buckmark is if you just take the grips and slide stop off you will see the sear spring right at the top of the frame. Just take its pin out, flip the spring upside down, and put the pin back in, and boom, you have a 2lb trigger. Takes 10 minutes and is free.
 
I just got this a couple weeks ago. If I’m reading the serial number right it’ was built in 2010. I don’t think it had more than a box or two shot through it. it has been apart as the top two screws came out no issue but for sure the barrel screw has never been out.
3037729B-4564-4B71-8C6F-437B120632BE.png
 
usp9 said:
Is there such a thing? Mine has a hammer.

For the quality per dollar, it is hard to beat a Buckmark. Even the lower end non-target models are very easy to shoot well and the target models are excellent. There are a lot of Buckmarks around and well cared for used model should be available at the $300 range.

I also have a nice K-22, but I prefer the Buckmark. I'm just not a revolver guy but it is a quality firearm no doubt.
Click to expand...
My mistake. It does have a hammer.
 
someguy2800 said:
One neat trick with a buckmark is if you just take the grips and slide stop off you will see the sear spring right at the top of the frame. Just take its pin out, flip the spring upside down, and put the pin back in, and boom, you have a 2lb trigger. Takes 10 minutes and is free.
Click to expand...

Wow! Didn't know that, good to know. :cool:
 
Off a sandbag....I have a blue and a stainless 10" with open sights. I was testing them against each other to see if one or the other was better suited for rimfire silhouette matches.
 
someguy2800 said:
One neat trick with a buckmark is if you just take the grips and slide stop off you will see the sear spring right at the top of the frame. Just take its pin out, flip the spring upside down, and put the pin back in, and boom, you have a 2lb trigger. Takes 10 minutes and is free.
Click to expand...

Is that the round one with a leg on each end? I only took the slide off to clean and lube but that’s all.
 
BTW the Victory is now available tricked out from S&W in a target specific model with a bull or carbon fiber extended barrel, compensator, adjustable target trigger, TandemKross hive grip, Vector red dot (optional), etc. A little pricey but cheaper than buying the basic gun and adding all that stuff afterwards.

As for keeping the two screws (take down and inside barrel fixing screws) tight, a little blue Loctite and about 20 in x lb torque is all it takes. Another approach instead of the Loctite is to use a rubber o-ring on the take down screw. Works like a charm.
 
Also just to add another point of reference on accuracy my 5.5" buckmark will shoot a 2" 50 yard group from sandbags with a 2x scope on it. I can do 1" at 25 with the iron sights but my eyes don't work past that. Thats with cci standard velocity, never tried anything more fancy than that.
 
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