Looking for advice on a .22 auto

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Hellbore

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Hey guys, I want to add a 22 autoloader handgun to my collection.

Right now the 2 guns I like the most are the Ruger Mark III and the Walther P22. What do you guys think of these 2 guns, which is more solid and reliable and foolproof?

I know some will suggest a Ruger single six but I have one of those already :)

So far I am leaning more towards the Ruger MKIII, but I have another question. This gun is offered in a couple different styles, one of which has a .45 style grip. Which do you think points better and feels more natural in the hand, the Ruger 45/22 MK III or the regular style that has a more acute grip angle?

This gun will probably be used most for target shooting, rabbits, and otherwise recreational shooting.
 
What do you guys think of these 2 guns, which is more solid and reliable and foolproof?
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Ruger by a landslide.

Which do you think points better and feels more natural in the hand, the Ruger 45/22 MK III or the regular style that has a more acute grip angle?
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I personally like the 22/45 better, but many people like the standard grip more. The standard grip version costs more because the frame is made of metal, vs polymer for the 22/45. I also like the 22/45 because it more closely emulates a 1911 grip, and I carry a 1911 on a regular basis.
 
Both the Ruger and the Browning Buck Mark would be superior to the P22. I have the Browning and like it a lot.
I also have a Sig Mosquito about which you can find many mixed reviews. The newer ones are definetely better than the early ones. I have a new one that has 350 rounds through it now with zero problems. I shoot it as well as I do the Buck Mark.
I have never owned or shot the Walther, but holding one in the gun store left me feeling like it was too small in my hand. Liked the feel of the Skeeter better.
 
I personally like the Buckmark 5.5 Target UDX, got one, grips ar great and very accurate at 25 yards. my next will be a 22/45. Hear good things about them.
 
A Ruger, a Browning ... absolutely. The P22? It's made of plastic and pot metal and is not a serious purchase, fun though they sometimes can be. Keep in mind that despite the Walther name stamped on the side, the P22 is a Umarex gun and unworthy of the Walther name.
 
I TOTALLY agree with searcher451. If you want to plink minute-of-soda can, shoot the SIG Mosquito or Walther P22. If you want to hit minute-of-bottle cap, hunt & target shoot...you best stick with a Ruger Mark? or a Browning Buckmark. But I'll warn you, accurate .22 autoloading pistols are habit-forming. Before long you'll be eyeing a S&W 41 or a Pardini. Have fun!
 
Owning both, I recommend a Ruger mkII/III with a shorter barrel (the 6&7/8" target barrel is overkill, but if it works for you - get what you like)

So far I am leaning more towards the Ruger MKIII, but I have another question. This gun is offered in a couple different styles, one of which has a .45 style grip. Which do you think points better and feels more natural in the hand, the Ruger 45/22 MK III or the regular style that has a more acute grip angle?
Click to expand...
I prefer the traditional Ruger angle - but you don't really want to buy a gun based on what feels good in my hand. Rent both and get what you like. Or get the one that more closely resembles other handguns you own/CC.

If you do get the P22, the "target model" isn't worth the extra money or the hassle of removing the barrel weight for every cleaning.
 
S&W 41 or 22A.

Browning Buckmark.

High Standard. My parents own a very sweet High Standard Citation, made in either '62 or '63. Though it sometimes has difficulty chambering the 1st round (probably needs a new recoil spring, and maybe a new mag spring), it is the sweetest shooting 22 semi auto that I've ever tried. The trigger is superb; ultra smooth with a very crisp break. The trigger is noticeably better than my sister's Ruger Mk II, and it is respectable itself. Prices are all over the map (I think her cost about $450), but keep your eyes open for one. The best thing about them is super easy take down for cleaning, much easier than a Ruger 22 IMO.
 
Hellbore

I would definitely recommend the Ruger, either the Mk. III or the 22/45. I like the grip angle on both of them. The Browning Buckmark models are also an excellent choice. The Walther P-22 is more suited for recreational duty as a plinker that needs to be kept relatively clean for it to provide any measure of reliability.
 
I'd get a Browning Buckmark. However, if it has to be between a P22 and a Ruger....it's a no brainer...the Ruger everytime. The Walther is not even in the same class as the Ruger or a Buckmark.

Best regards.
 
i would also get the buckmark before all others, but out of your choices, definitly the ruger.

its right up there with the buckmark.


the way i chose was to go to bass pro shops, and hold and fiddle with all of them.

actually went to get ruger, but left with the browning buckmark.
 
That little Walther thing is a joke. Most every other gun mentioned on this thread has a good fan-base (except maybe the Sig). They all work well and last long. I have a Hi Standard HD Military. It is the finest shooting .22 auto I've ever held. I have a Browning Buckmark. It's in second place. I have a S&W 22A. It's in third. I shoot it more than the others because it has a red-dot scope that makes hitting pop cans at 50 yards a no-brainer. I have either no or limited experience with the other models. You won't find too many people dissing the Ruger.
 
Ruger. why? I traded in my p-22 on a Taurus pump 22 rifle. Am happy without it. Picky on ammo, The ruger shoots everything. Even a bad batch of federal.

And the ruger target models come with a rail for red dot or scope. And they shoot nice little groups.
 
I would look at the Buckmark. I had a P22 and had nothing but issues from it. But if you have to have one or the other go with the Ruger.
 
ruger and browning are 1 and 2. the ruger is more rugged, the browning feels better to me, but I have found it to be pickier about being clean and oiled.

I prefer the normal ruger grip with a set of hogue grips on it. I really hate the 22/45 frame. but to each his own.

and I would pay more for a used mk2 than a new mk3. I don't like all the new safeties. I would probably use this order:
mk2>buckmark>mk3>smith>neos>walther unless I ahve left something out.
 
My safe contains 2 buckmarks, a ruger and an S&W 41.

41 is by far the best but pricey. Ruger is a good gun, very accurate and parts are easy to get. The Browning is the best bang for the buck but not perfect. I find that the takedown screws will rattle loose without some locktite.
 
re: "advice on a .22 auto"
If you happen to own a 9x18 Makarov, you might want to look at a .22 conversion for it. A friend of mine has put more than 4,000 rounds through his and swears by it.
 
Ruger Mark I, II, or III, Browning Buckmark, or Sig Trailside, whichever feels good to you.
 
Well, what I really want is a Ruger MKIII 22/45 with a 5.5" barrel in STAINLESS STEEL mmmm.

However, the place I usually buy guns from is completely out of Ruger MKIII's in any style or finish! :(

I guess I will have to shop around.
 
Well I am seeing a lot of praise for the MKIII and Buck Mark. However my family has a tradition 3 generations long of preferring Ruger for handguns and Savage for rifles so I probably will keep the tradition and get the MKIII. I have a few Rugers already and I have been happy with every one of them so far.

Plus, I kinda like the rounded style of the MKIII better vs. the more squared off Buck Mark :D And I like to stay close to a 45 grip angle. I'm sure the Buck Mark is a fantastic gun though.
 
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