Mark II or Buckmark

[Tacoma]

I own both (and have seen this question asked a dozen times on another forum.) My findings summarized:
- Both are outstanding .22 rimfires capable of VG accuracy. Likely the two best choices out there in Sub $500 "target" rimfire pistols
-Buckmark has a better out of the box trigger but the Ruger's trigger can be made the better of the two with inexpensive drop in parts
- Aftermarket support (grips, mags, internal parts, sights, etc) for the MK II/III serie is way better ( and cheaper).
- You'll see 3-4 MK II/IIIs for every Buckmark on the bullseye /gallery leagues. That says something.
-Factory sights on the Buckmark are more solid.
- There are models of each that are not factory ready for optics. (Important if you plan to compete)
- Tear down of either is not hard once you take the time to understand the guns internals.
-When in doubt, buy em both

p.s. Should be lots(!) of deals on new/used MK II/III . Since the MK IV came onto the market, folks are clearing them out .

 

[I6turbo]

I have a Buckmark UDX Plus, AMT Lightning (essentially a MK II with Clark trigger and Millet rear sight), and a CZ Kadet kit that usually stays on my 75 B. I like them all, but the Kadet is the most accurate in my hands, feels the best, and the most enjoyable to shoot. 2nd would be the Buckmark. I don't dislike the AMT but I just like the others better (I've had various Rugers before, just liked the AMT and kept it).

 

[Mainsail]

I've owned both. I wanted a MK3 22/45 for a few reasons; first for open-sight training with a comparable grip angle to all my self-defense guns, second for accurate target shooting, and third as a suppressor host. I wasn't happy with anything Ruger was offering at the time, so I decided to build one from after market parts. TacSol upper on a Volqs lower, using the stock Ruger bolt and MSH.

I'm very pleased with the result. It's unbelievably accurate and the Volqs trigger breaks like a glass rod. I just ordered a Vortex Venom red-dot to put on top, mostly because they really make 22 pistols a ton of fun and are great for teaching non-shooters how much fun handgun shooting is.

 

[Deanimator]

If you're talking serious bullseye target shooting, get the Ruger. There are far more after market parts for it. I made High Master in the Cuyahoga County Pistol League shooting one.

However either will do, and there are more target accessories for the Browning now than when I started out.

 

[22-rimfire]

I've had a Buck Mark for about 15 years... I rarely shoot it... only because it's boringly accurate and always works! It really is a very nice .22.

I have the 5.5" Ruger Govt model (M512 bull barrel) and could not be more pleased with the gun. Makes a great field gun and carries easy. Never purchased the Browning. The Ruger was a switch from a High Standard Victor which as mentioned above was "boringly accurate" shot after shot after they quite making them. At the time I was going to make it a safe queen, but as time passed, I saw no reason to do that with the HS.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have the 5.5" Ruger Govt model (M512 bull barrel) and could not be more pleased with the gun. .

It says Government on the side?...Never saw a 5.5" Government Model. All I have ever seen is 6 7/8".

 

[22-rimfire]

That's interesting as I have been saying this for years. I just looked at it and it in fact does not say "Govt Model" on the side. That aside, it is a good reliable and accurate 22 pistol. I would choose the one that feels the best in your hand.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a SS 5.5 bull barrel Target....20 years ago, I was too cheap to pay the few extra bucks for a Government Model...I regret that decision.

 

[Bo]

Don't get discouraged on the Ruger because of assembly and disassembly. Look at the new Mark IV. It has a 1 button take down button. I've never seen anything so simple to take apart and reassemble.

Just push on the black button on the back of the frame and the whole barrel comes off and the bolt slides right out, couldn't be any simpler

.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a SS 5.5 bull barrel Target....20 years ago, I was too cheap to pay the few extra bucks for a Government Model...I regret that decision.

Mine appeared in the late 1980's. Think I paid $175 for it then. It's a blued finish one. Great shooter.

 

[CraigC]

I've spent a good bit of time with both and can say without hesitation that this is a hard decision to screw up. Bought my first Buckmark 26yrs ago and a Bullseye model 7yrs later. They have always been excellent and the Bullseye is one of the most accurate handguns I own, having delivered sub-¼" groups at 25yds. Both have had their triggers professionally tuned to a crisp ~2lbs. Been thinking about picking up a 10" model.

The Rugers are also excellent. I had a MkI and a MKII GC model in the past but couldn't get along with the grip angle. Both were reliable and accurate but went down the road at a profit. It wasn't until the MKIII 22/45RP models that I found a Ruger .22 auto that I could live with. They are also among my favorite pistols.