MK II 22WMR, why not???

[4kbeard]

Is there I reason why the Ruger MK II, or kissin cousin, was never done in the 22 mag? I mean hey, they made a revolver with a pair of cylinders so you can switch back and forth between 22lr & 22wmr. Why not make their near perfect semi a magnum?
I can't be the only one who thinks a MK II with a 6" bull barrle in 22wmr wouldn't be a kick in the pants to have in hand.
Anyone know (or have fun theory) why this hasn't happened yet?
Or is it out there and I just need to learn how to work Google better?

 

[kozak6]

The first reason is that they haven't made any MKII's since 2004, having moved on to the MKIII series since.

The other reasons are that doing so would require significant engineering efforts, and that the market isn't there for it.

 

[NOLAEMT]

the longer 22magnum would require a complete redesign of the gun. I would think every part would need to be redesigned, and there probably isn't sufficient demand to justify the expense.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The bolt isn't heavy enough, the action and the mags aren't long enough.

You would need a whole new pistol.

Someone makes a .22 mag pistol that looks similar, I forget who.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Yes, your google-fu is weak grasshopper.
http://www.gunblast.com/Excel-22Mag.htm

 

[breeze010]

Yes, your google-fu is weak grasshopper.
http://www.gunblast.com/Excel-22Mag.htm

Not bad for around $450. If you want a 22WMR Mk II/III you've just found the answer.

I've always liked 22WMR for some reason and used to wonder why there aren't more rifles or handguns chambered for it. Recently though my interest for the cartridge has fell off, mostly because of the price. There may be better deals out there buying in bulk but at every local store near me a box of 22WMR is at least the cost of 9mm if not a couple dollars more.

 

[ambidextrous1]

Don't forget the Automag II, which was made in .22 Magnum with your choice of 3 1/2 inch or 6 inch barrel; all were made in stainless steel.

I have one; it draws a crowd at the range when I shoot it.

It's not for sale.

I believe it was discontinued because of poor sales.

 

[ISO1600]

There is also the often maligned Kel-Tec PMR30, which can be found (ha!- if you're lucky) for anywhere from $300 to $600.

30 rounds of 22mag.

 

[4kbeard]

Hey thanks for all the data guys. And PO2, thanks for the link. I have a new goal to start saving for. That Excel Arms combo MR-22 & MP-22 are on top of my "to get" list for my Zombie kit.

 

[Moose1995]

To the guy who said theres no market for it.....Just try and get your hands on a keltec pmr 30 right now.

 

[kozak6]

Or try to get your hands on an RFB, or those foldy carbines. Their production problems are well known.

The PMR-30's popularity lies entirely in the gimmick magazine.

By definition, a .22 wmr version of the mkii would have a 10 round magazine.

Since the market for .22 wmr semiautomatic pistols is apparently so hot, just how popular is that Excel pistol?

Or is the market so limited that the PMR-30 and the Excel are the only two .22 wmr semiautomatic pistols in current production?