Need .22 advice

[kamagong]

I have resolved to finally buy my first pistol. I know that I will eventually end up with a 1911-style weapon, but I need to get a .22 that I can learn on. I'm looking at a couple of models, the Walther P22 and the Ruger 22/45 Mark III. I like the looks of the P22 better, but my preliminary research indicates that the 22/45 might be better for my needs because it features the 1911 grip. I want to ask about other factors though. How do these two models compare in the reliability and accuracy department? Also, how are the warranties and customer service departments of Ruger and Walther? Finally, what are your experiences with these pistols?

Thanks for the help.

 

[rchernandez]

Of your three choices, I'd recommend the Ruger Mark III with a 5-1/2" bull barrel and adjustable sights. It has the best balance for shooting. I find the 22/45 to have an ackward nose heavy balance to it. The actual grip is thinner than the 1911 frame/grip. The P22 is a fun plinker but it would not be a serious contender for target shooting like Bullseye.

 

[bluetopper]

Of the models you mentioned I'll have to go with the Ruger.
A better chioce yet would to get a model 106 or 107 High Standard pistol which has frame and grips exactly the dimensions of a 1911 as designed.
It will also come with an adjustable pull trigger that breaks like glass. Superb pistols.

 

[Wordsmith]

I've shot and owned guns for quite a few years, but today I purchased my first .22 pistol. It's a Ruger Mark III Hunter, and I can't wait to take it for a spin this weekend. My target practice is about to get a whole lot cheaper.

 

[jonnyc]

Before you buy any of the above, try a Browning Buckmark. You'll be glad you did.

 

[borrowedtime69]

advice

go with the Ruger MK III if you cant find anything else, but i HIGHLY recommend a Ruger MK II, easier to take down, not over complicated, very fun to shoot and reliable. the MKIII has too many add ons that are unneccessary.

stay away from the Walther P22, it is NOT a durable gun and isnt built to last. it has soft brittle metal and chips off frequently. ive seen three of them at the range so far, two of the owners wish they had bought rugers, the other guys gun was brand new and hadnt shot it much yet.

-Eric

 

[chris in va]

My first handgun was a MkIII 22/45 4". It was ok, but didn't feed reliably. Sold it and found a MKII 22/45 with a 5.5" stainless barrel. It was fully reliable with anything put through it, but extremely top heavy and not a lot of fun.

I've since sold that and got a CZ Kadet. Ah, much better.

 

[Quoheleth]

+1 on the Browning Buckmark. I've had mine for...5 years, I guess...and the only hiccup I had was a box of bad ammo. Must have gotten damp or something - lots of FTEs. I haven't had a problem since. Shoot all the .97 cent stuff - Winchester, Federal & Remington - all day very well and very accurately. Great for turtles, squirrels, and rats in the barn. With its clean trigger, good sight picture, crisp rear sight adjustment, it's also supurb on the range.

Preacher

 

[scurtis_34471]

I'm not sure why the P22 has such a bad rep. I've had one since October and have fired at least 1000 rounds through it. As long as I stick to CCI Mini-Mags or Stingers, the gun is 100% reliable. I have never had a single failure with either. Anything else is a crap shoot, so I stick with what works. I've heard that Stingers are hard on the zink slide after awhile, so I stick with Mini-Mags for the most part. When I say 100% reliable, I mean I have never had a single failure of any kind with that ammo. I slingshot the slide to avoid known issues with slide wear at the slide stop and I clean the gun after every range trip. So far, its perfect and shows not signs of wear.

The Buckmark and the Ruger Mark III are both more accurate than the P22, but the P22 is plenty accurate enough for defensive shooting practice. I also agree that both are more durable than the P22. I personally plan to buy either a Buckmark or a CZ Cadet sometime in the next year or two, but I wouldn't trade in my P22. Its a LOT of fun to shoot and has great ergonomics. If I had to draw a distinction, it would be that the P22 is a plinking pistol and the Ruger/Buckmark are target pistols.

Every pistol in this list will pay for itself with the money you save on ammo and they are all decent guns. I honestly don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

 

[Headless]

I'd like to add my advice to seriously consider the browning buckmark. I've fired the p22 and used to own a S&W 22A and prefer the buckmark over both hands down. The p22 i fired had a lot of problem digesting ammo other than 'premium' .22 ammo which defeats the purposeof a .22 plinker IMO... my buckmark has no problems digesting federal bulk pack 550 rnd bricks with a few ftf's here and there (maybe 3-5 per brick).

The ruger is a good gun from all i have heard though i've never shot one - but i hear the takedown/cleaning is a PITA...i've found the browning takedown admittedly more finicky than my s&w 22a's was, but still easy and quick. The buckmark has an excellent feeling trigger. They make about a billion variations, from 4" to 12" and everywhere in between. I've got the 5.5 inch slab-sided bullbarrel config. If you get the 22/45 or buckmark, invest in one of the ultimate clip loaders from http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/ultimate_clip_loader.htm

 

[Chem Geek]

I have a P22 and like it alot, I bought it with the intention of my fiance using it, but I find myself putting at least a hundred or more through it every trip to the range.

Our P22 has eaten everything it's been fed, occasionally it jams the first round when a new person loads the mags as they don't get it all the way in. Aside from that it's cycled Mini-mag, Federal Bulk, Remington Golden bullets, and Winchester Super-X without incident.

At first the ejection was erractic, but I got a new extractor for a local guy and there's tutorials online to fix the stock one. I should note, it functioned fine with the old extraction, just had a tendancy to bean you in the head once or twice a mag. Now it's all back and to the right.

Mine hasn't shown any significant wear, and there's plenty of guys on another forum that have tens of thousands of rounds through theirs without significant wear. I'm sure someone will post the picture of the P22 with the broken slide about now.... My feeling is that there's lemons in every batch, it doesn't seem to be the majority or even close, but it has happened.

With all the being said, if you're going for bulleyes type stuff, the Ruger is a better choice. The P22 is a lot of fun as a plinker and just going through the ammo at the range, but it's not super accurate.

Another option if you have a little extra money, would be to buy a cheaper 1911 that you like and get a .22LR conversion for it. Several companies sell them, and that way you could practice on the exact gun you'll use in the larger caliber.

 

[cavman]

My Ruger Mark III Hunter was a real gem. It fired everything that I put through it.

My SW41 (my second, as my MarkIII and SW41 were recently stolen) is sooo finicky (just as the other was), that even the Federal Blue Box that has always worked, failed to eject 3 times in the middle of a Bullseye match.

However, the 41 fits my hands better, the III was a little smaller, I thought.


cavman

 

[shark3-1]

If you have the ability, go to the gunstore and take apart and reassemble a Ruger and a Buckmark. Get the one you feel comfortable with.

Both have a 1911esque grip, great triggers, tons of aftermarket goodies, and are very accurate and reliable.

In my experience, the Buckmark will go a little longer between cleanings and is much easier to reassembe. That and being able to clean the breachface with a toothbrush without dissasembly sold it for me. I've put about 1,300 rounds through mine with a suppressor on it and still haven't had the need to clean it.

The P22 is a hit or miss type of thing. I think you will be happier to avoid it.

 

[kamagong]

I stopped by the local gun store yesterday. They had the P22 for $350 and 5 1/2" Ruger for $300. I thought that those were a bit high considering the MSRP for the P22 is $295 and for the $307 for the Ruger.

Do you guys have any tips on getting gun shop guys to come down in price? Any other strategies for getting guns at lower prices? There is a nearby show going on this weekend, but I'd really like to support the local guy.

 

[tnieto2004]

Go with the Ruger for sure .. $300 for a 22/45 Mark III 5 1/2in barrel isn't bad at all ..

 

[jgorniak]

If you live somewhere near a dealer from galleryofguns.com you should be able to do a lot better on the 22/45 Mark III w/ 5 1/2in barrel. Shipped to my local dealer, it is currently $265.00 (and a sweet shooter, too).

 

[JoeHatley]

Do you guys have any tips on getting gun shop guys to come down in price?

Already know what the gun is worth to you.
Carry cash.
Say to the dealer: "I like this gun and will buy it, if we can arrive at a price. What is your bottom price?" (and mean it)
Do not pay more than the amount you set in step #1.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Headless]

Got my browning buckmark for 195 out the door @ the local Sports Authority on clearance. it was on sale before that for 229, and retail price was 269. MSRP was 330 or so.

 

[QuillGordon]

The Walther P22 was my choice due to it's size and weight... Weight/size is an issue for me because of the gear I carry while hiking and bird hunting Utah's vertical slopes ... I think personally it boils down to the purpose of the weapon...

 

[Richle]

Ruger MKII which I would I highly recommend

 

[tostada]

Most of the firing ranges I've been to have a few Ruger 22s and a Buckmark you can rent. You really want to actually try the guns out. Anybody who's being honest will tell you that whether it's a MKII, MKIII, 22/45, or Buckmark, they're all good guns. The Rugers have a more solid feel, but a lot of people think the Buckmarks are more comfortable. Personally, I hate the thin blocky grip of the MKIII 22/45, but the MKII 22/45 grip is a little thicker and more rounded.

The MKIII has the loaded chamber indicator and magazine safety that everybody whines about, but it's really no big deal. If you're totally incompetant and can't follow directions, or if for some reason you want to totally take down the gun every time you shoot it, the mag safety adds a few steps, but you can totally disable the magazine safety on the MKIII by replacing the hammer/bushing for pretty cheap if you want to.

If you've never got a gun before, you might want to see what you think of the regular MKII/MKIII (not 22/45) grip angle. Everybody I've talked to who hasn't spent a lot of time shooting 1911's actually likes the grip angle better. It's certainly more natural.

There's nothing wrong with a used Ruger, since they're built like tanks, so you might want to see if there are any used MKII 22/45s around. All 22/45s have the standard mag release, but if you wanted to get a regular Ruger (not 22/45), you'd need to get the MKIII if you want a regular mag release (on the MKI & MKII you have to fiddle with the bottom of the grip to get the mag out).

Whatever you do, just make sure you spend some time with the gun before you buy it. With the exception of the Walther, you're talking about great guns that have been around a long time, so anything you get will be good. The most important thing is how the gun feels to you.

 

[ARTiger]

You could always get a .45 1911 pattern gun and buy a .22 LR conversion kit for it. No better way to get good with a gun than to shoot it a lot and the .22 kit will let you do that with the same gun. By the time you shoot through a brick or two of .22 more than likely you'll be using the .45 barrel more except when you want cheap practice.