Need advice on .22 LR handguns

[hatzing]

I've been wanting to purchase a .22 handgun for awhile now. I'll be using the pistol for target shooting, not self-defense or hunting obviously. I've been browsing Gun Broker and have found a few handguns that are relevant to my interests.

First of all I found the Sig Sauer Mosquito for sale. I have always been a fan of Sig Sauer, but I need an opinion on whether I should purchase it or move on. The next pistol I found was the Ruger SR22, I have never shot a Ruger handgun, so I'm not entirely sure how it would feel in my hands or how reliable and durable they are.

The final pistol that caught my eye was the Browning Buckmark 22. It seems like a quality handgun that would be fun to shoot. I need an opinion on that handgun also.

Thanks

 

[hartcreek]

You just scratched the surface of possible 22s. Nothing wrong with a wheel gun and there are numerous brands and models such as H&R, Ivar Johnson. But getting one of gunbroker.........just check out a few of your local shops and you will find something.

 

[klcmschlesinger]

I have two Rugers, SR22 and a Mark III. Love them both. Durable, reliable, just like most things Ruger makes. My brother in law has a Buckmark and speaks highly of it.

 

[RFMan]

Beg, borrow, or rent, but it would behoove you to shoot these before selecting.

Of course, handle them at your LGS if you can't shoot. Point them, work the slides, drop the mags, dry fire on a snap cap if possible.

I have a Buckmark Hunter and a Colt/Umarex 1911-22 (rail gun model). I had a Sig Mosquito and sold it. It was scary accurate and I liked it, but I'm a 1911 guy and not a Sig guy. It has a reputation for being ammo picky; mine was not too picky. On my best day, I put a 10-round mag into a 1.5" circle at 25 yards, standing with a two-handed grip. The SR22 gets good reviews; I've never shot one.

Target pistols are a group unto themselves. My Mosquito was accurate, but it is not what people generally consider a target pistol. Some of the Buckmarks are, and some of the Ruger (non-SR22) are, and both can be upgraded. Both can outshoot most people. My Buckmark is my "target" pistol. The 1911-22 is just cheaper 1911 practice, or something I can let people use to get used to the 1911 with a bit less recoil.

If you want to cross the Rubicon into the world of "REAL" 22LR target pistols, you will begin looking at things like the S&W Model 41...and up. These are not inexpensive.

I have no idea how experienced a pistol shooter you are, or non-pistol for that matter. I recommend handling many 22LR pistols in the lower end range (less than $500, say; though many of these can be had for around $350), selecting one, and shooting it until you begin to outgrow it and know what you really want/need beyond that.

 

[idcastandblast]

+1 on the 22/45 Mark III. Sucks to reassemble, but once you find the right You Tube video to teach you, you are golden. Lots of possible upgrades if you want to spend more money.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Any Ruger MK gets my vote.

 

[hatzing]

Yeah the Ruger Mk II interests me as well. Very difficult to decide on the various offerings.

 

[SFreed]

I have a Ruger MKIII and a Buckmark UDX. Both are fantastic firearms, but I prefer the Ruger. Assembly is different, but once you get the hang of it, it's not a big deal.

 

[witchhunter]

I have a Ruger MKI, it shoots lights out. So does my Smith 18. I like the Browning too though. I had an old Hi Standard that shot well...hmm, I sound undecided.

 

[Ala Tom]

Ruger is a very experienced and capable gun manufacturer. If you have not heard the name much, you just hang around the wrong places. For example, the SR22 is a neat little gun that is fun to shoot though it is not a good gun for target shooting (too short). A very good first gun that is reliable, easy to break down and assemble, is the 22/45 MkII. This is a strange name but is a sensible, basic gun design that is moderately good as a target gun though not as good as the MKIII or the more serious target guns by other manufacturers (at 4X the cost). I rented and fired 100 rounds through both the SR22 and the MKIII. The MKIII was easy to shoot very accurately. It is not very expensive as target guns go. (I think they are both about the same price.) The 22/45 MKII is less expensive than these.

The SR22 is a copy of the Walther P22. The Walther version has had some feeding problems but Ruger fixed that. That shows you that Ruger is a good company. Indeed, I had a .22 by a major company that I had problems with and traded in for the Ruger SR40c when I wanted a small carry gun for self defense. I'd say Rugers are reasonably priced in each market slot but they are not cheap guns you'd have a lot of trouble with. They make some pretty neat SA revolvers in heavy calibers including 30 cal Carbine, 357 mag, 41 mag and 44 mag. I enjoyed a .357 mag for many years with no trouble.

If pricing and availability ever gets back to where I can get CCI Mini Mags regularly at a reasonable price, I may get a 22/45 MKII. The most difficult thing with .22's is getting good-quality ammo. I've been getting junk with 20-30% failure rates.

Presently I own a Ruger SR40c for carry and a Ruger SR 1911 Commander for home defense. I am a retired NASA engineer with no business interest in Ruger.

 

[gamestalker]

I have an inexpensive Taurus 22NGR that has been 100% accurate and reliable since I bought it 8 or 9 yrs. ago. In addition, I have a bunch of other more expensive 22's, but for the money that Taurus has proven to be a real nice one.

GS

 

[NWCP]

Of the three you mentioned I would go with the Browning Buckmark. I own two and have put hundreds of rounds through both without so much as a FTE. For the money you get a well made, reliable, accurate .22LR pistol that will last you a lifetime. By the way the triggers are exceptional for such inexpensive pistols. I have one scoped that I shoot at the range for target practice and in the field for small game hunting. JMHO

 

[bannockburn]

1) Ruger Mk. II
2) Browning Buckmark
3) Beretta Neos

 

[Walkalong]

Sig Sauer Mosquito

The Sig Trailside is a much, much, better pistol, and can be found used for good prices. Can't go wrong with a Buckmark or Ruger Mark I, II, or III either.

 

[tuj]

Ruger MK-series or Buckmark. That's all you need to know.

 

[Hamfisted]

Yeah if it's your first .22 pistol and you're looking for mostly a target pistol I would agree the Ruger Mk series (Google the differences...) or the Browning Buckmarks would be top choices hands down. The plastic .22s like the M&P22, SR22, P22 use pellet gun barrels with a shroud over them so they look like real guns. They're Ok if you think you'll hang a suppressor on one, but other than that they are just niche' look alikes for sloppy plinking. If you'd like a wheel gun I'd recommend any of the Smith and Wessons available.



-Mike

 

[Hanshi]

My .22LR choice is the Ruger MKI Bull Barrel I bought 40 years ago. Laser accurate, easy to handle and has NEVER jammed. The newer recent models should be at least as good or better.

 

[torqem]

Ruger sold us out on the auto rifles, never apologized.

he also restricted access to more than 5 rd mags for the Mini-14. The Buckmark's safety is much easier to manipulate than the Ruger's. The Brownin'gs barrels are easier to change, too. If the 2245 could be had with an aluminum upper and skinny 4" barrel, that would make the diff for me, cause I'd use it on the trail, but until then,the Browning's the better choice.

 

[danez71]

The plastic .22s like the M&P22, SR22, P22 use pellet gun barrels with a shroud over them so they look like real guns.

The SR22 is made of quality materials. No pot metal like the other two you mentioned.

 

[arspeukinen]

Rugers are boring. Try Buckmarks or old High-Standards. Or get a real competition pistol, Benelli, Pardini, Hämmerli... I like the old histandards best.

 

[jacob2745]

I have a ruger MK II bull barrel and a S&W 422. I highly recommend either one those.