Need Advice on Good, Reasonable .22 Auto

[AntiSpin]

I've never owned a .22 pistol before, and suddenly feel the need for one, just to keep my hand in on days when going to the "big pistol" range is not practical.

Funds are tight at the moment, and second-hand would be fine. My two primary concerns are reliable functioning (minimal failure to feed, failure to fire, or failure to eject) and sights that are at least minimally adjustable.

It would only be used on an indoor range, so weather-resistance doesn't matter.

I know the expertise is here (I've done a LOT of lurking on this site) and would very much appreciate any advice that anyone would care to offer as to make, model etc.

Thanks.

 

[Quoheleth]

Any Ruger
Browning Buckmark (what I personally own)
Beretta Eos
S&W 22A
High Standard (older, used models)

Q

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Any Ruger
Browning Buckmark (what I personally own)
Beretta Eos
S&W 22A
High Standard (older, used models)

Q

^^^^this^^^^

 

[railroader]

I have a buckmark and and I just got a s&w 22a. I got the buckmark at least 15 years ago. It just runs and runs. I just picked up the 22a last week. I took it shooting and it ran good. The buckmark is nicer but the 22a was about $100 cheaper.

 

[Ian Johnson]

I like the ruger mkII, a used one of these would be great, a new mkIII, browning buckmark, or single six

 

[Coyote3855]

I have several Rugers, two Colts, a Buckmark and a High Standard. All are somewhat picky about ammo. The Buckmark was especially hard to please. So whatever you get, you might need to try different ammo to find what it likes.

 

[Mango88]

Any Ruger

+1
Shop around and you can find occasionally find decent deals on the older Mark I or Mark II Rugers. Buckmarks are good shooters and if you can find a old Colt Woodsman in any kind of decent shape do yourself a favor and snatch it up. If you'll settle for a six shooter the Ruger Single Six can be often found for a reasonable cost. I picked up a Single Six last year in Waco for $175.00 as it was missing its .22 Mag cylinder and needed one small spot on the frame touched up. I touched up the frame with Blue Wonder cold blue and picked up a .22 Mag cylinder on Gun Broker for $50.00 and I'm a happy camper.

 

[Pietro Beretta]

Any Ruger +2

 

[wrench]

Is there an echo in here?
Ruger
Buckmark (my personal favorite)
S&W 22a

The 22a is cheapest, mine is reliable, but doesn't have as good a trigger, and is not as accurate as my Buckmark.

 

[bannockburn]

AntiSpin

1) Ruger MK.II
2) Ruger MK.III
3) Browning Buckmark
4) Beretta Neos
5) S&W Model 22A

Really any of these make for a decent plinker and some of them may even surprise you as to how accurate they can be with the right ammo.

 

[AntiSpin]

Thanks to Everyone

I believe I've got my shopping list now, and I appreciate the advice from everyone who posted.

 

[chris in va]

And, maybe a little less 'reasonable', CZ Kadet.

 

[LongTimeGone]

I have a couple but bought this Buckmark a month ago. Mine runs on Fed Automatch bulk and it is a very accurate and fun gun for a good price.
http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe..._Micro_Bull_SS_Handgun&aID=510C1&merchID=4006

 

[foghornl]

I have a MK II Ruger that has been flawless. Oldest brother has a VERY OLD Ruger, IIRC, it is called the 'Standard model' with the 9-shot magazines. His 40+ year old Ruger still puts the lead where he aims.

Couple of Shooting Budds have Browning Buckmarks, and those are very solid shooters. we all sort of swap around pistols during range time, so I can't really say I have a favorite.

 

[DesertFox]

I have all listed above and then some - all fine candidates. One that I do not have:

Phoenix Arms Deluxe Rangemaster HP22A Pistol Kit, RAHP22ADRMB

Which is a kit with both 3" and 5" barrels for under $220. I have heard others mention good things about this inexpensive 22LR. Might be worth a try for the money.

 

[MCgunner]

I have a Ruger Mk 2 and a new SR22 and both are fantastic shooters.

I also have an HP22 Phoenix Arms with both barrels. I cannot recommend this gun for the long haul. It wears rapidly, the zinc construction. It has attributes, but not as a often fired range gun. I got the SR22 to replace it as a small, pocketable auto and I'm quite happy with that purchase. Both are accurate, but the edge goes to the SR22 with 2" 25 yard groups from Federal bulk pack. Neither matches the Mk 2, of course, but the Mk 2 won't fit in a pocket. Mine wears a scope and is capable of shooting 1" groups at 50 yards with optics.

 

[Bammac]

My experience has only been with Rugers and Browning, but the Browning was so long ago I cant recall much about it. But it must have been good, or I at least would recall it in a negative way.

In a .22 reliability is the only MUST for me - I am no tack driver at the best of times, and my ongoing vendetta against empty cans is more forgiving of my lesser pistol skills than paper, and the Marks I ever owned gave good service.

After trying the SR22 I am going to give it a shot, but they'll likely be tough to find used for a spell. Good luck! .22's are easy to love.

[Edit] After reading through these posts again, and having my memory jogged, I recall having access to a Colt Woodsman when I was 17 and living in the mountains near Dunsmuir- It wasnt mine but I spent a great summer with it as a constant companion. Havent thought of that in a while...

 

[ku4hx]

I own a Ruger Standard, Mark II and Mark III Target. All .22LR semi autos are finicky to one extent or another, but these three have been exceptionally tolerant in the finicky eating department.

I'd suggest a Ruger for your .22 shooting pleasure.