Ruger 22/45 vs. Browning Buckmark

Ruger or Browning Buckmark?

  • Ruger Mk3 22/45

    Votes: 15 18.5%
  • Ruger Mk2 22/45

    Votes: 17 21.0%
  • Browning Buckmark

    Votes: 48 59.3%
  • Other (post below)

    Votes: 1 1.2%

  • Total voters
    81
  • Poll closed .
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Browning Buckmark.

I don't like the grip angle on the ruger either.

Aftermarket support for the buckmark is up to par now, with tactical solutions parts galore. I like the slide release and safety position/function on the buckmark much more. The frame is the serialized part on the buckmark, rather than the upper. Much easier to make modifications without the need for additional paperwork.

The twins:
IMG_1259.jpg
 
On a ruger, the upper is the registered transferable part. On a buckmark, the receiver or "lower" is the transferable part.

As such, if you replace the upper on a ruger, you are buying a new "firearm" and will have to fill out the form and get a NICS check. So if you want one, you have to get it sent to an FFL for transfer to you.

Things are MUCH easier with a buckmark.
 
Many, many, many years ago I bought a Buckmark. It constantly jammed (failure to feed) with every brand of ammo I tried. I couldn't get it to feed anything. Got rid of it and picked up a used Ruger Standard Model. The Ruger is an absolute pleasure to shoot. The Buckmark was so bad I would never consider buying one again.
 
On a ruger, the upper is the registered transferable part. On a buckmark, the receiver or "lower" is the transferable part.

As such, if you replace the upper on a ruger, you are buying a new "firearm" and will have to fill out the form and get a NICS check.
I realize that... I was just wondering why having the lower be the serialized bit makes modifications so much easier. I assume you refer primarily to modifications to the upper?

I just sent my 22/45 lower to a guy for a grip mod and magazine release extension... priority mail. Easy peasy.

But yeah, if I wanted to send the "barrel" out for threading or something, PITA.
 
Many, many, many years ago I bought a Buckmark. It constantly jammed (failure to feed) with every brand of ammo I tried. I couldn't get it to feed anything. Got rid of it and picked up a used Ruger Standard Model. The Ruger is an absolute pleasure to shoot. The Buckmark was so bad I would never consider buying one again.
Grudges die hard for some. Even so, the world keeps spinning and products do evolve. I try not to use "never" in reference to anything, as it's a very long time. Especially in light of how much the manufacturing industry has changed in just the last 10 years.

I've talked to guys that have made the same claim about remington 700's or mossberg 500's. Anytime you let a sample size of 1 soil your opinion about an entire product line, you risk missing out on something great. My personal choice is the browning buckmark for the reasons I listed. That doesn't make the ruger's bad.

Now if you want to talk about taking them apart and cleaning them... well then I'd call the ruger design bad when compared to the buckmark. ;)
 
Love my MKII 22/45 Target!! Never held a Buckmark to compare, but would have no problem owning one of them too:D

The disassembly of the 22/45 is a cake walk, can be taken down and assembled in 15 seconds.
 
I have both. The Browning is BY FAR my choice. It's easy to shoot, super great trigger in comparison to the Ruger, accurate, and very easy to maintain.
 
I think the poll would be much closer if you were including the Ruger MK series along with the 22/45.

I have a couple of Buckmarks and like them fine. I am going to have to get some more recoil buffers, though. That's a part that I consistently hear about as a must-replace if you're going to shoot over the long haul.


I don't think there is an equivalent part of the all-steel Ruger MK that I have to worry about nearly as much (with the understanding that any gun can need a new spring over time). That's one reason I went ahead and got a Ruger also. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I am not expecting any problems.
 
See the OP. Standard Ruger is a no-go (for me) because of the grip angle. In fact, I have one, hate it, and am looking to sell it.

This poll is about what I should buy next :D
 
I have owned both...have the Buckmark now as I sold the 22/45 because I wanted to be able to modify the grips (which I believe you can do now).

Both great shooters and lots of fun.....now that you can modify grips and buy the 22/45 with a threaded barrel, I'd say it's a toss-up.

Good Luck
 
See the OP. Standard Ruger is a no-go (for me) because of the grip angle. In fact, I have one, hate it, and am looking to sell it.

This poll is about what I should buy next :D

Yes, I understand. I was just explaining why the poll wasn't as close as you expected. Whenever you see standard Ruger vs. Buckmark it's generally 50/50.

Since I'm not into 1911s and don't have any interest in a 22/45, that's the best I could contribute. :D


Either should do you fine. And BTW... I originally selected the Buckmark because I didn't like the standard Ruger grip angle. I shot an old Hi Standard that was somewhat similar to the Ruger (closer than the Buckmark anyway), and it opened my mind on that a bit. Something similar might happen to you.
 
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Orkan: sweet pistols and excellent wisdom.

I grew up on a Ruger Mark II, but when it was time to put my money down, I bought a Buck Mark. While I respect the Ruger and could be perfectly happy with one, the grip angle of the Browning fit me much better. Now that I bought 1911 grip adapters for it, the grip is perfect.

DSC_0083lo.jpg
 
I had a 22/45 MK II and traded it off, have a Buckmark now.


Both good pistols with excellent accuracy, no reliability problems with either one.


I do prefer the feel of the Buckmark and seem to shoot it a bit more accurately.

They're both great .22s and you won't be disappointed with either one, just pick the one you like and try shooting them if possible and see which one feels best in your hand.
 
I voted BuckMark. I love mine and it is extremely accurate and I can't recall a single misfire.

In full disclosure I have to say that I had an issue with mine once that was probably more my fault than the gun's. Long story short, I had let the pistol become very dirty during a couple of long range sessions. It was loaded. I didn't know if there was a round in the chamber or not. Pulled the slide back and let go. BOOM! BuckMark blew up in my hands.

Turns out there was a live round in the chamber. All I can figure is that the amount of fouling in the chamber caused the chambered round to stick in the chamber instead of ejecting. When the top round from the magazine tried to feed into the chamber it ignited the stuck round and they both went off. Blew some springs out of whack and lodged a piece of brass into the bone of my trigger finger.

Gunsmith fixed the pistol pretty cheap and I was a little nervous the next time I shot it, but if has run like a champ ever since. I haven't tried any more marathon range sessions with it since. The gun had been through several thousand rounds in just a couple of days. I also became a big fan of the "press check".

Buy a BuckMark and keep it clean.
 
the ruger, ether the mkII or MKIII. I realy like the circular bolt in the ruger ALOT more then a slide of the browning, to me it seems like it should be more stable or true and durable


I have a target comp MKIII 22/45 slabside that has volquartsen MKII internals. guns is very accurate. and very reliable.

im told volquartsen is going to release all metal 22/45 lowers for them soon.
 
I have the mk III 22/45 slabside short barrel with fixed sights. Ultra reliable and plenty accurate for plinking. Light and simple. Great woods gun. I shoot CCI Blazer ammo and have plenty in stock. I think the Buckmark feels a little better in the hand, but I like the smaller compactness of the 22/45 and it's a Ruger. It will outlast my kids. I'd never sell it. Bought it for $179 new when it was introduced. Whenever I go shooting, it goes too. 100 rounds through this is so cheap. I plink 50 rounds with a centerfire and then play with this. Great little gun.
 
I have four Ruger Mk II's of which one is a MK II era 22/45. All are very accurate and reliable, but so is my friend's Buckmark. He has two of them and they seem to run fine, especially if you break them in with Minimags.
 
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