Target .22?

[rduchateau2954]

I've been wandering the internet looking for a .22 range toy. Started out looking at cheaper revolvers but forum searches have netted mixed results of quality and accuracy had me aimlessly wandering.

One gun that consistently popped up in my searches was the Beretta NEOS. That lead me more towards the target (or whatever they are called) .22's. Such as the Ruger Model 22/45, Browning buck mark, and the S&W 22a.

Since I have never even handled any of these firearms I am looking for a bit of info and experiences with any of these or any similar guns.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[j1]

Ryan the first thing which comes to mind is to go to a gunstore and look at and handle various guns which interest you. Talk to the clerk if he is knowledgable.

 

[rduchateau2954]

Oh I plan on it but I will be working the next two days. 12 hour days don't leave much time for a whole lot of anything else.

I figured I'd start this thread and let it sit for a few days to see what kind of responses I get. It doesn't matter how good it feels if it doesn't shoot right.

 

[Fishbed77]

You can't go wrong with a Ruger Mark III (or similar 22/45) or Browning Buck Mark.

In my experperiece both of these are far better (and better-made) choices than the Beretta Neos or S&W 22A. The Beretta Neos is hindered by a terrible factory trigger and odd ergonomics (especially the tiny grip). The S&W 22A just isn't built to the same level of quality as the Rugers or Browning pistol.

Out of the Rugers or the Borwning Buck Mark, my personal favorite is the all-steel Ruger Mark III (or used Mark II if you can find one). The Brownings have better out-of-the box triggers and great ergonomics, but the Rugers are built like they will last forever (a good thing, since a good .22LR will be shot A LOT), easier to take down (no tools needed or small parts to loose, whereas the Buck Mark requires removal of a few screws), and Rugers are much easier to customise and find aftermarket parts for.

 

[MrBorland]

If you're applying the term "target" somewhat rigidly, I'll echo Fishbed. Look at the Ruger MkIII (or 22/45) or Buckmark. S&W's target .22 is the Model 41 - a truly outstanding target pistol, but costly.

BTW, each and every .22 has it's own ammo preference, so whatever you get, experiment with different ammo if you want it to realize it's potential.

 

[Kiln]

You can't go wrong with a Ruger Mark III (or similar 22/45) or Browning Buck Mark.

In my experperiece both of these are far better (and better-made) choices than the Beretta Neos or S&W 22A. The Beretta Neos is hindered by a terrible factory trigger and odd ergonomics (especially the tiny grip). The S&W 22A just isn't built to the same level of quality as the Rugers or Browning pistol.

Out of the Rugers or the Borwning Buck Mark, my personal favorite is the all-steel Ruger Mark III (or used Mark II if you can find one). The Brownings have better out-of-the box triggers and great ergonomics, but the Rugers are built like they will last forever (a good thing, since a good .22LR will be shot A LOT), easier to take down (no tools needed or small parts to loose, whereas the Buck Mark requires removal of a few screws), and Rugers are much easier to customise and find aftermarket parts for.

I'm in agreement here. Just going by an old poll from the forums, most members here agree that the Ruger MK series and the Buckmarks are the best value. I've heard alot of bad stuff about the 22A but have no experience myself. The Neos seems to have relatively little info on it compared to the other options.

 

[Jed Carter]

My .22 target pistols 6" Browning Buckmark (wifes favorite) Beretta 87Target (my favorite), and a Colt 1911 .22 and a Kimber .22 conversion slide on a Springfield Armory Loaded Longslide Frame. Try some out and see if the local range rents pistols. The only reason I do not have a Ruger, is that i have not bought one YET. Get several types of ammunition, to see what cycles properly in your semi auto pistol, much of the really cheap stuff has problems in some of my pistols, it's trial and elimination.

 

[Naybor]

MkIII or Buckmark ~ whichever one feels the best in your hand. Go to your LGS and fondle them both.

Can't go wrong with either.

 

[Hunterdad]

I have a 22a and love it. Put a cheap 30mm truglo red-dot on it and its easily one of the most accurate handguns I have ever shot. I know the Rugers and Browning's are better made guns, but for a ~$200 gun, the 22a is hard to beat IMO.

 

[Fishbed77]

I know the Rugers and Browning's are better made guns, but for a ~$200 gun, the 22a is hard to beat IMO.

It's just that for $100 more (for a Ruger or Browning), you get a much nicer pistol. Chances are, that if you are looking for a .22LR target pistol, you are going to be shooting it A LOT, and in the scheme of things, that little bit of dough will pale in comparison to what you spend on ammo.

 

[murdoc rose]

Ruger's new sr22 is worth checking out too, but as mentioned your best bet is the one that feels the best.

 

[Hit_Factor]

I have heard the Beretta Neos characterized as a plinking gun, not a target gun. There have been several suggestions already for good target pistols. If looking for serious target pistols, feinwerkbau is probably tops.

Sent by someone using something.

 

[DeadFlies]

I have no idea if my Neos is a "target" pistol but I like mine. It's cheaper than Brownings or Rugers, easy to mount optics and easier still to change barrels. The magazines are top-notch and mine eats even the infamous Remington Golden Bullets with absolutely no indigestion. The grip is a bit on the smallish side, though, so if you have big mitts then it may not be for you. Of course, if you have smaller hands or if your wife and kids will be shooting it this may be a plus.

It may not have the following that Ruger or Browning .22s might have but, IMHO, it should.

 

[powder]

One of my reloading buddies sold me his used 22a with an Aimpoint on it for 200, several years ago. Runs great, found some extra amgs at the gun show, good to go.

 

[MCgunner]

A Smith m41 is great. Here's another "target" grade .22... http://www.rocosystem.com/Hammerli208jubilee125years/

 

[Captcurt]

I echo the Ruger or Buckmark. Handled a Neo at the range and will stay with my 22/45's. I have one with a tapered barrel and open sights and a bull barrel with a reddot. Did a little trigger work on them and they shoot better than I can hold them.

 

[jfrey]

My slightly modified Buck Mark will hang with the much more expensive S&W 41 any day, and has many times. I put an Ultradot on it and I can shoot 40 rounds into a quarter or smaller sized hole, off a rest, at 15 yds all day long. The 2# trigger is fantastic.

 

[tuj]

OK I am a big fan of target 22's.

Your best bet: Pardini SP.

Other good choices: Benelli MP-90/S, Walther GSP Expert, Hammerli 208

Another excellent gun is the IZH-35m, but sadly parts are running out for these, so I can't recommend it.

These guns will put the typical Ruger and Buckmark to shame in terms of their smoothness in rapid fire and accuracy. The S&W M41 isn't a bad gun, but I think the others I've listed are better values.

Plus the Pardini has the best trigger I have ever felt on the pistol. EVER.

 

[Fishbed77]

That Pardini (or a Walther GSP) is a big jump from the Beretta Neos in the OP's original question about selecting a range toy. Awesome guns, though.

Unless he's planning on competing in the Olympics, I think the Ruger Mark II or II or the Browning Buck Mark still represents the best option for a reasonably-priced target .22LLR.

 

[tuj]

I agree with Fishbed that if you want a 'reasonably priced' target 22, go with a buckmark or Ruger MK-series. I have shot both, own and competed with a MKIII. I like the buckmark out of the box better, but if you are going to mod the gun, the MKIII is better after a VQ trigger.

 

[Jim Watson]

It is hard to beat a GOOD High Standard .22.
The pick of the litter is a pushbutton takedown (models 103-107) gun made in Hamden, CT.
East Hartfords are ok, mine is very accurate.

A friend says the CURRENT Texas High Standards are good, but it has taken them a long time to get there, early ones were pretty sad.

But a High Standard MUST have a good magazine. It has no feed ramp so the magazine must direct the round right into the chamber. Current production magazines are said to be good, the old CT magazines are good if not badly worn. Any may take some tweaking of the lips. Avoid gun show magazines in general, although I had a couple that fed well.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you are on the right track for a modest priced target 22 pistol. The choice between a Ruger 22/45 and Mark III (or II) mostly depends on your preference of grip shape in terms of how it feels. I would choose one with a heavy barrel in the 5 > 5.5" length for overall flexibility and fun shooting.

The Browning Buckmark is another good choice. I can't say bad things about them in general. Check one out at the gunshop and compare with the Rugers to see what you like better.

I like the new Ruger SR-22 pistol, but it is not a target pistol. It is a fun little pistol for plinking or to carry with you in the woods as a companion piece. But for stictly target shooting, there are better choices.

The S&W Model 41 is the cats meow of US made 22 target pistols. They aren't cheap however as you probably know.

I have a old High Standard Victor that I like a lot. They can be a little finicky in terms of magazine adjustment for best feeding, but any of the old target grade High Standards are excellent.

 

[tuj]

Another option for a high-quality target pistol is the Marvel UNIT 1 conversion kit (not Unit 2). Lots of bullseye shooters use them on their 1911 frames.

 

[Fishbed77]

I like the buckmark out of the box better, but if you are going to mod the gun, the MKIII is better after a VQ trigger.

Yes!

I highly recommend installing the Volquartsen trigger and sear into any Mark III you buy. They are inexpensive and easily-installed parts that make a world of difference. While you are at it, get a Sam Lam or Clark hammer bushing to get rid of the magazine disconnect.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always had a fondness for the 5 1/2" bull barrel Ruger MK. II. Decent trigger out of the box and very accurate with the right ammo, in this case Wolf Match Target. The only thing I changed out was for a pair of target stocks for a better grip angle.