Trying to decide on a .22LR auto loader

[6.5x39]

I have decided to get a .22LR semiauto pistol. Based on reading the posts here and elsewhere I've pretty much narrowed my search to the Ruger 22/45 and the Browning Buckmark. My question is which of these two should I get?

 

[ArmedBear]

Hard to make that call. You've narrowed it down to the right two pistols (affordable, yet accurate and reliable).

I have a 22/45 (old version) and a Mark II Target, both 6 7/8" slabside bull barrels. I shoot the Target in local competition, in part because it has a scope on it. But the 22/45 is just a personal favorite gun. It's one of those "everyone who tries it, likes it" guns.

That said, the Buckmark is a very nice pistol.

The Browning has a better out-of-box trigger; the Ruger is built like a tank.

 

[sneedb82]

I like the buckmark pretty well, but recently have an affinity for the 22/45.... I just don't have the funds to drop down on a "super accurate out of the box" .22 pistol.

 

[ArmedBear]

You'll have a hard time getting one that's measurably more accurate than those two.

The 41 is a very nice pistol. But it doesn't shoot groups any better than a Ruger, and it's pickier about ammo.

 

[Tim the Enchanter]

Rent and try out both pistols at a range. They look alike, yet which one fits you best is only really found out when shooting.

 

[jeffesonm]

I also narrowed it down to those two, and bought the Buckmark based on looks and ease of takedown. No regrets.

 

[smith52]

I love my S&W model 41, has a really nice trigger, and very accurate. I have shot just about every .22LR ammo available around here from CCI Blazers to Eley Tenex and all shoot good, some better than others, but none of them have ever given any cycling issues. If your looking a something cheaper than the 41, the S&W model 22A is another good choice to look at. Myself, between the S&W 22A and the Ruger 22/45, both fine pistols, I would rather have the 22/45, but that's just my preference.

 

[NG VI]

Given any thought to the CZ Kadet pistol? I've got the adapter for my PCR, I love it. It has some very nice adjusable sights, probably not quite as good a trigger as the two you mentioned, but it will improve greatly with use or a 15# mainspring, my PCR has one and I have never had ignition problems with it, 9mm or .22, ever. Also they are not picky at all about ammo, and they are a fullsize, all-steel gun, if that is a plus for you. Not sure what the other two cost, but the CZ should be around $500.

Just my NSHO.

 

[jfrey]

Get the Buck Mark, you won't be sorry. Great pistol, great trigger, great value. Put a red dot on it and you won't believe how small the groups will get.

 

[searcher451]

It's tough to go wrong with either the Browning or the Ruger. I've got one of each and shoot them both a great deal these days. I've been using the Buck Mark a lot because it's newer and I'm still getting the feel of the thing -- a great gun any way you look at it. But then, so is the Ruger. Get the one that best fits your hand and eye or, better yet, get one of each. You can't go wrong with one of each.

 

[1-UP]

Like a prior poster mentioned, either would be fine. Get whichever is available and has a price you like.

 

[dispatch]

My two cents- Love the Buckmark. You should be happy with any of those on your list.

 

[viking499]

I handled both. Wounded up with the Buckmark. Made the right choice. Would do it again if I had to.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

I've had several Ruger 22lr pistols in the past. No doubt they are great little guns, however I prefer Buckmarks. They just fit MY hand better. The advice that other posters have given about trying each pistol out to see which one fits you better is right on. Whichever one you choose, you'll have a great 22lr pistol.

Here's a picture of a stainless Bullseye that I made up by swapping out a barrel and grips.

Best regards.

 

[gidaeon]

Which ever you pick it won't be your last!

(handle both and then pick) Either will serve you well. Some people find the buckmark trigger better out of box . But the Rugers are sometimes perceived as 'more rugged'. Ruger will come with 2 mags and technically has more aftermarket stuff if that concerns you. I don't own a bm and went for the Ruger mkiii myself but want a buckmark too someday

never mind ArmedBear said all the same already

 

[DaveBeal]

A Buckmark was the first firearm I bought when I decided to get into shooting a year and a half ago. It's a fine gun. My only complaint is that field stripping it to clean it requires that you separate the the sights (iron or reddot) from the barrel, so if you're at all serious about accuracy you need to sight it in again after every cleaning.

I've never owned a Ruger pistol. Everything I've read about them is good, except that field stripping and reassembling is complex.

 

[possum]

they are both great .22's, i have a 22/45 and i like it alot, never had an issue with it, my dad had a buckmark that i was raised on, they are both equal in my book. get the one that you like the best.

 

[rbernie]

I tend to prefer the Buckmark. However, I am looking at getting back into the 22/45.

If you shoot a 1911 frequently, and you use thin grips - the 22/45 will 'feel' more like your 1911 platform than will the Buckmark.

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

Something else... another vote for S&W 41

 

[Jed Carter]

I have a Buckmark, a MkII, and a Beretta 87 target and I vote for the Beretta, it handles like a service pistol, and shoots like a dream. Cost about $200-$300 more.

 

[hanno]

CZ Kadet - either the kit or the dedicated pistol.

 

[Wishoot]

The Buckmark fits me like a glove and never fails to shoot anything I feed it. The Ruger is perfectly fine too, I just don't care for the grip.

 

[gator1gear]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 not too long ago. It was nothing but trouble. I know there are thousands of 22/45s out there that run like a top, but the one I bought wouldn't shoot more than 5 rounds without jamming. I tried all the "tricks" like removing the round indicator etc. Nothing worked. Ruger sent me 2 new magazines and that made it better, after I got the new magazines it would feed 6 rounds before it jammed up. I traded it off to a buddy of mine that was convinced he could get it sorted out. After 2 trips back to Ruger, he ran out of patience with it too. I bought an older Browning Nomad that runs like a top!!! My girlfriend recently bought a Buckmark, and absolutely loves it! disassembly is a lot easier with the Buckmark too. Not bashing all 22/45s, just the one I had YMMV

 

[Ballistic Mule]

You will not be sorry w/ the Buckmark. Bought mine in 93 and have put thousands and thousands of rounds through it without a single hiccup. Not even s stovepipe! I do keep it clean,but w/ the cheap bulk ammo?wich by the way it loves. had to replace the recoil buffer this year but it never failed to fire found it cleaning.Aimpoint up top, still as accurate as day one.

 

[frankt]

I bought a Ruger 22/45 to allow me to get some range time and still keep the costs down. It is a fun gun to shoot and acurate.

I was at the outdoor range with a friend and he had the Walther target pistol and we shot it a good bit. I really liked the way it felt,looked and shot.