Which .22 Pistol

[Gary G23]

I haven't had a .22 pistol for a while so it's probably time to get one. What would you guys recommend that meets the following requirements:
Price. <$300
Useage. Bowling pins and racoons

My previous guns have been Browning Buckmarks. Are these the best value or is there something else to consider? What about the S&W 22A?

 

[10-Ring]

AS 22lr go, I really like the Ruger, the Browning & the Hi Standard (in that order)

 

[wally]

I really like my S&W M22A but I suspect I'm in the minority. Mine had to go back to S&W for repair, great service, they paid shipping both ways so I've no complaints. While the gun takes down for cleaning very easy, it practically takes three hands to reassemble and the root of the problem I had is the poor design of the method the back of the upper engages the frame -- this losened up causing mis-fires from very weak primer hits.

Really like our Buckmark, but its as bad to take down for cleaning as the Rugers are since you need two different sized hex head wrenches, but its a great shooter. Also not the best choice if you plan on mounting an optic.

Hard to go wrong with a Ruger.

The Beretta Neos is great if you can get over its weird looks and the fact the safety rotates the "wrong" way. Its one of the best if you plan on mounting an optic or red dot sight. Another plus is CDNN has had spare Neos mags on sale for $10 each for the past few months. Takedown and reassemble of the Neos is a snap, but it does leave spring under pressure when disassembled so you need to be careful. If you are a lefty, the Neos is the only one with an ambi safety.

IF you are like me, draw straws, they are so much fun once you get back into shooting .22s that its easy to buy them all eventually.

--wally.

 

[Minator]

The buckmark is the best out of the bunch if your going to use some kind of sights Id only recomend the beretta plinker over it due to the weaver rail.

When I decided to get a plinker I got impacient and bought the S&W 22a1 because it was in the case instead of waiting to a few weeks for the buck to come in and paid the price I usually bash S&W and always catch stuff for it but everytime I try one out I get a new reason to. It functions perfectly as in cycling, but if you slap your mag in to hard you can bend the thin wire that acts to activate the mag disconect. A small plastic peice on the back of the recoil rod has to be replaced every 500 rounds they give them to you and when you run out they will send you some more for free I broke one the first time I took mine apart, but its still pretty rediculous that this gun is let out of the factory with this problem and the finish peels off easier than anything ive ever seen before. Other than that its plays its role as a plinker.:banghead:

 

[XavierBreath]

I prefer the Ruger MKII. To get one now, you will have to buy used.

If you are familiar with the Buckmark, then that is the one you should get. It is an accurate, reliable pistol.

 

[TX_CLG]

There are a few MK II still NIB. Just found a SS Target here in Houston. They had a few more for 329.

 

[KINGMAX]

RUGER .22 / .22 mag combo

RUGER - Get one of those .22 / .22 magnum pistols. Shoots all types of 22 ammo. I like the .22 mag in the shell shot for snakes - it will bust them in half

 

[Majic]

Kingmax,
I think he's looking for a semi-auto.

 

[CajunBass]

Any Ruger. And I say that only because I have experience with them. I'm sure the Buckmark is just as good, some people say better, and I won't argue with them. I've got a MkII and a MK III and for shooting I don't see a dimes worth of difference in them. Just find one you like.

 

[rbernie]

I've had a Sig, a couple of Rugers (MkII and 22/45), and a couple of Buckmarks. I vast prefer the Buckmarks over the Rugers, and in turn prefer the Rugers over the Sig.

 

[30-06 lover]

Browning Buckmark is an great 22 pistol, as well as any bull barrel Ruger. I prefer the Buckmark, but the Ruger would be a fine choice if it fits better.
-Mike

 

[MIL-DOT]

i have an old buddy ( we all know one of these) that owns or has owned half of everthing ever made,loads his own stuff,does his own gunsmithing, and has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of all things "gun". he told me that of all the .22's he's owned, his favorite is his walther P22. i've since gotten one as well,and really like it. just another to consider......

 

[Gary G23]

Thanks for all the replys. I was at the funstore today and noticed a Ruger 22/45 MkIII 5.5" barrel for $225 NIB. It seemed like it would meet my requirements so I took it home. When I got home I put thirty rounds of Eley Match through it. The first round had a FTE but it worked fine after that. It seems to shoot well and the sights appear to be dead on. I'm happy.

 

[KINGMAX]

Semi-Auto = WALTHER P22

How about a Walther P22. The more I shoot - the better I like mine. I have a two-tone, olive drab & black with the long barrel. It is a very accurate twenty-two pistol. I use it for pistol practice alot, I love mine

At first there was a slight problem w/ it jamming a little bit. I read the manual. It stated there in - to tap the mag in the palm of you hand prior to inserting. Once a habit was formed on my part, the jams are not an issue.

 

[RustyFN]

I have a Ruger Mark III with the 5.5 inch bull barrel. It will out shoot me all day long. It is not picky about ammo and is easy to clean despite some of the stories you might have heard. You can pick up a new one for about $300 or you can get the 22/45 for about $230. Good luck

 

[MachIVshooter]

You done good. The Rugers have become the standard by which other rimfire autos are judged. No household should be without one.