Which .22 should I get?

[valnar]

The weakest handgun I own is a .38 special, with a preference towards N-frame S&W revolvers. That being said, I've only shot a .22 once when I had my first pistol class, and it belonged to the range.

I'm at a point where I want to get a .22 for myself, and narrowed it down to the choices in the poll. Since this will be a plinking gun and not for serious target shooting, I went for eye candy and picked the "non-ugly" .22's.
Hey, nuthin' wrong with being superficial!

I included the Beretta 92FS conversion only because I may consider getting a 9mm Beretta anyway.


I consider all these things important:
Accuracy
Build quality
Ease of disassembly & cleaning
Does this model need frequent repairs

So based on all available parameters, which is the best? I will also get a S&W .22 revolver eventually, like a K-22, so this will fulfill my semi-auto need.

-Robert

PS. I read the other .22 thread going on but people were putting in their 2 cents for top-of-the-line .22's for over $1000. I wanted to keep this thread in the realms of reality (my reality, anyway!)

 

[Black Snowman]

I love my Buckmark 5.5 Nickel Target. Only complaint is it takes an allen wrench to completely break down.

Looks slick too Any of those are going to be fine for plinking but the 22 conversion is going to be the biggest pain to clean and disassemble.

I don't know what you think about the looks but the S&W 22A is a really good all-round auto 22. Quick and easy to clean, accurate and a good trigger. I like my Dads.

Whatever you get be sure to enjoy it.

 

[valnar]

Ahh, I didn't see the 22A. What's the difference between that and the 41?

I meant to add the SIG Trailside and forgot. How about that one?

-Robert

 

[Bainx]

MK II. Stainless, 5 1/2" bbl, bull. Excellent workmanship, absolutely screams, with adjustable sights, I can hit anything down to a golf ball at 25 yds.
I abuse mine by not cleaning for several thousand rounds. It keeps coming back for more. It rapidly became my favorite plinking handgun.

 

[Ala Dan]

I didn't see a Colt Match Target Woodsman in the polls?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[jercamp45]

ahhhh.....

Did not see a 1911 with a .22 conversion unit here. That is my choice!!
Not much help with your question I guess.....
Sorry
Jercamp45

 

[JeepDriver]

I have a 22/45 that I really like. Much like the MKII just with a 1911 grip angle. Mine has the heavy 'Target' barrel. It's more accurate then I am.

I only have 300 rounds through it so far (only had it a week) But I'm very pleased with my purchase.

 

[firestar]

I have had thre of the Rugers and my brother has a Buckmark but I don't have any experience with the others on you list so I chose the Ruger.

Some people like the Ruger and some people like the Buckmark but most agree that both are fine guns. I am more accurate with the Rugers but my brother does O.K. with his Buckmark. Both guns will have more inherent accuracy than 99.5% of shooters will ever need. I can shoot some tight groups with my SS MK-II 5.5" bull bbl but I am sure that the gun can do even better. I wouldn't be surprised if most Rugers could shoot as well as most .22lr rifles.

 

[u084708]

My vote is for Browning Buckmark Bullseye

I have a Buckmark/Bullseye with the 7" barrel and it is a dream to shoot. Never a malfunction of any sort and fairly easy to clean. It is more accurate than I am and I keep practicing, hoping to test its limits. A fine .22 pistol.

 

[10-Ring]

I voted Ruger because mine has served me well for many years! The take down is a bit of a challenge in the beginning, but once you get it, it's no big deal. Plus, they're great overall values too

 

[VictorLouis]

By most accounts, the older S&W

422/622 and 2204/6 guns are much better built than the 22A/S guns. I researched the latter quite a bit and found much too many negative issues with them.

While the 41 is indeed a classic, and excellent gun, it's far into the next budget class than the others. I'd steer you toward the the 3 or 4-digit model Smiths, or any BuckMark.

 

[jsalcedo]

MK II

I've had feeding problems with most of the others on the list except for the conversion of which I have no experience.

The ruger has faithfully fed everything I've given it provided I used ruger factory mags

 

[RGO]

Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mk II (or the 22/45)... I think you'll find these two to be the most popular no matter who you ask.

 

[HSMITH]

You can get a pair of Buckmarks for what a 41 will cost. They are just as reliable, last as long and are just as accurate. The 41 has a marvelous trigger that the Buckmark will need tuned to get close to, but the Buckmark is very good with 2000 rounds downrange just as shipped. The Buckmark is far easier to take down and clean than any of the other guns listed.

Shoot the Buckmark and shoot the Ruger, that choice will be very easy then.

The Buckmark is easily the choice IMO. It does have one weakness though, the rear sight base can loosen under repeated firing and need tightened. Once you get a feel for it that is not an issue.

Buy a Buckmark, you will not regret it.

 

[cool45auto]

You don't like the Star Trekkie look of the Neos? I've never owned a .22 before my Neos but couldn't be happier with it.

 

[Pilot]

While I have a Benelli MP95, I woulldn't mind having a Baikal IZH-35 to use as a plinker.

 

[DougCxx]

Are you kidding? Rugers are UGLY. THey work well though, which is the reason the govt target 6-7/8 was the first 22 pistol I bought--but I have always hated the way it looked.
-The 41 beats all them on looks alone IMO but it costs way more.
-The S&W 22S also don't look too bad and costs much less however.
--------------

....While I have a Benelli MP95, I woulldn't mind having a Baikal IZH-35 to use as a plinker. - Pilot

-I just got off the phone with the local gun shop on the matter of aquiring this pistol, I was wavering between a Walther P22 target or a IZH as the next 22 pistol (-these are hardly comparable guns, but they were the two i was considering). It looks cool, but the overall cheapness of the Walther got me off it however (zinc slide, compensator but no barrel porting?) The shop/distributor said that the IZH is an imitation of a Benelli gun, and someone else here noted that Walther polishes up and re-badges an IZH version as their own...... -My only complaint is the 5-round magazines. Just because it's a target gun doesn't mean I won't still wanna spray and pray occasionally, and I don't know any prayers that short!
~

 

[SirPorl]

Another Alternative

Another route you might consider is a CZ and their fabulous Kadet Kit. For under 600 bucks you get a top quality 9mm and one heck of a .22lr. Both are accurate and the quality is top shelf at a bargain basement price.


just my thoughts,
SirPorl

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Why not the S&W 617? It's on my list....