Which one to buy redux

[Vector]

I am looking for a starter gun for an 18 year old. I've decided on the .22lr caliber and now need opinions on which one to buy.

My choices are both lightly used;


Ruger Mark III Hunter 6.88" Stainless with Hogue grips & BSA Red-Dot scope


OR


Browning Buckmark "Bullseye" edition with a 7.25" fluted barrel and adjustable sights and 5 clips.


Either will cost me $400, so price is not a deciding factor

TIA

 

[ATBackPackin]

Is there a reason that a .22lr rifle is not an option?

 

[Vector]

Is there a reason that a .22lr rifle is not an option?

I will probably get another rifle down the road, but he really wants to shoot a handgun, so I want him to learn like I did with a .22

 

[wrs840]

I think it's safer to learn with a revolver, based on experience with my two yoots.

 

[owlhoot]

The Browning is a good choice. I think every handgunner should learn the fundamentals using iron open sights.

 

[JTHunter]

With the Ruger Single-Six Convertible, you have the advantage of using either .22LR OR .22 Magnum ammunition. With the slower fire of a single action revolver and iron sights, a shooter learns discipline, patience, and accuracy.
This gun can also be used for hunting with either ammo.

 

[MICHAEL T]

MK II Ruger with open sights. he needs to learn proper sighting . I don't like the III.
Like every one saying he needs to learn the basic's first.

 

[Buck Kramer]

I vote Walther p22...

 

[ForumSurfer]

There is no wrong choice there! Both are great. I'd go for the buckmark since I own one and it eats anything I feed it reliably. 5 magazines is a nice bonus, too. I'd end up taking the bsa off of ruger. I like iron sights with my 22 pistols.

I wouldn't necessarily like a barrel that long. I say that because my kids shoot mine very often and the 5" barrel is heavy for the youngest after a few minutes.

 

[pazz]

Both the Browning and Ruger, are great guns so you can't go wrong with either. I would lose the red dot and use open sights thought as you want to teach him sight picture.

 

[Hk Dan]

I have 4 Buckmarks in various barrel lengths. The 5.5" shoots just as well as the 10". I'd get him a camper model and a ton of ammo!

 

[ForumSurfer]

I have 4 Buckmarks in various barrel lengths. The 5.5" shoots just as well as the 10". I'd get him a camper model and a ton of ammo!

Does the 10" do anything for you that the others don't, other than sight radius? I'm curious to hear your opinion since you own both and I need to purchase another buckmark or a ruger (and a race tree) for friendly "family matches." I have a 22 da/sa revolver, but that puts you at a handicap against the autoloader with it's really crisp trigger. I'm reluctant to buy one with a barrel longer than my current buckmark because those long barrels do get heavy in the hands of young ones.

 

[mongo4567]

I would go for a shorter (4-5.5 inch) heavy barrel with open sights. I would get a buckmark or mark 2; like them both.

 

[Wishoot]

I love my Buckmark, but I'm waiting for the SP101 in 22lr to come out. That's what I hope to use to teach my 9 year old to shoot.