Wifey sez she'll shoot with me IF.......

[22luvr]

I get something that doesn't kick like a mule! The last thing she shot was my 2" .38 spcl snubby, a handful for most folks.

I'm now looking for a nice .22 auto - specifically the Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark II. I also have two grandsons who will be able to shoot one of these fine offerings in a few years.

Looking at Ruger's and Browning's websites, I notice they both make about a dozen different models.

My question to the forum is: What are your recommendations for quality, reliability, versatility, accuracy (sights), simplicity of maintenance, etc?
I want something I can shoot countless rounds through without a meltdown.

My favorite gun store carries a complete line of Browning Buckmarks so I would lean that direction but, wow, decisions-decisions.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

 

[phorvick]

I went through much of the same analysis regarding getting a .22 plinker. I looked and tried numerous Ruger and Browning models and liked them all. Then I tried a Beretta U22 and was hooked. Very easy to field strip; built in mount for sights; accurate and fun to shoot, but...it is abit doofy looking

 

[10-Ring]

I've had my Ruger Mk II Comp Target model for MANY fun filled years. Sure, they're a tad tricky to field strip the first time, but once you learn how, it's actually easy. I think in the 22lr arena you can't go wrong w/ any of the Ruger or Browning models. Get the one that fits you best, that has a good length barrel for the improved sight radius & the best price! Then enjoy it

 

[45R]

Go with the Ruger MkII. Take down is simple and takes about 20 seconds and you can run brick after brick of .22s through it before you have to clean. YMMV.

 

[Tropical Z]

The Neos does seem to fit various sized hands nicely.Easy take down too.

 

[Sprout]

I like the Brownings over the Rugers; just personal preference.

However, if you already have a CZ you really ought to look into a Kadet conversion kit.

My brother is looking to buy a .22. We rented a basic MKII and Buckmark, a Buckmark Target and the equivalent Ruger, and a S&W Model 41.

Both of us liked the 41 best of all, but the CZ was a solid second place for both of us. In fact, with the cheap Remington Bulk-Pack the range was selling, the CZ was the most reliable of all of the guns. Again, your milage may vary, and you should rent whatever is available. As you well know, guns are mighty subjective.

 

[Russ]

22luvr,

I have both. A Buckmark and a Ruger MK II. I like the way the Browning feels in my hand a tiny bit better but overall I like prefer the Ruger. I have the deluxe Buckmark (don't know what they call the model now) with the 5 1/2 inch bull barrel and walnut grips. Beautiful gun. However, the screws that connect the top strap to the barrel on one end, and the slide/reciever area on the other, tend to loosen frequently. I have to tighten them every time I pick it up.

I have a Ruger model 512 in stainless. If I had to pick one, it would be the Ruger. I prefer the stainless, all steel contruction of the Ruger. In the long run, I think it is more durable than the Browning. Accuracy and trigger pull is about the same. Both are excellent .22's. You may have a hard time finding extra magazines for the Buckmark at affordable prices. I bought several very nice after market mags a few years back but have not seem them since.

From my experience the Ruger is put together a little better. You really can't go wrong either way.

If you can afford $700 to fork out for a S & W model 41 then that is what to buy. As Sprout said, the 41 is really nice. The problem with the 41 is finding one and the fact that it is about 2 1/2 to 3 times more expensive than the Ruger or Buckmark. Not really worth the extra in my book.

If we were talking 9mm, then the BHP is the winner hands down. Everyone should have one. Ruger doesn't compete in that class.

Really both are good guns. Your grandchildren will be very pleased to have either. Coming from Grandpa, they will cherish them for the rest of their lives.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

My father is a Clint Eastward fan. Since I love the old Western revolvers, I'm getting a Ruger New Single Six 4" in blue. If you just want to have fun -- the New Six is a nice .22 gun. I've considered the Mark II but I just want to keep it simple for loading and cleaning. My father still stumbles over the difference between an auto and a revolver -- so you can guess why I decided to stick with the revolver....

 

[ARperson]

I've got a Buckmark now that I'm thinking about replacing with a Ruger MkII soon. Used to love the Buckmark but the disconnector or the spring with it are frapping up big time and the trigger will not reset. (It's almost as if the specs are too loose and the has too much room to move and moves out of alignment). Anyhow, it's become a single shot firearm for the most part because it fails to reset more often than not.

Of course, other than that, the Buckmark is a good firearm, but if the disconnector replacement doesn't solve the problem, Ruger it is.

 

[Ford]

This is my favorite .22 I have ever had. Although I have only had a couple of others. I was hesitant at first to spend this much for a .22 but it has been well worth it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Go with the Ruger MkII. Take down is simple and takes about 20 seconds...

Reassembly is another story altogether.

 

[SASS#23149]

Either brand gun...Browning or ruger...will last nearly forever.

Best advise I have is to let her pick it.
Trust me.!!

 

[Detritus]

The Neos does seem to fit various sized hands nicely

I take it your handsize is NOT "wide, long, and fat" (like mine is).....

I have hands like boat paddles, Wide palm, long, thick fingers. i picked up a Neos exactly once, never bothered with one again, b/c the grip design places the tip of the safety lever into the side of my thumb when it's int eh "fire" postion, and when in "safe" most of the lever is sticking into the web of my thumb and forefinger....


sorry but such conditions make me wonder what type of range is included in the various sized hands. Btw my wife has the same problem, though her hands are not as wide or meaty as mine.


as to the original question, i'd go with a Ruger. they're good guns, accurate enough and reliable. if not for the fact that i can find a decent shape used Buckmark for much less i wouldn't even consider any other .22 as my next pistol

i won't go fully into my feelings about the "the MkII is hard to reassemble" arguments, mainly b/c i grew up shooting one (actually not a MkII but one of the first variants think they were called a "standard" not sure though) and quite frankly see the whole thing as a defect not in the gun, but in the attitudes of the current crop of gun owners (i.e. I want it to be done NOW!! don't wanna think about what it'm doing, What ME read the instructions??) and i know that if i voiced my full oppinion it would just start a pointless argument that has been rehashed way too many times to recount and that neither side seems to think the other has the brains of a concussed goose (or patience thereof) and such things are NOT productive.

 

[Bob41081]

I'd also take a look at the SIG Trailmaster. Mine shhots better than my MK II 5.5 bull and is a lot lighter.

Bob

 

[TooTaxed]

Either gun will do...the important thing is, your wife must be comfortable with the feel of the grip! Take her to a gunshop and let her chose.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

If you're buying a semiauto, get whichever feels best, Browning or Ruger. They are both excellent guns. I have a Buckmark because I like the way it feels better than the Ruger.

If you are willing to consider a wheelgun, see if you can find an older S&W Model 17 with a 6" barrel, or Model 18, with the 4" tube. The Ruger Single Six is another excellect choice, especially if you like cowboy guns.

 

[wardog]

I would vote for the Buckmark. I liked the Ruger bull barrel also, but it was much more expensive at the time, and I like the mag release location on the Buckmark better.

If I were buying a .22 pistol today, I'd give a serious look at the Walther P22. Feels great in the hand, and looks neat too. Haven't read up on the performance / reviews of them though.

 

[stans]

I agree with TooTaxed, take her to a gunshop or a gun show and let her decide what feels best in her hands. The Ruger Mk II has the advantage of tons of aftermarket stuff, the Browning Buckmark is also a great choice. For simpler operation, consider a Ruger Single Six or a S&W K-framed 22.