Best .22LR Plinker - NOT Happy w/Ruger

[mckraut]

I'm one of the friends that Vision mentions and I love my Buckmark Standard URX. I'd be happy to let you shoot it if you were able to get in my neck of the woods. I'm at Freestate every now and then and sometimes at AGC, but I don't have a range badge there. Cleaning is one of the reasons I didn't get a Ruger, and the other is because I like the grips on the Buckmark a lot more.

The best thing you can do is go handle a bunch of different 22 pistols, that's how I found what I liked.

 

[safecracker]

Ruger Mk I with 6" bull barrel. The standard to judge all factory .22 autos.

 

[Pilgrim21784]

Many thanks for all the solid input, folks. I'm probably a tad "trigger happy" on switching out the 22/45, just plain spoiled - I can field strip and reassemble my Mini-14 with my eyes shut.

Auto pistols are a new gig for me and nobody ever said I was the sharpest tack in the box. . My Marine Corps .45 1911 experience was very limited and too long ago to stay in my memory bank.

I'm going to look into the modification kit, sounds very interesting and I plan to revisit my reservations with some additional field stripping practice. I appreciate all your responses.

PS - I suspect the wife and I will end up with a collection of different pieces. She already mentioned an interest in getting a revolver. It fits with my desire to spend the kids' inheritance.

 

[krashmania]

Many thanks for all the solid input, folks. I'm probably a tad "trigger happy" on switching out the 22/45, just plain spoiled - I can field strip and reassemble my Mini-14 with my eyes shut.

Auto pistols are a new gig for me and nobody ever said I was the sharpest tack in the box. . My Marine Corps .45 1911 experience was very limited and too long ago to stay in my memory bank.

I'm going to look into the modification kit, sounds very interesting and I plan to revisit my reservations with some additional field stripping practice. I appreciate all your responses.

PS - I suspect the wife and I will end up with a collection of different pieces. She already mentioned an interest in getting a revolver. It fits with my desire to spend the kids' inheritance.

well, you're not my dad... so go hog wild! Buy more guns!!

 

[tomgallup]

I have a buckmark with a fluted TacSol barrel and that thing is a tac driver. Put a reddot on top and everyone who shoots it loves it.

 

[BigMBobbyOP]

+1 on the S&W 617 - phenomenal .22 - I love it so does my wife.


btw... how much u want for the 22/45 lite

 

[ProShooter]

We have an SR-22 that we use for training new shooters and everyone loves it.

 

[tjdreams]

PS - I........ It fits with my desire to spend the kids' inheritance.

buying a gun is not spending the kids' inheritance.
You are investing it in a way both you and your kids can get enjoyment out of it.

 

[Pilgrim21784]

BigMBobbyOP "btw... how much u want for the 22/45 lite"

Gonna hang loose for a while and see if I get more comfortable with it. Just paid $419 (not counting tax/fee) for it at the Gun Shack in Mt. Airy. If I change my mind, I'll give you a shout.

tjdreams"buying a gun is not spending the kids' inheritance.
You are investing it in a way both you and your kids can get enjoyment out of it."

Dave, thats an elegant way to think about it, but I'm cool with spending the kids' inheritance. The little buggers got more than enough from ole Dad.

 

[Bob A]

Colt Woodsman?
Walther PP or PPK/S; a bit pricey and hard to find, but stone simple to field strip, and a nice size.
Hi Standard; another oldie but goodie.
S&W revolver; take your choice of frame & barrel size.
S&W 41
H&R 9-shot revolver. Top break models are fascinating.

Some are pricey, some not so much; but remember the differential ammo cost; after a year of shooting, you'll have saved enough compared to centerfire to have gotten the pistol for free.

 

[Pilgrim21784]

Colt Woodsman?
Walther PP or PPK/S; a bit pricey and hard to find, but stone simple to field strip, and a nice size.
Hi Standard; another oldie but goodie.
S&W revolver; take your choice of frame & barrel size.
S&W 41
H&R 9-shot revolver. Top break models are fascinating.

Some are pricey, some not so much; but remember the differential ammo cost; after a year of shooting, you'll have saved enough compared to centerfire to have gotten the pistol for free.

No disagreement from me on that viewpoint - I view a centerfire as purely a defensive application, hopefully never to be used (but do have a few on hand). For pure hobby shooting, the .22LR is my absolute choice.

If you need to shoot someone IRL, I prefer a .45 hollow point or a .12 gauge shotgun, otherwise - I'll take a .22 LR any day. Its a great cartage and inexpensive enough to permit lots of sport and serious shooting, even for us fixed income, retired old gas passers.

 

[Hotrod Diesel]

Stick with the ruger, once you get the hang of reassembly, you'll love it. Pay close attention with good light to what is going on when assembling, once you realize what makes you fight it, its cake.

 

[byf43]

Smith & Wesson mdl 41!!!!

If you can drop the magazine, pull the slide back (to confirm the pistol is empty!), pull trigger guard down, lift off barrel, ease slide slightly and lift off -
the pistol is completely field stripped.
Re-assembly is just as fast!!
Accuracy. . . . incredible.

You WILL love this pistol!

 

[balttigger]

I have a buckmark with a fluted TacSol barrel and that thing is a tac driver. Put a reddot on top and everyone who shoots it loves it.

Same here. With that TacSol barrel on there, you hardly feel it at all.

 

[ma_deuce]

I don't know anything about the SR22, but I've been shooting the same Ruger Mk II 5" bull barrel for 25 years, and all I can say is what the others have - eventually it becomes second nature. That said, I just came back from the range with my S&W K-22 pre-M17. I just put replacement grips on it (Ahrends Retro Combats) and it shoots like a dream. Maybe you would like one of those. If you look around, they're about $700. Otherwise, a 617 is nice and has 10 shots.

 

[krashmania]

I've had mine for three days now, I've taken it apart probably ten times now. It's not that hard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5eylgiNcI&feature=fvwrel

Watch this, makes it so clear, and saves a step. Can't make it any easier.

 

[cb51]

Pilgrim, you're not that far from me. If you'd like, I can come up your way, and show you in person how to get it done. I've been using the same Ruger MK1 for about 40 years now, and a MK2 for about 20. It's a little bit like knowing a trick or two to get it back together easy. It would be my pleasure to make life a bit easier for a fellow Ruger shooter. All you need to do is supply the coffee and doughnut.

cb51.

 

[ducrider45]

Im a bif fan of the Browning Buckmark. I picked it over the Ruger for the same reasons that you dont like yours. I have had no issues to report.

 

[BPSballistics]

I fired a 22 taurus revolver that suprised me like no other. Actuallydebated buying one for my gf

 

[Bigpapa]

I recently picked up a Buckmark Camper Whisper, I do like the grips better than my Ruger, so does my wife. I have not shot it yet but from what I've heard it is accurate and reliable, will find out this week.