Help with decision on 22 semi-auto pistol

[ifitaintbroke]

I realize that this topic has surfaced many times but I am currently trying to decide on 22 pistol for weekly target practice as a cheaper alternative to shooting 9mm and 45 cal. I have narrowed my choices to Browning Buck mark, Walther P22 and Colt 1911-22. Opinions/suggestions?

 

[AlfSauve]

Of those choices go for the Buckmark. Tons more aftermarket products, more accurate than the others. And get the Contour URX. More versatle. Has rails for mounting sights.

Notice you didn't consider the Beretta Neos which has a much smaller grip. A lot of the lady shooter at my range really like it. Also the Ruger 22/45 which is has the grip and feel of a 1911, without the cost.

 

[depps74]

I have a buddy who loves the Ruger 22/45. It's the one he would pick over all the others he has if he had to chose only one.

 

[Phillip Gain]

I'd like to add my vote for the Ruger 22/45. $250-$300. Based on the rugged and time proven Mark Series of target pistols (MkI, MkII, and MkIII). I use it as the primary firearm for training my students in basic safety and marksmanship.

 

[willyNH]

New Ruger too

Ruger just announced the SR22 today.

 

[longslide10]

Why haven't you considered the Ruger Mark II/III?

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Thanks for the opinions and suggestions. I have basically ruled out the Ruger Mark series because of the perceived difficulty with cleaning the gun. I go to the range weekly and thoroughly clean each gun after every outing. I am very intrigued with new Ruger 22. I own an LC9 and the new Ruger looks similar.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Thanks for comments. I have ruled out the Mark series because of the perceived difficulty with cleaning the gun. I go to range weekly and clean each gun thoroughly after each trip. I am very intrigued by the new Ruger 22 primarily because it appears to look similar to my LC9.

 

[crowsnake]

Madly LOVE my Ruger Mark III. But it is so accurate & easy 2 shoot that I like 2 make smiley faces with it. That being said you still have 2 shoot your carry gun 2 kee sharp with it.

 

[nymoose]

Some people tend to knock the Buck Mark, but I love mine and I have had no trouble with it at all. I chose it over the Ruger Mark III due to the cleaning issuse, and the fact that (at the time) it cost quite a bit more than the Buck Mark. For the price of the Ruger I got the Buck Mark and a slightly used Kel-Tec P3AT pocket pistol (had wanted a pocket pistol for a while).

 

[Hoganbeg]

I would try to get one that functions and, ideally, feels the same as my carry pistol. Controls should be in the same place and function the same way, etc. For me that's the S&W M&P 9c. The new Ruger looks good too. You might also consider the Sig.

 

[garybtt]

Love my Walther P22, just use 40 grain ammo and it will shoot all day without a jam.

 

[Phillip Gain]

I have basically ruled out the Ruger Mark series because of the perceived difficulty with cleaning the gun. I go to the range weekly and thoroughly clean each gun after every outing. I am very intrigued with new Ruger 22. I own an LC9 and the new Ruger looks similar.

1) The Mark III or 22/45 aren't THAT hard to clean. I clean mine after every range outing. (I confess, if it was just one student and fewer than 50 rounds, sometimes it just gets a barrel swabbing.) You do need a plastic mallet and a paperclip in addition to your usual cleaning tools. And I find it helpful to keep the manual handy.

2) The big trend these days is to make .22LR pistols that are mock-ups of the full size carry gun. While the idea is good on paper, the .22's are typically made of much cheaper materials, sometimes VERY inferior. I'm talking plastic or pot metal moving parts and fasteners; cheap spray paint finishes; on and on. The reason: Anyone will pay $400-500 for an S&W M&P 9mm, .40, or .45. But no one wants to pay much more than $200 for the equivalent gun in a .22!

By contrast, the Ruger Mark series and 22/45 are made from quality materials all the way around. People are winning tournaments with these things against the uber-high-end guns costing 10x as much. You get good value for money.

 

[Jubz]

If you're willing to spend the money, definitely check out a S&W Model 41. I have one and it's an excellent shooter, very easy to breakdown/clean and the trigger is very noticeably better than my Browning BuckMark.

Below: Smith & Wesson Model 41 w/ 7" barrel, Clark Grips, optics rail, Sightmark Green Dot Mini Shot sight.

Link Removed

 

[Mobuck]

Get a Ruger and quit wasting your time "cleaning after every range session".

 

[mncarrydude]

Look.at the GSG1911. $300 or so and its based on the same premise as a 1911. YouTube the name and you'll be surprised at the praise.