Help- which one?!

[chaim]

OK guys. I have a little bit of extra money and I may use it on a .22 pistol or on one or another gun or non-gun related option I'm thinking about. I'm leaning towards finally getting the .22 though.

I was out shopping a few stores today and I want your opinions on these guns. I'm giving the prices for a comparison, but keep in mind that prices are regional. Unless you live here in MD and know of a better price don't tell me "those prices aren't any good" because while they may not be for your area they may be fine here. However, for comparison against each other, comments on whether you'd take one gun over another at the price difference is appropriate.

-I saw several used Ruger Single Sixes with both cylinders, and in what appears to be good condition. Two were blue, one was stainless. All were selling for $250.

-I saw two Ruger Bearcats at the same store in similar condition (the more expensive one was a little nicer cosmetically). One was $225 and the other was $250. It did seem a little small for my hand but they do have a reputation as a fun revolver. For the same price though, would you get a Bearcat or a Single Six?

-A Heritage Arms SA revolver with .22lr and .22mag cylinders for $199. It was in great cosmetic shape but I didn't try it out. I'm not sure if I trust this one since I know nothing of the manufacturer.

-A Colt New Frontier in .22lr for $250. It looked like it was in good shape though I didn't try it out yet.

-A S&W 422 (or something like that- it was a medium framed .22lr auto). Cosmetically it looked good but, again, I didn't check it out otherwise.

-A Ruger MkI for $200 (that's right- the original, the MKI not MKII).

-A used Ruger MkII for $199.

-A new Ruger MkII with a 4" barrel for $225.

-A new Browning Buckmark for $250.

I'm leaning towards the Colt or the one stainless Single Six.

So if I go with a .22 handgun which way seems best.

I may also go with a different gun (a shotgun or Hi Point Carbine), I may put aside some money to start saving for a Bushmaster while I still can or I may use it for some non-gun related stuff, but I'm leaning towards using it to pick up one of the .22s.

I open it up to the gallery.

 

[10-Ring]

I have the most experience w/ the Ruger Mk II. I've had a Target version for many years & many many many rounds. It has proven to be accurate, reliable, fun to shoot and durable. So, IMHO, I would recommend the Ruger Mk II.


PS...You have WAAAAAY too many options for the obligatory "BUY THEM ALL" comment, so I won't

 

[chaim]

PS...You have WAAAAAY too many options for the obligatory "BUY THEM ALL" comment, so I won't

Hee hee, and I left one out too (mainly because I doubt if I'll get it). There was also a Colt Scout or something like that at a pretty decent price (I don't remember for sure now what it was exactly). Only problem the nickel (I assume) wasn't of a type I like- it looked very gold and tacky.

 

[chaim]

I have the most experience w/ the Ruger Mk II. I've had a Target version for many years & many many many rounds. It has proven to be accurate, reliable, fun to shoot and durable. So, IMHO, I would recommend the Ruger Mk II.

If I get the Ruger it will be the pencil barrel (I like it better that way) and all those mentioned were the pencil barrel- I don't know if that would affect your suggestion or not. Also, would you suggest the new MKII for $225 or the used one for $200 (I've heard rumors that Ruger quality has gone down a bit over the past year or two). How about the used MkI, that should have some collectors value down the line I would think (assuming it doesn't get completely shot out)?

 

[braindead0]

I'll second the MKII, I love mine (4" bbl, 22/45). I've found that it's not very intimidating for new shooters....

 

[Swamp Yankee]

I like the Buckmark, what can I say.
There's nothing wrong with a Ruger Mark II. I just don't find the grip angle comfortable for me. You may find the reverse to be true. In either case, you'll wind up with a very good fun and cheap to shoot pistol.
Take Care

 

[one-shot-one]

ruger

i vote single six.
just as much fun as the mk's and punches pretty good with mag. cyl. installed.

 

[10-Ring]

Oh, I like the Buchmark too. I like the mag release & it is marginally nicer to shoot than the Mk II. BUt, the mags are more expensive (and a carry ALOT of 22lr mags just because the 22 is so easy to shoot quickly).
Now, a big issue I see & hear about is re: fieldstripping the MkII. It's tough the 1st couple of times, but once you get it down, it's no big deal. Think of it as learning the secret handshake when you join the club

 

[Kahr carrier]

Mark -2.

 

[ruger357]

Go with the MKII.

 

[mattk]

I like the Buckmark too. Less severe grip angle than the Mk11 and I like that the controls are similar to 1911's. Steer clear of the S&W 22a. I used to work at a range that rented a 22a. Well actually Smith had the gun in for repair about half the time I worked there.

 

[cratz2]

Ruger Mk II or the Single Six. But I don't care for the thin barrel version as much as the short heavy barrel. Or the 22/45 if you are more comfortable with the 1911.

Personally, funds permitting, I'd get the Single Six, get some trigger work done and enjoy it for the next 50 years.

 

[Ala Dan]

From The Gallery-

not currently on your list; but certainly a very fine
contender is the Colt Match Target Woodsman.
They are getting very hard to find, and a bit pricey;
but it would be my pick of the litter!

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

 

[EJ]

COLT

The Colt on yourlist is a great fun gun--and likely to hold its value.

The S&W 422 is also a great gun--
This is not the 22a--that'splastic junk-- as stated in Mattk's post--
The 422 has a sharp grip angle--
If you like the grip angle-- They are tremendously stable and accurate firearms--They died because of this unusual sharp // accute grip angle--
Put it in your hand -- either you love the feel or hate it--if you love it -- buy it!

The Buckmark ususally has a great trigger and tends to be EXCEPTIONALY ACCURATE--

You really can't go wrong with anything on your list--
EXCEPT

DON'T buy the Heritage--It's pot metal junk!!

Anything else and you'll be happy--

 

[chaim]

Well, thanks for all the great posts. Keep them coming, very helpful.

Right this minute (though this can easily change) I'm leaning towards saving the money I have for the gun and using it to start my savings for a Bushmaster. I've been hearing rumblings of a possible "assult weapon" law (possibly a ban?) here in MD in the aftermath of the "DC Sniper" incident. I'd hate to end up in the situation of so many CA shooters who waited too long and ended up unable to buy an AR. Also, with the lawsuit I would love to be able to help the company financially and without some serious saving I can't really afford one right now (around here they start around $8-900).

Of course, that doesn't change the fact that I need a .22 pistol. These used guns are inexpensive enough that they shouldn't really stop me from being able to buy a Bushmaster if I don't buy any other guns until I've saved enough for one (it just may mean buying in early summer instead of late spring).

If I go with a .22 I'm still leaning towards the Single Six or the Colt (probably the Ruger Single Six). However, after checking the archives at the S&W forum and at TFL I am really interested in the 422- I'm only a little concerned about take down. All reports say you really need the manual's instructions and being a used gun I'm not sure if this one has its manual still (I guess that is something I'll need to find out).

 

[Hakan]

Kadet Kit??

Hey chaim,

How 'bout a Kadet kit??..it is actually in the price range you're thinking about...at the same time,you won't have to worry about getting used to a different gun??

 

[aug e. dog]

I have a Ruger 22/45 w/ 5" barrell, a Ruger Stainless Single Six Convertable, and the Heritage Arms w/ both cylinders. I bought the Heritage for $100 NIB, so I would not pay $199 for it. I think it's a great bargain for $100 though. It's pretty accurrate, and if you drop it, so what.

As for the Rugers, I personally prefer the Single Six. $250 is a decent price if in very good or better condition. Maybe it's the tradition of a Single action or maybe its because you have the versatility to change cylinders. Both Rugers are very accurrate I might add and the prices for the Ruger Semis are also decent.

 

[chaim]

Hakan, I thought about it and for a while I planned to eventually get a Kadet kit. However, it cost about the same as a .22 pistol and for me there is just something about getting a new gun. As long as my options are quality .22s at that price I'll probably get a .22 pistol first (though I still will probably get a Kadet kit a few years down the line- I guess that is another plus for the revolvers since the Kadet will basically be a top quality .22 autoloader).

 

[Gordon]

Single six:nice first gun or cowboy gun. Bear cat: cute but original werent that accurate. Get the Ruger MK1 if you like pencil barrels, can easily be tuned real nice and have"it". Colt woodsman are nice but finiky. S&W revolvers were good-buy used! My choice for you would be the Massad's choice : a Berretta m-70 or a Jaguar like I have , 20 oz with 6" barrel doesnt ever jam VERY concealable and accurate. These go for around $200 and are simply -THE BEST. They are more common with the 4" barrel but 6" threads easier.

 

[Detritus]

actually the MkI is NOT the original, it's the second version. my father has a pre-mkI (pre-MkI but post "death of alexander Strum" so the grip medalion eagles are black), and it's a fun gun (or will be once we get a decent mag for it again, after 38 years the original mag is shot)

personally i'd go with either the used MKII or the Single Six. currently i'm wishing i had the spare change to get one of the "50th aniversary" single sixes.