Looking for a new .22LR autoloader

[CAnnoneer]

Guys and gals, I need advice. I am considering getting myself a new .22LR autoloader. There are several choices identified (but not limited to):

Ruger MkII
Ruger MkIII
Ruger 22/45
S&W 22A
Taurus 22N
Beretta Bobcat Inox

I am leaning towards a MkII, the KMK512 model - stainless, 5.5" bull barrel. However, I hear it is a pain to strip for cleaning. A THRer in one thread went so far as to say you need a hammer to strip it.

Other parameters:
1) only want stainless
2) intended purpose - accuracy training at range
3) prefer American-made, but not a must
4) prefer longer barrels, but not a must
5) prefer alloy frames, but not a must
6) prefer something that is not a hobby to strip and maintain
7) high inherent accuracy is a must
8) prefer heavier barrels but not a must
9) require quality and reliability (obviously)

Advice/opinions are appreciated! Let me know your own choices and your reasons for them.

Many thanks!

 

[rockstar.esq]

I'm surprised that Hi Standard didn't make your list. Their accuracy reputation is literally Olympic! Further, the Browning Buckmark is a remarkably accurate gun that hardly ever fails to impress. If you can operate an allen wrench and a screwdriver you can take the gun down in under 2 minutes. The Rugers are highly thought of however their takedown is well... something to get used to. That said, you sincerely don't need a hammer (unless of course you buy from the guy using one to takedown his guns!). Volquartsen customizes Ruger's as does Broken gun Ranch. All reports have been exemplary. If you are really looking for a way to simulate training, I'd also suggest one of the Marvel or J Ciener .22LR conversion kits as thier accuracy is well above par and you use your current frame (trigger, safety, etc.) about the only complaint with them is that there are no provisions for a slide lock. Something to do with alloys getting hammered too much. So if you can live without a slide lock, they sound like an answer to your question. If not I'd recommend the Browning. I have owned two and I still have one. I truly love it.

 

[BamBam-31]

If on a budget ($200-300 range), the Buckmark and Rugers are extremely popular, and with reason. They're probably more accurate than most shooters can hold (I own a Ruger 22/45, and it's more accurate than me). Between the two, the Buckmark is prolly better out of the box because of its better trigger, but the Ruger's got tons of aftermarket support and can be made much better. The degree of difficulty in disassembling/reassembling the Rugers is often exaggerated. It's really not that difficult, and once you do it once or twice, it's really intuitive.

For the $300-600 range, I like the Sig Trailsides and the S&W Model 41. I own the comp model T-side, and I've shot a friend's 41. Both are excellent guns.

If you're serious about training with a .22 version of your favorite platform, the conversion kits are a good recommendation. Marvel gets rave reviews for 1911-types, as do CZ Kadet kits for their respective pistols.

My two cents, anyways. Good luck.

 

[Ala Dan]

After owning a Ruger KMK-512, I moved on to the Browning Buckmark Plus
and haven't looked back! While the Browning isn't stainless, its blued
finish is second to none. Plus, its accuracy is top rate~

 

[ravencon]

Of the .22 autos I have, I shoot my Ruger the least. Out of the box they usually have poor triggers. Take down is seriously annoying the first few times. And mostly, I just don't like the grip. There are endless after market component upgrades available. But, I'd rather buy a gun that I like out of the box.

IMO, the Hammerlil Trailside is very nice. It is one of my favorites. Light, accurate, fairly good trigger. Very easy take down and maintenance. You may love or hate its Euro persona.

 

[JDGray]

I have a Ruger 22/45 5.5 bull barrel. Love it! Once you get used to putting it back together,its not bad. NO HAMMER NEEDED!! Check out Sigs new Mosquito! JDGray

 

[field70]

I have two Ruger MKII...Excellent shooters.

 

[Technosavant]

I have a Ruger 22/45.

Unless the Mk. III version is different, it won't meet your criteria. It isn't stainless, and the frame is plastic, not alloy. It is a nice little tackdriver, even if the trigger is too heavy. Disassembly is a piece of cake, but reassembly does require a very specific order of actions, and even after a couple years I still need the manual to reassemble it properly (hold it this way, pull and hold trigger, hold it this way, re-insert the mainspring assembly, hold it this way, push it home...).

I like it, but it ain't perfect.

 

[WarMachine]

I don't quite understand all the trouble people seem to have with reassembly of Ruger's rimfire autoloaders. Before I got me, was sure that I was going to have trouble. But after the first, everytime thereafter has been a breeze. The only reason to hold it at the strangle angle is to make sure the hammer bar is resting in the little "cup" and that can be verified visually.

If anything, putting a very tight, new 1911 back together without leaving "ANY" marks on the frame is a harder task...

 

[jacobtowne]

I bought a Ruger Mk I new about 25 years ago, and have shot thousands of rounds through it. It's excellent value for the money. Disassembly is easy. Re-assembly, at least for me, is a problem, but I clean it only once a year.
JT

 

[procomps]

I definitely recommend the Ruger MkIII Hunter. Stainless steel, fluted 6-7/8" barrel, great sights, easy maintenance, American-made.

Yes, there is a "trick" to stripping and reassembling, and when it is new a rubber mallet may be necessary to remove the barrel from the frame. (Shows how tightly this gun is toleranced.) However, once the pistol is taken down, both my son and I can reassemble it with our eyes closed.

My son is a better shot with it than I am--10 shots in about an inch at 15 yards offhand. From a rest, either of us can put 10 rounds into 1/2" at the same range.

Mine shoots best with mini-mags or federal classic copper coated. It does show some barrel leading with non-copper coated rounds like Winchester and others.

My Hunter has about 3000 rounds (usually 250+ rounds per range trip) and has never had a gun-related failure with good ammo. Remington Golden and the cheap Winchester (both dirty rounds, IMO) have caused failures to feed or eject due to excessive dirt buildup.

 

[pauli]

definitely check out the trailside. shooting them gives a very "oh, so THIS is what a 22 should feel like!" effect.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a Ruger MkII and have no problems with it except selling it. I much prefer my Colt Woodsman.

 

[DMK]

I just got done cleaning a 22/45 (with a stainless barrel/receiver). It's a very robust gun, nicely made, very accurate, very reliable, and a lot of fun to shoot. There is a certain method to reassembling it from a field strip, but it's not difficult. You just have to RTFM. I borrow it a lot but it's not my gun, so I always forget the procedure and have to refer to the manual. If it was mine, and I shot it more, I know I'd have no trouble with doing it from memory.

I love the gun and I've really wanted to buy one for myself for a while, but I can borrow this one any time I want and already have a lot of 22 pistols so I never have yet.