Looking to get a decent 22lr target type pistol. Suggestions?

[Analogkid]

I am looking to fulfill a want to get a decent 22lr target type pistol. I have about a $450 total budget.

I'm not up on this type of pistol. I do see some budget ones out there as well as the pencil barrel Ruger Mark III's which I like a lot based on looks alone.

I would really like to purchase new mainly because I know these get shot a lot.

I need some suggestions. I'm not really looking to compete but to start enjoying the ammo I have been saving.

I am not opposed to the funky futuristic entry-level target guns. I have shot a new Olympic Arms wolverine I like a lot but apparently these aren't any good?

Anyhow.... Help a guy out.

 

[I6turbo]

In that price range, I'd look at the Ruger MKII and Browning Buck Mark. IME, both are good shooters, reliable and accurate. I slightly prefer the feel of the Buck Mark but YMMV. I actually have the AMT Lightning instead of the MKII but they are essentially identical (AMT has an adjustable trigger). I've owned Mk I and MKII in the past. Here's the AMT and Buck Mark in the same photo so you can see the size and grip angle comparison. My Buck Mark is the UXD model.

 

[Sam1911]

It is very very hard to go wrong with the Ruger Mk.? series. Very solid guns, plenty accurate for what you're looking to do. Don't know the current prices, though.

 

[flphotog]

I have a Ruger 22/45, have never tired the Ruger MKIII but I suspect I'd like it more than the 22/45. However I do own a Browning Buckmark Hunter and love it. I enjoy shooting the Buckmark much more than the 22/45, actually I don't think the 22/45 has been out of the safe in a couple of years.

 

[springer99]

You can't go wrong with the Ruger Mk III series or the 22/45. AFAIK, the only differences between the two is that the frame/grip angle of the 22/45 is identical to that of the 1911. Some guys that shoot bullseye like this as it allows them handling familiarity between those two guns. I don't think that the aftermarket for grips is as great as it is for the Mk III's either.

I see many more Rugers at the range than I do Buckmarks, and I'm not sure what aftermarket upgrades kits and grips options are out there for Buckmarks. Either one would be a great .22, and with some tweaking, I know the Ruger is very competitive with serious bullseye shooters.

 

[johnmcl]

There's a couple of strategies here, both centering on the Ruger Mark II or III platform

I understand that you want to buy new, and you can do so.

The second strategy is to find a used, beat up Ruger Mark II, then replace the upper with a Volquartsen LLV. That's what I did, and now I have the same problem as with a few other guns, that it shoots two orders of magnitude better than I.

 

[beag_nut]

I have a Mark 1, 6" target model, bought in 1972 (or so) with more than 40,000 rounds through it. It helped me achieve NRA Distinguished Expert (50 foot indoor match). By design, with the internal bolt (instead of a slide) it is/was mechanically more accurate than almost any other offering at the time (the sights never move, relative to the barrel). Have never fired a MarkII or MarkIII, but the design has not changed much. The newer offerings have better amenities such as a hold-open bolt and easier to use safety.

 

[Pilot]

With that budget, a Ruger MK II Target 5.5 bull barrel or similar, with some Volquartsen parts.

 

[Olympus]

Ruger Mark 2 Target with some upgrades will be the best bang for your buck.

Aside from that, a old High Standard Victor or S&W 41 are the cream of the crop.

 

[340PD]

Any Ruger MK series with a MKII bushing and a Volquartsen sear will do the job. Sear and bushing can be had at very low cost. If you have money left over look at a Volquartsen trigger and a good set of sights. I would not opt for the VQ hammer as it adds very little to the accuracy of your gun.

 

[DeanV]

I will throw out there the IZH-35M as well, if you can find one still. Not imported anymore, though. I am not sure how strong the used market is at this time.

 

[oss117]

I've owned a Ruger Mk2 and a Buckmark. If I were to purchase one again, it would be the Buckmark because it had a cleaner trigger break with less creep.

 

[Doc Samson]

I had a Ruger Mark III that was just unbelievably accurate out to 50-75 yards. Unfortunately, it was also unbelievably painful to put back together after cleaning. It seems that most folks who have owned a Browning and a Ruger prefer the Browing.

 

[Saleen322]

For the budget you have, you will not do better than a Ruger Mk. All steel, accurate and not ammo fussy.

 

[Kiln]

You could look at the new S&W Victory .22. Looks like an awesome all steel gun with a simpler design than the Mk series.

When owners pride themselves on their ability to actually clean it, the gun is a PITA.

I love my Mk3 but I've always wished somebody made a solid steel target gun for a reasonable cost besides Ruger.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Just put a Ruger Mk III Hunter on layaway. Used but in perfect condition. Even comes with spare mag. Price? Tax Inc... $450. Even has the scope base mounted.

Look around at pawn shops. Never know.

Deaf

 

[Slamfire]

Shot this week in an indoor 50 foot Bullseye 22LR match. I have this Ruger MKII and a S&W M41.The M41 is way out of your budget. However, you might be able to find a MKII



I think the MKII is the best of the series. The MKIII has a stupid magazine safety and a stupid loaded chamber indicator. The shooter on my left, his MKIII was stove pipe jamming, which is caused by the loaded chamber indicator knocking cases off the bolt face.

I bought my MKII when they were new, and I drove around town and picked the MKII that had the best trigger. My Ruger trigger is as good as my M41 S&W. The shooter on my left had purchased a Volquartsen trigger kit and his MKIII trigger is now quite excellent.

These Ruger pistols are very accurate. Next to S&W M41's, they are the most common I see on the Bullseye firing line. The Master class shooters tend to use 22 LR uppers on M1911 lowers, so they don't have to change grip or triggers when shooting centerfire.

P.S. That cheap optical sight went in the trash can years ago.

 

[aarondhgraham]

There are five you should look at,,,

There are five you should look at:

• Browning Buckmark
• Ruger Mk-III 22/45
• Beretta NEOS
• Ruger Mk-III
• S&W 22A (or the brand new "Victory"?

Each of these guns have admirable features,,,
Each of these guns have not-so admirable features.

I own all five of them,,,
All have more accuracy than I can utilize.

As far as performance (jamming),,,
Mine all run fine on Federal bulk ammo,,,
The biggest practical difference is the grip size and angle.

If you are able to,,,
Find a store that has them all,,,
Then spend some time at the counter handling them.

I'm of the firm opinion that any will do you just fine,,,
As long as it fits your hand and feels good in it.

I have smallish hands,,,
The Beretta NEOS is my favorite,,,
With the S&W 22A being my least favorite.

But that's just me,,,
They are all very nice handguns.

JMnsHO

Aarond

.

 

[Pilot]

I had a Ruger Mark III that was just unbelievably accurate out to 50-75 yards. Unfortunately, it was also unbelievably painful to put back together after cleaning. It seems that most folks who have owned a Browning and a Ruger prefer the Browing.

I don't think "most" would agree with you. It is easy if you just follow the manual or a Youtube vid. I have three MK II's, and it only takes me a few minutes to field strip them, clean, and reassemble. Not a big deal.

 

[Tallball]

I have a Buckmark. My FiL has a Mark II. They are both absurdly accurate. Both of them eat any cheap bulk ammo we put in them with zero malfunctions. You couldn't go wrong either way. Win/win.

 

[Coverfire]

I agree with the Ruger MK III, or 22/45 with removable grips. Not the SR-22. Or the polymer lower 22/45. Cost about $338. Buy the Volquartsen extractor for $15 dollars to make it more reliable. You can find videos online for the install and it's very easy.

 

[BlindJustice]

Colt /. Walther National Match .22 12 rd mag

It's made in Germany by Walther and they are
Colt branded on the slide. looks and operates
llike a 1911, but a fixed barel and different
internals. The range I'm a member of has one
to rent and I enjoyedit, it was accurate and
$410

Besides the Ruger MK III there's also the
Browning Buckmark = easier to clean than the
Mk III

R-

 

[CopperFouling]

I have shot my Buck Mark extensively and a Ruger Mark III on a more limited basis. I love the Buck Mark, although I don't think the Ruger would be much of a difference. There are some really nice Buck Marks out there, though, such as mine here.

 

[tactikel]

+1 on the Beretta Neos. A great gun, more accurate than I can ever hope to be, and quite reliable.
Love the Ruger MK III -had a target model,but had to sell it years ago.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I love Ruger MK's....I have four 10" MK II's, a 5.5" bull barrel MK II and a 5.5" bull barrel MK I.....I have probably done trigger jobs on 2 dozen MK pistols. Mine break at about 1 3/4 pounds with very little take up and no over travel....The 10" guns are more accurate than many .22 rifles.

Field stripping a MK for cleaning is very easy once you learn the angle of the dangle of the hammer strut.