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

[HGM22]

I'd also take a look at a CZ Kadet kit if you have a CZ pistol. Not sure its really a target gun, but every CZ I've seen has been very accurate.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always liked the size, weight, and balance of the Ruger Model Mk.512 with the 5 1/2" bull barrel.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a Ruger Mark II that is extremely accurate. Granted, it does have a lot of work done on it by Clark Custom but the other standard Mark Ii pistols I have shot are also accurate. I know many do not like the S&W 22A but I have one with a 7" heavy barrel that is extremely accurate. Most .22 pistols produced today are accurate and reliable.

 

[susieqz]

my 22/45 mark 3 is the most accurate handgun i have ever seen.
yeah, i had to eliminate the mag disconnect n add a good sear.
still with my arms rested on a barrel i can get a 1'' group at 25 yards.
for my skill level that's amazing.

 

[FROGO207]

I own four SS Ruger MK II's. Three with bull barrels and one taper barrel. They all were good bullseye shooters out of the box. I did some parts replacements to each and they are now more accurate than I can shoot them. I have worn out two firing pins on one of the 6inch bull barrel ones because I have put so many rounds through it. It likes Federal plated ammo best with Wolf Match the next.

 

[Kookla]

I've only had experience with the Ruger MK I, II, III series. I've never shot one that wasn't accurate. They are good pistols. If I were to get another, the MKIII 22/45 would be a great way to go. I kinda like the polymer frame.

 

[Jlr2267]

If you want to buy one and make no mods, I would recommend a Buckmark. They have a better out-of-the-box trigger, and are therefore easier to shoot with accuracy.

If you want a pistol to which you can make a few relatively easy and inexpensive mods and have an exceptional shooter (far exceeding the Buckmark, IMO) get a Mark III. Add a Volquartzen trigger/sear and hammer bushing for about $65 and you have a terrific target pistol.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I think the MKII is the best of the series. The MKIII has a stupid magazine safety and a stupid loaded chamber indicator

I agree I'll Keep my MKII as it goes up in value because people found the MKIII lacking .
Ruger needs to learn leave well enough alone . When you have a winner.

 

[mach1.3]

I like all three of my Ruger's. I have a MKIII deluxe Target/Competition edition 5.5" Slabside bbl. A SS Hunter MKIII with 7" fluted bull bbl. Getting to be my favorite is a SS single-six convertible with .22lr and .22wmr cylinders with 7.5" bbl.

Honestly, shooting on display black over yellow targets at 50' you can see the bullet hole appear on top of your front sight. Very accurate with no recoil---just my cup of tea.

 

[MaterDei]

Lots of great options suggested. The Ruger Mark series and Buckmark have very different grip angles. They can both be found in any gun shop. I highly recommend you go and see which one fits you more naturally. I have both and much prefer the Buckmark but know that others feel the opposite.

Another option would be a 1911 conversion if you happen to already own a 1911. My Kimber conversion is very accurate and after break in is very reliable with ammo that it likes. They do tend to be more picky than a dedicated 22 but neither the buckmark or the ruger have triggers like my 1911. CAVEAT: Slide mounted optics are not an option on the conversion.



My best 10 shot group with the CCI at 10 yards from a rest on a somewhat wobbly picnic table.

 

[nvdwarrior]

I went with a used Model 41

It has taken almost a year to get this 1967 S&W Model 41 to be a reliable, tack driving tool. Seriously, if you buy used, expect minor repair issues. Due to age, I had to add the Ultradot Red Dot and to help with tremor...a nice set of Herrett Semi Auto Target stocks came for Christmas. The Model 41 is more pricey....but if you can try out a Ruger and then fire the Model 41 you might see why they cost a bit more. Good hunting...er I mean firing!

 

[stchman]

I own a Ruger Mark III 22/45 and love the accuracy. I have a red dot on it and at 10 yards it eats the bullseye out.

Only bad thing about the Mark II/III family is the re-assembly, it truly is a PITA.

 

[tlatoani]

I'm waiting to get a S&W Victory. I've seen them for sale online already. Looks nice, good barrel options, easy takedown. Early reviews are good.

 

[hdbiker]

I have a early MK1 with heavy tapered 7 1/2 inch barrel and its awesome.The MK2 has a much better mag release and bolt holds open on last shot,GREAT FEATURES. hdbiker

 

[rskent]

Not a great photo but a great 22lr.

 

[dvnv]

+1 on a Ruger Mark II, 5.5" bull, for an accurate and modestly priced .22 pistol. I'd put in a volquartsen trigger and call it good.

 

[danez71]

S&H SA22 Victory just introduced at SHOT 16 looks really interesting to me.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_3pFAsSng_8


I like the buckmarks for the grip angle, swappable barrel.

For me... if the Ruger MK 22/45 was offered in an all metal version I might have forgone the swappable barrel.... but the balance feels off to me with the polymer lower on the 22/45

 

[DeanV]

I am liking the looks and design of the s&w victory. Not a fan of the grip appearance, but I like the idea of an easily replaceable barrel compared to the Ruger. I used to have a Mark II slab side competition model, sold that and have regretted that ever since. My current .22 pistol is he izh-35m, but I do miss a 10 round mag and I took a lefty out shooting, and that is a no-go with the target grips. Plus, spare parts are going to be an issue at some point since the izh-35m is no longer imported.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Used Ruger MKII with a target barrel.

Don't waste your money on a MKIII.

With optics you can chew the center out of a dime sized target at 15 yds without a lot of trouble.

 

[GoPappy]

I've got a Ruger Mk II with the bull barrel that I bought new back in 1983. It's still completely stock. It is very accurate and has never given me any trouble other than not liking certain ammo.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I had never cleaned it until a few years ago (which had a lot to do with its increasingly picky appetite for ammo) just because I was afraid I'd never get it back together. Happily, disassembly and reassembly were not nearly as challenging as I had expected.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

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.

Following the directions in the manual makes the process pretty simple.

 

[aarondhgraham]

One thing about the Victory concerns me,,,

One thing about the Victory concerns me,,,
The rear sight is mounted on the frame rather than the barrel

I can swap barrels on any of my NEOS pistols,,,
The sight remains right on target.

Will the S&W do this as well?

Imagine the grief if every time you removed the barrel,,,
You had to re-zero the sights.

Perhaps I'm just being a doomsayer,,,
But I'll want to see if this has an effect before I bought one.

The OP should notice one thing about all of the replies,,,
Pretty much each and every pistol I mentioned in my first post has been mentioned.

Not only have they been mentioned,,,
They have all gotten glowing reports from their owners.

Honestly, I believe this proves that there is no "best" pistol.

I know a 13 year old girl with a 6" Beretta NEOS,,,
She can consistently hit golf balls at 25 yards.

In fact she dominates the range with her "space gun",,,
I've seen her humiliate competition shooters with tricked out Rugers.

My point is that the OP needs to hold the guns in his hand,,,
They are all going to have more accuracy than he does,,,
Buy the one that makes you smile when you hold it.

Aarond

.

 

[Tommygunn]

I have a Browning Buckmark & a Ruger MkIII which I highly recommend (either one), the differences are there .I like both, so I decided why choose when I can buy both.
I also have a Walther P-22 which is OK but I won't recommend it, the model has had problems.
Also a "Plinkster," a revolver patterned after the old Colt Peacemaker, which is OK for casual plinking but nowhere near as nice as thos 1st two.

 

[tuj]

Pardini SP.

 

[d2wing]

I have a Ruger MK ll I bought in the 1980's that I have won matches with. It is a stock target model with the 7 inch tapered barrel. I would never sell it.
One of the guys I shot against once was a sniper with a target Buckmark. Both are very accurate. His looks better but I would not trade.