Thinking of another .22...

[Col. Harrumph]

I don't remember why I got rid of the Browning Challenger I bought when I was in the navy, and I'm thinking if I did acquire another one today I just might remember.

Now I see there's been a Challenger II and even a Challenger III released in the intervening decades.

What's the diff between these three? Is there some reason I should look for one or avoid the other(s)?

Or would I be better off with, say, a High Standard Field King?

Just looking for a decent range toy/plinker with about a 6-inch barrel and adjustable sights.

Thanks!

 

[Tallball]

The two most common recommendations would be a Browning Buck Mark or a Ruger Mark-whatever.

I have one of each and they are both way more accurate than I'll ever be. Nor will they break the bank. I got them used in good mechanical condition for around $300 apiece.

 

[sparkyv]

Funny.

 

[thomas15]

Collect 'em all!

 

[mrmeval]

I saw this in another thread it is alleged to have a very good trigger.

I would love to have the SW-22 Victory, there are numerous barrel and custom options for it.

I have a 7.5" Neos DLX, no longer made which has had a recall applied and the safety issue fixed. It has a much improved trigger compared to the original with the defect and it is far more accurate than I am. Currently there is a six inch and 4.5 inch version. My only lament with this pistol is the design does not allow easy, simple trigger jobs or replacement trigger systems to be installed where a Ruger or Browning has many. Even though the trigger is much improved over when new and has some limited adjustment possible it is inferior to a well tuned Buckmark, I'm not that familiar with Ruger's offerings.

 

[spazzy]

I would look for a browning buckmark, I absolutely love mine. I got mine new in a package deal from buds, stainless camper model, 3 magazines and a soft case for 289.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

I've worked on and shot quite a few of the Browning Buckmark pistols over the years, but never felt the urge to own one. Until this version came along:
Browning Buckmark Contour. I really like it and this coming spring, as time allows, I want to do a "dueling banjos" test run in my Ransom Rest using this pistol, a couple of Ruger Mark pistols:
and then a Volquartsen LLV:

with all shooting the same brands of ammunition. Some ammunition will be most common and some of the more costly target match quality stuff.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Thinking I needed another .22 pistol besides my Victory and Browning 1911-22 is how all my current problems started. I now have a new .45 ACP 1911, a Marvel Precision .22LR conversion for the 1911 which won't work on mine, and a GSG .22LR 1911. I doubt this thing is over yet.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

The two most common recommendations would be a Browning Buck Mark or a Ruger Mark-whatever.

Yeah, I thought about a Ruger. I had a Mark I bull barrel years ago but wasn't satisfied. Too difficult to break down for cleaning and only held 9 in the magazine... but the real disappointment was that it could just barely keep them all in the black at 25 yards... and that from a sandbag rest. I really was a much better shot than that, even back then.

 

[kidneyboy]

Yeah, I thought about a Ruger. I had a Mark I bull barrel years ago but wasn't satisfied. Too difficult to break down for cleaning and only held 9 in the magazine... but the real disappointment was that it could just barely keep them all in the black at 25 yards... and that from a sandbag rest. I really was a much better shot than that, even back then.

Now a Ruger MK IV with a decent trigger is accurate enough to get you to master level in bullseye shooting.

 

[<*(((><]

And the Ruger MK IV breaks down with a push of a button. I just picked up a 5.5" all stainless (upper and lower) target model. It's a joy to shoot, with it's weight the sights barely bobble off target.

 

[bannockburn]

If I were in the market for a new .22 i would probably look first at a Ruger Mk.IV Target Model. Beyond that there's always plenty of used Mk.IIs out there as well as many different versions of the Browning Buckmark to find one that suits your needs.

For myself I have a Ruger Mk.II and a TacSol .22 conversion on a home built 1911 frame for target shooting. I also have a SIG Trailside and a Beretta Model 70S for plinking, instructing, and informal target shooting (and yes the triggers on both guns are that good)!