What is the best 22 cal. pistol on the market in terms of fit and finish, reliablity?

[oldfool]

all the really good/great choices already named
relative to price ranges, of course
I cannot afford the really high end stuff, but most joe-average folk will be real well pleased with any Buckmark or Ruger MK
(don't shoot my 10" bull barrel MKII much, just 'cause it feels like cheating)

but my heart best loves S&W k-17s, got two of 'em
(hey, Sam Colt thunk his gun was a revolving "pistol")

 

[SASD209]

Well, for revolvers I have the Ruger Single Six (with the additional .22 Mag cylinder) and my newly acquired Walther (who really makes it, anyway?) P22 pistol. Very happy with both.

For a bit more info (not to take it OT), I also have a Walther G22 and a new Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 for rifles. I'm so happy with these that my new GSG-5 is being shown the door...

 

[gbw]

I've with the other geezers above (assuming they ARE geezers)...

I've owned or shot most. For anything less than high end competition I'd choose a High Standard Victor. But as has been noted, it would be a used older model in mint condition. They are hard to find and not cheap, but worth it. Be careful, there are newer HS models which are not even a poor comparison.

Older model (Springfield) S&W M41 a very close second, more a matter of preference than any objective disadvantage.

I've never had any of the revolvers shoot as accurately as the autos.

I've not shot the Ruger target models, so I don't know about them. I do own a standard MKIII which is fine, but not in the same class as the HS or S&W guns - nor does it cost as much.

 

[LeontheProfessional]

I have the Buckmark Camper and really love it. For $300 it is impossible to beat. The trigger on them is incredible.

 

[gbw]

Forgot the old Browning Medalists. I've never owned or shot one, but they have to be about the prettiest package out there. Used only.

 

[noskilz]

Holy Double Thread Resurrection, Batman!

In the spirit of thread resurrection etiquette, we should only discuss .22's which are at least 7 years old.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I saved my pennies for the Ruger Mark III stainless 5" fluted barrel. I have never regretted purchasing it. Colt Woodsman would be a very high up there contender for the best .22 in my opinion.

 

[MCgunner]

Hammerli's are nice, but I have a Ruger budget. Ruger's good 'nuf. The Smith 41s are out of my league, too, but they sure are accurate. The one I've shot, breath on the trigger and it goes off. I couldn't get used to it, being a Ruger kinda guy....