Help me choose my first .22 pistol

[Wicked K5]

I have some Bass Pro gift cards and have been wanting an inexpensive and reliable .22 pistol to plink with and maybe do some steel challenge type matches once I get more proficient. I've narrowed down to a Ruger Mark III and Browning Buckmark. What are the pros & cons to each?

http://www.basspro.com/Ruger-Mark-III--22LR-Rimfire-Pistol-w/6-Barrel/product/10218071/55162

http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Buck-Mark-Camper-Stainless-URX--22LR-Pistol/product/10218362/92936

[pennys dad]

Most important question: Have you handled both?

Buckmark
Not alot of accessories
Generic holster

Accurate
Comfortable
adjustable great sights
nice trigger
Not ammo finicky

Ruger
Better accessory options
Accurate
Comfortable
decent sights
Not ammo finicky
i thought the trigger on the one i had was spongy

[caldude]

Both are good. I have that exact Buckmark, and the Ruger MKIII Target model. Of the two, I much prefer the Buckmark. It's lighter, more comfortable, just as accurate and reliable, and you can easily do the Heggis flip (Google it) to lighten the trigger. The only accessories I've added were a rail and reflex sight.

[Wicked K5]

I have yet to shoot either one but have handled the Ruger. Accessory wise, I realistically only want a nice trigger pull, rail, and reflex sight. I'd prefer to use my money on ammo and practice time. But would be nice to do a Tacsol barrel in the future

[BlueDog333]

You should consider this Ruger MkIII instead of that other Ruger.

http://www.basspro.com/Ruger-22/45--22LR-Rimfire-Pistol-w/Bull-Barrel/product/10218069/53477

It's cheaper, has a better barrel, and looks nicer, but it is heavier. I have a Ruger 22/45 mark 3 Hunter model and it's even nicer but costs more then that Buckmark. I think that that Buckmark is better then either of the Rugers but if you go with a Hunter or Target mark 3 they have the Buckmark beat. I'm not sure about trigger pull on standart mark 3 pistols but Hunter and Target models I've handled had good crisp trigger pull.

[mincoda]

I own both the Ruger Mklll target and the Buckmark contour urx and am very happy with both. IMHO the Buckmark is built a bit better. Fit and finish on the Buckmark is excellent and both pistols function perfectly and eat a variety of ammo without problems.

Out of the box the Buckmark has a better trigger and is lighter in weight. The Ruger has a plethora of accessories and extra mags are cheaper.

When it comes to field stripping the two the Ruger is easier as it does not require tools to take the pistol down.

They are both quality guns and you will not be disappointed with either. Try them both and try to make up your mind on which one is best for you.. I couldn't so I got them both.

[0321jarhead]

I think the Ruger MkII or MkIII. Hell, I still have a MkI in which I bought brand new at Montgomery Wards in 1981. Still a very accurate shooter.

[ham]

I know its not listed in OP post but I would check out the GSG 1911. fired my friends one for the first time yesterday. great pistol, solid construction and eats both CCI and cheap Federal bulk ammo.

[Slicendice]

I know its not listed in OP post but I would check out the GSG 1911. fired my friends one for the first time yesterday. great pistol, solid construction and eats both CCI and cheap Federal bulk ammo.

+1

After finally taking my GSG 1911 to the range tonight, I couldn't be happier! It shoots better than I do, and feels great in the hand. Shot 50x cci mini mags, 100x cci mini mag hollow point, and I don't know how many of the winchester 333 red box with only 1 FTF, which was a bad round. Gotta clean her up and take her out again soon!

[dirtykoala]

Try them both out, i dont think you can go wrong with either.

I have a buckmark, its about 10 years old and its been flawless, i really like that gun a lot. like said above, theres not a lot you can do to them, but you dont really need to either. i think it might be getting close to change my barrel, but the gun is really great. only reason i want to change the barrel is that its 10 years old and has seen many many rounds.

[Wicked K5]

I'd consider the 1911 platform but I don't believe Bass Pro carries any of those. Right now I've flip flopped from the Mark III to the 22/45 vs Buckmark. In terms of modifying the Ruger, just adding a VQ accurizing kit and maybe some adjustable sights should make it GTG right? I'd like a Tacsol PacLite, but it looks like it may not be available in Cali. On that note has anyone compared a 22/45 bull barrel with an accurizing kit vs a Buckmark with a Tacsol barrel & Heggis flip?

[Coyote Brown]

Buckmark has the serial# on the receiver . That way if you wanted a pac-lite barrel it is easy and legal in Cali. without an FFL.

If not , Ruger Mklll .

[Coyote Brown]

For inexpensive a Phoenix HP22. Mine is reliable and accurate. Not an heirloom but would make a nice first mouse gun.
Still would choose a full size as first gun though.

[X-NewYawker]

I have had both, kept t he Ruger. Points better for me. That's teh key. You have to see which one is "neutral" to you -- go in a store -- pick up both -- close your eyes and "aim" -- open your eyes -- which one is pointing where you want.

From my first Ruger in 1980, they have all been winners.
\***** to clean.

[acechanley]

buckmark is my favorite, like that it has open chamber on last round accurate too. good thing with the buckmark is you do not need accessories, although Tactical Solutions overs lightweight barrels
ace