High Standard Sport King

[fendter]

So I went to my local gun shop to check out the new Ruger SR22 pistol. Of course they didn't have any.

The owner basically told me that all popular .22 are currently hard to find and steered me towards a used High Standard Sport King from the 1950s for around $250. The finish is pretty worn, but it looks like it's still in decent shape.

Is it worth it to buy something like that or should I pick up a Browning Buckmark or wait for the SR22 instead? I'm looking for a reliable .22 plinker that should last for a long time. The High Standard comes only with one mag and they might be hard to find for a gun this old.

[stevie]

The store is always going to try and sell you something in stock. The sport King could be a great pistol but its hard to tell until you take it apart and take a good look. Parts are available at Gun Parts Corp.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=8411

[fendter]

Thanks, Stevie

[stevie]

If you really want the SR22, wait until it comes in stock. You can also consider the other Ruger 22/25, Mark III or other variations. They have been around for ages and have pretty much gotten all the bugs out of the design.

The Browning Buckmark is also a nice pistol. Be patient and get the one you really want.

[brianinca]

The downside of the High Standard pistols is magazine quality and availability. I've tried 3 different vendors, none work worth a darn. The old original works when it's been squeezed properly, for about 30 rds, then goes south again.

I wouldn't recommend spending $250 on a High Standard, as much as I've enjoyed mine for the last 25 years. I've not shot it in several years since I picked up a Kimber 22LR 1911 conversion - I want to shoot, not fiddle magazines.

I think the Ruger Standard/Mark series are overrated and a comedy of engineering. I'd take a look at Browning and Beretta first. They have been around for a long time and have a good track record, as opposed to the Walther and Sig equivalents. The SR22 has no track record, nor does the S&W M&P shrink.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[MyOdessa]

I think the Ruger Standard/Mark series are overrated and a comedy of engineering.

Regards,
Brian in CA

Every time I am shooting my MKII, I am laughing too. Accurate and reliable, and I don't have to fiddle with magazines. What a comedy.

/facepalm.

[mincoda]

I have had an High Standard Sport King since 1972 and still just love it. Probably has the best trigger of any stock 22 imo. Also to field strip all you do is push the button on front of lower and it comes apart, super easy.

[JAGACIDA]

Go with your original choice. The shopowner wants to move that. If you do decide to buy it examine it well first and ask for a moneyback guarantee. Let him sell it to the person who walks in looking for that exact model.

[Santa Cruz Armory]

I have one of the 1940's High standards. It's a fantastic gun. I paid $250 for it and it looks brand new, but I got a good deal on it.