need a .22 for steel challenge

[gunfan74]

hello, can anyone recommend a reliable and accurate semi-auto .22 for steel challenge and fun plinking? not interested in gsg 1911/22

[MiddleKingdom]

Are you looking for a .22 version of a combat handgun? If so, take a look at what Smith and Ruger have to offer.

[surplus-addict]

hello, can anyone recommend a reliable and accurate semi-auto .22 for steel challenge and fun plinking? not interested in gsg 1911/22

M&P-22 is a good one, and the SR-22 is a great pic in my opinion.

[kmca]

You'll probably see more Rugers and Buckmarks than anything for Steel Challenge. Marvel conversions are popular, work well, once you get the bugs worked out, and Tactical Solutions conversions are being seen more. Once you find the ammunition your pistol likes, they're pretty much the same. Reliability is number one for Steel Challenge.

Edit to add: Smith & Wesson Model 41

[Speedpower]

hello, can anyone recommend a reliable and accurate semi-auto .22 for steel challenge and fun plinking? not interested in gsg 1911/22

The best will be a RUGER MK III pistol or a Browning Buckmark.

[gunfan74]

I'm not exactly particular to Ruger or browning or tactical solutions. Like kmca said, reliability is my number one objective. It really doesn't matter to me if it looks like full size combat handgun, or if it looks like anything else. I would like to get one that will run flawlessly on the cheaper ammo like the Remington 550rd brick or won Winchester 333rd brick. Any input is much appreciated.

[Excaliburr]

The best will be a RUGER MK III pistol or a Browning Buckmark.

+1 Vote for me.

[Sennasixty8]

I'm throwing my .02 in , with my recent 'jailing' of a Ruger SR22, my second pick was the S&W MP22, then the Ruger 22/45, and so on.. Ruger MK3 or Browning Buckmarks ain't cheap (but both are great choices) !

[gunfan74]

So which ones are inexpensive but reliable?

[kmca]

I'm not exactly particular to Ruger or browning or tactical solutions. Like kmca said, reliability is my number one objective. It really doesn't matter to me if it looks like full size combat handgun, or if it looks like anything else. I would like to get one that will run flawlessly on the cheaper ammo like the Remington 550rd brick or won Winchester 333rd brick. Any input is much appreciated.

I've been using a 22/45 for about 5 years. I recently picked up a Buckmark for a back up. The 22/45 runs Federal 550's (now 525's) with perhaps 1 failure to fire every 2 or 3k rounds. The Buckmark runs Winchester and Remington with about the same reliability. I have a C-More on the Ruger and a Tasco PDP III on the Buckmark and I am faster with the Tasco, so that's the one I've been using lately. It took a few more modifications to the Ruger to make me happy though. I also use a Kimber when I feel like using iron sights, but I just can't make it as reliable as the other two.

Added: Inexpensive?...the Ruger and Buckmark are about the same. I put more money into the Ruger than the Buckmark with modifications. They aren't "cheap", but then if it's for Steel Challenge, reliability should be your first priority. The Marvel conversions cost more and require more tinkering to get them to work right. Not sure about the Tactical Solutions, but they are pricey. If you take the Challenge seriously, the extra $50 or $100 you spend on the gun, will seem small compared to the cost of ammunition and traveling to places to shoot.

[gunfan74]

Thanks! I prefer to buy the better gun that will reliably run cheap ammo. I will be running iron sights. Unless I buy an optic. Last time I did steel challenge, I shot my 1911 with factory .45 in 230gr. boy was that expensive.

[kmca]

Thanks! I prefer to buy the better gun that will reliably run cheap ammo. I will be running iron sights. Unless I buy an optic. Last time I did steel challenge, I shot my 1911 with factory .45 in 230gr. boy was that expensive.

I haven't found a rimfire that won't fire one of the brands of cheap ammunition, Blazer, Remington, Winchester or Federal, especially after you break it in. If you're serious about the Challenge, you'll be getting a red dot soon. Remember, at the Challenge, you're all put together in one list (one for centerfire, one for rimfire), fastest wins, regardless of gun or sights.

[PoorRichRichard]

Check out S&W 22a. Upgrade to aftermarket sights if you are going to use iron sights. If you wanna go red dot, the 22a already has the rail on the gun. I'm getting. Red do for mine soon. Great gun, reliable, and accurate. Shop around, and you can find them for under $250.

[gunfan74]

Are they reliable on bulk 'brick' ammo?

[NytWolf]

Take a look at the Walther P22 also.