Looking for a .22 handgun for plinking...Any advice (with pictures)

[Paul]

Originally Posted by qwerty

Also, does anyone happen to know what a good new price for any of these is? MSRP in parens.
Ruger 22/45 MkIII Hunter w/ 6 7/8" ($517)
Beretta Model 87 Target ($800)
S&W Model 41 w/ 5 1/2" ($1,232)

For that kind of money it must be very good. If you are not going to shoot it in competition it is still a .22 plinker.

[mhillsing23]

I recommend the 22/45 + 1911 Grip Conversion. (Super easy, and very cheap!)



Left: 22/45, Right: XD

[RobFMJ]

Originally Posted by qwerty

Since the Beretta and S&W are a bit more expensive than the Ruger, could anyone who's owned any 2 of the 3 chime in with some thoughts?

Also, does anyone happen to know what a good new price for any of these is? MSRP in parens.
Ruger 22/45 MkIII Hunter w/ 6 7/8" ($517)
Beretta Model 87 Target ($800)
S&W Model 41 w/ 5 1/2" ($1,232)

The ruger will be ~$350, the Beretta a little over $500, and the Smith can be found for under $1000.

I don't own any, but I've had the chance to shoot all three. The Smith is an absolutely fantastic gun, and if I were in the market for a damn good .22, I would look for a slightly used one and plunk down the cash without looking back. The trigger on these guns is absolutely outstanding right out of the box.

The Beretta is a nice middle-of-the-road pistol. Ergonomics are very good, and I think it has the best control placement and feel of the lesser-priced .22's. The added mass on the end of the barrel is a good aid in rapid fire, and I really liked it for shooting falling plate matches. My only gripe is the trigger. It comes light from the factory, but with a long and creepy pull. Since most people who buy these pistols eventually play with the trigger, this can be a non-issue. Magazines are rock solid. I passed up a chance to buy one at $475 before I got my Buckmark, and I regret it. Also the most badass-looking .22 out there, if that does anything for you

Judging from these forums, I'm one of the few that doesnt really like the Ruger 22/45. I think Ruger has made a solid, reliable platform, but the stuff they stick on the lower half aint so hot. The plastic grip and magazine release are the only things that bear resemblance to the 1911 it is supposed to emulate. The safety and slide stop are 'buttons' that are kind of a pain compared to other .22's (even the regular Mk.III). The only thing that the 22/45 has over the others you listed is the aftermarket support for it (triggers, rubber slip-on grips, etc.). Just my 2¢, but if you're set on a Ruger, give the Mk.III's a look... IMO, the unconventional grip angle works quite well for a target pistol.

[boricua9mm]

Make mine a Bukcmark!

[AZXD]

Hey I took that picture, finally!
Here's my Camper with B-Square mount and Bushnell Holosight.

[Thod24]

Originally Posted by AZXD

Hey I took that picture, finally!
Here's my Camper with B-Square mount and Bushnell Holosight.

That may ultimately be the setup I go with. I was able to shoot a Buckmark a couple of weeks ago and it is a fun little gun. I'm not too sure about the type of site that you have on it. By that, I mean I literally don't know anything about them. Do you like to shoot more with the iron sites or the other sites that are available?

[AZXD]

Originally Posted by Thod24

That may ultimately be the setup I go with. I was able to shoot a Buckmark a couple of weeks ago and it is a fun little gun. I'm not too sure about the type of site that you have on it. By that, I mean I literally don't know anything about them. Do you like to shoot more with the iron sites or the other sites that are available?

It's the Bushnell Holosight and is the equal to (I can't remember which model) the Eotech, but without the armor, and is thus a little less expensive. Mine was a returned item that I bought for $225!!

Depending on the sights ... Most Iron sights SUCK ... But that's just me and my eyes If I wear glasses that let me see at distance, the sights are blurry ... If I ... You get the picture ... I like scopes for anything that is not defensive use. These actually appear (Key word, nothing is actually projected) to project the dot 50 yards in front of you, so long distance glasses are great. I can see the sights and target!!

You could put a red dot scope on one for a lot less and have just as good of a system. The B-Square mount was $25 and required the removal of the rear sight. But any Buckmark will require rear sight removal of you want to put a scope on it.

[liljon140]

Stay away from the P22 they are poorly made and break. I had one that the damn slide fractured on. Heres the thread on on at ar15.com

AR15.COM :: Forums :: P22 Warning PICS ADDED

My personaly opion is a good used Ruger for plinking. I have an old MKI that hits what ever I point at my favorite is my Lama XV though. I also have an old model ruger bearcat that is a nail driver but I dont shoot it that often.

Lama


Ruger

[Joeywhat]

So completely avoid a good handgun because a few people have issues?

There are bound to be problems with any gun...I'm sure Walther (or S&W) would fix/replace the gun at no charge.

[liljon140]

They did replace the gun after many phone calls and telling them to send me the gun back as is so I could carry it to SHOT, to show off. When the Slide on a .22lr cracks there are issues with quality of the product. It is a POS pistol that is made of pot metal not worthy of airsoft. I am sorry you have one. I hope you enjoy many outings with it but it is a problem more than one gun has failed and many more will fail b4 something is done about it. Not a company I will EVER do business with again.