If one was looking for a low cost pistol to fire 22 short and 22 long rifle, would you go with a Browing Buckmark of some type or a S&W Shield Compact?

Thanks much

My money is on the Buckmark. I'd love a used one with the older style barrel and the rosewood grips.

Thank you

This would just be for plinking and paper punching

I have an old Buckmark,  it is fun to shoot and accurate.  Don't know the S&W Compact.

NOTE that the Buckmarks fires only 22LR (not short or long), and typically is reliable only with High Velocity rounds.

Thanks for that info

So regular CCI Blazer will not cut it?

Blazer is fine.

Thanks

I have some lead Blazer rounds

it'll still fire once with shorts

I've used the Buckmark a bunch in Bullseye matches. It's great even at 50 yards. It shoots Blazer very well.

As some have stated, rimfire pistols typically use 22lr ammo as shorts aren't usually powerful enough to cycle the action.  Many semi-autos will fire HV and SV ammo without problems but you'll have to test to see which works best in your gun.

Selection will depend on what is your primary use for the pistol, example, plinking, action, short or long range, how it fits your hand, sights and controls (mag release and safety).  For any range, especially long, the Buckmark will probably be the most accurate.  At about 32oz the Buckmark will be heavier than the compact polymer firearms but not so heavy as to automatically exclude it from consideration (IMO).

I have the Ruger SR22,  S&W M&P22 FS and compact,  All would also be good choices with the M&P FS better for longer ranges.

If you haven't already made your choice, good luck.

Buckmark for the win.

Get both