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Posted: 12/24/2002 5:17:27 AM EDT
| Recommendations for a .22 hand gun for plinking. Colt, SIG, Walther, S&W, Ruger....what would you recommend and why? Only use will be for plinking. |
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Another vote for the Ruger MKll. Get one of the target versions with a heavier barrel and adjustable sights. I've got the MKll Govt. Target model and it has laser beam like accuracy. Sometimes it's so easy to hit the smallest target it gets boring. So I bought one of those cheap POS Heritage Arms Rough Riders revolvers. Now I never know if I'll hit what I aim at. So I have to shoot more often. 
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Well, SperlingPE, you at least told us the purpose so recommendations could be relevant-better than most such questions. All the above recommendations are quality pieces which would serve you well. Only thing I might add is to match the plinkers action to your bigger bore pistols[possessed or to be acquired] so your familarity of use can carry over. The various conversion units really maximize this aspect-and save you money on holsters. Ghost |
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I got a Ruger 22/45 as an early christmas present. Other than the grip it's almost identical to the MKII. and I must say it's one hell of a pistol. It's got adjustable target sights and a 5 1/2" bull barrel. I put 100rds of Rem. GOlden bullets through it tonight and it was flawless. and accurate! Damn near chewed up a clay pigeon at 50 yards, and this is the first time out. They're really rugged and well built IMHO. I've researched 'em a little and they're pretty cheap! Also, this thing has a good feel to it, as it replicates the 1911 grip and mag release too. I highly recommend you try one out! 
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I've had great success with the Ruger MII. The one I have now is the Gov't slabside model with a Volquartsen accurizing kit, grips, and a Simmons 2X scope. Accuracy is incredible! The 22/45 is basicly the same gun with a plastic 1911 style grip. If they come out with a metal version that can use 1911 grips I will definitely get one.
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I had a Ruger 22/45 (polymer MKII that is designed to simulate a 1911) which got stolen... Good gun (but a PITA to break down for cleaning), cheap to shoot, accurate... However, to replace it, i am not buying another gun, I'm buying a .22LR barrell/slide from Cenier for my 1911 ('Platinum Cup' version)... They make similar items for the 92FS, and IIRC that glock (in addition to the AR15 adapter kit). I haven't shot one yet, but I'll let you know when I get it... |
I really liked my 22/45, but then I sent it to White Barn Workshop, and had them install the "1911" slide release, safety release and wood handgrips. very cool.  and the VQ trigger,Power Custom FP,.. |
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I got a Smith & Wesson Model 22A with the 6" bull barrel and Diamondwood grips. It shoots great with copper jacketed bullets, but will fail to feed all day with standard lead (the ribs at the rear of the bullet catch on the breech). Also had to use Loctite on the scope mount screws, and cracked the grips which resulted in a good size chunk of the grip falling off. Despite all this, I love that pistol! It is very accurate for plinking and I especially enjoy its heavy weight. I just wish those damn grips were covered by S&W's warranty. Anyone know where I can get a set for cheap? EDITED TO ADD: I cracked the grips at my range when I knocked it off the bench, by mistake, and it hit the concrete butt first! Oh, I was pissed at myself! |
| If you shoot either a Glock, 1911, or Beretta; I would suggest a .22lr conersion. Ciener for the 1911 or Beretta, Advantage Arms for the Glock. I have the Advantage Arms for my 31 and ir is great. I even have a threaded barrel and AAC suppressor like QuietShootr. I had a 22/45 target model, but I traded it off after I got the Glock kit. If anyone would like a barrel weight/underlug like shown on the Chief AJ site, I have one I bought for my 22/45 but I didn't installit before I traded the Ruger. It is a vented underlug and fits a 5 1/2" MkII or 222/45. |
If you have a Ruger (my top choice after playing with all of them), I highly recommend the Majestic Speed-Strip kit.  www.ontargetguns.com/apssk.html It replaces the bolt stop pin with a two-piece design that can be unscrewed, making it super fast to remove the bolt without otherwise disassembling the pistol. Plus, you can still disassemble the pistol normally if you choose (or forgot your allen wrench). It is a must-have! -Troy |
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have an early mkII bull barrel blued pistol that has shot many thousands of rounds, functioning is bulletproof and it is the best plinker out there have high standard target pistols, 102 citation, 107 military victor, 102 victor for real target work havea buckmark and it would be 2nd choice for plinking |
| I have a S&W auto that has about 100,000 rounds though it. All original parts, never serviced even though it is recomended that the slide spring be replaced. Best 22 in the world IMHO. I am getting a P-22 in 10 days after the wait for my christmas gift. I also want a S&W snub revolver to round out my 22 collection. Even though I have shot everything from 50 cal to 40mm. I enjoy 22LR the best still. |
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Another vote for the Ruger as the best all-around plinker. Love mine. Accurate, affordable, reliable. I've also got a very early pre-Woodsman, which has to be the best-balanced .22 auto I've ever shot. It can only handle standard-velocity ammo, though. For accuracy, I broke down and bought a Marvel .22 conversion for my 1911. The test target that came with it had five shots in .682" at 50 yards.... yes, yards, not feet! I'm having this one threaded for a suppressor, so I can reach out and touch those backyard varmints. |
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I have both a Ruger MK II and a Browning Buckmark. I like them both. The stripping problems of the Ruger are greatly overstated. If you have any mechanical aptitude at all it should only take a few seconds to disassemble and reassemble by the 5th time you do it. Based on my guns I believe the Ruger will last longer. My ruger has 20,000-25,000 rounds though it and is still as tight as the day I bought it. My Browning has 12,000-15,000 rounds through it and the slide stop is getting sloppy. The hole in the aluminum frame is enlarging. I've also had to reglue the pads onto the slide stop lever and safety. A buddy of mine has a Browning with more rounds though it than mine, his is even looser. I do not like having to disturb the sights to clean the Browning. Step 1: Remove sight rail with rear sight from gun. As far as shooting goes they are equal: Far more accurate than I can hold (bullseye style). I choose Ruger for longevity. Made of steel like God intended firearms. (OK, except for AR-15s.) Kent |
| I have a Ruger 22/45 4" heavy barrel. The only thing I've had to do it were loc-tite the front sight and install a Volquartsen 'Exact-Edge' Extractor. The pistol was very finicky before the extractor change, now it'll shoot anything and I shoot Winchester DynaPoints and PowerPoints in it mostly because the copper coating keeps the gun cleaner longer. |
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Well SperlingPE, You know you can't ask for advice without posting what you get, or are getting .Thought I would add a picture of mine...  Ruger Mark II Government Competition. Volquartsen accurizing kit. Volquartsen exact-edge extractor. Simmons 2X scope. On-Target Trigger Shield. Shown with original Ruger walnut target grips. |
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The "Ciener" 1911A1 .22LR Conversion Unit Models for Full Size, Combat Commander and Officer’s .45ACP’s   www.22lrconversion.com/1911-pg.htm |
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I have the Browning Buckmark (Varmint), a S&W 422 (6"), and a Ruger Mk.II (Target). The Browning is the best plinker. In fairness it's big long heavy barrel does help but it's easier to hang sigts off of, has a sweet trigger, is easiest to clean and has a great set of grips. The Ruger has had a few hundred dollars worth of parts added in a match trigger and action to help catch it up to the Browning which is still stock. |
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