Best .22LR Plinker under $400?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Best .22LR Plinker under $400? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 3/15/2008 12:28:35 PM EDT

With the price of centerfire ammo spiraling out of control, I am planning on getting a .22LR pistol for some plinking and target shooting fun. What is the best value in an American-made .22LR pistol under $400?

Posted: 3/15/2008 12:31:57 PM EDT

[#1]

Ruger MKII or MKIII, what ever configuration you like.

Posted: 3/15/2008 1:16:48 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Ruger MKII or MKIII, what ever configuration you like.

+1

or a Browning Buckmark (also any configuration you prefer)

Those two are the best all around .22 semi autos available. Accurate, reliable, durable, etc.

Posted: 3/15/2008 1:53:51 PM EDT

[#3]

Don't rule out a revolver, they can be had for way less than $400.

Posted: 3/15/2008 1:57:30 PM EDT

[#4]

"Don't rule out a revolver, they can be had for way less than $400."

He is right. They can be found.

I recommend a S&W Model 17 (6in barrel) or a Model 18 (4in barrel).

I stole this one for $300 but you should be able to find one of either model in decent shape for $400.

Posted: 3/15/2008 2:01:37 PM EDT

[#5]

Another vote for Ruger's MKII.

Posted: 3/15/2008 6:34:49 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
"Don't rule out a revolver, they can be had for way less than $400."

He is right. They can be found.

I recommend a S&W Model 17 (6in barrel) or a Model 18 (4in barrel).

I stole this one for $300 but you should be able to find one of either model in decent shape for $400.

Nice piece! I'll give you what you paid for it

Posted: 3/15/2008 6:41:00 PM EDT

[#7]

ruger 22/45 5.5" target model, bought mine back in 94' or 95', paid $150 OTD, they're a bit higher nowdays.

Posted: 3/15/2008 7:38:57 PM EDT

[#8]

Mk II is a good bet. A Single Six or Bearcat would also be a fun plinker.

Posted: 3/15/2008 10:16:06 PM EDT

[#9]

"Nice piece! I'll give you what you paid for it"

Posted: 3/16/2008 10:19:17 AM EDT

[#10]

Beretta U22 Neos, Ruger MK I II III, or the Browning Buckmark should all serve you well.

Posted: 3/16/2008 10:22:29 AM EDT

[#11]

I've got a NEOS, I like better than any of the Buckmarks I have own.

Posted: 3/16/2008 10:32:53 AM EDT

[#12]

Ruger MKII. If you might want to consider a conversion kit if you own a pistol. I should have bought a AA kit for my G21 instated of the MKII. I do love my MKII though, so no real regrets.

Posted: 3/17/2008 11:33:54 PM EDT

[#13]

High Standard Double nine,revelation99 ,Iever Johnson target 8!

many 22lRs to choose!

Why Autos?

bob

Posted: 3/17/2008 11:36:21 PM EDT

[#14]

Advantage Arms kit if you own a Glock or 1911

Posted: 3/18/2008 1:42:33 PM EDT

[#15]

CZ 75 Kadet conversion kit. Cost is about $299, if you have an existing CZ 75-family pistol you can mount it on. I've found that mine is more accurate than my Ruger 22's, and easier to break down and care for. Or you can buy a complete Kadet .22 pistol, for around $400 to $450.

Posted: 3/18/2008 5:28:48 PM EDT

[#16]

I like the Buckmark myself, I have a Ruger 22/45 which is also good but the Browning trigger is much better in my opinion.

Posted: 3/18/2008 5:32:47 PM EDT

[#17]

buckmark, sw 22a, ruger, beretta. still working the bugs on sig and i had 2 p22 couldn't get either to run.

Posted: 3/18/2008 5:59:03 PM EDT

[#18]

If you're interested in an autoloader, I suggest a MKII ruger. The newer MKIII's have too much extra and unnecessary crap on them.

Posted: 3/18/2008 9:13:22 PM EDT

[#19]

Look for a used MkII......I picked up this one in it's box with 2 mags for $150,

Sig's neat also, but not as cost effective.

Posted: 3/24/2008 10:23:01 PM EDT

[#20]

How do you like the Sig Mosquito??
I'm considering getting one,but never heard anything good or bad about them.How many rounds do the mags hold???Thanks,Mick.

Posted: 3/26/2008 5:41:22 AM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
How do you like the Sig Mosquito??
I'm considering getting one,but never heard anything good or bad about them.How many rounds do the mags hold???Thanks,Mick.

So far, I like it. I've only put about 500 rounds through it so far, so I really don't consider it broken in yet. Mags are 10 rounds ea. and too much money ( $30+ each ) but other than that, no complaints from me.

It is a little weird having both a decocker and a manual safety though....dunno what's up with that....

Posted: 3/26/2008 5:46:01 AM EDT

[#22]

Another vote for the Ruger MKII. Don't justify Ruger's stupidity by buying a MKIII.

Absolutely, positively, do not get suckered into a P22 or Mosquito.

Posted: 3/26/2008 2:44:35 PM EDT

[#23]

love my Neos. get the longer barreled one and it is very accurate.

Posted: 3/27/2008 6:48:31 PM EDT

[#24]

Love my smith 22a 6 1/2 stainless bull barrel fluted

Less than $300.00

Posted: 3/29/2008 5:24:37 PM EDT

[#25]

I bought a Buckmark Camper yesterday. Buddy liked it enough he bought a MKIII today before we went shooting.

Having, literally, shot both side by side (And at the same time. Eat it antonio Banderes.

) I would say that either a Buckmark or Ruger. Which ever you find first or you find cheaper.

Posted: 3/31/2008 7:16:10 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
buckmark, sw 22a, ruger, beretta. still working the bugs on sig and i had 2 p22 couldn't get either to run.

I think the 22A is one of the most under rated .22 pistols out there. I had a low serial number 22a standard that I gave my dad after a couple thousand rounds and now I have a target model. Not sure on the round count, but it has been more accurate than an older high standard target model, ruger 22/45s, ruger MKIIIs, and a couple browning buckmarks that I have tested against it benchrested with match ammo at 50ft. Not bad for a sub $300 gun. Even the black finish models have stainless barrels and slides.

I worked at an indoor college .22 range last year so I got to shoot a few guns to compare it to. Still like it the best, but I would like a ruger 22/45.

Posted: 4/6/2008 6:28:12 AM EDT

[#27]

Love my Buckmark. I've got a Hunter.

It's got a 7 1/4" bull barrel, scope base, cocobolo target grips, and a Truglo front sight.

Brand new, I got mine for $310.

Posted: 4/6/2008 11:29:46 PM EDT

[#28]

I got a Camper model Buckmark when I graduated high school, bout 5 years ago for less than $250 new. It's a pleasure to shoot and damn accurate. I wish I had its trigger on all my other guns, VERY crisp and smooth.

I've killed running rabbits with it before like nothing. You won't be disappointed by the Buckmark.

Posted: 4/16/2008 3:59:40 PM EDT

[#29]

Buckmark.

Ruger is a bitch to clean, and you have to get new barrels/uppers through ffl.

Posted: 4/16/2008 4:28:30 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
Mk II is a good bet. A Single Six or Bearcat would also be a fun plinker.

I have a 22/45 and a Single Six; the SS has a LR cylinder, and a .22 Magnum barrel. Fun revolver to shoot!

Posted: 4/18/2008 4:33:00 AM EDT

[#31]

I'll throw another vote for the Buckmark in here.

Posted: 4/18/2008 4:43:46 AM EDT

[#32]

I disagree with those who say a MKII/III is difficult to clean. Unlike a Buckmark, the Ruger doesn't require any tools to field strip. You just pull down on the mainspring housing lever and you are done. The Buckmark requires you to unscrew the sight base.

Posted: 4/20/2008 1:10:26 AM EDT

[#33]

Quoted:
I disagree with those who say a MKII/III is difficult to clean. Unlike a Buckmark, the Ruger doesn't require any tools to field strip. You just pull down on the mainspring housing lever and you are done. The Buckmark requires you to unscrew the sight base.

That's why you don't take it apart.

With the Buckmark you just lock the slide back, clean the chamber face and the front of the slide, and call it good.

I disassembled my Buckmark about 3 times before I wised up. 2 years later, and it's still working fine.

Posted: 4/20/2008 6:56:32 AM EDT

[#34]

+1 on the Ruger Mk II. It's my favorite .22 autoloader. My S&W M17 wins for accuracy, though, but isn't the 'blaster' that the Mk II is.

I also like my P22, mostly for it's tiny size. Great little gun. Not the most accurate, but also a great blaster.

Quoted:
I think the 22A is one of the most under rated .22 pistols out there. I had a low serial number 22a standard that I gave my dad after a couple thousand rounds and now I have a target model. Not sure on the round count, but it has been more accurate than an older high standard target model, ruger 22/45s, ruger MKIIIs, and a couple browning buckmarks that I have tested against it benchrested with match ammo at 50ft. Not bad for a sub $300 gun. Even the black finish models have stainless barrels and slides.

I'll have to disagree on that one - I had a 22A that I bought new, and hated it. Jam-o-matic for me with just about everything.

Who knows - I might just have odd luck, since I like my P22, and have had no problems with it....

Posted: 4/21/2008 9:49:10 PM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
Another vote for the Ruger MKII. Don't justify Ruger's stupidity by buying a MKIII.

Absolutely, positively, do not get suckered into a P22 or Mosquito.

What's wrong with the MKIII?

Posted: 4/22/2008 1:27:45 PM EDT

[#36]

Magazine disconnect and cheap loaded chamber indicator, IIRC.

Posted: 4/22/2008 3:19:01 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
Magazine disconnect and cheap loaded chamber indicator, IIRC.

wheww, I just bought one last night and I thought maybe there was something serious wrong with it.

Posted: 4/24/2008 6:39:46 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Magazine disconnect and cheap loaded chamber indicator, IIRC.

wheww, I just bought one last night and I thought maybe there was something serious wrong with it.

To be honest, the MKIII and 22/45 are fine guns. I just wish Ruger would have given us the new mag release without the stupid loaded chamber indicator and mag disconnect.

Posted: 4/25/2008 2:52:05 AM EDT

[#39]

Ruger MK I, MK II, MK III

Posted: 4/25/2008 3:05:11 AM EDT

[#40]

The last two S&W 622s that I have bought (used) were $100. Solid pistol, with similar controls to a 1911.

Posted: 4/27/2008 5:24:24 AM EDT

[#41]

Lots of .22lr and .22 magnum fun with a Ruger Single Six........

Posted: 5/1/2008 3:47:01 PM EDT

[#42]

Ruger M111 don't take it apart ,just remove the grips spray with brake cleaner ,clean barrel ,WD40 blow out with air , SHOOT AND REPEAT

Posted: 5/3/2008 8:08:09 AM EDT

[#43]

I have Buckmark and Ruger 22/45, both are suppressed and love them both.

Posted: 5/18/2008 5:42:54 PM EDT

[#44]

What about the Beretta Neos?

Posted: 6/19/2008 5:32:50 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:
I like the Buckmark myself, I have a Ruger 22/45 which is also good but the Browning trigger is much better in my opinion.

I just sold my 22/45 and went with a buckmark myself

Between the grip width and option to actually change the grips, balance and trigger it just felt better

Now I have to see how it shoots.