which plinker

[va599]

I am thinking of getting either a walther sp22 or a Ruger Mark III? What would you suggest? Thanks in advance for you replies...

[LFS]

You want an SP22 just for plinking?

I have a P22 for plinking. Its great fun. However, my experience is that it isn't a great pistol for introducing new users to guns. The Mark III is probably better for that. And there's always the Browning Buckmark.

[nickf829]

mk3's are great guns, reliable, howevre they have minimal issues with the LCI(loaded chamber indicator) and they are harder to take apart and clean. Once you learn the trick to dis/re-assembly, its easy. I would opt for the mk2 as it doesn't have the mag safety or the LCI. If you can find a good deal on a used one, I would take the mk2 over a mk3 any day. Also, if you are into tinkering, there are a huge number of aftermarket options for the MK series. The most valuable site for these would be volquartsen.com as they are the MK go-to guys.

p22's can be finicky from what I've read, but overall a very fun gun. I know nothing about the sp22

buckmarks are great guns as well, i think they use aluminum and plastic for the majority of the parts so it may not hold up as well as a steel gun(as in the MK's) in the long run. I think of the MK's and Buckmarks as the Honda and Toyota (pre 2009 haha), theyre both great guns, and you won't be disappointed with either

[va599]

I am thinking of getting either a walther sp22 or a Ruger Mark III? What would you suggest? Thanks in advance for you replies...

Typo/fatfinger....should have read
I am thinking of getting either a walther p22 or a Ruger Mark III? What would you suggest? Thanks in advance for you replies..

[va599]

Thank for the replies, is there a big difference between an mark I and mark II? It seems like the mark I are easier to find than the markII?

[grumpyMSG]

There are other options. I was in the market for a fun .22 pistol just before Christmas. I walked into Nuckol's Gun Works in Staunton thinking I wanted a Ruger but kept an open mind, they let me look at all the pistols and I wound up taking a Sig Mosquito home instead for about the same money. The whole .22/45 concept that Ruger had sounded good, until it was in my hand and just felt a little off. Just go to the store with an open mind. Maybe it will be a Ruger that hops in the car with you, but you never know maybe a Smith and Wesson, Colt or Browning is what feels good to you. I never even knew about the Mosquito until I went in and compared some pistols.

[va599]

Definitely will keep an open mind when looking, trying to work in a few trips to the stores after work during the week. I figure I will make back the price of the pistol in 5-6 range visits.

[va599]

I am definitely going to take a look at the Browning Buckmark, and would like to shoot it before buying one. I have shot the Ruger and have a good idea what that is like....A friend of mine at work has the Sig Mosquito and he says that it has jammed on him a lot.

[Quigley]

I would recommend the Browning Buckmark Camper. It is as good as it gets. Also, it is all steel;).

[BlueTiki]

I have a P-22 and love it. Its a fun and reliable gun. My father picked a used one up at the Dulles Gun Show for 270 and it came with two Mags., a holster, and the tools that come with the gun. I've really only ever shot CCI Mini-Mags through my P-22 and have never had a single problem with it.

Once you learn the basics for field striping this gun its a breeze to break down and clean as well.

So I guess you now know which way I'd lean.

[va599]

You can't beat that deal! The ease of cleaning and field striping is definitely a huge consideration. Thanks for the feedback!

I have a P-22 and love it. Its a fun and reliable gun. My father picked a used one up at the Dulles Gun Show for 270 and it came with two Mags., a holster, and the tools that come with the gun. I've really only ever shot CCI Mini-Mags through my P-22 and have never had a single problem with it.

Once you learn the basics for field striping this gun its a breeze to break down and clean as well.

So I guess you now know which way I'd lean.

[meadmkr]

Take a look at the Beretta Neos as well. In the 2k+ rounds I've put through it only had 2 FTE and 1 FTF (shooting mostly bulk ammo). I put a Tasco reddot on it and it easily keeps minute-of-can out to 25 yards without breaking a sweat.

Cheers
Chris

[Vahunter]

I have a P-22 and love it

Would that happen to be the pink one I shot ? I wonder If all of them come with a trigger like that one from the factory. Nice trigger

[MountainCat]

Have you considered a 22 conversion kit for your Glock? It won't be a Browning or Ruger but it'll be a cheap training pistol.

[more40bore]

I'll put in my two cents and suggest the Browning Buckmark. Like others have said, you have to pick the one that feels best to you. I'll give you my experience. I have shot several different .22's over the years, including:

S&W 422
S&W 41
Ruger Mark 2
Ruger Mark 3
Browning Buckmark
Ruger Single Six
Colt Trooper
CZ Kadet

The 3 I have the most experience with are the Buckmark, Mark 3, and Kadet. I owned the Mark 3 and the Buckmark. I sold both, but the one I wish I had back was the Buckmark. They were equally accurate and reliable, but the Buckmark felt better to me, plus it was easier to clean. The one I own now is the CZ Kadet. It is better than either of them for feel and fun factor, plus it is easier to clean. It is almost as accurate, but not quite. It can still print groups of 2" or less at 25 yards. The only downside is it is picky about ammo. It will only feed CCI mini-mags 100% reliably. It is also more expensive, which is why I would not recommend it first. If you don't mind spending $500, I would say go for it.

For a couple years Browning Buckmarks were hard to come by, but this year they seem to be available. I would snatch one up if I were you. You won't regret it. The selection of different models can be overwhelming. If you want one similar to the Walther P22, try getting a Buckmark Micro. They are lightweight and have short barrels. By the way, I would not choose the Walther. This is coming from a guy who's primary carry gun is a Walther P99. They are no where near the build quality of the Ruger or Browning. If you want a Walther, go for the SP22. I have not shot one, but I have handled one at a gun shop and they seem like decent guns.

[va599]

Which kit would you recommend? That would be a pretty good option....

Have you considered a 22 conversion kit for your Glock? It won't be a Browning or Ruger but it'll be a cheap training pistol.

[ikeaboy1]

Its funny this thread started, because I was going to start one about the MKIII v. P22. I like the MKIII, but I am really drawn to the P22. How accurate are the P22's at 15 and 30ft versus the MKIII. I'm sure the MKIII would be much better, but how might someone rate them out of ten stars for accuracy?

Has anyone here had issues with their own P22? I've read a lot of things about questionable reliability, but most of it seems to be hearsay except for one or two first-person accounts of failures. I hate the idea of buying a gun knowing it may not last.

[MountainCat]

Which kit would you recommend? That would be a pretty good option....

Have you considered a 22 conversion kit for your Glock? It won't be a Browning or Ruger but it'll be a cheap training pistol.

I have an Advantage Arms kit for my G30. It requires the proper ammo but it works well. It you decide to get one, but a spare mag or two.

[MountainCat]

I have an Advantage Arms kit for my G30. It requires the proper ammo but it works well. It you decide to get one, but a spare mag or two.

ERRR...Next time I'll try proof reading.

I have an Advantage Arms kit for my G30. It requires the proper ammo but it works well. If you decide to get one, buy a spare mag or two.

[va599]

I got to try a browning Buck Mark Contour URX tonight, it seems to have a better feel in my hand than the ruger and really enjoyed shooting it. I took a trip up to Dominion Shooting Range and they have no entrance fee on Thursday nights if you have your CHP, so I rented the run and shot 100 rounds. I stopped by Bob Moates before hand and took a look at the Buck marks there and it looks like they had a Buck mark hunter with the Truglo®/Marble’s® fiber-optic front sight. I would have to redo the sights on the one I shot tonight, I am not a big fan of the black on black. I love the sites on my Glock with the white dots. I really appreciate the tips and advice, it looks like the buck mark is the one I will be after. I will have to post some pics after I get it..it is really painful to practice the restrain of waiting, but I definitely see a new addition in the works......

I'll put in my two cents and suggest the Browning Buckmark. Like others have said, you have to pick the one that feels best to you. I'll give you my experience. I have shot several different .22's over the years, including:

S&W 422
S&W 41
Ruger Mark 2
Ruger Mark 3
Browning Buckmark
Ruger Single Six
Colt Trooper
CZ Kadet

The 3 I have the most experience with are the Buckmark, Mark 3, and Kadet. I owned the Mark 3 and the Buckmark. I sold both, but the one I wish I had back was the Buckmark. They were equally accurate and reliable, but the Buckmark felt better to me, plus it was easier to clean. The one I own now is the CZ Kadet. It is better than either of them for feel and fun factor, plus it is easier to clean. It is almost as accurate, but not quite. It can still print groups of 2" or less at 25 yards. The only downside is it is picky about ammo. It will only feed CCI mini-mags 100% reliably. It is also more expensive, which is why I would not recommend it first. If you don't mind spending $500, I would say go for it.

For a couple years Browning Buckmarks were hard to come by, but this year they seem to be available. I would snatch one up if I were you. You won't regret it. The selection of different models can be overwhelming. If you want one similar to the Walther P22, try getting a Buckmark Micro. They are lightweight and have short barrels. By the way, I would not choose the Walther. This is coming from a guy who's primary carry gun is a Walther P99. They are no where near the build quality of the Ruger or Browning. If you want a Walther, go for the SP22. I have not shot one, but I have handled one at a gun shop and they seem like decent guns.