[Merlin2525]

Hey folks, new to the forum and new to shooting. I love it, I simply love it! Now as a rookie I have a long way to go and a lot to learn. I need a little help in selecting a 22 pistol to work on shooting, I think the verbage is a gun to plink with. I have a Ruger LCR and love it but it has a tough recoil issue and its getting expensive to shoot. So can you recommend a good 22 for me to shoot with. I have looked at a Ruger, S&W, and a Browning. There is good and bad about all three. Many of you own one of these so could you tell me why you like your gun. I know the Ruger is a bear to clean, that not in its favor since I am a rookie. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[NGIB]

Using the words "best" and "gun" in your post title makes it a question that has no answer. What's best for me may not work for you at all and vice-versa. Answer a few questions and we can share our experiences. For example: What's your budget? Do you want plastic or steel? Revolver or semi-auto?

BTW, if you intend to hang around, pop over to the introductions area and tell us a little about yourself...

[glock2740]

I have the stainless, fluted bull barreled Ruger 22/45 and love it.

[CA357]

I have a blued 6" Ruger Mark III Classic. I am having some issues with disassembly and reassembly right now. I expect to have no issues with it after I do it a few more times.

As far as the pistol itself, it's a hoot and I'm sorry I didn't buy one long ago.

[utf59]

I own a Ruger Mk III 22/45, and I love it. I have also shot a number of other Rugers, various models with differnt barrel lengths, and I loved them all. The disassembly is not like other guns, and that is a bit of a pain. But they are a blast to shoot.

I know a couple of people with S&W .22 autos. They are both of the lower-end variety. They both have occasional feed issues. It doesn't happen all that often, but it's a personal preference how often you are willing to let that happen before you choose something else. For me, though, they are still a lot of fun.

Can't speak about the higher-end S&Ws or the Browning Buckmark.

The .22 is a great learning platform. It's also great for "continuing education" and cheap shooting fun. I've been shooting for around 40 years, and I take a .22 with me on nearly every range outing. It's a cheap way to maintain fundamentals, and it's a lot of fun. I'll shoot something else as well, but then I don't need to use up a lot of the more expensive ammo to get all my practice in.

[c3shooter]

For the money, hard to beat a Ruger Mk III. There are folks that love their S&Ws, Colt Woodsman, Browning Buckmark, High Standards, etc ad infinitum. As far as the assembly problems with the Rugers, learn how to do it ONCE, and you can do it in 3 seconds.

[jimbobpissypants]

If you are looking to improve your skills shooting your lcr while shooting a different (cheaper ammo) gun, maybe you should consider a double action revolver in 22. Just an idea.
If you want an auto, I highly recommend the Browning Buckmarks. I also have a 22/45. It is a very nice little gun for someone who is trying to simulate the 1911 feel. The Ruger is a pain to reassemble after cleaning. This is the only reason I like the Browning a little better.

[JonM]

i have a ruger mkII out fo the list you gave. i realllllly like shooting it and find it to be one of the easier weapons i have to clean. once you get the hang of the takedown and assembly its a snap to clean. its not the only 22 pistol i have but its one of the better ones.

[Hoot]

I think you would be happy with either the Browning or Ruger. Both do their intended jobs very well. And either will be a good tool to use in learning the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship. The skills you learn with a .22 will transfer over to more serious calibers.

Do a Google on Army Marksmanship Training Uinit Manual and download it. It will discuss each element in the fundamentals, and if you are an apt pupil, you will be hitting golf balls at 25 yards in a short time. You'll do even better if you can find a qualified coach.

Plinking is a ton of fun, but use it as a reward after you've put in an hour of work at a paper target. If you don't learn the elements of good marksmanship, you will simply teach yourself a lot of bad habits, the worst of which are flinching and jerking the trigger.

But don't put off buying that .22. You will love it.

[Gojubrian]

Another vote for the browning buckmark.