Best .22 pistol for Long term use

[Tezz7300]

Hello I am new to these fourms and will be on a lot. I recently graduated from college and am looking to purchase one .22 cal LR rimfire pistol. Due to limited funds and the fact I love to shoot I am seeking advice on the best possible pistol for both small game hunting (rabbits, squirrals, etc) and plinking. This leads me to my question I am only able to afford one fun shooter for several years, I shoot a lot and am seeking a gun that will allow several hundred thousand rounds to be put through over the next few years. Typically I run through 2-3k rounds on a average weekend. I have narrowed my choices to 2 particular models the Ruger sp101 revolver in .22 cal or the semi Mark III ruger .22 cal. Do any other owners of these particular models notice problems after short or long periods of time? If so what and what one would you recommend? also how is the quality build of these models and how much do you shoot. Thanks.

[Donnie D]

I have a Sig Sauer Mosquito and my wife has a GSG 1911 and a Browning Buckmark. We love all 3 guns, but probably the most accurate and dependable would be the Buckmark.
Donnie D

[rcairflr]

2000 - 3000 in a weekend? That is a lot of shooting. I would also have to say the Browning Buckmark. I've had mine for about 18 years and it has been flawless.

[One Shot]

You won't go wrong with the Ruger Mark III.

(I have the Mark II)

[cpttango30]

Any of the above.

[3/2 STA SS]

Ruger MKIII...I swear mine is like a hand held rifle. A good MKII is also a fine choice and you can pick up a good used one for $250.

[gdmoody]

I have a Ruger mark III 22/45 and I don't think you can wrong with either Ruger. I don't think I put 2000-3000 round a year through mine!! I have a cheapo red dot scope on mine and it is very accurate.

[3/2 STA SS]

Did you mean 2-3 Hundred? Thats a lot of rounds....

[Tezz7300]

yes 200 - 300 a week end but I want somthing very reliable as it will be my only pistol my 30-06 rounds are to expensive to just keep shooting 100+ on a average saturday at about 200-600 yards target. Unfortuntly my place is kinda small so reloading is out of the question for now. Thus I am seeking very good pistol that is reliable for many years to come that can keep shooting provided proper care is given I end up shooting between 2k -3k .22 cal a month sorry.

[Albtraum]

Never experienced a malfunctioning .22 pistol, but because most 22LR ammo isn't very consistent, you'll have jams every now and then. I think it comes down to what you like. Can't go wrong with a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger Mark III. Ruger now has the SR22, I think it costs more than the Mark III.

[fordtrucksforever]

Any of the major manufacturers has decent choices. I shoot a Browning Buckmark, and Ruger Mk III. My next choice will most likely be a Beretta U22. They all have good reviews and quality made. It gets down to personal choice and fitting your hand. Any of these should be worth the investment and last a long time, in no particular order.

Beretta U22
Browning Buckmark
Ruger Mark III
Smith & Wesson 22A
Wather P22 Target

I would prefer a longer barrel variant for shooting small game, plinking and target.

[RockinRiley]

I have the buckmark camper, it is awesome. I have recently shot the ruger though and love it too. Both are fantastic and comes down to personal preference. I right now want to buy a 22 revolver and the sig 1911-22. (but lacking funds I think the old proverb of which hand fills up first will come true!)

[Zane71464]

Originally Posted by Tezz7300

Hello I am new to these fourms and will be on a lot. I recently graduated from college and am looking to purchase one .22 cal LR rimfire pistol. Due to limited funds and the fact I love to shoot I am seeking advice on the best possible pistol for both small game hunting (rabbits, squirrals, etc) and plinking. This leads me to my question I am only able to afford one fun shooter for several years, I shoot a lot and am seeking a gun that will allow several hundred thousand rounds to be put through over the next few years. Typically I run through 2-3k rounds on a average weekend. I have narrowed my choices to 2 particular models the Ruger sp101 revolver in .22 cal or the semi Mark III ruger .22 cal. Do any other owners of these particular models notice problems after short or long periods of time? If so what and what one would you recommend? also how is the quality build of these models and how much do you shoot. Thanks.

Welcome to the Forum Tezz7300.
I own neither of the handguns, but have put several thousands rounds through both. With the MRK III, you'll have to find the right ammo that it likes.

The SP 101 is a very good revolver and I only have one complaint about it and it's the small grip. I have large hands and it just dont fit right.
(Glad to hear I'm not the only one that spends lots'a $'s on .22 ammo!) lol
I shoot the CCI Blazer's in both guns and both are great shooters!

[mr.t7024]

I have the Ruger Mark II Government Model and and the Buckmark. I prefer the Ruger! Cliff

[Brisk44]

I have a Ruger Mark ll and Mark lll. Like em both. the Mark ll is about 20 years old or more. I have shot many thousands of rounds through it and it has held up fine. I can't think of a better choice.

[American Leader]

Tezz, welcome from the GREAT STATE OF IOWA! Browning Buckmark and Ruger Mk III. Can't go wrong with either one. Ruger is generally lower in initial cost. I prefer Buckmark!

[Curlyjoe_99]

+1 for either the buckmark (I Own one and a Challenger III with thousands of rounds through it) or the Ruger Mark XXX series. both are durable multi function (Hunting, target, or plinking) and you can get replacement parts or accessories for either of their newer models online.

I'd recommend that whichever one that you do choose, research the most common parts to wear out and buy them as soon as you can afford to once you buy your pistol. good luck, and good shooting

Curlyjoe

[gvw3]

I have a Ruger Blackhawk single six. Bought it new in 1976. Shoots as good today as it did back then. This gun is dead on. I don't think you can go wrong with a Ruger.

[Tezz7300]

Thanks for all the info everyone I will look into all the verying firearms and than make a decision based all the input.

[CharlieSW]

My son is still shooting his grampa's Ruger MKI, which is older than he is, and he is a '79 model. What is commonly said about Ruger revolvers is that you will not wear one out in two lifetimes. You can not go wrong either way!

[old semperfi]

as per your request.i only see two pistols that would fit this bill.the ruger mark series I,II,or III.my other would not be your 101 but the ruger single six.i have had mine for over thirty years and the only problem i have had is i neglected to tighten a screw and i lost it.ruger sent me one at no charge. old semperfi

[Zane71464]

Originally Posted by Tezz7300

Thanks for all the info everyone I will look into all the verying firearms and than make a decision based all the input.

<<<< the Single Ten's are a FINE unit. I've put "literally" thousands of rounds through mine and not a problem yet!

[ksblazer]

I've fired thousand of rounds through my Browning Buckark that I've owned for 17yrs now. It's the most accurate pistol I own and probably my favorite to shoot.

[Strawdog]

I have been shooting a ruger Mark1 for 20 + years & I bought it used, I had a buckmark, the Mark1 short bull barrel is a lot more rugged, if you shoot a lot of the lead bullets it can jam, quick swab, a little oil and shoot more. The Ruger and The Browning are both great guns. Goodluck.

[kpbkpb]

I bought a ruger mark 111 target pistol, stainless steel, 10 inch bull barrel, in about 1987.
Fantastic pistol. Very accurate, good for squirrels, snakes, rabbits, armadillos,
target shooting etc. It has never jammed in all this time. Had a few misfires due to bad ammo, but that is expected. Can not say enough good about the weapon.
Suggest buying 3 clips (10 rounds each). I paid $187 for mine, but quite a bit more expensive now. But whatever you pay for it you won't be disappointed in the performance or accuracy