Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A?

skydog576 · 05-10-2009, 12:36 PM

I'm trying to decide which gun would be better to buy. I have read various reviews and the S&W 22A is ammo picky. Nothing but very round nose ammo, will feed reliably. Is the Ruger the same way?

I know the Ruger is hard to takedown, but S&W is not (+1 for S&W). The Ruger is said to be slightly more accurate (+1 for Ruger). S&W cost less (+1 for S&W).

So, it basically comes down to which one feeds ammo better...no fun fighting ammo when trying to shoot...and fun is what I want to have with this gun!

Anybody have experience with both the Ruger and S&W 22A?

retired grunt · 05-10-2009, 12:59 PM

I have shot everything from eley subsonics to federal bulk packs in my Ruger MkIII I have never had a malfunction! It truly is a great shooter with superb accuracy regardless of the ammo I feed it. I have never shot the S&W therefore I have no opinion on them

TOOHSOTKIL · 05-10-2009, 01:05 PM

The 22A is garbage.

Teejay9 · 05-10-2009, 01:15 PM

Well, if you're for a good looking pistol, the Ruger is all steel and very nice. Comes in a variety of barrel lengths and stainless models as well (+2 for the Ruger). The S&W is, what Plastic? It is what it is. The S&W is cheaper than the standard 4 1/2 Ruger, but ugly (at least to me). You can buy extra grips for the Ruger and it's rugged. I would venture to say that the S&W isn't in the same league as a Ruger Standard, but if you don't have the funds, or just like it's looks, then up to you. I'd get a used Ruger before I got the S&W. TJ

pawn · 05-10-2009, 02:07 PM

I don't have any experience with the 22A but am a big fan of Ruger MKII or III. Take down is not all that difficult after you've done it a time or two. If possible, get to a range that rents each -- try them both and decide for yourself.

Good luck!

~pawn

Lotsdragon · 05-10-2009, 02:31 PM

Ruger, I have both and the Ruger is much more fun, true takes a couple more steps to take it apart, but the quality is just much higher. dont know what has happened to the quality dept at smith and wesson. I have two smith wheel guns that I love but as far as auto's go I wouldnt buy one by smith.Remember you get what you pay for.

hiredhand · 05-10-2009, 04:02 PM

Everyone has an opinion about which gun is more accurate. The thing I have noticed is that no one has posted proof ----- read as targets with groups shot.
No gun is any more accurate than the shooter!
But I do happen to like the Smith 22 S or A series of guns. To prove my point go to page 3 and scroll down to the title "Smith 22S Accuracy" by hiredhand. You will find the results of what these guns will do. The result was not unique as several 22 A's & S's have come very close to this result. And all have feed various brands of ammunition, probably over 20 different types, brands, weights, and bullet styles with no problems.
If any of your shooting buddies own the two guns you are interested in you might want to shoot them and see for yourself what feels good and gives you the best confidence.
As an FYI, the 22 S & A series are made in the same factory as the Smith Model 42.
Would I turn my nose up at a Ruger? Most likely not. But then again I like the results of the 22S. And by the way, the factory trigger on the Smith is head and shoulders above the Ruger.
But if you are looking for a factory tack-driver then spend a couple of more bucks and buy a High Standard in the Victor or Citation styles. Now these are accurate 22 rimfire pistols!

PPK 32 · 05-10-2009, 05:51 PM

My first new .22 auto was a S&W 22A. It did nothing but tick me off. Gun shot high, could not get it dialed down. Sent it to S&W where they bent the rear sight down--real precision adjustment. Got it back only to have it do the same thing. Also while shooting at the range the bottom of one of the mags fell apart--made of plastic, of course. The gun never shot well, accuracy wise, it did feed just about anything. I finally sold it. Bought a Ruger MK II competition target, can't say enough positive about it, which led to buying the MK III also, like that one too. Yes Ruger is tricky on the breakdown and reassembly, but once ya get it, its a peice of cake. Plenty of people here who can help you. Don't waste your money on a 22A. I know of three other people who have bought these things and dumped em.
My Rugers eat anything ya can feed them, except that crappy Remington Thunderbolt which no gun can eat.

Tom Militano · 05-10-2009, 07:18 PM

I had both a Ruger and a S&W 22A. I had the same problem with the 22A shooting high. Sent it back to the factory and six weeks later I got the piece of junk back. They did the same thing, bent the rear sight down. It was a piece of crap and I liked it so much I gave it away. It wouldn't shoot a group I'd show anybody either. By the way, I retired from the All Army Eastern Region Rifle and Pistol Team and have shot on a national record setting pistol team and the All Army Championships pistol team. My old S&W Model 41 is a tack driver, but the 22A isn't worth the box it's comes in. My Ruger never has a hiccup, it just keeps on shooting whatever I feed it.

olmossbak · 05-10-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOOHSOTKIL

The 22A is garbage.

+1 absolutely. I now have a 22a after giving my old MKII to my son. The 22a, while reasonably accurate, is a POS from the word go. Mine has been returned because the barrel hook (the piece of cast metal that hooks to the frame) broke off. The Ruger is a solidly built pistol far superior to the S&W. I do also own a 586 for which I have high regard. It's a shame S&W put their name on the 22A

Tom Militano · 05-11-2009, 01:51 PM

When I called the S&W factory where I had returned the 22A for repair I talked to the man in charge and he told me they didn't have any "Gunsmiths" there, just repairmen. I have some older S&W revolvers and a old model 41 S&W .22 which is a tack driver, but I think their newer stuff leaves a lot to be desired.

pinecone70 · 05-11-2009, 02:11 PM

I agree with everyone else here about S&W, if you want to get a decent one, get an older model. I have a 422 that is probably the best gun in my collection, very accurate. I got it used a few years ago, I believe it's a late 1980s serial number.

PPK 32 · 05-11-2009, 02:11 PM

I have some older S&W revolvers and a old model 41 S&W .22 which is a tack driver, but I think their newer stuff leaves a lot to be desired.[/QUOTE]

+1 I would and have bought older S&W autos and a revolver, but will not buy their newer autos. The old 41s are good guns.

mikengracie · 05-12-2009, 10:20 PM

I have two MKII's and a M41. The M41 hands down the better pistol. Feel, trigger accuracy. I almost bought a 22A for my daughter but didn't like it at all. Shot a new rental and it wasn't all that accurate and picky with ammo. MKII's are accurate enough but not near the target gun of the M41.

RonC1 · 05-15-2009, 08:45 PM

I recommend both, if you can afford it. I did.

My S&W 22A is a bit picky on ammo, likes stuff with burn rate like the Federal AutoMatch, or whatever they are calling it now.

The barrel hook was cast on the early models. It is now steel and pinned. No breakage there.

I maintain, for accuracy, the 22A does not take a back seat to my Mk II. I have both short and long barrels for my 22A. With an inexpensive red dot on the short barrel (that is 4",) the gun is better than I am.

I like the Mk II also but I more often take the 22A to the range for fun.

gazzmann · 05-16-2009, 08:25 PM

Got 3 of the Ruger MK's and would buy another. No problems at all.

jacksonco · 05-16-2009, 09:39 PM

I ahve a S&W 22A and it has been an A1 sooter. I put a Tasco Pro Point red dot sight on it and it is dead on accurate. As far as ammo, the only ammo I have run through it has been the Federal 22LR HP bulk packs. Gun is easy to tear down and maintain. I would not hestitate to get another if the need were to arise.

Can't comment on the Ruger MK's as I don't have one and have never shot one.

Jeff

user · 05-17-2009, 11:18 AM

http://www.vaguntrader.com/view_topi...611&forum_id=3

Teejay9 · 05-18-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksonco

I ahve a S&W 22A and it has been an A1 sooter. I put a Tasco Pro Point red dot sight on it and it is dead on accurate. As far as ammo, the only ammo I have run through it has been the Federal 22LR HP bulk packs. Gun is easy to tear down and maintain. I would not hestitate to get another if the need were to arise.

Can't comment on the Ruger MK's as I don't have one and have never shot one.

Jeff

You don't know what you're missing! They're great fun and so well built. You have to have a friend or some one that will let you put a few rounds through theirs. After that, look at all the different styles and extras. I'm sure you'll like them, if you like .22s TJ

MAX100 · 05-19-2009, 02:03 AM

Browning BuckMark!

GC

Suwannee Tim · 05-19-2009, 05:47 AM

I have a couple of High Standards I am very pleased with. They are designed to feel like a 1911, if you are a 1911 shooter this is a big advantage. The Ruger has a steep grip angle that does not appeal to me. High Standard is back in business. You can strip a High Standard in about 10 seconds. Try that with a Ruger.

Teejay9 · 05-19-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suwannee Tim

I have a couple of High Standards I am very pleased with. They are designed to feel like a 1911, if you are a 1911 shooter this is a big advantage. The Ruger has a steep grip angle that does not appeal to me. High Standard is back in business. You can strip a High Standard in about 10 seconds. Try that with a Ruger.

Well, that is a draw back

. To each his own, but I don't like that plastic stuff. You can't really fault High Standard, they're great, too. TJ

RonC1 · 05-19-2009, 06:34 PM

Um. The stripping of a High Standard, (at least the old ones,) is very similar to the 22A or maybe it should be the other way around since HS got there first. Push a button and lift the barrel off, then lift off the bolt/slide and viola.

Suwannee Tim · 05-20-2009, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonC1

Um. The stripping of a High Standard, (at least the old ones,) is very similar to the 22A or maybe it should be the other way around since HS got there first. Push a button and lift the barrel off, then lift off the bolt/slide and viola.

The new High Standards are identical to the old ones.

ARB · 05-20-2009, 12:32 PM

All this is good to know since I was about to post the same question. I have never owned a .22 pistol and have an immediate hunger for one. 'My' gunshop has the 22A and it looked and felt a little to chunky for a .22 pistol. I was however, attracted to the price. Then again, as S&W usually has crazy prices on their firearms why is this one so cheap? Makes you wonder.

05-10-2009, 12:36 PM	#1
skydog576 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Columbus, Georgia Posts: 6	Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I'm trying to decide which gun would be better to buy. I have read various reviews and the S&W 22A is ammo picky. Nothing but very round nose ammo, will feed reliably. Is the Ruger the same way? I know the Ruger is hard to takedown, but S&W is not (+1 for S&W). The Ruger is said to be slightly more accurate (+1 for Ruger). S&W cost less (+1 for S&W). So, it basically comes down to which one feeds ammo better...no fun fighting ammo when trying to shoot...and fun is what I want to have with this gun! Anybody have experience with both the Ruger and S&W 22A? -->

05-10-2009, 12:59 PM	#2
retired grunt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Northern NY Posts: 416	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I have shot everything from eley subsonics to federal bulk packs in my Ruger MkIII I have never had a malfunction! It truly is a great shooter with superb accuracy regardless of the ammo I feed it. I have never shot the S&W therefore I have no opinion on them

05-10-2009, 01:05 PM	#3
TOOHSOTKIL V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Curracus Posts: 318	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? The 22A is garbage.

05-10-2009, 01:15 PM	#4
Teejay9 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Southwest Corner of the US, "Where no stinking fence will stop us!!" Posts: 1,257	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Well, if you're for a good looking pistol, the Ruger is all steel and very nice. Comes in a variety of barrel lengths and stainless models as well (+2 for the Ruger). The S&W is, what Plastic? It is what it is. The S&W is cheaper than the standard 4 1/2 Ruger, but ugly (at least to me). You can buy extra grips for the Ruger and it's rugged. I would venture to say that the S&W isn't in the same league as a Ruger Standard, but if you don't have the funds, or just like it's looks, then up to you. I'd get a used Ruger before I got the S&W. TJ

05-10-2009, 02:07 PM	#5
pawn Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 1,469	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I don't have any experience with the 22A but am a big fan of Ruger MKII or III. Take down is not all that difficult after you've done it a time or two. If possible, get to a range that rents each -- try them both and decide for yourself. Good luck! ~pawn __________________ Take care when you get information. The truth is generally seen, rarely heard. -Balthasar Gracian

05-10-2009, 02:31 PM	#6
Lotsdragon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Potosi, Mo Posts: 813	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Ruger, I have both and the Ruger is much more fun, true takes a couple more steps to take it apart, but the quality is just much higher. dont know what has happened to the quality dept at smith and wesson. I have two smith wheel guns that I love but as far as auto's go I wouldnt buy one by smith.Remember you get what you pay for.

05-10-2009, 04:02 PM	#7
hiredhand Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 7	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Everyone has an opinion about which gun is more accurate. The thing I have noticed is that no one has posted proof ----- read as targets with groups shot. No gun is any more accurate than the shooter! But I do happen to like the Smith 22 S or A series of guns. To prove my point go to page 3 and scroll down to the title "Smith 22S Accuracy" by hiredhand. You will find the results of what these guns will do. The result was not unique as several 22 A's & S's have come very close to this result. And all have feed various brands of ammunition, probably over 20 different types, brands, weights, and bullet styles with no problems. If any of your shooting buddies own the two guns you are interested in you might want to shoot them and see for yourself what feels good and gives you the best confidence. As an FYI, the 22 S & A series are made in the same factory as the Smith Model 42. Would I turn my nose up at a Ruger? Most likely not. But then again I like the results of the 22S. And by the way, the factory trigger on the Smith is head and shoulders above the Ruger. But if you are looking for a factory tack-driver then spend a couple of more bucks and buy a High Standard in the Victor or Citation styles. Now these are accurate 22 rimfire pistols! __________________ I never saw a situation where money made it worse

05-10-2009, 05:51 PM	#8
PPK 32 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Frickin, Illinois Posts: 1,170	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? My first new .22 auto was a S&W 22A. It did nothing but tick me off. Gun shot high, could not get it dialed down. Sent it to S&W where they bent the rear sight down--real precision adjustment. Got it back only to have it do the same thing. Also while shooting at the range the bottom of one of the mags fell apart--made of plastic, of course. The gun never shot well, accuracy wise, it did feed just about anything. I finally sold it. Bought a Ruger MK II competition target, can't say enough positive about it, which led to buying the MK III also, like that one too. Yes Ruger is tricky on the breakdown and reassembly, but once ya get it, its a peice of cake. Plenty of people here who can help you. Don't waste your money on a 22A. I know of three other people who have bought these things and dumped em. My Rugers eat anything ya can feed them, except that crappy Remington Thunderbolt which no gun can eat. __________________ -Every road leads to a town, every town has a tavern, therefore you are never really lost. -If you are gonna be stupid, you'd better be tough. Jim Parrish Last edited by PPK 32; 05-10-2009 at 07:38 PM.. Reason: Left out info

05-10-2009, 07:18 PM	#9
Tom Militano Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 1,255	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I had both a Ruger and a S&W 22A. I had the same problem with the 22A shooting high. Sent it back to the factory and six weeks later I got the piece of junk back. They did the same thing, bent the rear sight down. It was a piece of crap and I liked it so much I gave it away. It wouldn't shoot a group I'd show anybody either. By the way, I retired from the All Army Eastern Region Rifle and Pistol Team and have shot on a national record setting pistol team and the All Army Championships pistol team. My old S&W Model 41 is a tack driver, but the 22A isn't worth the box it's comes in. My Ruger never has a hiccup, it just keeps on shooting whatever I feed it.

05-11-2009, 01:51 PM	#11
Tom Militano Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 1,255	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? When I called the S&W factory where I had returned the 22A for repair I talked to the man in charge and he told me they didn't have any "Gunsmiths" there, just repairmen. I have some older S&W revolvers and a old model 41 S&W .22 which is a tack driver, but I think their newer stuff leaves a lot to be desired.

05-11-2009, 02:11 PM	#12
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I agree with everyone else here about S&W, if you want to get a decent one, get an older model. I have a 422 that is probably the best gun in my collection, very accurate. I got it used a few years ago, I believe it's a late 1980s serial number. __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

05-12-2009, 10:20 PM	#14
mikengracie Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I have two MKII's and a M41. The M41 hands down the better pistol. Feel, trigger accuracy. I almost bought a 22A for my daughter but didn't like it at all. Shot a new rental and it wasn't all that accurate and picky with ammo. MKII's are accurate enough but not near the target gun of the M41.

05-15-2009, 08:45 PM	#15
RonC1 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 33	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I recommend both, if you can afford it. I did. My S&W 22A is a bit picky on ammo, likes stuff with burn rate like the Federal AutoMatch, or whatever they are calling it now. The barrel hook was cast on the early models. It is now steel and pinned. No breakage there. I maintain, for accuracy, the 22A does not take a back seat to my Mk II. I have both short and long barrels for my 22A. With an inexpensive red dot on the short barrel (that is 4",) the gun is better than I am. I like the Mk II also but I more often take the 22A to the range for fun.

05-16-2009, 08:25 PM	#16
gazzmann V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: So. Fla. Posts: 146	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Got 3 of the Ruger MK's and would buy another. No problems at all.

05-16-2009, 09:39 PM	#17
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I ahve a S&W 22A and it has been an A1 sooter. I put a Tasco Pro Point red dot sight on it and it is dead on accurate. As far as ammo, the only ammo I have run through it has been the Federal 22LR HP bulk packs. Gun is easy to tear down and maintain. I would not hestitate to get another if the need were to arise. Can't comment on the Ruger MK's as I don't have one and have never shot one. Jeff

05-17-2009, 11:18 AM	#18
user Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern piedmont of Va. and Middle of Nowhere, West Virginia Posts: 1,013	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? http://www.vaguntrader.com/view_topi...611&forum_id=3 __________________ ===== Daniel L. Hawes - 540 347 2430 - HTTP://www.VirginiaLegalDefense.com By the way, nothing I say on this website as "user" should be taken as either advertising for attorney services or legal advice. Everyone having a question regarding the application of law to the facts of their situation should seek the advice of an attorney competent in the subject matter of the issues presented and licensed to practice in the relevant state.

05-19-2009, 02:03 AM	#20
MAX100 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SC Posts: 8	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Browning BuckMark! GC

05-19-2009, 05:47 AM	#21
Suwannee Tim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,227	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? I have a couple of High Standards I am very pleased with. They are designed to feel like a 1911, if you are a 1911 shooter this is a big advantage. The Ruger has a steep grip angle that does not appeal to me. High Standard is back in business. You can strip a High Standard in about 10 seconds. Try that with a Ruger. Last edited by Suwannee Tim; 05-19-2009 at 05:53 AM..

05-19-2009, 06:34 PM	#23
RonC1 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 33	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? Um. The stripping of a High Standard, (at least the old ones,) is very similar to the 22A or maybe it should be the other way around since HS got there first. Push a button and lift the barrel off, then lift off the bolt/slide and viola.

05-20-2009, 12:32 PM	#25
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	Re: Ruger Mark III or S&W 22A? All this is good to know since I was about to post the same question. I have never owned a .22 pistol and have an immediate hunger for one. 'My' gunshop has the 22A and it looked and felt a little to chunky for a .22 pistol. I was however, attracted to the price. Then again, as S&W usually has crazy prices on their firearms why is this one so cheap? Makes you wonder.