Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Buckmark Or Ruger.

Reasonably accurate and reliable 22 semi pistol for truck gun. Ruger or Buckmark.?

flip a coin....

Pretty much where I am. LGS has 3-4 of each used for $300+/- like new. Inclined to try the Buckmark.

That's what I would do.....

Hell, buy 1 each. "$300.00" is a great deal for either one.. From my experience, similar platforms shoot equally well, but buckmark generally has the better trigger... I'm thinking the ruger has it beat in dependability, though, when they get dirty. The Ruger is also easier to clean, as it doesn't require any tools...

..buckmark. My experience has been they have a better trigger out of the box. I have buckmark pistols and a buckmark sporter and target versions of their rifle.

I also have had the rugers....

my .02
dave

I've owned a std. Buckmark for a long time, maybe 25 years. As I recall when I bought it new it cost $178.00.

There's probably been a few but I can't recall any malfunctions and it's been shot a lot. It's more accurate than I can shoot it. The trigger's the best out of the box semiauto handgun trigger I've ever used. It hasn't required a lot of cleaning but that may be because most of the ammo through it has been CCI Mini Mags. I've had good luck with them not fouling much in all semiauto 22s. The only part I've ever replaced is the recoil post buffer, under ten bucks including shipping. It came out in pieces when I was cleaning the gun but the gun had been working fine.

There's different models of Buckmarks and lots of aftermarket parts and accessories but IMO the basic model's pretty good as is.

For all I know the Ruger might be better, I've never shot one.

I owned the ruger and got tired of taking it apart to clean it. It was a royal pain in the button. I bought a buck mark and with the open sides I have yet to have to break it down. Even after thousands of rounds while using a can.

In my experience I'd buy the browning again.

Citori16: I am somewhat new to Browning BuckMarks (started buying and shooting them 5 - 6 years ago) I currently own 5 of them and I LOVE them all.
They are accurate, reliable, good looking, have great triggers and are FUN to shoot!
My current stable of Ruger's includes 12 models including MK-I's. MK-II's, MK-III's and 22/45's.
They are accurate, reliable, good looking, have great triggers and are FUN to shoot!
"Comparable" new models of the Ruger or the BuckMark are each about equally expensive with the Rugers a tad higher.
But if money is an object then on the used market (I have bought most of my BuckMarks on the used market) I think the BuckMarks can more often be found in the "good buy" category in the used market.
I don't know why?
Last week I went with my long time friend and Hunting partner to buy a Browning BuckMark pistol for his Gopher Hunting needs.
He wanted a new gun and we found a beautiful BuckMark with a green barrel and sharp flutes cut in that heavy barrel.
I do not have any idea what the model name/number is but it cost my friend $500.99!
Thats a lot.
There are other new models of the BuckMark that are cheaper than that but that pistol rates very high in the "cool looking department" and will serve my friend perfectly I am sure.
There are other new models of the BuckMark that are cheaper than that one.
One local gunshop that I am familiar with has 4 heavy barrel Rugers in their display case - they are sold out of BuckMarks.
The BuckMarks sell very quickly for this shop - maybe because they are somewhat/slightly less expensive comparably with the Rugers.
Best of luck with whichever you choose but I think you can not go wrong with either.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I haven't tried a Ruger but I have a browning challenger and a buckmark I think would be hard to beat

My experience is they both give good service, so pick the one that feels best to you. If I had to guess based on my small sample size, the Ruger MK2 is probably a bit more reliable and durable than the Buck Mark. A buddy had a MK3 and I did not like it. He had to send it back to Ruger because it would not come apart and they ended up replacing the frame. I have a MK2 gov target model and can take it apart in my sleep, but I have owned it for about 25 years or so. My daughter has a new Buck Mark. Her first was lightly used and malfunctioned all the time. She took it back and has a new one that runs much better. Both are accurate.

Forgot to add, I believe Ruger ships with 2 mags (at least they did 25 years ago). Browning ships with 1 mag and mags are about $30 at a shop and $25 or so online.

Yeah? Well you can only use one at a time......

When it was MK2 vs Buckmark, I think both were great guns but the MK3 was a step backwards.

I've had both, still have the Buckmark.

Do yourself a favor and check out the New Smith & Wesson Victory before you purchase the Ruger or Browning

I also find the Ruger very easy to take apart. It also does not require tools like the buckmark does, for a complete teardown..

Neither. An Advantage Arms 22 conversion for the Glock you already own, or should own.

Bought a Browning Plus UDX last month and it has been great. It seemed better balanced in my hand compared to the Ruger and I liked the grips better.

SS

Seriously? I don't think there is a Glock on the planet with a trigger as nice as any of my Buckmarks out of the box.

Not Glock bashing here. I happen to like them for what they are, which is not target rimfire platforms.

Get a Buckmark grip frame is the registered part if you want a different barrel you just swap it out....Ruger barrel is a registered part of the gun.....

As a lifelong fan of the Ruger 22 auto pistol, I've become a Buckmark convert recently.

If talking new vs new production, I'll take the Buckmark 10 times out of 10.




Dave

You couldn't give me a Buckmark. My 5 1/2" stainless 22/45 does all one needs.

I have had a few different Ruger mk 2 ad Mk1, a browning buckmark, I sold when I had vehicle issues, the browning was lighter, easier to disassemble and re-assemble, more accurate for my form of plinting, that said, I feel ruger would hold up longer, but thats an opinion, not a fact., you'd do ok with either.

My buddy was using his buckmark the other day. It was a jamming sob (probably just dirty). Nonetheless, he left his ruger mkII at home. Different strokes for different folks, but give me my Ruger any day over the buckmark..

Never owned a Buckmark. I have 3 mark 2's. They digest any thing I feed them. No need to change. Hasbeen

I've owned the 22/45, MKII, and Buckmark. Factory barrels, as well as Pac-Lites on each. I think they're about the same in terms of reliability. Rugers seemed to shoot better, but might have been the sight radius, or some difference in sight design that my eyes preferred.

As a side note, the Pac-Lite barrels took a beating on the alloy breech face. I wouldn't buy another and would just get the factory 22/45 Lite instead.

I never cared for the Ruger bolt that you need to pinch, or the goofy grab-ons. The Browning slidebar is a little better in terms of replicating a centerfire pistol for overhand manipulation. You may not care about that aspect, but I was shooting the MKII a lot for awhile and when I switched to my centerfires I found myself pinching the slide and thumbing the heel for mag changes I was shooting the MKII a ton but it was still embarrassing as hell.

For riding in the truck, I got a Charger. It's been a hoot. And I wouldn't mind trying the M&P 22lr Compact. Based on the reports it seems like it's more reliable than the Rugers or Brownings that I've owned and shot.

Buck Mark.

I chose Ruger. But you can't go wrong with either.

Been a MKII fan for 34 years, tried a SS Camper 5 1/2" and really like it. Not a fan of the MKIII, but these folks always putting up Porn pics....like above!

I like my Ruger MKII's but recently acquired a WaltherPPQ..fine auto, accurate and great trigger. Seen them on GunBroker for around $250 will probably sell one of the Rugers for another WaltherPPQ

I like the Buckmark better. The ergonomics make it feel better in my hand. The trigger seems better also. I shot my buddies Ruger and I have a Buckmark. The Ruger is still a nice piece.

What he said. Always been a Ruger guy, especially Mk II, but the new Smith looks like a winner. Got one on layaway at Whittakers.

Pal at the range has a Buckmark and the trigger on his is exceptional. Don't think I've seen it jam, but ammo can make a huge difference. My 22/45 eats about everything, but Fed 550 misfires a good bit. Think I paid about $13.50 so can't complain too much.

New S&W

^redefines rimfire ugly, but it looks to run well from my limited experience watching one at a steel challenge. Hard to beat a Buck Mark or a Ruger for reliability and accuracy, so the Smith has to have ergos you really like to get you to buy one over the Ruger or Browning.

I plan to try one of these in next year or so. I dont care much for the buckmark or the ruger 22/45. The victory seems to combine shooting quantities I prefer with easy take down. It is new, so; fan boys are limited.

The Ruger works out much nicer for QD scope mounting for range time and back to irons in the field. If I could only have one it would be some version of MkIII.

I like the feel and pointing of the Ruger MkII & III and the older Browning's like the challenger and high standard. FWIW, I also like the Luger P08 feel and pointing over the 1911. The 1911 is more durable, just prefer the ergonomics.

This is a common question and lots of fun to read and contribute. The real answer is the OP should sample both if he can or hold and aim both or just go try one. Because - reasonable and reliable, they ALL are that. Truck gun, consider a single 6,7,9, or 10 ruger revolver for the glove box.

not a fan of the ruger because of the cocking 'ears'. Not conducive to shoulder holster carry...





And if red dots and suppressors aren't needed/wanted, THIS kicks ALL their azzes.....

It ain't beautiful, but the easy take-down is a big plus. The trigger is good to go as is. The mag disconnect can be pulled out in about 2 minutes without any permanent modification. Accessory barrels are a part, not a "firearm" like the Ruger, and are available from Volquartsen now for as little as $215. The scope rail has a fixed sight and exchanges with the adjustable sight in seconds with one screw. All in all, there's a lot you can do with minimal fuss.

I like the way my 22/45 shoots, but it's fussy about feeding the first round, the trigger is only fair, and the having to hold the slide release to drop the slide on a loaded mag is a pointless pain in the ass. If the new Smith is as good as its press, the Ruger's going down the road.

If going Ruger, I'd recommend the regular Mk II, if you can find one.

My Micro Buckmark with a custom compensator put a whoopin' on many a Ruger at bowling pin matches. Tried a couple Rugers for pins but would frequently jam or not reset the trigger in rapid fire. Maybe it was just me but it was not an issue after switching to the Browning.
For target shooting or plinking either is fine in my book but I do like the Buckmark ergonomics better.

Kenoh2: I have been on Gopher Safari all week and had occasion to run 200 rounds (Winchester 40 grain Power-Points) through my Ruger MK-III Hunter with red dot sight and 100 rounds (Winchester 40 grain Power-Points) through my Browning BuckMark Gold 5 1/2" barrel with optical scope sight.
I never had a misfire, jam or failure to eject in all 300 rounds.
And accuracy was comparable along with the triggers being equally pleasing.
Longest Gopher kill shot so far this year with the rimfire pistols has been right at 60 yards.
My longest laser confirmed kill shot on Gophers was with my Ruger MK-III and that was 72 yards year before last.
I "carry" both pistols in zippered pistol "rugs" with pockets for ammo and Allen wrench's etc.
Guys, I am so happy with all my Rugers and BuckMarks that I call it a tie from my experiences.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I wasn't meaning to say that Rugers have a jamming or trigger issue in regular use. The problem was probably my "technique" when trying to go warp speed. I haven't shot pins in years... er.. decades and doubt if I have the ability to go that fast anymore anyhow.

Actually, A MKIII Hunter is on my want list unless I can find a reasonably priced Buckmark Varmint or Silhouette in like new condition.

Just bought one of these Friday after reading this post !




It was on sale for $279.99 on Friday and Saturday for the blued version.

Stainless was $319.99.

how easy is the buckmark to break down for complete cleaning? the ruger is somewhat complicated and every time i do it i feel like a monkey screwing a coconut. my ruger seems to gum up easily too.

Here's a pic of my pin gun in retirement. It was topped with a Tasco red dot and was fed Win Super-X almost exclusively. The gunsmith who did the comp must have used red loctite on the front mount screw since I cannot break it loose. As a result, it has never been fully disassembled in tens of thousands of rounds. Still runs like a champ!



The last one I bought was a standard model. If memory serves me correctly, it was $150 on sale with a $50 rebate from Browning.

My Ruger gets the BoreSnake treatment and an occasional dosing with Gunscrubber, followed by a squirt of Break-Free in its innards. Runs fine, once I get that tricky first round loaded straight. Pretty good pistol for $250, actually.

That's weird. I can have my ruger apart in 3 seconds. Clean it in 2 minutes and have it back together again...



Alright, I just cleaned mine since I had a bowling pin shoot yesterday. It wasn't real dirty, but wanted to time myself just to be sure I'm not smoking crack. My numbers were off a bit:

9 seconds to disassemble and 4 minutes and 19 seconds total time to clean it and re-assemble.

Don't forget to look at the Ruger SR22

you need to show me how to do it then.

Late to this talk. I hate Ruger. Its the one I'd buy though, many more aftermarket things available for it for sure. Thats a big reason to me.

Plus the ones we bought way before Bill screwed us, are extremely accurate.

By that I mean a slabside i have somewhere in the safe will shoot wiht standard velocity, under an inch for 10 shots at 50 yards..

I have a Mark III competition (slab side) that will manage 1/2 inch groups at 25 yards with a scope off a rest. A new gun this year.

I shoot the stock trigger and have all the lawyer features that shipped with the gun. call me lazy? But for those who care, all the legal crap can be removed and replaced.

I believe this gun was designed by Bill Ruger and the standard version was his first product. The lawyers and some commie states screwed up the gun. Bill may have passed prior to the MkIII. Dont know, what I do know- It is an EASY fix to get back to a MkII featured gun. There was some improvement in the magazine release. Not the block, that can be backed out.

The MkIII fluted hunter is a really cool looking gun if anyone cares about style.

Shoot both if you can before buying. I had 3 different models of Ruger before I got a Buckmark. I never tried the 22/45.
Many prefer the Ruger.

Mastered the Ruger disasembly as a kid.
Like the 6 7/8" tapered bull bbl the best.
Ideally get a Mk2 and have it D&T, Volq trigger stuff.

I had a Mk1, minty. Let my cuz buy it.......as my old HS Sharpshooter came back up for sale. That thing was wicked.

But my eyes got worse, so it went bye bye.

TC Super 14 scoped proly my next tree rat weapon.

Have shot other HS and the Sharpshooter just felt the best to me (and looked best). I do have a fond spot for two of my dad's .22 handguns..........the Colt Match Target Woodsman 6" and the Don Nygord 1911 with Kart slide.

If laser can fix my eyes maybe I'll run those down the road.
Just put a red dot on my TC .223...........groundhogs in 2 weeks maybe.

Liked my Buckmark reg with 5 1/2" bbl.
Sold it to a bud that shot the sheite out of it, poured ammo through it for yrs, and it ran like a champ.

Like the slab side regular, and the old grip frame. Think a target model with overtravel and adj sear engagement, with the field bbl on it, would be cool. But piecing together one, at today's Buckmark prices............no thanks.

Pops has the 14", and a target 5.5

Rather have the 10" Varmint.....(saw one a few yrs back, dad's buddy scored it cheap- shoulda never told him to look for one LOL).

i was trying to find a 10 inch varmint when i settled for 5.5 field model. it has served well. the 10's had been sold out and unavailable.

kept a ruger mark2 as a truck gun for years. a lot of vermin fell to that pistol.

I have a 22/45 Ruger slab-sided bull barrel, and it was the fixed-sight model that sold for less than 200 bucks. I spent 30 dollars to buy adjustable sights from Ruger, because having to shoot different brands of 22lr (availability) doesn't work for fixed sights...
I have shot the buckmark at the range (a friend's) and thought it was a great gun.
I really think they are on a "par" with one another.
I agree that you couldn't go wrong with either.

The Davidson's "Great Eight" was a nice one.
Old style 22/45 frame.

Hated the old frame. Wish I'd have kept it now (for the swap).

I could get my dad's 14" and have it cut down..........
he has a 5.5 too.

I'd like that w the reg field bbl.

But I dumped my HS Sharpshooter. Hate to admit it, but looks my .22 pistol stuff from now on needs optics. Thought about a new bbl for the HS (man it shot great).........but the classic look of the old gal.......just couldnt stomach putting an optic on her.

So sold her for decent profit.

Just shot mine yesterday morning, the Ruger fed everything fine, the Buckmark coughed on some old ammo... but the funny thing was my S&W 41 was choking on several different flavors of ammo.

Either the Ruger or the Buckmark will serve just fine for almost any use.

I prefer Crimson Trace grips on the Ruger...