Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Advice on 22 auto

A frend at work wants to buy a 22 auto handgun. He has a revolver in 22 and wants to move up to an auto.
After owning most of the variants in the Ruger line, I recomended the 5.5" bull barrel virsion of the MK ll.
My all time favorite is the 4" Bull Barrel MKll, but this is a limited edition, and the 5.5" is probably better for a new start in 22 autos.
Whatcha think? Is this fair advice?
Another that I thought about is the Browning BuckMark with 4" barrel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Virgil B.

ruger most definately

I really like my Buckmark. I had shot both the Browning and the Ruger,before I bought,and ended up with the Buckmark based only on looks.

My Buckmark isn't picky as to what it shoots well,and functions even when VERY dirty.

VBS, The Ruger is an excellent suggestion especially if a trigger job is done by someone like Clark Custom.
Don't forget about the Sig Trailside 6", adjustable sight model. RS

Both are good guns. I own a Browning, but have friends who own Rugers. When I buy my next .22lr pistol, it could very well be a Ruger - but only because I don't have one.



Here are some comparisons based on what I have observed in shooting both...



The Ruger is more robust and durable (less susceptable to damage from abuse). This is NOT to imply that the Browning is fragile.



Dollar-for-dollar, the Browning tends to come with a better trigger.



If you want the lightest gun of the two, it will be a Browning.



If you want to customize grips, it will be easier with the Ruger. You can get lasergrips for the Ruger, but not for the Browning (in case you were wondering).



The Browning will stay reliable longer between detail cleaning than the Ruger.



The Ruger is a little tricky to disassemble and reassemble (until you're used to it), but it can then be cleaned from the rear of the barrel. The Browning must have the barrel removed to clean it from the rear, which is not tricky, but requires tools. This is academic, because both pistols can be cleaned well from the rear without disassembley, using the "Bore Snake".



Both pistols are accurate and well-made. Both come in a wide variety of configurations.



I suggest you take these things into account, look at the whole line of both brands, buy what feels good to you, and prepare to enjoy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



-FreeMe

I've owned a Buckmark for several years now, it's a fine pistol. Not picky about what it eats or how dirty it is. But since acquiring a K22 a couple years back, the old Buckmark just sits patiently in the safe.

I'd get what I have, the Buck Mark with the 5.5 inch barrel. Great balance, solid shooter, not finicky, and a WONDERFUL trigger, straight out of the box. Thinks it's a match gun, wish I could shoot as well as it does!
PJ

I have a Browning 5.5 Field, I love it, much better adjustable trigger, and it comes with a weaver style scope rail, will eat anything you put in it.

The Ruger I had was a bit testy with target ammo, jams and didn't always eject. and the Ruger is a bit tricky to tear down and reassemble as said before, but not impossible gets easier with time.

Both are great guns.

I have a Ruger Mark 2 Competition Target "Slabside" that has to be my favorite firearm..but I also have a Colt Cadet .22 that I like

My bud ended up buying a Ruger MK 11 standard model in stainless w/ 6" barrel.
He says it will bounce a pop can pretty well.
Thanks for the advice,
Virgil B.