First .22 Semi-Auto Recommendation

R Mac

R Mac

Joined
Jan 21, 2014
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106
Thinking about buying a .22 Semi-Auto for training and shooting proficiency. I already have a Ruger SR-9 that I bought in 2013 before Maryland changed it's handgun laws, but I have yet to fire it.

I know the Browning Buck Mark and Ruger Mark III in their various configurations are very popular, but I figure there might be some other brands and models worth consideration.
Your thoughts and recommendations please.
 
If I'm remembering my pistols correctly, the Buckmark requires removal of the rear sights to facilitate disassembly and cleaning. And while that might not be a big deal for some, it's a strike against it to me. I'm going to second the Ruger for that reason.
 
Any Ruger pistol will serve you well, just a matter of picking what you want since there are so many models.
 
If your looking for a trainer to closely mimic your SR9 Id recommend the SR22. If you want a fun, very accurate pistol go for the MKIII. Here's a few of mine.


 
Check out the Ruger SR-22P (not the rifle, obviously :)) Mine shoots a wide variety of ammo very reliably.

The Ruger 22/45, Mark 3 models are awesome too, but the learning curve on those pistols (disassembly/reassembly) is a bit higher.

I have both and enjoy them a lot.

ETA: wtlj, great minds think alike, haha. :thumbup:
 
CZ 75 or SP01 with the Kadet conversion. The Kadet is CZ's dedicated .22LR conversion kit that comes with the slide, barrel, and mags. You'll end up spending a bit more, but you also get a centerfire firearm out of it.
 
SR22 will feed anything more consistently than any other .22 autoloading pistol out there. I love the Ruger standard and Ruger MkII (mine is a Mk II Government Target), but they won't reliably cycle any and all ammo like the SR22. The SR22 is the way to go for a first .22 autoloading pistol.

Ruger.JPG

Rgr%2520Mk1.jpg

Ruger%2520Standard%2520%2526%2520MkII.jpg
 
Leghog, that Govt Target is my favorite. Had one NIB, both manuals and test target, should have never sold it. Always preferred the Mkll to the Mklll's and the 22/45's. All very fine however.



 
If you can find one at a Pawn Shop or Gun Trader, I'd suggest the Model 422 S&W target model with 6" barrel. Cycles flawlessly with almost any ammo, light as a feather due to the aluminum frame, and it as or more accurate than most target pistols costing 3 times as much. Besides that it fun as heck to shoot:D

S_W_422_Outside_One.jpg

You won't be dissapointed.
 
It's very hard to beat either the Ruger Mk series or the Browning Buckmark.
I have several Rugers and a Buckmark...they both shoot wonderful.
 
either one of those would be a great choice I shot both quite a bit the longer barrel target models are a blast to shoot and you will be surprised with there accuracy. I will say in my opinion and it is only my opinion there is no 22 that shoots like a 9mm and I have never found practicing with them to be very beneficial. the sr 22 will be most similar to your sr9. but if the sr9 is what you plan to carry my advice would be to spend some money on the ammo and get very familiar with it. With that said 22s are a blast to shoot and I highly recommend either the browning or ruger, just don't count on them to make you better with your sr9.
 
I'll still take a Buckmark any day of the week over a Ruger




I like my GSG 1911 conversion too. Double taps are so much fun suppressed
 
wtlj said:
If your looking for a trainer to closely mimic your SR9 Id recommend the SR22. If you want a fun, very accurate pistol go for the MKIII. Here's a few of mine.


Click to expand...

This is NICE!!! You just cant go wrong with a Ruger.
 
Had two Buckmarks. Thought the first might be a dud so gave the model another chance. Both were jam-o-matics. Often see the same on the range I CRSO/RSO.
 
I am a huge fan of the Rugers.

I have a Ruger MarkI. I have been shooting it for over 23 years? and I believe it was old when I got it.

I figure I may have put as much as 50,000 thousand rounds through it?

My pops has a MarkII 10 inch bull, and my brother a 6.5 inch stainless government slab side.
 
When they say you can't go wrong with a Ruger, they ain't lying!!

I've had this little fella for over 40 years. All three of my children, and two grandchildren learned to shoot on it and I can't count how many thousands of rounds have been down the tube. It''s been on camping trips, canoe trips, traveled the whole U.S. on car trips. Never had a problem out of it. I've never had a another handgun absorb the amount of ammo that how one has, without a part replacement/repair now and then. Gotta go Ruger!

16557622660_16caa4ba84_c.jpg
 
Charlie_K said:
If I'm remembering my pistols correctly, the Buckmark requires removal of the rear sights to facilitate disassembly and cleaning. And while that might not be a big deal for some, it's a strike against it to me. I'm going to second the Ruger for that reason.
Click to expand...
If you are willing to accept the risks associated with cleaning from the muzzle, this is a non-issue. Since I do that with all my revolvers, it doesn't bother me much. I prefer the Ruger Mark II but will take a Buckmark over a Mark III.

poleclimber said:
I will say in my opinion and it is only my opinion there is no 22 that shoots like a 9mm and I have never found practicing with them to be very beneficial.
Click to expand...
This is where the things like the CZ Kadet and Colt Ace come into their own. The barrel and magazine are different but the receiver, trigger, sear, and other controls are the same, so it equates to cheap trigger time with lower recoil and muzzle blast, which helps in not developing a flinch reflex. I specifically chose a SIG/Sauer P229R with their .22 LR conversion for this very purpose. Add to this the ease with which one changes top ends on the SIG platform and it was a no-brainer.
 
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