accuracy and reliability

[slickest]

I have been looking at three different semi auto .22lr pistols. a S&W 22A, a ruger
MKIII, or a Browning Buckmark.

I guess i want to know from others that have experience what pistol would be the best as far as accuracy and reliability.

I would like to keep open sights so im not sure of how long of a barrel to go with im thinking around 5.5in. the pistol would be for plinking and maybe squirrel hunting.

As far as reliability wich is going to be the easiest to maintain and will last the longest without having to replace any parts?

I guess im looking for accuracy area more than reliability but dont want a peice of junk thats going to jam all the time either.

any suggestions appreciated guys

[Davemuzz]

I have the Buckmark Bullseye Target (It came with the 7+" barrel). The first thing I did was mount a set of Williams Firesights on it. And the second thing I did was put a dab of Blue Loctite on the two screws that hold the top strap on the slide.

Other than that, I've been shooting Federal game shock ammo out of this gun for 5 years and it hasn't missed a beat. I don't clean it more than twice a year. It's accurate as all heck and I just wouldn't get rid of it. I use it during my gun clubs summer action pistol shoots in the rimfire section as well.

Good gun.

Dave

[jcn59]

A friend has a Ruger Mk2 that is very accurate & dependable.  He shoots it lots.  I have a Mk 1 & a Buckmark.  I think the Buckmark is a bit easier to shoot. 

I don't think there is a whogendooble's worth of difference in either gun.  They are rock solid dependable when anywhere near clean, and with the right ammo they will sometimes shoot into an inch at 25 yards.

[Bigeasy]

Slickest-
 
Never owned a Buckmark, but had a Friend in the early 80's who did.  Gun was in-accurate, about 4 inches at 25 yards with a scope.  Not a tree reat head shot gun.  He sent it to Browning, and they sent it back stating it was within accrracy standards.   Kind of soured me to the Buckmarks series, though I know one sample from 25 years ago is not an accurate representitive of the line.

I have 2 heavy barrel Ruger Mark 2's, one with a scope, and one without.  Both are more accurate then I can hold, and have accounted for more bushytails, rabbits, and tin cans then I can count.

Again, never owned a Smith 21A, but I have a heavy barrel model #41 target auto.  It makes a decent shot look great, has the best trigger I have seen in a handgun, and that beautiful Smith high gloss blue.  I don't know if they are still made, but a nice used one is about $600 in this area.  I always wanted to really see what mine could do, but never had the guts to drill it for a scope.

Larry

[slickest]

Wich one out of the ruger or browning will be easier to get aftermarket grips for? both the models i like from both manufactures do not include ambidextrous grips and i need them since im a lefty.

[jcn59]

My black plastic factory Buckmark grips are ambidextrous.

[slickest]

I was looking at the 5.5 target model and seen they are not ambidextrous and thats kind of the pistol i want.

[chim]

The 5.5 Target still wears the standard size grips.  MGW or one of them had lefty Nill grips listed a while back for a reasonable price.  They're still available from Nill.  A bit pricey but super.

[slim rem 7]

 the buckmark i shot was the best 22 ive ever wrapped my paws around..gonna have me one someday.. every time i see somebody
about to buy one ..i want it more.. balanced well like a browning.
 no im not a browning advocate ..little rich for my likes but never handled one that the balance didn t just grab my attention. jmo slim

[mattmillerrx]

I have had a Buckmark for years, it was my first handgun.  The one I have has an adjustable trigger,  which being a kid when I got it, I did not even know it was there until about 2 yrs ago when I broke it down for a cleaning and noticed a hole in the back under the slide I had not seen before.  It was great before I adjusted it but is perfect now.  I scoped it around the same time and it will group 3/8 of an inch off a casual rest at 25 yrds with aguila match rifle ammo ( don't be fooled by the match--it is cheap ammo--lots of duds though)  Even the bulk pack stuff is around 3/4 inch.  It has never jammed in the 15 yrs I have had it.  The only reliability issues are with the ammo duds.

[irold]

Not sure if you've made your decision yet....I just got my Mark III , so far cant' say anything bad about it.  I had the same questions you did.....my decision was based on which one fit me the best ,  my experience with the manufactures , and last, where it was made and what it was made of.  The Buckmark is a fine firearm....its frame is an alloy of some type....the Ruger is steel  ( good or bad ? )The ruger is made in the U.S. ,  I know the Browning says Utah on it....but been told thats not where they're actually made , they're imported from somewhere ??    (thats not fact , hearsay )  I Like to keep our boys in the U.S working when I can.  A lot of people complain about the cleaning process of the Ruger...I just disassembled mine the other day....Its not something you want to tackle with out a manual...however , i watched the video on Rugers web first...read the manual , followed the directions , and it went pretty smooth.  I would imagine the next time will be easier...and even easier as time goes on.  I've had nothing but good luck with my Rugers....yea, had to send my SRH back ( it come back better than new , believe they did a trigger job on it ? ) , but for the years I've had Rugers , one isn't bad. And they did take care of me.   As has been said before , probably either one of your choices would be excellant.....some just prefer one over another.

Good Luck....regards

[Old Griz]

Had a Ruger Mk.II that jammed with everything but CCI Blazers. Plus it was a major pain in the nether regions to reassemble.  Between your choices I'd go with the Buckmark. However, wheelguns are the way to go! (Yes, I'm biased!) 

[Ladobe]

High Standard HD Military 6 3/4.   

Sorry, but that's my pick.    I've owned several Ruger's, a couple of AMT's, a couple of S&W 41's, 3-4 Colt Woodsman, a Colt Ace, couple of Beretta's and who knows how many cheap/small belly guns over the last 40-45 years.   Still have the HSHDM and one Beretta, but none of the others.