Sidearms & Scatterguns 22 Pistol?

[TheBigCountry]

What is a good, reliable, 22 pistol for general plinking and training? I am looking at the Ruger MKIV 22/45, but wanted to know if there is anything else on the market to look at? I have shot the Taurus TX22 or whatever they call it, but am not entirely sold on the Taurus brand.

 

[AngryKoala]

What is a good, reliable, 22 pistol for general plinking and training? I am looking at the Ruger MKIV 22/45, but wanted to know if there is anything else on the market to look at? I have shot the Taurus TX22 or whatever they call it, but am not entirely sold on the Taurus brand.

Reviews I've read place the Taurus in front of the glock (plus no threaded barrel and plastic slide...wtf glock). I personally like the browning buckmark (older model), not sure if the newer ones have a retaining pin to stop the firing pin from striking the breech face (dry firing bad). The newer ones may have it the older ones definitely did not.

Also had a ruger mark 3 target which had the heavier barrel. It was fun as hell and really accurate (does get kind of heavy after extended use/aiming in one range session).

If you like the 1911 grip angle then I don't think you will find a better option than the mark 4 22/45 lite. Has a quick take down and suppressor ready. They are hard to get right now so prices may be inflated. A few have popped up here and there on AR15.com EE

 

[DIBBS]

Ruger Mark II Government. I would avoid Taurus. The S&W Model 41 is also very nice

 

[Kamerad]

Taurus TX22 is a winner.

ETA: I’m not sold on the Taurus brand either. I bought a TX22 on the recommendation of a buddy of mine that runs the LGS. He recommended it without reservation, and I concur.

 

[FuhQ]

What is a good, reliable, 22 pistol for general plinking and training? I am looking at the Ruger MKIV 22/45, but wanted to know if there is anything else on the market to look at? I have shot the Taurus TX22 or whatever they call it, but am not entirely sold on the Taurus brand.

Ruger MK-IV 22/45 Tactical, FN 502, S&W M&P Compact 22 are all good options.

I'd avoid Taurus as a brand entirely...For anything weapons related.

Here's my .22 pistol... With the right ammo and good metal magazines, it's extremely reliable. Prohibitively expensive compared to just buying a .22 pistol from one of the other brands, unless you already have a 1911 pistol to use the frame for a host...Which I did. But damn, the John Wick cool-factor is certainly through the roof... And it's damn quiet, too!

 

[AngryKoala]

Ruger MK-IV 22/45 Tactical, FN 502, S&W M&P Compact 22 are all good options.

I'd avoid Taurus as a brand entirely...For anything weapons related.

Here's my .22 pistol... With the right ammo and good metal magazines, it's extremely reliable. Prohibitively expensive compared to just buying a .22 pistol from one of the other brands, unless you already have a 1911 pistol to use the frame for a host...Which I did. But damn, the John Wick cool-factor is certainly through the roof... And it's damn quiet, too!

I think the FN 502 is made by Umarex, I would avoid that one.

 

[Kamerad]

I think the FN 502 is made by Umarex, I would avoid that one.

Why would you avoid Umarex?

 

[AngryKoala]

Why would you avoid Umarex?

Buddy had one (MP5 clone) that was hot garbage but maybe he got a lemon. It did feel nicer than the GSG but had function issues.

 

[Kamerad]

Buddy had one (MP5 clone) that was hot garbage but maybe he got a lemon. It did feel nicer than the GSG but had function issues.

Oh - yeah, maybe he did. My HK 416 D branded Umarex has been excellent.

 

[AngryKoala]

Oh - yeah, maybe he did. My HK 416 D branded Umarex has been excellent.

I've steered clear of their products ever since but maybe I need to give them a shot again.

 

[308ftWIN]

I hear good things about the M&P22 Compact, but have never shot one. I like my Buckmark as well.

 

[SDBguy95]

I hear good things about the M&P22 Compact, but have never shot one. I like my Buckmark as well.

They are really fun pistols. 10 round mags are standard but I believe you can find magazine extensions that allow a couple more rounds. I had a GSG .22 1911 that was absolute garbage, and ended up going with the M&P compact. The M&P is a win for sure.

 

[elwarpo]

Ruger mk 2 and 3 are awesome, reliable pistols that are a total pain to take down. Mk 4 solved the takedown issues, but I have not tried one so can not recommend it. S&W 22a is junk. I has a Puma 1911-22 thst was fun to shoot.

 

[GoingTheDistance]

Years ago during the Ruger/Buckmark debate, I couldn't decide which one so I bought both, a Ruger mark III 22/45 and a Browning Buckmark Contour. Shot them both side by side and in the end sold the Ruger (because of take down issues). Love my Buckmark!

 

[308guru]

Also have a look at the Smith & Wesson SW22. I love mine and it has been 100% reliable.
It has also picked up quite a bit of aftermarket support from TandemKross.

 

[502Chevelle]

We got a Ruger 22/45 for my son years ago and it has been so much fun. I will say they are a PIA to strip and clean, so our cleaning has turned into a good spray down with Gunscrubber aerosol cleaner. Has worked pretty good so far. Would highly recommend the Ruger. I like it so much, that when he takes it, I will replace it with another one for me.

 

[johnnyvw]

I don't know why everyone has so much issue with the older Rugers, in this day and age of online videos. Or do what I did...buy 6 of them, and clean them all at the same time. After the first one or two, you'll have it down pat LOL

 

[Hoser]

A Ruger Mark IV is hard to beat, but dont overlook a Smith 617 revo.

 

[E. Bryant]

The Ruger Mark IV remains the gold standard in the affordable end of the semi-auto market, IMO. Buy whichever config you prefer, drop in a Volquartsen Accurizing Kit, and then feed it as much ammo as you can find/afford. If you can find a deal on a used Mark II or III, they are also good, and they last forever (the disassembly/re-assembly process will also teach patience).

The FN 502 looks promising; I picked up one last week and like it so far. Check back in another 100,000 rounds.

The Glock 44 successfully emulates its centerfire big brothers in that it works when the trigger is pulled but otherwise fails to stir any emotion. I'd feel better about the value proposition if a threaded barrel was included as standard equipment instead of costing an extra $150.

 

[E. Bryant]

I don't know why everyone has so much issue with the older Rugers, in this day and age of online videos. Or do what I did...buy 6 of them, and clean them all at the same time. After the first one or two, you'll have it down pat LOL

Mark IIs indeed aren't bad with a bit of practice. The Mark III with its magazine safety adds a whole 'nother level of potential frustration. It's another good reason to add the Volquartsen kit.

 

[Old Man with Gun]

The fixed barrels like the Ruger MK and Browning Buckmark tend to be the best for reliability, accuracy and value.

I don't like the MKII because of the bottom magazine release, but MKIII and MKIV are excellent out of the box with amazing aftermarket support.

Buckmark is also excellent, I perfer the Rugers, but own both.

 

[Clayman]

Taurus TX22 is the only thing good that Taurus makes.

 

[AirgunnerPCP]

Also have a look at the Smith & Wesson SW22. I love mine and it has been 100% reliable.
It has also picked up quite a bit of aftermarket support from TandemKross.

I second this. Mine has been reliable after I did the ejector fix (quick 2min job). Eats anything I've thrown at it so far.

 

[MikeinTexas]

Another vote for the Ruger22/45. I’ve had five of them at one point or another, down two of them now. I have the older MKIII version and removed the mag safety making it much easier to assemble and disassemble. I got the tactical solution upper for both and then ruger came out with the lite versions…just my luck. Love mine though. My kid calls one of them his.
i had a Walther P22 but cracked the slide after about 5k rounds..

 

[westsidecamper]

I have a 22/45 and a TX22. TX22 has been a lot more reliable suppressed and is my go to now.

 

[houndog]

90% of the posters are going to tell you Ruger or the Browning Buckmark. Both are decent, reliable, reasonably priced alternatives. They are safe, sensible suggestions. And, with the Ruger, if you want to upgrade the crappy trigger it comes with, or generally accurize it, Volquartsen offers a number of upgrades.

However, you should at least consider spending more money and consider a Smith & Wesson Model 41 (the used ones are cheaper and generally better), or a High Standard (again older ones are better). Yes, they will be more money (even used), but the triggers are outstanding, they shoot lights out, and they are just in a different category when it comes to build quality.

The downside is that they will be more expensive (even used), and some of them can be finicky - although both my 41 and my High Standard run like tops with the right ammo (cheap CCI Standard Velocity). But if you want to take your plinking to the next level either of these guns will continue to be a pleasure to shoot long after you've grown bored of your Ruger. And if you ever decide you want to try bullseye shooting you'll have a gun that's up to the task.

 

[Wildfire1550]

I have at least 50 22 pistols. The 41s and the high standards are my favorite as long as you have ammo they like. The pistol i shot the most is a volquartsen, way more accurate and refined than a ruger and will eat anything

 

[Abbotm2]

My M&P 22 eats everything, never clean it, I sure I’ve had some ftf but very rarely malfunctions

 

[Old Man with Gun]

My two Volquartsen are phenomenal, but you can buy a bunch of Rugers for what one costs. OP what is the budget?

 

[FuhQ]

My M&P 22 eats everything, never clean it, I sure I’ve had some ftf but very rarely malfunctions

That's more along the lines of shitty .22 ammo. I've had that happen with guns that have ZERO issues and never have. But occasionally with bulk-pack .22 you'll get a few lemons in there.

 

[FuhQ]

No sales outside PX. Next time a ban will happen.

 

[WB300]

For a semi-auto... S&W 41 if you can afford it. If you are a poor... S&W Victory 22.

 

[TheBigCountry]

Coming back to this; thanks for all the replies so far.

I almost pulled the trigger in the Taurus 22 yesterday, but then I went down the rabbit hole and found out about the slide crack issues on them, and their horrible CS. Pass.

Right now I’m leaning heavily on the MKIV 22/45 with the bull barrel, with the close second the Lite version.

 

[Old Man with Gun]

The Ruger is not only a great choice today, the aftermarket upgrade options will let it grow as you do. They are also well made, your grandkids can teach their kids how to shoot with it.

Both models can shoot to the same accuracy, but the heavier bull barrel will be easier to shoot accurately. CCI SV ammo has done well in every Ruger I have/had.

 

[Lost_Phil]

I bought a Walther P22 Q because you can dry fire it for practice with breaking it and Walther sells a few upgrades for it. So far, I have 1500 rounds through mine with no issues and I think I cleaned it only 3 times since I had it..

 

[Doctorwho1138]

Buddy had one (MP5 clone) that was hot garbage but maybe he got a lemon. It did feel nicer than the GSG but had function issues.

My GSG 1911 has been a flawless shooter with over 10000 rounds through it. Just replaced springs and firing pin. It won’t win any beauty contests but it’s a reliable and cheap gun.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

My two Volquartsen are phenomenal, but you can buy a bunch of Rugers for what one costs. OP what is the budget?

I have a Black Mamba on order through Volquartsen. Can’t wait to get it in to compare shooting it next to my Pardini as a bullseye gun. I paid 1700 or so for the TF Black Mamba with volthane grips. It’s been since may so there is a waiting list. They don’t tell you what it is but I have heard it’s 8 months. So if anyone wants one now, get it from a place that has it in stock.

 

[AngryKoala]

My GSG 1911 has been a flawless shooter with over 10000 rounds through it. Just replaced springs and firing pin. It won’t win any beauty contests but it’s a reliable and cheap gun.

I've seen too many bad reports (not with that model specifically) to venture into anything from that company. Too many other options.

 

[Clayman]

Coming back to this; thanks for all the replies so far.

I almost pulled the trigger in the Taurus 22 yesterday, but then I went down the rabbit hole and found out about the slide crack issues on them, and their horrible CS. Pass.

Right now I’m leaning heavily on the MKIV 22/45 with the bull barrel, with the close second the Lite version.

The volquartsen is incredible if you have the budget

 

[Doctorwho1138]

I've seen too many bad reports (not with that model specifically) to venture into anything from that company. Too many other options.

I have a Walther PPK and a GSG 1911. Both I would qualify and budget 22 pistols and they both work. I know plenty of 1911 shooters whose experience mirror my own. I also have owned Pardini, Ruger, Benelli, and soon to be Volquartsen. They all seem to run but as long as you aren’t expecting Pardini quality for 300 or so bucks, I think you will be surprised.

 

[AngryKoala]

I have a Walther PPK and a GSG 1911. Both I would qualify and budget 22 pistols and they both work. I know plenty of 1911 shooters whose experience mirror my own. I also have owned Pardini, Ruger, Benelli, and soon to be Volquartsen. They all seem to run but as long as you aren’t expecting Pardini quality for 300 or so bucks, I think you will be surprised.

As long as it can host a suppressor and go pew with decent accuracy/precision then that's all I expect. I see you're mentioning their handguns but most of the issues I've heard had to deal with their "subgun" clones.

 

[Tortuga]

Right now I’m leaning heavily on the MKIV 22/45 with the bull barrel, with the close second the Lite version.

You could always get the bull barrel version and buy a Tactical Solutions barrel for around $250. Easy to change and adds more versatility. You can run a red dot on one and open sites on the other, different barrel lengths, etc.

 

[FuhQ]

Coming back to this; thanks for all the replies so far.

I almost pulled the trigger in the Taurus 22 yesterday, but then I went down the rabbit hole and found out about the slide crack issues on them, and their horrible CS. Pass.

Right now I’m leaning heavily on the MKIV 22/45 with the bull barrel, with the close second the Lite version.

Smart choice, avoid Taurus. You won't regret THAT decision.

 

[AngryKoala]

Smart choice, avoid Taurus. You won't regret THAT decision.

Raging bull noises...oops there goes the cylinder.

 

[Old Man with Gun]

You could always get the bull barrel version and buy a Tactical Solutions barrel for around $250. Easy to change and adds more versatility. You can run a red dot on one and open sites on the other, different barrel lengths, etc.

Just remember that on a Ruger, the upper is the serial number do buying an upper, Tac-Sol or Volquartsen is buying another firearm.

You can do simular with a Browning Buckmark, but grip is serialized so not another firearm.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Odd man out, get a Ruger single-six. Pop that .22wmr cylinder in once in awhile. Nothing wrong with the ruger or browning offerings everyone has recommended already.

 

[Lunchbox27]

I have put a ton of ammo through my MKIV. I wouldn’t sell it if you paid me double. Only thing I did was drop a volquartsen trigger kit in it. My favorite pistol.

 

[Tortuga]

Odd man out, get a Ruger single-six. Pop that .22wmr cylinder in once in awhile. Nothing wrong with the ruger or browning offerings everyone has recommended already.

I'll odd out with you. S&W 617 with a 4" barrel. 10 rounds of rimfire goodness in a K frame.

 

[FuhQ]

I'll odd out with you. S&W 617 with a 4" barrel. 10 rounds of rimfire goodness in a K frame.

I've wanted a 6" 617 with the full-underlug for over a decade... One day I will put one in the collection.

 

[Gustav7]

Another vote for the MkIV, although I must be the only person who doesn't like the 22/45 configuration. I've had two and just didn't like the feel of them. I had a MkIII and hated the plastic feel to it.

I have the MkIV Tactical with the traditional grip and love it. A few thousand rounds through it without issue. 90% of those rounds have been suppressed and it's damn fun, and hasn't had any issues.