.22 LR Target Pistol- S&W VS Ruger VS Browning

[wayupnorth]

Even Victory looks a bit ugly but best value is Victory at Victory's price point. Sure there are Buckmark and Ruger Mark cheaper than the Victory but neither Browning nor Ruger at the same price point offers fiber optic sights (if you find one on Ruger or Browning that does plz PM me ). Victory is very solid (a bit heavier imo but I shoot better with heavier guns). Other than that I have shot all 3 and I own/owned a few 22/45 only and kinda a fanboy of the Mark3 22/45 myself. And yes I am not afraid of cleaning it, pretty easy actually if you have done it 1000 times. Still if I have to give honest opinion which one is the best I say the Victory.

5 seconds on google and you can find a Browning Buckmark with FO for same price as Victory.
hell, my LGS has 2 old stock Browning's for $100 less than the cheapest Victory i can see anywhere listed.

 

[wayupnorth]

ive got a dozen 22 pistols (ruger, browning, S&W, sig ect ect)
i always come back to my Browning Buckmark as the best 22 for the price.
everyone that shoots my Buckmark buys one, that says a lot right there.

with Rugers constantly on the increase in price i think we will see a lot more people straying and a lot more Buckmarks and Victory being sold.

 

[Sakoman .308]

I've had Mk II's and a MKIII and I think they are great but I've moved on to a Smith & Wesson Model 41.
I've heard / read many great things about Buckmark pistols.
I will never own a Smith Victory, too Fugly.

 

[bigpaulie1979]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but wondering what are everyones thoughts on the Ruger 22/45 Lite versions?

 

[silverfoxdj]

I've had Mk II's and a MKIII and I think they are great but I've moved on to a Smith & Wesson Model 41.
I've heard / read many great things about Buckmark pistols.
I will never own a Smith Victory, too Fugly.

Your now permanently spoiled with the 41

 

[silverfoxdj]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but wondering what are everyones thoughts on the Ruger 22/45 Lite versions?

Some find it too lite but to each his own.. I did not like the feel of the one I handled..

 

[wayupnorth]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but wondering what are everyones thoughts on the Ruger 22/45 Lite versions?

i have the original Gold one, i like it, it is super light though, dosnt bother me but some people dont like the super lightness of them.

 

[Bart68]

If you have the money I recommend the S&W 617


A great used and very well made and accurate gun is the S&W 22A-1


I have both and love both, I have had the GSG and now it's gone, never cared for it,
I also have a Colt 1911 in 22 lr and I really like that but it's not as accurate as my Smiths.

 

[rws53]

Not to hi-jack the thread, but wondering what are everyones thoughts on the Ruger 22/45 Lite versions?

I have a few of them...plus a couple of other .22lr's to plink with

 

[Wendell]

There's an unfired KMK-512 in the EE now.

 

[Chefhunter]

Another vote for the Buckmark, i prefer the trigger over the Ruger and the gun fit's me better. Pick one, all good choices.

 

[NLGunner]

I have a CZ Kadet complete pistol that I can’t say enough good about. Accurate and has shot everything I feed it, with zero issues. They’re well worth the money, if one pops up on the ee. The S&W 617 6 shot I also have. Won’t part with either.

 

[Brutus]

I have a Ruger Mk II and a Hammerli Model 150. These pretty much fulfill my current needs.
If I buy another it will be a Beretta Model 71 to teach novice shooters.

 

[mudgunner49]

Don't ignore the secondary market - lots of good Colt Woodsman/Huntsman models out there, as well as High Standard and used Ruger MKI/II models...

 

[AIRCAV]

From what I have seen at the range buckmark ruger or victory would be suitable for target practise. I have been shooting buckmarks in steel challenge the last 3 years and they have been extremely reliable. Just finished working on my mark 2 and it feels better in the hand to me. Will find out how it does soon. Should be reliable just like 2 I have owned in the past.

 

[Meroh]

There is also the 1911 style GSG, or SIG version, which is also made by GSG.
Revolvers are cool too.

Based on experience, I would not consider these "target" pistols.

 

[Meroh]

I'm Partial to my High Standard; I'm not a great shooter, but I win every match with it. It's the pistol. Browning Buckmark is a similar design; no one is currently shooting on at our club, but I have friends who have had them for years. Great pistols.

 

[Meroh]

I have a few of them...plus a couple of other .22lr's to plink with

That Mitchell looks like a High Standard! Nice pistol.

 

[SamMalone]

My son and I each bought a S&W Victory and have never looked back. Very happy with them.

 

[hawkmp9]

I have an S&W victory and I’m quite impressed with the accuracy and the selection of ammo it will eat.
It’s got a very heavy barrel and is quite well made. Some will criticize its take down screw for extensive cleaning as opposed to the new Rugers. I have no issues with it, nor has it gotten dirty enough to have to dismantle.
The newer Ruger Mk IV 22/45 are super nice as a previous guy posted photos. My friend also has one fully upgraded.
The victory has almost as many parts upgrades as the Rugers if you look at the tandemkross accessories/ parts upgrades available.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy either ruger or the smith but I prefer the Victory.

I will mention my friends Ruger SR22 is so small that’s it’s hilarious. It works great but I find it more suited to very small shooters. My 9yr old daughter loves it.
I also wouldn’t recommend the gsg 1911’s as they seem to be very Ammo picky, aren’t particularly accurate (as previously mentioned) and I believe they have some longevity issues.