Heavy .22 Pistol Decision

holdingfast

holdingfast

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Okay, to please the "search" Nazi's on the sight I've spent the past 15 minutes searching every gun I'm about to inquire about. I've spent the past two hours surfing the net to find every juicy nugget I could about the following pistols.

I had posted earlier that I was seriously interested in a Ruger Mark III Hunter. Some suggested a Ruger 22/45 just for a smoother transition to my future 1911 pistol.

Since that time I have stammered into somewhat of a more difficult predicament. I've considered a Chiappa 1911 .22 pistol that averages around the $340 mark. I've read reviews and the general consensus is, "you really get what you pay for". So that one is out of the question.

The Ruger Mark III is $619.95 at No Sale Sports and that seems to be the cheapest price going and is a definite candidate. The battle still wages on.

I've been drooling over a Sig Sauer Mosquito without the threaded barrel for anywhere from $499.95 and up. http://www.frontierfirearms.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17_22_159&products_id=450

I've also got a real hankerin' for this Walther P22. http://www.frontierfirearms.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17_22_161&products_id=964

For $20 more I sure like that Walther. I was hoping some of the good folks here could shed some insight on what they know about either. I haven't held either of them yet as I intend to do so shortly. I'm just hoping somebody could tell me of some field experience or pros and cons of the previous two pistol. I have read that the Ruger eats all the ammo you put into it, I'm just not sure about the other two pistols.

I read one bit that that back of the slide on the Sig cracked and the slide literally blew off... http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/firearms/rimfire-handguns/mosquito-sport/prod259289.html#reviewTab

The other note, the wife say's it's go time for a pistol... So ya know, no pressure or anything. w:h:
 
Too bad your not in ottawa i would let you try my chiappa. I like it i bought it in sept, first gun, second gun was a remington R1. I like both, the chiappa is a great little shooter, i get good groups with it, i always seem to be a bit low and to the left but i adj'd the sights this weekend and have it centered at least. The other problem could be me or the gun. But i am not worried about it, it lots of fun to shoot and i have put about 500 rounds thru it with very little stove pipes using the cheapest bulk rounds ctc sells. It's all a matter of how much u want to spend and have left over to buy your next gun, remember they are just like chips, you can't stop at one.
 
dakotamar said:
Too bad your not in ottawa i would let you try my chiappa. I like it i bought it in sept, first gun, ...
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I appreciate that man! To keep the chip references going, good thing it isn't the 90's anymore or I'd have to get my own...

"This is the 90's, go get your own."

Yeah. Being a 90's kid was... interesting. Sorry about that. :slap:
 
The Ruger is a far better built pistol than the Walther, SIG, or Chiappa pot metal junk guns. Buy one and it will probably outlive you. If cost is a major concern, other versions of the Ruger Mark III sell for less than the Hunter version.
 
tjhaile said:
The Ruger is a far better built pistol than the Walther, SIG, or Chiappa pot metal junk guns. Buy one and it will probably outlive you. If cost is a major concern, other versions of the Ruger Mark III sell for less than the Hunter version.
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^Words of wisdom^
I have a Ruger Mk II, and it's a solid performer.
I also have a Star Model F, only because my daughters complained about the weight of the Ruger. It too is problem free, but does not compare to the Ruger as far as accuracy @25 yards. Spare parts are non-existant for the Star, it requires snappy ammo, but the kids liked it @10 yards for punching paper so......(and it does not have cheesy alloy parts prone to breakage!)
There is one for sale on our EE at a very reasonable price:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551493&highlight=star
The Ruger Mk I, II or III, is still the better purchase by far. I only endorse the Star as an entry level beginner gun, for young persons under supervision. And this is what I used mine for.
PS: The Star has 1911ish friendly controls, even the mag release is in the same spot.
These mags are the easiest to load by far, and that's important for little helper hands.
Mine has the 4.2 inch barrel and this one for sale has the 6 inch barrel.

Not only the Sig, but also the Walther slide is prone to breakage. Those pot metal parts tjhaile mentioned above.
A friend up here had it fly apart while he was shooting it. He is only thankful his young son was not using it at the time, as he was struck just above the eye with debris. Dangerous junk IMHO.
 
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One big yes for the Walther P22, I stripped it down and polished all the internals and then gave the firing pin spring a little stretch ( Very easily done with 600 grit black sand paper and light oil) Also the breech needed some polishing on the bottom half, very sharp edge. The action is so smooth now, but it needed the tune, it had a light strike of the firing pin and it ran rough, not any more, that was my experiance and I enjoyed the smithing.
 
Not to make your hunt for a great, yet affordable 22 even more difficult, but you'd be crazy not to consider the Browning Buck Mark.....accurate, reliable and affordable. Last time I checked, Epps still had some in stock with different options (sights/grips etc). The URX grips alone make this a must have gun.
 
Like the guys said I have a Ruger mark 3 and it works and shoots great. I have owned Buck marks, Lower end High Standard Beretta 76 and still have the ruger. My wife has the Walther 22. It works great. If you are thinking of it, you should hold one. The grips are small the one mag has a extension on it for big hands. It doesn't do a lot for it. Gobles in London has a Ruger mark2 for 395. Stainless heavy barrel and it has after maket grips for target shooting. I think it is for right hand shooter. I'm not sure how great the price is. I keep pushing my friend to buy it. He just got his license and a 22 is the best starter gun to buy. So he buys a Ruger SR22 another great gun. The GSG also has great reviews. I saw one for the first time, but did not hold it. That is one gun i would consider. Just tring to help age
 
Epps has the Ruger 22/45 stainless target for $410. Pretty much the best value around, IMO. Most other retailers are selling the exact same pistol for $499. I chose it as I ultimately plan on buying a "quality" 1911 at some point in the future.
 
tjhaile said:
The Ruger is a far better built pistol than the Walther, SIG, or Chiappa pot metal junk guns. Buy one and it will probably outlive you. If cost is a major concern, other versions of the Ruger Mark III sell for less than the Hunter version.
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Cost isn't overly a major concern, what spurred this was my anal retentive nature to research things to the infinite degree - which usually pisses me off; however, I always get my money's worth. I love the feel of the Mark III and it feels good in my hands and I really can't step down from it. I really appreciate your feedback man!

Not to make your hunt for a great, yet affordable 22 even more difficult, but you'd be crazy not to consider the Browning Buck Mark.....accurate, reliable and affordable. Last time I checked, Epps still had some in stock with different options (sights/grips etc). The URX grips alone make this a must have gun.
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When I took the practical part of my restricted exam, the instructor made me handle his Buckmark. The first thing I noticed when I fondled it was how well it fits a guys hand - I was really amazed. The thing is, the looks really don't appeal to me. My shooting buddies rib me about my desire for pretty and functional all the time... Something about if I wanted frilly, lacey, good lines and ###y, I should shop at LaSenza.

Epps has the Ruger 22/45 stainless target for $410. Pretty much the best value around, IMO. Most other retailers are selling the exact same pistol for $499. I chose it as I ultimately plan on buying a "quality" 1911 at some point in the future.
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I don't not like the 22/45, I just prefer the Mark III Hunter because of the ### appeal. Otherwise, I have held one and compared it against the Hunter and it really is an excellent pistol. That was my second option because it is significantly cheaper and would allow me to get a head start on my next pistol.

My wife has the Walther 22. It works great. If you are thinking of it, you should hold one. The grips are small the one mag has a extension on it for big hands. It doesn't do a lot for it. Gobles in London has a Ruger mark2 for 395. Stainless heavy barrel and it has after maket grips for target shooting.
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See, I was talking to the wonderful G96 lady at the Gunsmith Shoppe in Saskatoon the other day and she had mentioned I should look at a Mark II because they were a little bit better build quality (which I like). I've been looking for one for sale in Canada and have had no luck. I appreciate that tip man and I will definitely be looking into it. My wife loves the look of the Walther P22 and it almost shames me to admit it, but I am appendigely challenged. I have girly hands. Don't get me wrong, I can open the pickle jar like the best of them, and I would be a much gentler proctologist; however, it's this alpha male thing about shaking hands. I grip tight but... That's enough of that.

Essentially it's all just a matter of taking all of your guys much appreciated advice, holding them all for feel and making an educated decision. Maybe I just needed to give my head a shake but the Ruger is still looking very favorable.
 
holdingfast said:
Cost isn't overly a major concern, what spurred this was my anal retentive nature to research things to the infinite degree - which usually pisses me off; however, I always get my money's worth. I love the feel of the Mark III and it feels good in my hands and I really can't step down from it. I really appreciate your feedback man!



When I took the practical part of my restricted exam, the instructor made me handle his Buckmark. The first thing I noticed when I fondled it was how well it fits a guys hand - I was really amazed. The thing is, the looks really don't appeal to me. My shooting buddies rib me about my desire for pretty and functional all the time... Something about if I wanted frilly, lacey, good lines and ###y, I should shop at LaSenza.



I don't not like the 22/45, I just prefer the Mark III Hunter because of the ### appeal. Otherwise, I have held one and compared it against the Hunter and it really is an excellent pistol. That was my second option because it is significantly cheaper and would allow me to get a head start on my next pistol.



See, I was talking to the wonderful G96 lady at the Gunsmith Shoppe in Saskatoon the other day and she had mentioned I should look at a Mark II because they were a little bit better build quality (which I like). I've been looking for one for sale in Canada and have had no luck. I appreciate that tip man and I will definitely be looking into it. My wife loves the look of the Walther P22 and it almost shames me to admit it, but I am appendigely challenged. I have girly hands. Don't get me wrong, I can open the pickle jar like the best of them, and I would be a much gentler proctologist; however, it's this alpha male thing about shaking hands. I grip tight but... That's enough of that.

Essentially it's all just a matter of taking all of your guys much appreciated advice, holding them all for feel and making an educated decision. Maybe I just needed to give my head a shake but the Ruger is still looking very favorable.
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I am not a huge Ruger fan but it's hard to argue against their pistols in .22, which subtype is rather an individual like and preference. One thing I don't like about them is that they are a pain to break down for cleaning, other than that they have withstood the test of time. The Mosquito is crap, period. The Walther P22 is slightly less crap. The Buckmark is very good. Either the Ruger or the Browning will give better accuracy than any 1911-type at a reasonable price, such are just fun to shoot but not really so accurate for informal target shooting. My favourite is the Hamerli Xesse, absolutely reliable with all kinds of ammo, not that sensitive to different ammo either and very accurate. I bought mine from lever Arms a number of years ago but I don't know who carries them now.
 
Best thing to do is fondle as many .22lr HG's as possible to find the one that fits best.
I bought a 22/45 slab side when they came out without handling one. Found the grip too thin and sold it. Years later, I now own a MKIII Target and very happy with the balance/weight. I added a Hogue grip and a Red dot for S&G's. It's a great little shooter and has functioned flawlessly with bulk ammo.
If you're considering a 22/45 look at the RP model....IMO.
 
If it were me with the leanings you have, I would go to the EE, find an older Ruger Mk II (for the sake of price), and then get the Walther P22. This way, you get the best of both worlds and for just a bit more dollars. I had a Ruger Mark II and I loved it. I only parted with it because I was doing an upwards trade on something different. Yes, they are a pain to clean, but they are accurate and reliable. I think the Walther looks cool.

Here's another approach for you. Would you consider buying a pistol chambered for a center-fired round that comes with a .22 conversion kit?
 
300Spartans said:
If it were me with the leanings you have, I would go to the EE, find an older Ruger Mk II (for the sake of price), and then get the Walther P22. This way, you get the best of both worlds and for just a bit more dollars. I had a Ruger Mark II and I loved it. I only parted with it because I was doing an upwards trade on something different. Yes, they are a pain to clean, but they are accurate and reliable. I think the Walther looks cool.

Here's another approach for you. Would you consider buying a pistol chambered for a center-fired round that comes with a .22 conversion kit?
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To answer your last question, not especially. I would just as soon have my plinking pistols and then my heavy artillery for days at the range. I considered that option but the price variant just wasn't worth it for me.

I sent an e-mail off to Gobles in London as per "age"s' post about a Mark II and hopefully hear back about it soon. I watched a video on the take down and reassembly of the Mark II and Mark III and it is involved, but so was the first time I tackled my Marlin for a complete strip down cleaning.

Me: Mickey mouse contraption. Stupid-ass way of doing things. Who puts a spring under tension here. Why the hell won't... Oh you stupid thing. This cheap screwdriver... Craftsman my ass. I need another beer. Oh you, stupid, stupid, stupid, thing. Son of a bitz! I keel you! I'm going to write a letter about this.

Wife: Honey, maybe you should just take a little break from the Marlin."

Me: THIS IS A BREAK!!!
 
I like the Ruger Mark 3, but I bought the S&W 22A this past spring and and I am quite pleased. (5 & 1/2" bull barrel with a camo finish). I have large hands and the weight feels very balanced to me.
 
johNTO said:
Best thing to do is fondle as many .22lr HG's as possible to find the one that fits best.
I bought a 22/45 slab side when they came out without handling one. Found the grip too thin and sold it. Years later, I now own a MKIII Target and very happy with the balance/weight. I added a Hogue grip and a Red dot for S&G's. It's a great little shooter and has functioned flawlessly with bulk ammo.
If you're considering a 22/45 look at the RP model....IMO.
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Just my personal opinion :redface: , but I really like the MKII 22/45.....:)....less gimicky/lawyered-up ? ;)
 
cyclone said:
Just my personal opinion :redface: , but I really like the MKII 22/45.....:)....less gimicky/lawyered-up ? ;)
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MKII 22/45 is a great shooter...the thin grip just didn't fit me. There are mods are there to attach after market 1911 grips but personally I would get the MKIII 22/45 RP. Undo the screws and install new grips. Simple
Although the new MKIII's are "lawyered-up" eg. LCI, mag disconnect?, these things can be neutralized.
Besides I like the position of mag release button on the MKIII vs the MKII (butt). Compromises, compromises;)
 
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