purchasing first handgun

[matt0415]

So ive done a lot of shopping around and am pretty interested in a ruger. I really like bull barrel on the ruger 22/45. I just have 2 questions what is the difference in the 22/45 and the mark 3. I know the 22/45 has a grip the resembles a 1911 style pistol but the price difference is $150 between the 22/45 and mark 3 and im not sure why. I also am not sure whether to purchase the 4.5 or 5.5 inch barrel. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[volks_r_us]

The Smaller the better
I have a 22/45 and lower part is made of plastic in one piece.
I am pretty sure the regular Mk3 is made of metal with removable grip.

if you have big hands make sure you try and feel both , the 22/45 as a real small grip (lady type) with big hands you probly wont like it

 

[BCRider]

The Mk II grip isn't really any bigger from what I've felt.

Matt, either are a great way to go but consider if you plan on getting a center fire gun later on that it would be nice to have a grip angle that is somewhat consistent so the Ruger can help you with practicing for quicker sight pictures. For general bullseye target shooting it's not a big deal since you take your time and adjusting your wrist angle is just not an issue. But if you take up shooting in various speed related matches having a similar grip angle on the Ruger would allow you to practice quickly bringing the gun up and getting a sight picture that would be consistent with your other gun(s). The 22/45, or something like a Buckmark, would give you that consistency in grip angles.

 

[matt0415]

thanks for the input guys i really appreciate it, i plan on doing matches in what not in the future. Im trying to stay away from centerfire and start with rim fire (still a student and dont have tons of money to drop on it). Thanks again