Which Rimfire Semi Auto Handgun should I get?

Question

I want to get a semi auto rimfire handgun. I want to be able to mount a scope on it too. I'll be using it to hunt rabbits or just plinking. I've been looking at some in the 98th Edition of "Shooter's Bible"
Which one should I get?

Accu-Tek Accelerator 22 wmr - 17hmr
Berretta Model U22 Neos 22lr
Browning Buck Mark 22 lr
Ruger Mark III 22lr
Smith & Wesson Model 22A Sport 22lr

Answer 1

get the ruger

Answer 2

Without owning a gun or two or at least handling many and having an opportunity to take some apart, you're not going to get a good idea of what to look for. There's no way to look at a gun and just mystically KNOW if it's going to be a jammomatic piece of crap. Some very nice looking, 99% condition guns can't get through an entire magazine (coughkimbercough), some cheap guns run like a top. Only thing I'd check for is a bulged barrel. Beyond that just general condition and wear. Wear is fine as long as you're not paying as much as it costs for a new version of that gun. Mechanically, aside from springs wearing out and such, a gun that's been shot a lot is going to run smoother as all the high spots have been rubbed down by the surfaces of the parts rubbing against each other until there's nothing rough left to rub. I have an old, nearly finishless 9mm that's smoother than any of my new guns (well, aside from the Mark 23) simply because it's been used so much for so long. Runs like a top. What am I saying? You need to get a little experience to know what to look for. There really is no substitute. If you really wanted there's a video on purchasing guns on the pirate bay. That'll probably be the most informative source of information you can get if you're a newbie and don't want to buy a used junk pile. Also ask around on some online forums. You'll find there's some models and companies you should never buy/ buy from. Some companies put out nothing but junk, and some good companies occasionally put out a lemon. Some mid-level companies once were crap but now have gotten their act together a bit.

Answer 3

There are a lot of choices out there. If you want a Ruger get a used Mk II. I would avoid a MK III. The Beretta is nioce but they are not as accurate as they should be for being such a nicely made gun. The Browning Buckmark is a good gun and don't let people fool you. Yes, they are sensative, but if you follow directions (Like NEVER removing the grips so those tiny springs don't go flying or removing the barrel on a non-ribbed gun) they are very good quality. A good, accurate gun is going to have to be treated well so do not shy away from a Buckmark.. They would not make 24 different models if there were a problem with the design. It's just that the gun is not "idiot proof". And always try to used good, "clean" .22 ammo. Buckmarks are made to handle match ammo and are far more precison made than any of the others you list. If you want something nicer than a Buckmark, then you would have to go to the Sig Trailside.

Answer 4

the rugers are nice, but sorry not my first choice, not after experiencing the Beretta neos.

The neos is WAY EASIER to disassemble and clean. Not to mention the weaver dovetail scope mount runs the entire length of the top of the barrel. When you remove the barrel for cleaning, the scope or red dot never comes off the gun. You never lose your zero.

Take a look at the manufacturer's websites and find the owner's manuals. Take a look at the disassembly instructions.

Forget the browning. Once the grips come off, little springs take off flying and then you will have to bring them to a gunsmith for repair. And once the barrel is removed, The set screw holding it on never puts the barrel in the same spot. Plus the top strap has to be removed with Allen wrenches, and its a nightmare for beginner shooters.

The Smith + Wesson, eh.
Accutek? Forget it. Cheap junk.
Sig Mosquito? As a gunsmith I never swore so much taking this little piece of plastic junk apart. They spent too much time making this look like the rest of their handgun line.

The Ruger is also a nightmare. Brand new, its hard to take apart. Try to flip the lever located in the rear of the frame, pull out the locking mechanism, now use a rubber mallet and pound the barrel off the frame. Taking these apart many times makes the barrel to receiver fit loose and goodbye accuracy.

Buy the Beretta.

Answer 5

I have the Ruger MK II and love it and have heard good things about the MK III as well. I've never thought of mounting a scope to it, but I'm sure it could be done. The Browning is also a good choice, I'm not familiar with the others.

Answer 6

I bought a browning buck mark last week and it's awesome. It's easy to use, very easy to field strip and put back together, it likes just about every kind of .22 ammo (make sure you use copper jacketed .22 shells; lead jams very easily, and I paid $288 for mine. Another good choice is the Beretta Neos. I don't have any experience with the other types so I don't want to judge them. Good luck to you.

Answer 7

I'm a long time fan of the ruger MK2. I've owned and shot most of them out there, and found it to be accurate, reliable, and rugged. The first time you break one down for cleaning is a little tough to put back together, but once you have done it a couple of times, it's no sweat.

Answer 8

Ruger

Answer 9

Out of those listed. I would get the Ruger. Their are hundreds of after market parts you can use to build the Ruger to fit you like a glove.

Answer 10

I know from my experience the Ruger MK2 and Browning Buck Mark are accurate .22lr pistols.

I'd recommend the Ruger MK3 with bull barrel.

Answer 11

If you want to mount a LER Scope, I would suggest you go with the Ruger Mark III .22LR caliber in stainless steel..fluted barrel..It comes with a scope base included with the gun that can be mounted by removing the rear adjustable sight......