22 Long Rifle semiauto pistol?

Question

Could you please recommend a .22 Long Rifle semiauto pistol for precision plinking? I don't intend to compete but do want a pistol that's accurate and well made. Price is not an issue. I'm willing to pay for quality. I've researched the S&W Model 41, Browning Buck Mark, and High Standard line, but would appreciate some insight based on your experience. I'm willing to consider other makes in light of your recommendations.

Answer 1

I've shot all three of the pistols you list, and they're all fine firearms, though the High Standard is no longer manufactured, and I believe the S&W 41 has been discontinued. In my experience it's hard to buy a bad .22 semiauto if you're willing to spend over $200. You may want to buy a new gun (or at least a presently manufactured used gun), because repair will be cheaper if something breaks down. But .22 autoloaders are simple enough that problems are rare--as long as they're made right and kept clean. My own ""precision plinker"" is a Ruger Mark II, a ""slabside"" barrel target model I got in a trade with a friend. He had a detachable 2X-7X scope on it. With the scope, I've been able to keep a 10-round clip of Winchester Power Point bullets inside 2 inches at 100 yards, which matches most .22 rifles. With iron sights it's accounted for many varmints and small-game animals out to 50 yards. The big factor in any good .22 semiauto is a fine trigger. Many can be worked over by a gunsmith, but you can save some money if the trigger breaks cleanly at 3 to 4 pounds at purchase. My Ruger's is a crisp 3 1/4 pounds, which makes hitting small targets much easier.

Answer 2

The Model 41 Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Target Pistol is the "Champagne" of a ALL Target pistols in .22LR caliber. Browning Buckmark is further down the list, and High Standard isn't made any more and hasn't been for quite a few years. I am assuming you are talking about a new handgun and not used. I personally own 2 Model 41's, one in 5 1/2" barrel length and the other is a 7" barrel. I have used both of these in Pistols in Competitions for over 16 years, and I have never seen a handgun that was better made or could out shoot the 41 in Match Competitions. The Model 41's are still available but the price is around $1200 now, so they are not for everyone. I would recommend you stay with the Model 41 or look at the high end Walther Target Pistols as an option...

Answer 3

The S&W 41 is the classic 22lr bullseye pistol, and yes, everyone they are still being made. High Standard is also still being produced too and still makes really great pistols. I personally shoot a highly customized Buckmark that I love, and I have as much invested in it as I would with any of the above. I have heard some grumbling about Ruger Mark III, but the Mark II is a real favorite at my club. Valquartzen is doing the same thing for the Mark III they did for the Mark II check out their site. You can also pick up a Kimber 1911 style 22 lr target, or put one of the various conversion kits in a regular 1911. Another possibility is one of the European pistols like, Pardini SP (Larry's Guns). The Beretta 87 Target is also a good option. Left links to the more obscure stuff. Now that I've given you more information than you probably wanted--buy what you like, shoot it a lot and have fun.

Answer 4

You don't mention what kind of predators, if they're varmints then I think a .22LR rifle would be a good choice. Good accuracy out to 100yards and bulk ammo is only $.045 a round. While I like my Marlin model 795 the Ruger 10/22 is the most popular choice. In my opinion this is the most affordable choice. For larger predators, A .30-06 (or similar calibre) could be affordable but the ammo cost can be high. Ranging from $0.30 per round for steel jacketed russian ammo to $1.15 per round for hunting ammo. New bolt action rifles can be found for $300. Avoid combos as the combo scope usually can't be trusted to last. If by predator you mean people I would think a shotgun or handgun with a caliber of 9mm or greater would be appropriate. Thinking outside the box, a lever action rifle in .357/.38 might be a fun choice.

Answer 5

Ruger Mark II
Hands down

Answer 6

Walther P22, my wife has one and it is a nice gun.

Answer 7

Might start here...