Looking for advice

[mogunner06]

I am going to purchase a .22 handgun for plinking, informal target shooting and maybe an occasional squirrel (if I get good enough). I am considering the S&W Victory, the Browning Buckmark or possibly the Ruger. I have looked at various reviews of each and all have their supporters and others that say stay away for one reason or another. Looking for recommendations from people who shoot Rimfire handguns. Would consider other guns if something fits my needs better. Thanks for your help.

[bowwild]

The SW 41 is the one I've been the most accurate with.

I like revolvers better, the 6" and 4" SW 617s.

[Bradical]

What's your budget? You'd be happy with any mentioned, unless your State as regulations prohibiting the use of semi-auto pistols for hunting. Be sure to check your State's regs.

[crankythunder]

I shoot bullseye and we see a lot of the rugers and the victorys on the firing line. We do see some buckmarks but the ruger and the victory are easily upgradeable with the tandem cross triggers, extractors, etc.

Both of them are awesome firearms and I have been beaten by shooters using either of them. Of the ruger, either the mark II or the Mark IV is more desirable then the Mark 1 or III. It was explained to me why but I forgot.

Regards,
Crankster

[varmit hunter67]

I would recommend the Buck Mark. User friendly from the get-go.

VH

[jackknife]

Originally Posted by bowwild

The SW 41 is the one I've been the most accurate with.

I like revolvers better, the 6" and 4" SW 617s.

THIS!

The other guns will take a backseat to the S&W 41. And the with the 41, you can switch barrels easy.

If you go revolver, go the S&W 617.

Spend the extra $ now and you'll be ahead 10 years form now in shooting pleasure.

[Denvernoob]

I would also suggest a revolver. As much as anything, dropping bullets into the cylinder is a lot easier than repeatedly loading magazines. I think that makes a shooting session that much more enjoyable. A big 10-round cylinder like on the S&W 617 or Ruger GP100 gives you the same capacity as the pistols you mention, and the accuracy is on par with the better target pistols. Plus they shoot anything: shorts, longs, every velocity known to man, and you'll never have to worry about a jam.

I shoot a GP100 and I absolutely love it. I got it about a year ago for the exact reasons you mention and I have no regrets. I do however think you couldn't go wrong with the guns you're currently looking at. I recently shot a Ruger Mark IV and I found it to be a very nice pistol.

[HARDBALLER]

As much as I would love to get a S&W 41, it's restricted to a diet of standard velocity ammo only. With Ruger or the Buckmark you can shoot high velocity ammo in them all day long. And with the Rugers, you can get lots of after market parts too.

[dimeman]

Put a few different ones in your hand to get a feel of each one. Pick the one that you like.