At one time I owned three Buckmark handguns I used for IHMSA Silhouette and later cut down to use in three gun matches. They were the most accurate rimfire handguns I ever owned. They were the silhouette models. I used on of them at the Region 1 match in 1990 to shoot a 9x10 shoot-off at NRA rifle chickens at 100 yards….open sights and a stock gun. I also fired quite a few 60x60s with those guns. I’ve owned two model 41s and although they’re nice guns they aren’t as accurate. I now own a model SW22 Victory and it shoots as well as both model 41. It’s just not as pretty. I can’t speak to the new Browning’s, but if they have the same barrel stock being used I’d be pretty tempted to try one out.

 

I can’t speak to the new Browning’s, but if they have the same barrel stock being used I’d be pretty tempted to try one out.

I'm leaning towards the Browning, but I'm enjoying and learning from the discussion.

 

I have owned S&W41, Buckmark, Ruger (several generations), High Standard Victor (original model) and others I have probably forgotten.
My current rimfire handgun is the S&W Victory and I can't see myself needing anything else. It is very accurate but even more versatile than any other I have owned.
From the very start custom barrels, triggers, grips, etc were available. I shot the NSSF World Rimfire Challenge with it a couple times but (due to being old and slow) all I can say is that I finished without any gun issues.
Perhaps the one thing I like most is the ease of break down for cleaning. Not sure there is another so easy.

 

It is very accurate but even more versatile than any other I have owned.
From the very start custom barrels, triggers, grips, etc were available.

Not only that, but it comes with a removable accessory rail.

Perhaps the one thing I like most is the ease of break down for cleaning. Not sure there is another so easy.

The Victory uses a single Allen bolt to break down. By all reports, the Ruger Mark IVs are the easiest of all -- no tools needed; just push a button!

 

Not only that, but it comes with a removable accessory rail.

The Victory uses a single Allen bolt to break down. By all reports, the Ruger Mark IVs are the easiest of all -- no tools needed; just push a button!

Yes the Ruger Mark IV can be taken down in a matter of seconds. The only thing I would say about the S&W Victory pistol is problems with failure to eject. I have seen three in my small league that I shoot in that have those issues. With that being said I did some research solved the problem on all three by bending the ejector very little so it is running in the middle of the groove in the slide.

 

I used a Buckmark back in the old days of silhouette. Ruger marks were popular. I run a SW Victory now. All are really good options. My Victory does seem to have cycling struggles at times.

 

My Victory does seem to have cycling struggles at times.

Again, as nice as it is, I'm concerned about its reliability.

 

I have two Mark 2 Rugers, a Colt Woodsman and a S&W Victory. I like the Victory best. It’s ugly, but very accurate and easy to shoot. I mounted a red dot sight on it, but have since removed it. The factory sights are super nice.

 

I like the Victory best. It’s ugly

I don't think it's all that ugly! There is one gun in this class that I think is really ugly, but I'll keep my opinion to myself -- don't want to insult anyone!

 

I have got to be "that guy": Ruger. My Mk IV Standard is currently sub-$500 at Bud's and shoots like this rested at 50 feet with a variety of ammo:

Granted, with its open sights I shoot about 3x worse. But as a basic semi-auto pistol, this thing shoots above its weight-class, if you know what I mean.

 

with its open sights I shoot about 3x worse.

Would it be possible to change the front sight to a fiber optic? And, same question for this model:

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/35395/ruger+mark+iv+22+45+.22lr+5.5+blue+10+1

 

I think you have narrowed it down to a couple of very good choices. I have both and run a couple thousand rounds through them each year plinking and informal steel challenge. They are both very reliable, accurate, and my speeds are the same with both.

Good luck with your first one, I'm sure there will be more to follow. Oh yeah, get a speed loader and save your thumbs. With 4 magazines I can keep two shooters running with mine.

 

I think you have narrowed it down to a couple of very good choices.

I'm now considering adding a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 to the list -- but I'll want to be able to change the front sight to a fiber optic, and still keep the cost below $500. Possible?

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/35395/ruger+mark+iv+22+45+.22lr+5.5+blue+10+1

 

Thanks for the thread. I have been considering the same set up for myself.

 

Thanks for the thread. I have been considering the same set up for myself.

I suspect it's a fairly common situation, as there are basically three widely-used brands in this category, and all have their advantages and disadvantages.

 

I shot a Ruger MK1 in IHMSA for years, won the Wyoming State Championship in 1982(?), still have it. I shot a friends' Buckmark , some sort of target model, a couple of years ago, it shot like a rifle. If I was still shooting silhouette, that's what I would be buying forthwith.

 

it shot like a rifle.

That's a really good description!

 

I have Ruger MKII and Browning Buckmark. I wouldn't trade my Buckmark for anything else on the market. YMMV

 

I have Ruger MKII and Browning Buckmark. I wouldn't trade my Buckmark for anything else on the market.

I'm leaning towards the Buck Mark, but now I'm also considering the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 if I can add a fiber optic sight to the front and still keep the cost down.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/35395/ruger+mark+iv+22+45+.22lr+5.5+blue+10+1

 

Old mustard colored. Best .22 target pistol I've had. Very very accurate. Got a tac-sol threaded barrel to shoot suppressed but never got the chance. Sold entire collection.

 

I put the shorter TacSol steel top strap on mine along with the TacSol Trail Lite threaded 5.5" barrel. I shoot suppressed and it's dead nuts accurate on out further than I normally shoot it. A good friend was shooting a beer can at 40 yards and couldn't believe he was still knocking the can further away with every shot. It was a short range Quigley Down Under type of thing

 

Enjoy my SW Victory. Runs whatever ammo I put thru it. Just a fun range gun.

 

Breakdown is the least of your concerns. If it was such a big deal, nobody would have bought a Ruger before the Mark IV
The Buckmark trigger is the best out of the box. It is easy to shoot well. I have started a lot of new shooters on my Buckmarks.
I have owned Rugers and Bucknarks over the years. I currently own 6 Buckmarks including a rifle. I also own about a dozen other higher end .22lr pistols and I shoot my Buckmarks the most.

The immortal 400 patch in my Sig line was won at a pistolseed with a Buckmark

 

Breakdown is the least of your concerns. If it was such a big deal, nobody would have bought a Ruger before the Mark IV

That's a very good point!

 

My Victory shoots about 1.5" at 50 yards.

 

About the Buckmarks: During a ten year period where I was shooting my Buckmarks a lot, five-seven cases a year for ten years, I had zero breakages other than plastic buffers and recoil spring replacements. I had an ejector break one time. I had three guns, used two extensively and kept one for a backup. I fired over 350,000 rounds out of those guns. Never had one break down at a match.

 

All three pistols are adequate guns, but there's no guarantee that someone else's preference will be yours.

The best course of action is to try each one out and make that determination yourself. Many ranges have rentals or see if you can shoot a friends.

To my knowledge, it isn't possible to easily mount a fiber optic front sight on Flangster's taper barrel Ruger.
On the other hand, you can mount one on the bull barrel model that you provided a link to.

 

The best course of action is to try each one out and make that determination yourself. Many ranges have rentals or see if you can shoot a friends.

I have tried, but with limited success. The range where I shoot has a Ruger Mark III, but no Buck Marks or SW22s. I have shot a friend's Ruger Mark II and I'm not in love with it. An LGS has some Buck Marks to look at, and my wife and I do like the URX grip, for whatever that's worth.

 

Just a plane old Mark IV 22/45 that I shoot for Steel Challenge and I have not had a failure with it with over 30K rounds. It's very accurate and I shoot cheap old CCI Blazer out of it. I did put a green fiber optic front sight on it. I like this gun to be stock and work. My other Mark IV 22/45 is now a Black Mamba and has over 100K rounds without a failure.

The Mark IV is so easy to clean. I've shot the Buckmark and the Victory and prefer the 22/45. My shooting buddy shoots the Buckmark and I watch him clearing jams often. It's more accurate them my Mark IV but the reliability just isn't there.

 

I've shot the Buckmark and the Victory and prefer the 22/45. My shooting buddy shoots the Buckmark and I watch him clearing jams often. It's more accurate them my Mark IV but the reliability just isn't there.

This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for! Thanks!

 

This is where I bought my Mk IV 22/45 for $375. It's even less now and in stock.

 

The UDX framed Buckmarks feel best, and point more naturally than the Vicky.....

 

The UDX framed Buckmarks feel best, and point more naturally than the Vicky.....

I prefer the URX grip. But you have to lije it as is because it's hard to find replacement grips for them. I like it as is

 

I forgot to add my preferences (seeing you asked for an opinion - sorry).

I prefer slant grip Rugers.
Like shooting the Buckmark.
Sold the SW22.

 

I prefer slant grip Rugers.
Like shooting the Buckmark.
Sold the SW22.

Thank you! I actually prefer the more vertical grip that mimics the 1911 angle.

 

All three are great pistols. I have had or currently own all USA made .22 auto's since 1979. Here are some items you should consider before you purchase your pistol.

1) Browning Buckmark - slide is attached to the frame via the top sight rail by two hex head screws. Complicates takedown in my opinion but great for changing sights or adding rails.
Plastic parts inside slide which will eventually need replaced. Very good trigger out of the box.
2) S&W Victory - I have two currently, one with stock sights (very good) and one with a green dot. I have never had any issues with FTE. Very good trigger. Gun is on the heavier side which may be a
good thing or bad depending on your preference. Solid build quality but the takedown screw may need checked and tightened occasionally.
3) Ruger Mark IV - Built like a tank and will last almost forever. Trigger out of the box is not so great. Easy takedown although the Mk. I, II, and III's are not that difficult as people make them out to be
(owners that think the previous Mark pistols were difficult to reassemble most likely never owned a Colt Woodsman or M1 Garand). I feel the aluminum frame on the Mark IV is an improvement over
the steel frame of the previous models.

The Browning and the Ruger come in various models to choose from. The S&W have more of a limited model selection but aftermarket parts are available for all three pistols. Also, don't be afraid to
look for a used Ruger Mark II in good condition. It will have a better trigger and if a target model it will have an adjustable overtravel adjustment.

NB

 

The biggest problem with Browing 22's is that they make so many different models. How do you choose?

 

All three are great pistols.

This is great information -- thank you!

I have had or currently own all USA made .22 auto's since 1979.

Even a KelTec P17? Something about that little gun intrigues me!

 

This is great information -- thank you!

Even a KelTec P17? Something about that little gun intrigues me!

Me to, so I bought one. Nothing but cheap fun, very easy to clean and runs everything.

 

It's reports like this that have me concerned. I want something reliable.

I have two S&W Victory pistols, one threaded, one not. Both are completely reliable, as long as I clean them once in a while. FAR more reliable than my Sig P322, and more accurate as well.

I wouldn't worry about the S&W being unreliable.

My most accurate .22 is my 5.5" S&W 22a. I have all 3 versions of that model, in various lengths, and one spare in the 5.5". One button takedown a decade before Ruger managed it.😅 And then they decided to abandon the advantage, and use a set screw.

You'd think Smith & Wesson would have figured this out and fixed it by now.

They probably did. I have had none of those issues.

The UDX framed Buckmarks feel best, and point more naturally than the Vicky.....

Then that is what I would buy.

I am the other way, the Victory feels better than the Buckmarks.

That's why I don't really like the Ruger Mark series, they don't point well for me at all.
And that's why I spent a little more for a Sig P365 over the M&P, the Sig points right where I look.

Even a KelTec P17? Something about that little gun intrigues me!

I bought one for $219 OTD. Three mags in the box, more reliable and more accurate than my Sig P322 that cost almost 2X as much. Wears my Warlock II can with no issues. Paddle mag release like HK uses on some guns

Really, it's like the Heritage Rough Rider of the polymer .22 pistol world. Great inexpensive gun.

How long will it last compared to the Buckmark/S&W/Rugers? Who knows. But at $200 and some change...if I were worried about it, I'd buy spare guns, not parts.

 

I bought one for $219 OTD. Three mags in the box, more reliable and more accurate than my Sig P322 that cost almost 2X as much

I'm thinking about getting one when I get to Pennsylvania! (It's not welcome in New Jersey with its 16-round magazines. ) Can a gun this small, with only a 3.8-inch barrel, really be accurate?

 

FWIW, I own 10+ rimfire handguns. The two I shoot most are my Buck Mark and S&W K22 Masterpiece. By far, I shoot the Buck Mark the most, 1-2 times per week. It has a permanent place in my range bag. Accurate out to 50 yards with all ammo I have used. Loves the Walmart Federal Auto Match. I can't count the thousands of rounds down the pipe but many. Never a problem and runs perfectly even when it hasn't been cleaned for a long time. Just my 2 cents and worth every penny!

 

Great information; thanks!

 

The Kel Tec is a fun little gun and the cost is right, but I am not crazy about a gun held together with screws. The other pistols you have considered will be much more durable and retain better value down the road. If you are interested in a reasonably priced polymer style pistol you might want to check out the Taurus TX 22.

 

The Taurus, being right in the middle, pricewise, between the KelTec and the Ruger/Sig polymer guns, intrigues me. I'm sure that eventually I'll find one on sale and bring it home to play with the family.