Need help choosing a .22

[Freedomofchoice]

I guess what I'm looking for is a plinker. I've been thinking about three guns in particular: Browning Buckmark, Ruger mark III or Taurus wheel gun model 94.

Any opinions on any of these? I know many of you are going to say: "go rent them and see what you like", but what I'm really looking for is your first hand experiences with any of these three, particularly in the realm of ease of maintenance and reliability. I've read that the Ruger, and Buckmark are a pain to take down. Thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Kerbouchard]

Beretta Neos...
Here's why...
http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulle...ally-ugly.html

[deadeye72]

I have to agree with Kerbouchard. After reading his torture test, and the success i have had with mine, the Neos is darn good gun. Pretty easy to take down and clean too.

[rocky]

I have owned my Buckmark since 90. No problems and it works well.

[Pete Zaria]

Out of the ones you listed, I'd personally take the Ruger.

My favorite plinker is a Hi-Standard. They're a bit pricey now (mine's a vintage one) but they're excellent .22 handguns.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

[FallenPhoenix]

I will second the Neos recommendation. Great trigger, extremely accurate, the carbine option is nice, and it's just a sexy little gun. The one detriment is that mine doesn't like cheap ammo, Aguila specifically. Not that I really expected it to, but it would have been nice if it ate anything I put through it.

[markmc753]

I have shot all that you have mentioned. I would never own the Taurus, the trigger was awful! That said, my favorite 22 plinker is my 6" s&w 617

[archer51]

I have a Ruger Mark II Bull Barrel. I enjoy shooting it and it is accurate, but as you said Ruger 22 Semi's can ber a pain to breakdown and put together. I also found with mine when they get dirty they let you know it FTF/FTE.

[deadeye72]

I will second the Neos recommendation. Great trigger, extremely accurate, the carbine option is nice, and it's just a sexy little gun. The one detriment is that mine doesn't like cheap ammo, Aguila specifically. Not that I really expected it to, but it would have been nice if it ate anything I put through it.

I do not believe you can get the carbine kit for them. The BATFE said they were illegal, so Beretta scrapped them. That was one of the reasons I had purchased mine.

Freedomofchoice, if you are set on one of those three, I would go with the Browning.

[sass20485]

+1 on the Ruger MKII being DIFFICULT for take down and putting back together.
Had one and it was a great shooter, but I later got rid of it as I was tired of struggling with takedown and reassembly.

[hudsonvalley]

Personally I like my Hammerli Trailslide....if you can find one, great shooter!

[johnstuf]

+2 on the Ruger Mark II. I also have one with the bull barrel in SS with a Leupold scope. The Mrs. loves to shoot it! I have not had a problem with takedown, only with the last step swinging the main spring housing latch up into position. Once you learn it, it is easy. I also have a Walther P22. This is a much lighter and easier pistol to take down and reassemble. I have put around 1000 rounds thru it without a burp or hiccup.

Safe and sane shooting everyone,

johnstuf

[airslot]

I picked up a S&W 22A last month. So far it seems to be a decent shooter and easy to service. $229. at BASS PRO.

Be wary of American Eagle ammo, by Federal, FTF, FTE.

[Cap'n]

Although it is not on your list, I go along with the other guys voting for the Beretta Neos. It's a good one!

[gold40]

I bought my Ruger .22 auto in 1963. It has performed well ever since! I have no idea how many "bricks" of .22's I've used.

JERRY