Small caliber target pistol?

[vvanders]

Another vote for the Ruger Mk3, they really are perfect target pistol.

Also, if you can swing it the Volquartsen trigger kits are dead-simple to drop in and turn it into a whole new gun. The trigger feels like a 1/8" glass rod snapping when it breaks, really can't recommend it enough.

 

[bigtiller]

Jaxs mentioned the Ruger Single-Six Convertible. It's a great gun, made in the U.S. I have an old one that I would never give up.

Ruger® New Model Single-Six® Convertible Single-Action Revolver Models

 

[Piston]

Excellent replies and advice everyone! I do appreciate it and keep it coming. I enjoy seeing the photos also.

To narrow it down, I do really like the "style" of the ruger MK series. It appears Browning and S&W make direct competitors to this gun. Are there others as well or are these the big 3?

Gary, that is quite the "pistol"! I didn't know something like that existed unless you were to build it yourself. Very neat indeed!
I looked it up and read that the world record for accuracy was set using this gun.

I didn't realize that Browning had (what seems to be) an almost identical version of the Ruger. I'll look into the Buckmark as well. I think either of those models would be more accurate than I can be.

I like the Ruger Single Six but I don't want another revolver.

I've always wanted pistol so I figured this would be a good place to start.

2lanecruiser,
Regarding "target shooting" I pretty much mean just that, shooting at targets. I don't have any desire to shoot little animals/critters that happen to be walking around in my back yard. I guess I use plinking and target shooting interchangeably. I'm not up on the lingo.

The S&W Victory looks like a nice option as well, but for the simple fact that I already have two S&W, I'd like to get get something made by a different manufacturer. (Why you ask? I don't know, I'm weird like that)

Deere dude,
I checked the link you posted and really like the looks of the Buckmark with the fluted barrel.


Nybirdman,
Good advice regarding how they feel in your hand.

DavidL,
How do you like the red dot site? I haven't thought much about that it a scope just yet. I think I'll give it a go with the good ole fashioned iron sights and see how I like it.

Thanks again for all the into guys.

 

[Piston]

Oh, I forgot to mention an important aspect of this decision. I have to be able to buy the pistol at a Bass Pro Shops.
I've had these gift cards laying around for over 2 years now, and want to use them for this purchase.

Another thing, can you have a fluted barrel threaded? Or would it need to be a heavier barrel? I'd like to be able to add a silencer if it was a possibility.

Are either the MK 4 (looks like the 3 is discontinued) or the Buckmark easier/harder to take apart for cleaning?

Although this probably isn't a big deal for me because realistically I won't shoot this all that often.

 

[lpigott]

I have numerous .22 pistols. My old Ruger Mark II target with 6 7/8" tapered barrel is a jewel to shoot with a nice trigger. My favorite is the Mark III Ruger 22/45 lite with a Mark II VQ target trigger installed which deletes the mag safety of the Mark III. It has the factory supplied rail on it with a Primary Arms Aimpoint T-1 clone on it. It is a pleasure to shoot and with the red dot even amateurs can gain confidence quickly. My most used and abused .22 pistol is the amazing full size S&W M&P. This pistol is the exact dimensions of the M&P 9/40 and fits the same holster, it is just much lighter. This is my around the farm carry and has been through **** and rarely gets cleaned. It it extremely reliable and a gun that everyone should own at least one of IMO.

 

[dragoneggs]

A lot of talk about Ruger's. I'm a believer now after getting my hands on a MkIV. This is the 'Lite' model but there is a dedicated target and hunter model. I went lightweight and added a nice red dot... Couldn't be happier. This thing is a dream target setup IMO. Oh and a confession here, I am no expert... but just saying'. What will sell you though is the super easy/quick field strip. I guarantee it will impress you, especially if you own an earlier Ruger Mk. GTS (Google that sh*t).

 

[Gary Fowler]

I may be doing it wrong, but my Buckmark doesn't require any field stripping to clean. Just look back the receiver and brush thru and thru. The Buckmark is also much quieter for some reason than Ruger, S&W or Colt semi-autos. I think if must have something to do with how the receiver is open to both sides because that is the only difference that is readily visible. All the aforementioned are good pistols, I think Browning makes the best one though.

 

[JRobyn]

I have a Ruger Mark II and love it dearly. It was my first gun. Mine has the 6-7/8 barrel and is superbly accurate and dead nuts reliable. Has NEVER misfired or failed in any way, EXCEPT that when I first got it, the internals were full of metal chips and finger-slicing burrs, and the slot for the front sight was milled about 3/32" off center. A trip back to Ruger fixed all that. It is NOT the simplest to take down for cleaning, so it is good for you that the current models have corrected this.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

You won't go wrong with the Ruger. It's a quality gun. But as someone mentioned, check to see if it fits you.

While I do respect the quality of the Ruger products, most of them just don't fit me. That's not a slam on Ruger at all. It's just a different shape and doesn't work for me. Same with the justly famous 10-22. I cannot get comfortable with that, though I know it is one of the finest .22 rifles on the market.

Stick with a quality gun like the Ruger or Browning or equivalent, make sure it fits you, and you'll be happy with it.

 

[skipmarcy]

For .22 pistol plinking I have a S&W model 17 with a Pachmyer filler on the grip for my large hands. My favorite target/plinking pistol is my S&W 66 in .357 but for target shooting I reload .38 special wadcutters and it doesn't cost much more than .22s to shoot. A light loaded .38 like that is pleasant to shoot, even for women. You can't hardly beat a S&W revolvers' action/trigger in my opinion.