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I'm looking for a 22.lr target pistol for general plinking on steel plates/paper targets. I have some general questions:

1. If considering a Ruger MkII or MkIII 22/45, which one would you choose?
2, I know the MkIII is drilled and tapped to accept a weaver rail (for possible red dot scope), but is the MkII drilled and tapped as well?
3. Also looking at the browning Buckmark Lite series with 7.2" bbl. Only 30oz. Weight is a major factor for me with my diminished arm strength. Most others this length are 42 oz. +.
4. Is the Browning Buckmark a better pistol? Which target models will accept a weaver rail?
5. I have read that Rugers are a pain to disassemble/assemble (although the videos didn't look that hard, just "fiddley"). The Brownings require 2 different Allen wrenches though.
6. Would you mount a red dot sight, and if so, which one(s) would you recommend?

Any info in this area would be appreciated. TIA

I'm certainly no expert, but I currently have possession of my Pop's Ruger 22/45 target pistol. It's fun and cheap to shoot. My son runs a couple of hundred rounds through it every time we go to the range.

Are you stuck on semi-autos or are you considering revolvers as well? Is this for serious target, as in trying to punch the center of the bullseye out stuff, are something to have fun shooting with without spending tons o' money?

Look at a Hammerli Trailside if you can find one. They are extremely accurate and blast to shoot! pun intended

CCreyeder wrote:Are you stuck on semi-autos or are you considering revolvers as well? Is this for serious target, as in trying to punch the center of the bullseye out stuff, are something to have fun shooting with without spending tons o' money?

As I said, it for metal plates and paper targets. Looking for an auto. I have a 22lr conversion on my G26, but with such at short sight radius, knocking down plates at 25 yds is a challenge (not that I don't enjoy it). I've had a Walther P22, but would prefer something totally dedicated to targets. Not into revolvers for .22lr. Thanks.

There are lots of good choices out there.

I have a Mark III Hunter 6" and a Browning Buckmark UDX.

I have a tru glo red dot on my mark III. Love it.

Will never trade either one of them.

Academy typcically has the Browning buckmark in stock and i'm starting to see Ruger's.

The Ruger Mark series are great, my only knock on them is breaking them down for cleaning. Look at it this way, once you figure it out and become proficient at it you will be in the running for an honorary masters degree in mechanical engineering. What I did with mine was to use a spray cleaner and lube then ocassionally ran the brush from the muzzle back. Wish I still had it, another one of those guns that I regret selling.

Rugerboy50 wrote:There are lots of good choices out there.

I have a Mark III Hunter 6" and a Browning Buckmark UDX.

I have a tru glo red dot on my mark III. Love it.

Will never trade either one of them.

Academy typcically has the Browning buckmark in stock and i'm starting to see Ruger's.

I shot a Ruger Mark III Hunter w/red dot the other day. A fine gun, but for me very, very heavy. As I said before I have to be able to hold it steady, and in my case 42 oz.+ is way too much. I'll be 70 next year, and I seem to be going downhill faster than I would like That's why I'm attracted to the poly framed guns, and especially the Browning Buckmark Lite w/7.2" bbl at only 30 oz. I appreciate everyone's input. Keep it coming

I've got the slab sided Ruger mk 3 22/45. It is not a heavy gun at all, 4 /12 inch barrel, very accurate. I'm very pleased with it.

G26ster wrote:I shot a Ruger Mark III Hunter w/red dot the other day. A fine gun, but for me very, very heavy.

In that case, you really don't want a Ruger Charger handgun.

If you're looking for a fun gun for steel plates and general plinking, I don't think you'll go wrong with the Mk III or Buckmark. Whichever one feels better to you. I also hear good things about the Beretta Neos but I haven't shot one myself.

G26ster wrote:

Rugerboy50 wrote:There are lots of good choices out there.

I have a Mark III Hunter 6" and a Browning Buckmark UDX.

I have a tru glo red dot on my mark III. Love it.

Will never trade either one of them.

Academy typcically has the Browning buckmark in stock and i'm starting to see Ruger's.

I shot a Ruger Mark III Hunter w/red dot the other day. A fine gun, but for me very, very heavy. As I said before I have to be able to hold it steady, and in my case 42 oz.+ is way too much. I'll be 70 next year, and I seem to be going downhill faster than I would like That's why I'm attracted to the poly framed guns, and especially the Browning Buckmark Lite w/7.2" bbl at only 30 oz. I appreciate everyone's input. Keep it coming

Understand. Sounds like the Browning would be a fine choice. 7.2" bbl at only 30oz wow that's nice.

Rugerboy50 wrote: Understand. Sounds like the Browning would be a fine choice. 7.2" bbl at only 30oz wow that's nice.

Looks like the 7.2" bbl model isn't being made anymore. That said, the Ruger MkIII Hunter, w/6.88" bbl is looking pretty good at 34 oz., and the 5.5" bbl at 32 oz.

http://www.ruger.com/products/2245Hunter/models.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The 22/45 that RottenApple mentioned above is a Mark II that I've owned for about 15 years. I don't know anything about the Mark III series.

If you already own a 1911, I highly recommend the Kimber 22LR conversion. I have one on a Rock Island frame that is a real pleasure to shoot. Other conversions may be just as good, but the Kimber is the only one I've shot.

Pawpaw wrote:The 22/45 that RottenApple mentioned above is a Mark II that I've owned for about 15 years. I don't know anything about the Mark III series.

If you already own a 1911, I highly recommend the Kimber 22LR conversion. I have one on a Rock Island frame that is a real pleasure to shoot. Other conversions may be just as good, but the Kimber is the only one I've shot.

I've got a 22lr conversion on a dedicated G26, so i don't have to keep changing uppers, but both my 1911's are short barrel (3" and 3 1/2"), with no way to mount a red dot that I know of, and no conversion kits available for those lengths. I'm really looking for a "tack driver" at 25 yds, but can't decide if the 6.88" bbl is that much better than the 5.5" bbl at which is 2 oz.. lighter. I figure if my arms shake slightly more at 34 oz. vs. 32 oz. it would negate the advantage of the extra bbl length. Decisions, decisions.

My S&W 22a is pretty easy to clean, and seems to be accurate. No clue what it weighs, though.