.22: Ruger vs. Buckmark

Of the following, my fave .22 plinker is:

  • Ruger Mk. II

    Votes: 51 50.0%

  • Ruger 22/45

    Votes: 14 13.7%

  • Browning Buckmark

    Votes: 37 36.3%
  • Total voters
    102
I went with Buckmark standard model. In my experience they were more reliable than mk2 (though I've seen some very reliable Mk2s, I've also encountered real lemons). I like the Browning disassembly, though it requires a tool: at least I can get at most of the parts easily.

Looking at the Buckmark, I suspect that they will wear out in use (light gauge wire ejector, flimsy looking recoil spring buffer) BUT I've had zero malfunctions with one of my Buckmarks (maybe 5,000rds fired) and only a handful with the other (when I put wrong oil on it and then shot outside in the cold...not enough recoil to reload at times). OTOH, I've had feeding problems with the Rugers. Also, to me the BM points better, has easier controls. Ruger has slightly nicer sights.

Overall, a toss-up. Take whichever feels better and ask someone to show you re-assembly if you pick the Ruger.
 
Have the MKII and Buckmark. I like the Buckmark but I like the Ruger better. I've had the problem with the sight rail coming loose on the Buckmark as well.
 
I have owned both. I prefer the Buckmark's grip angle and controls. The Ruger probably is more durable but I doubt you would ever wear either pistol out. I do not like the 22/45 plastic frame. I have had the Buckmark sight rail shoot loose. Just tighten the screws if this happens. No big deal. Either the standard Ruger or a Buckmark will serve you well. Watch-Six
 
WOW!!..Toys for Rugers..

I went to a site called On Target...they have a ton of upgrades for Rugers...is there any such thing for the Brownings??
 
I voted for the Mk II. There are so many custom things you can do to it, like wood grips.

The 22/45 is nice too, but I like having the option to change grips.

I'm not crazy about the Buckmarks. They are ok, but they just don't work for me.
 
First post, so hello all.

I voted for the 22/45. I have the P4. Its my go to the farm/range/ do anything gun.

Liked and had the MkII stainless 5.5 in. bbl and loved it , but someone talked me out of it. Dumb me. The 22/45 seems to fit better and for some reason I shoot the 4" better than my friends 5.5- go figure.

Plus its lighter weight for carrying, My .02
 
I have 2 words for those who complain about the sight rail coming loose on Buckmarks...Blue Locktite. It`s made for things that you want to stay tight but would like to be able to remove later if you wish. "Problen" solved. It woudn`t hurt to replace the $.02 lockwashers every few thousand rounds either. At any rate I find the Buckmark much easier and more pleasant to disassemble than the Rugers.
As for the aluminum frames,gee I can think of oh about a zillion centerfire guns that hold up fine with aluminum frames. No wear at all on mine with probably well over 5000rds. through it. Marcus
 
Marcus- You're completely correct, Loctite Blue will solve the problem. I just have some reservations about any firearm that needs to be "glued" together. I like Buckmarks otherwise.

Dan
 
I like my Buckmark.

I've had mine for about a year and a half(bout 1500 rounds)
and no probs. I did replace those $0.02 washers with $0.10 stanless ones and I need to get the high vis sights or the scope rail with a red dot.
 
I own all three.
I prefer the .22/45.

One of my .22/45's has over 35K rounds through it with zero mechanical problems, which is why I voted for the .22/45. Both of the others have had one or 2 minor poblems. Nothing a tighten of a screw or a replacement spring couldn't fix. Blue Locktite helps some, but it isn't 100%. My wife's Buckmark Micro works itself loose even with gobs of the stuff. *shrug* no big deal, I just make sure I tighten the screws every few hundred rounds.

RH,
Yes, the 22a/22s are in a class below the Ruger and the Browning. I own a 22s and while I wouldn't call it garbage, it pretty close to being bad. Think of them as a reliable and ultra accurate Jennings :D
 
I've shot both, and I like the Mk II better. The Rugers are more robust than the Brownings. I own a Browning though, partly because I got a good deal, and partly because I'm not fond of Bill R's comments regarding gun ownership.
 
Ive never owned a Ruger .22, because I heard they dont field strip, to clean. Is this true? Do you have to really "dig in" to the pistol, to just clean it? If its false, I think its my next toy!;)
 
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