hi there, I've been thinking about getting a pistol for a long time and now I'm finally going to get one, the only problem is I can't decide which one to get. I've seen three that I like, they are...the Ruger Mark II MK4NRA for 310.00, the Browning Buck Mark plus for 286.00 and the Walther P22 for 250.00

so which do you think is best?

thanks in advance

I've heard good and bad things about the P22 (mostly bad). I already have a Beretta U22 Neos, so I have no reason to even try one, but I probably wouldn't buy a P22 anyway. I've seen pictures at the Walther Forums showing SEVERE slide wear after only a few hundred rounds.

The Ruger Mark II is a good gun, but personally, I don't like them for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they look cheap. They shoot well, but they do look cheap. Second, and more importantly, the magazine follower handles will tear your thumb up after just a couple of reloads. I HATE the follower handles on Mark II's.

For those reasons, I chose a Beretta U22 Neos. The follower handle is BIG and round, very easy to manipulate without sustaining severe trauma to one's digits. :D The handle angle is similar to Glocks (and the Mark II), and it feels great. Lots of weight up front with that bull barrel too. They also look sharp, strip down very easily (no tools at all, only a thumb and forefinger required), and the sight rail is affixed to the barrel, so even when fully disassembled, your sights (or attached scope) will not loose their zero.

In addition, they come in 4.5", 6" and 7.5" variations, in stainless (Inox) and blued, and there is a two-tone handle version available in blue or gray plastic with black trim.

I got my 4.5" Inox for $239.

http://products.berettausa.com/frame_tabellaprodotti_2002.asp?sgmt=32&Model=U22%20Neos#

The Mark II is a nice shooting gun. Unless that's some sort of special model you have there you should be able to get one for much cheaper than that. I don't think you can go wrong with the ruger or the buckmark.

I was looking at 22 autos and got a chance to fire a 100 rounds through the Ruger 22/45. Was amased at the 25-50' accuracy. However, I understand the breakdown can be a pain. I did own a Browning Buck Mark for 48 hrs. Bought it NIB, fired it and traded it in. Fired like a small 22 scatter gun. All over the target. Just wasn't that accurate (for me). Also considered the P22 (since I have and like the P99), but after checking the Walther forum and others, some don't seem to be too happy. I know this isn't helping you in your decision. Just some info on the guns you mentioned. So far, I haven't purchased a 22 auto loader.

The Rugers are not difficult to take down / reassemble if you have the manual, which of course Ruger will send you if you pick up a gun and don't get instructions.

Personally I think it's not too bad.... don't let that influence you too much.

What do you want the gun for, Home protection or shooting range.

I went through a similar decision process. I looked at just about every 22LR on the market. Went to a gun show and still could not decide between a Ruger MK II, Walther P22 or a Taurus Tracker. I finally went to one of the local shops who had the P22 and MK II. I immediately ruled out the P22, it felt and looked like a toy. The Ruger felt like a real gun. The Taurus was hard to find, but when I finally found one I was not impressed with the finish. I decided on a Ruger KMK678GC. Heavy, solid, and made to last. I have not regretted my decision at all.

On the subject of reassembly, yes, it is complicated the first time. The manual has some of the detail. Once you've been through it a couple times it's not a big deal. Which leads to one of the other nice things about the MK II, it's been around forever. This means lots of parts and people with experience. Look around, you'll find lots of information on the web.

i just bought one too (ruger slabside competition), here's a good site for all around info, dis/reassembly, accessories,ect..
http://www.1bad69.com/ruger/index.htm

monty

I went through a similar decision process. I looked at just about every 22LR on the market. Went to a gun show and still could not decide between a Ruger MK II, Walther P22 or a Taurus Tracker. I finally went to one of the local shops who had the P22 and MK II. I immediately ruled out the P22, it felt and looked like a toy. The Ruger felt like a real gun. The Taurus was hard to find, but when I finally found one I was not impressed with the finish. I decided on a Ruger KMK678GC. Heavy, solid, and made to last. I have not regretted my decision at all.

On the subject of reassembly, yes, it is complicated the first time. The manual has some of the detail. Once you've been through it a couple times it's not a big deal. Which leads to one of the other nice things about the MK II, it's been around forever. This means lots of parts and people with experience. Look around, you'll find lots of information on the web.

Speaking of which, the U22 Neos breaks down into 3 big pieces and a spring, with just the turning of screw using a thumb and opposing forefinger. It doesn't get any easier.

Speaking of which, the U22 Neos breaks down into 3 big pieces and a spring, with just the turning of screw using a thumb and opposing forefinger. It doesn't get any easier.

I liked the way the U22 felt when I held it, but I just could not get used to the way it looked.

I liked the way the U22 felt when I held it, but I just could not get used to the way it looked.

I felt the same way at first. I thought the P22 looked like a real gun, and the U22 looked like a Flash Gordon ray gun.

Turns out the P22 has lots of problems, and I got over the looks of the U22. It really is a fantastic pistol. It's modular as well. You can very easily exchange the barrel, slide, grip and sights. There are different options for each.

There's even a Carbine Kit that converts any U22 into a 14" barrel carbine with butt stock! A semi automatic pistol and rifle in one!

http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/U22-neos-6.0-carabine.gif

http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/U22_accessories.gif

http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/U22-neos-6.0-modular-system.gif

This page is a little outdated (the Carbine Kit has been out for awhile, and the slides have a 3" concave dimple down their length, instead of being solid like pictured), but it still has some valuable information.

http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/Beretta%20mod%20U22NEOS%20(1).htm

I don't know about anyone else here, (maybe it's me) but isn't the grip on the Walther P22's too short... I tried one at a store and the grip/mag only came down to the bottom of my third finger. It left my little finger in an ocward curl under position. Anyone else have that same problem? I think I'm going with the U22 Neos.. Comfortable, easy to clean, good price, American designed and made, and from what I've read pretty accurate. Thoughts? (really would like a Sig Trailside,in the future!)
CraigJS

I own a Ruger MKII slab side in stainless. It is around 14 yrs old and I have fired thousands of rounds on it. It still operates perfect and is the most accurate 22 pistol that I currently own. Taking it apart and reassembling it the first time was a pain for me, but once you know how, it is really simple.

My first gun (about 1 month ago) was the Ruger 22/45, great gun, feels good looks good. I only shoot CCi Mini- Mags. ..Academy Sports has them for $200.

Jim

Have to admitt that maybe I'm playing favorites, but the Ruger is the top pick. Made in the USA by a USA company and you can't go wrong with it. As far as being ugly, I think somebody out there needs glasses, at least as far as the bull barrel units go. The space gun looking Berretta with all the colored plastic bits would get you laughed out of the gravel pit up my way, but to each thier own.
Haven't shopped in a while, but am surprised that the Ruger is the high dollar unit.
Take down is a piece of cake, getting it back together afterwards can be fun, but follow the directions and it's a good education. (always liked those "chinese puzzle anyway ;) ).
Am surpised no consideration of a S&W.
Anyway, go with the Ruger and you'll never be sorry.

I have a buckmark and I love it, never had any problems with it and they have alot of aftermarket parts available, much like the neos.