...expensive magazines (although, really, all of the guns on this list suffer from that).
Mopar replied in comments that the Ruger had the cheapest mags out there, and that got me to thinking. And when I get to thinking, watch out (generally for the steam coming out of my ears).
Next stop: MidwayUSA, one of my very favoritest gun parts places EVAH. A quick check reveals the following prices on magazines for the five .22LR semi-autos I mentioned earlier:
Ruger Mark III: $20
Ruger 22/45: $17.30 (marked down from $19)
S&W 22: $23
Walther P22: $22.50 (backordered)
Sig Mosquito: $37
Okay, so I more or less stand corrected; while the S&W magazine is the second-most expensive, at $23 it's not at "break the bank" status. Ruger has the slight edge in affordability, and only the Sig stands out as being too pricey for more than a couple extra mags. Magazine availability, as I have come to appreciate, can be a deciding factor in a semi-automatic firearms purchase. Having new factory magazines available at a reasonable price is a major plus.
Unless I stumble across a really good deal, I imagine the list just got narrowed down to S&W and Ruger...
That is all.
11 comments:
Well, if it's down to the S&W and the Rugers...
"Smith & Wesson model 22A. Pros are the low cost (I think they're going new for about $275),"
As you said, about a $100 difference - I think the Ruger is worth it, but YMMV
"the full Weaver rail,"
The Ruger should come with an easily installed rail (I think most, if not all, versions do) which it's pre-tapped for. Unlike the S&W, it's removable if you change your mind. Also, I can't tell from the pictures on their website - is the front sight of the S&W removable? The Ruger's is.
"and the simple take-down."
Can't argue that, though after the first couple of times the Ruger take-down isn't that bad.
"Cons are spotty accuracy"
Ruger wins that hands-down. It's far more accurate than I think most people are capable of taking advantage of.
"and expensive magazines (although, really, all of the guns on this list suffer from that)."
Well, you've addressed that one already. Though I might point out that Ruger magazines are also extremely available as well. I've seen lots of them at every gun show I've ever been to, and I wasn't even looking!
Also worth noting - the Ruger Mk II (version with an integral suppressor) is used by SEAL teams and the Mossad.
"Smith & Wesson model 22A. Pros are the low cost (I think they're going new for about $275)"
Which is almost exactly what I paid new for my 22/45 Target model with adj sights and 2 mags. Just sayin'. :)
Just to also repeat from an earlier thread..... the Ruger Mark series pistols are the AR15s of the .22 pistol world. Damn near anything and everything is readily available for it, either stock or custom. As was pointed out in the other thread, you can take it from $300 plinker to full-on competition if you like. There are forums and websites devoting to these guns. As you can see, damn near everyone already owns one.
Even better, the Sig Mosquito mags are plastic. Undoubtedly Unobtanium Plastic forged in the heart of Mount Doom but still, c'mon....
I love my Sig 45's, but they screwed the pooch on that .22
One more vote for the Ruger. But all of the MkIII's we tried had TERRIBLE triggers. We found an NIB MkII 22/45, and it's as good as the first one we had.
Dis- and re-assembly aren't really a problem if you bother to read the manual. Lack of the magazine safety is another reason to look for a used MkII 22/45.
FYI, my factory Sig magazines were metal, and cost around $40.
They make plastic ones now, and I just picked up two at Academy Sports for around $25 each.
So far, no problems with either mag, but they are plastic, so...
I think the Sig's all but out of the running. I'm most likely going to bring a fistful of cash to a couple gun stores and see what they have available.
After I post a "WTB" on the local gun board, of course. Every single gun I bought last year, and all but one the year before, were from private sales...
I wouldn't dis the accuracy of the S&W 22A. I took some time and tried different types of ammo to find what it really likes. I'm extremely happy with mine using CCI Blazer ammo. It also likes Federal Gold Medal match ammo, but the Blazer's a bit less expensive so I generally stick with that.
When I do my part, it shoots what I'm pointing it at, and I've never had a failure to feed, eject or extract (see con number one below).
Of course, that's only my experience. When I was shopping for a .22 pistol, I read the same reviews you apparently have that weren't impressed with accuracy. I think the key is finding the ammo that it likes the best, but I suppose my pistol could be the exception rather than the rule.
Also, unless the prices have risen dramatically over the past couple of years, you should be able to get one cheaper than you said. I bought mine from Dark Sun Surplus NIB for $209 a couple of years ago.
At the very next gun show they were at, they had the exact same gun NIB for $199. Sigh.
Other pluses:
-The trigger is excellent. I haven't measured it, but I'd guess between 3 and 4 pounds, clean and crisp.
-The rear sight is fully adjustable with distinct click adjustments and I've never had it lose zero. I typically keep it adjusted for a center hold for pin shooting, but occasionally adjust for a 6o'clock hold when shooting bullseye style targets. It's a very solid, and well put together adjustable sight, in my opinion.
-Easy take down and cleaning.
Cons:
-Magazine disconnect safety that I hate. A couple of times I didn't get the mag seated firmly enough (it looked all the way in, but apparently wasn't seated) and resulted in failure to fire. Good for practicing failure drills but plays hell on your stage times during a match. I've been meaning to look into disabling or removing it, but I just haven't gotten around to it.
-Plain black sights. I prefer some contrast. Took care of that with some sight paint. Also, the front blade is a bit wider than I like. Doesn't seem to affect my accuracy with it, but I'd have preferred a finer blade and narrower rear sight notch.
-The integral weaver rail is a great idea, but executed poorly. The cross-grooves in the rail are spaced so that optics from no known manufacturer will actually fit. If you plan on putting on a dot sight or other optic, unless you find the illusory sight that this rail was designed for (if so, please let me know what it is), you'll probably have to file or machine another cross-groove in the rail to get the sight mounts to fit.
-The magazine release is in an unusual location. It's in the front of the grip rather than on the side. I think they did this to make it ambidextrous and it's actually a pretty good idea. As a lefty myself, I think it's one of the easiest to use setups I've ever used. I only list it as a con because it's unique which makes me fear that I could fumble for the mag release on my carry pistols under pressure if I get too used to the oddball.
-Minor point but something to consider: The barrel isn't round, which, especially combined with the full-length rail, could make getting it threaded for a suppressor problematic, if you swing that way.
In my case, expense was a major factor. I chose to take the chance on the S&W and I'm glad I did. It isn't perfect, but overall, I'm very happy with the pistol. I've used it many times for beginner shooters with great results (last time was last weekend with an NRA First Steps Pistol Class).
I'm not trying to say it's better than any of the others you mentioned, just thought you might like some insights from a happy owner.
Another vote for the Ruger family. Most come with a rail t, and are pre-tapped for one if not (use loctite).
Disassembly is easy after the third or fourth try, and it's actually easier to clean than many other similar pistols.
Trigger issues are easily fixed. The disasemby is a bit farther than for normal cleaning, but not hard to do and a few seconds with a stone to polish the sear is all it takes.
YMMV.
I am very happy with my Ruger 22/45 MkIII, and I bought 2 additional factory magazines for it about a month ago. I think I managed to get a slightly better price through Brownells than Midway, so definitely check them both. Also be warned that the 22/45 while based on the same action as the Ruger MkIII does not have 100% compatibility with all MkIII accessories or aftermarket parts (the biggest differences being the magazines and anything that has to do with the grips).
Just a little update. I've been lucky enough to take the 22/45 shooting 3 times in the last week, so the cleaning part is pretty down pat now. I decided to time reassembly for ya last night. Took me 45 seconds with a function check and I was not rushing it in the least. Granted I have removed the mag disconnect which makes things somewhat easier. Just saying it's really NOT all that bad once you get used to it.
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