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I have a S&W 22A... my daughters love to shoot it; on our sessions we shoot in excess of 500 rounds. Doesn't get too hot and after around 300 rounds I do a quick cleaning around the feed ramp... keeps going and going.

This model is well built... the only thing I don't like it's a piece of plastic that helps keep the recoil spring together. So far has not giving me a problem, but I don't like that's a piece of plastic. S&W includes a few spares in the box, also two magazines are included.

I have a Ruger Mark I Target that's a pleasure to shoot. It has consumed thousands of rounds of mostly bulk-pack ammo without issue. There are some tight cleaning spaces, picks/scrapers/brushes help for thorough cleaning, and assembly can be frustrating if you haven't done it before. It's a hefty steel weapon as are the original magazine, although the newer replacement/spares mags have plastic parts and thinner metal which makes them feel cheap. There seems to be a large after-market for the Ruger Mark series. If I was shopping for another, I'd probably look for another post-71 Mark I or perhaps a Mark II. I've not laid hands on a Buckmark, but I'd probably look into those also for comparison.

You might take a look at disassembly videos on youtube to get an idea of what it takes to strip and clean each. The Ruger disassembly is more or less tool-less, but a mallet helps on new/tight guns. It looks like the Buckmark requires removal of 2-3 hex bolts/screws to field-strip and clean.

Also, Ruger puts the serial # on the bbl so replacements transferred/sold by FFL. I don't believe this is the case for the Browning which might make it more interesting if multiple barrel sizes/configuration are desired. Perhaps for different sight/optic/length/threading requirements.

I am a huge fan of my Ruger MKIII. I will admit to hardly ever cleaning it, because it is a pain to try to reassemble. Hasn't failed me yet. I know you were at one time a big fan of the 1911. Perhaps you could look at the 22/45. It mimics the grip angle and controls of the venerable 1911. I know you asked 'bout semis, but I recently purchased an LCR in .22, and while it was intended as a training tool, it frequently ended up in either my backpack or man-purse as a sort-of-backup-but-not-really-readily-accessible to my Austrian friend what rides my hip. My 642 also takes these spaces occasionally. Not sure why I pick the .22 sometimes...

I have the Berreta Neos. This gun has done very well and you can buy longer barrels and a carbine kit for it. It also has a rail for optics if you choose to add them.

IMO, any of the Ruger MKs or Buckmark is a good choice as a BOG.

WildBill wrote:IMO, any of the Ruger MKs or Buckmark is a good choice as a BOG.

Can't go wrong with either. We chose Buckmarks (we have two) because they have better triggers (IMHO) than Ruger. Looked at SIG and S&W also, but settled on Brownings

puma guy wrote:

WildBill wrote:IMO, any of the Ruger MKs or Buckmark is a good choice as a BOG.

Can't go wrong with either. We chose Buckmarks (we have two) because they have better triggers (IMHO) than Ruger. Looked at SIG and S&W also, but settled on Brownings

The only reason I don't have a Browning is that I already have two High Standards and a Ruger Mk III.

My High Standards are strictly target guns. One of these days I'll buy a Buckmark as a BackUp BugOutGun for my Ruger.

cbucher wrote:I have the Berreta Neos. This gun has done very well and you can buy longer barrels and a carbine kit for it. It also has a rail for optics if you choose to add them.

I really tried to like the Neos. When I was on leave I actually went to Cabela's with the express purpose of buying one... but once I held it, I lost interest because the beavertail was (for some reason) VERY uncomfortable and I hate Beretta's backward (to me) safety.

Probably still a good gun though.

I still find the Ruger MKII 22/45 to be the ultimate best bang for the buck. It amazes me how many folks complain about the dis-assembly/assembly of the Rugers. With just a tiny bit of effort those problems can be easily remedied.
The BuckMark rates right up there as well, but I just prefer the 1911 grip style of the MKII. I have no idea how many dozen bricks of bulk stuff mine has run through.... and it will pop turtle heads in the stock pond at 20 yards.

surv

I shot a 22/45 Saturday & held some others.
22/45 is at the top of the list right now.

Dont own one yet so keep talkin to me.

Thanks & a lot of help here.

longtooth wrote:I shot a 22/45 Saturday & held some others.
22/45 is at the top of the list right now.

Dont own one yet so keep talkin to me.

Thanks & a lot of help here.

Keep open the option of finding a 22/45 with a worn out barrel. You can purchase a good barrel from Volquartesen or Tactical Solutions to put on the old receiver. I regret selling my old 22/45 to buy a newer threaded barrel version. My old 22/45 did not have the mag disconnect and it was much more accurate.

I absolutely love the Buckmark II. I have put at least 2000 rounds of "el cheapo" bulk 22lr through it and it just keeps begging for more. I need another for the Mrs. but we're just a couple of broke college kids and money doesn't grow on trees.

bought a buckmark about 20 years ago and have put at least 5000 rounds through it

Ive cleaned it less than 5 times - VERY accurate and very reliable

LOTS Of fun

Plan to get a ruger just because I like accurate 22s and I want to compare

FWIW, I have the Ruger Mk1 and I love it. For a Bug Out Gun, I'm looking at the Henry AR7. It's self-contained in the stock portion, it's a rifle, and it floats.
Hope that helps, Nick