Old 03-08-2010, 03:45 PM   #1
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Browning Buckmark vs. Ruger mark III?

Which one do you prefer over the other? I will be looking at getting one of the two pretty soon. As it will be my first handgun, I want a .22lr and then I will get something for HD or CCW use next. I am still debating on those. Anyway, these two .22lr seem like they are the best candidates. I will have to hold them to see if I like the feel of one over the other, but are there any pros and cons I should think about? Are these better than any other semi-autos in the .22lr category? My local gunshop has a few models of each and the Browning seems to be about $50 more than the others.

Any advise is welcome!

Browning Buck Mark Pistols, Product

Ruger® MarkIII™ Rimfire Pistols
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Old 03-08-2010, 03:57 PM   #2
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Dang, that's a hard choice. I have both actually. I put a scope on the Ruger and the Browning just open sites. Both are accurate to the point of hitting a dime if you are a good shot. The Ruger probably more so because I have a Nikon Monarch 2.5 x 8 scope on it. I will say the Ruger is prettier, but much heavier than the Browning.
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Old 03-08-2010, 04:04 PM   #3
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Well that is good to know! lol!

I also saw this one at the gun shop I think:

Ruger® 22/45™ Replaceable Panels Rimfire Pistol Models

model 22/45? It seems it just has the 45 grip instead of the Luger style.
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Old 03-08-2010, 04:46 PM   #4
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have both the ruger markI and a 22/45 and have put thousands upon thousands of round through them. My buddy's buckmark though nice has been sent back twice.
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Old 03-08-2010, 06:25 PM   #5
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Quote:       Originally Posted by okami515 View Post
have both the ruger markI and a 22/45 and have put thousands upon thousands of round through them. My buddy's buckmark though nice has been sent back twice.
Correct. It's grip angle is that of a 1911. The Buck Mark has the same 1911 grip angle. The other Ruger Mark I/II/III pistols have more of an angle to them, kinda like a Glock. It's a personal preference, but I prefer the 22/45 over the other Rugers because of the 1911 grip angle.

I also have both guns and like them a lot. I think I like the Buck Mark best but the 22/45 is a very close second if not tied. They both have their place in my collection.

Another 22 LR pistol that is underrated and a very good gun worthy of consideration is the S&W 22A. Originally there were a few quirks but those are sorted out now.
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Old 03-08-2010, 08:09 PM   #6
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the chiappa 1911 might also be a good option for you. ive heard rave reviews about it.
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Old 03-08-2010, 10:03 PM   #7
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The original MK I, and II's have the grip angle of the Luger. The 22/45's have the grip angle of a 1911. The Buckmark is at least as accurate, and a hell of a LOT more easy to strip and clean. Think about what your CCW will be and compare grip angles. If you can match them you are one step ahead. Bunny brought up a good point as well. Think about wether you're going to stay with irons, or maybe optics. I highly recommend either with Fire Sights. I think it will come down to what feels best in your hands !!
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Old 03-09-2010, 01:09 AM   #8
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Quote:       Originally Posted by stinkybriches View Post
the chiappa 1911 might also be a good option for you. ive heard rave reviews about it.
I will have to check that out too!

Quote:       Originally Posted by SwedeSteve View Post
The original MK I, and II's have the grip angle of the Luger. The 22/45's have the grip angle of a 1911. The Buckmark is at least as accurate, and a hell of a LOT more easy to strip and clean. Think about what your CCW will be and compare grip angles. If you can match them you are one step ahead. Bunny brought up a good point as well. Think about wether you're going to stay with irons, or maybe optics. I highly recommend either with Fire Sights. I think it will come down to what feels best in your hands !!
Very good points! I don't have a clue what my CC gun will be, so maybe I will look at that too before I buy anything. I will definitely have to see how they all fit in my hand. Also, I noticed that the barrel for the Ruger is attached to the receiver, meaning it would have to go to an FFL gunsmith if it ever needed to be re barreled? Should this be a concern?
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Old 03-09-2010, 01:38 AM   #9
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Good question young Cremley. I have a 10 yr old buckmark and have shot my brothers ruger hundreds of times. On reliability I would say either should rate very high. Toss up there. Accuracy...same deal. The difference is going to be in the grip and handling. Most folks are going to find a preference after shooting both. I chose the buckmark by a hair. But....I did not like the bulge on the right side of the artificial wood grip. Sooooo...I ground it off and refinished it. Can't tell it was ever done, and makes a much better grip (for ME). Bottom line....This is one of those win situations. You can't really go wrong.

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Old 03-09-2010, 02:42 AM   #10
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Browning all the way on this one.

A close second would be the Chiappa
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Old 03-09-2010, 06:48 AM   #11
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I have yet to see a Browning that will feed, cycle, and shoot ANY 22 ammo out there. I have a MKII Ruger and it doesn't care what you feed it, and it NEVER fails to feed or cycle the action. Everyone I know who onws a Browning has issues with them.
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Old 03-09-2010, 03:11 PM   #12
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Quote:       Originally Posted by dmsbandit View Post
I have yet to see a Browning that will feed, cycle, and shoot ANY 22 ammo out there. I have a MKII Ruger and it doesn't care what you feed it, and it NEVER fails to feed or cycle the action. Everyone I know who onws a Browning has issues with them.
This is interesting. I have both (Buck Mark Camper and Ruger 22/45) and I have had no problems with my BM feeding ammo but my Ruger will at times (mostly with 40 gr LRN bullets).
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Old 03-09-2010, 04:17 PM   #13
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My Buck Mark has shot everything i've tried in it. No problemo !! I've had a few extraction problems in my 22/45, but none in my MK I, or my MK II.
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Old 03-30-2010, 12:07 AM   #14
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Well I went with the Buckmark. I went to the store and held a 22/45 and a Mark III as well and they just didn't feel good in my hands. The buckmark was more expensive but it was worth it. It also came with a threaded barrel and the guy said it came from the Lipsey's distributor? I am not too sure how good this is. I know it is probably a good thing because it is a rarer model but does anyone know how much it is really worth? Here is a link to the gun:

Browning Buck Mark Camper Whisper 22 LR - BR051-464490 - LIPSEYS.COM
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Old 03-30-2010, 01:06 AM   #15
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Personally,

I feel the only important point is for you to handle and if possible shoot several different styles of each gun to find out what fits you the best in terms of hand to grip, balance, sight picture, trigger pull, and so on.

That will be the gun for you. What fits me best might not be the gun for you.
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Old 03-30-2010, 01:11 AM   #16
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Quote:       Originally Posted by cremley View Post
I also saw this one at the gun shop I think:

Ruger® 22/45™ Replaceable Panels Rimfire Pistol Models

model 22/45? It seems it just has the 45 grip instead of the Luger style.
That is true. If you shoot a 1911, the 22/45 is an excellent "trainer."

As to your original question, I would recommend the Ruger Mark II, over both of your choices, IF you can find one in good to excellent condition. I own several of them. I do not like the new Mark III chamber indicator design. But I would still take it over the Buck Mark.
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