I have a S&W 622 which is very accurate and reliable. It was replaced by the 41 (not sure) I believe. I don't use mine as often as I should. I just plain like shooting the 40sw better. Reloading keeps the prices in check(somewhat) and I usually buy in bulk like 10000 bulletheads at a time.

If it was me, I would either buy the bull barrel Ruger or the Buckmark. I have not owned or shot the Buckmark but am considering the purchase of one. I have owned the bull barrel Ruger and loved it! I let a buddy talk me out of it and havn't replaced it yet.

I have several 22s, including the Walther P22 which is a fun one to shoot. Its lightweight and accuracy is ok. Not one I would pick for frequent plinking.

Also have a Ruger Mark III in the Competition Target model, and I love that gun! It really is a joy to shoot, and its just simply a good looking gun. I selected this particular Ruger because it fit my hand best and had the thumbrest. Also liked the bull barrel.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=55&vari...
The only drawback to a Ruger is cleaning them. They're like putting a Chinese puzzle back together.

Since I enjoy shooting 22s I've found that each one seems to like different brands of ammo. Some of the cheaper stuff out there does jam frequently.

I'll second what cowgal said about cheap ammo. The ones I have used like the hotter loads but on the cheap side, the federal bulk ammo always works well.

The last ten or so years I have really re-discovered the joy of the .22 LR in both handgun and rifle. It has done a lot to improve my shooting. After all good technique is good technique and does not change from caliber to caliber. Sight picture, stance, breathing, trigger control, grip are the same no matter what and its so much cheaper and easier than the same amount of centerfire ammo. I currently have a browning buck mark that I have put at least a hundred thousand rounds through in the last 15 or so years and that's not an exageration. If it has any drawbacks at all it's probably that it's a little tricky to fieldstrip but as Cowgal said not nearly as hard as the Ruger. Chinese puzzle was a good analogy there! It's one of my all time favourite guns just because it's fun and ironicaly it's one of my least expensive having no costly custom work or anything. About $385. bucks retail and tons of fun.

I'm in the same boat. I'm placing some money aside for a Ruger Six Shot. I like the SA's, so that is just my choice. Looked at the Ruger semi's though, and thought they are a very nice product, but have not shot one. I've been using the 22 rifle alot more too because of cash. It's actually gotten me back into small game hunting again, so I'm glad I did it.

The other thing I was thinking, is it's not a bad idea to have a 22 side arm. You could always take it hiking or camping, and if something happens you've got limb bacon to shoot to save your hide!

Bought a Buckmark in 1989 and love the gun. My Mom (all 80years of her) has a Mk II and to be honest after putting a couple of clips through the Browning the Ruger is way to "clunky" for me to enjoy shooting.

Back then I subscriber to a magazine called "Test Shots" it was a little pricy but there was little to no advertising. All they did was compair stuff. Gun's, ammo, component's etc. They did one on $200 .22 autoloading handguns (the price has gone up some since 89). They tested the Buckmark, Mark II, Smith and Wesson 722 (I think the 722?) and a gun that RamLine had out at the time. The Buckmark won (the Mk II was second) and the test team said that the Browning was the only gun of the four that they would consider using for competitive shooting (out of the box) in a pinch.

Adkbear wrote,

That is so cool, God bless her freedom loving heart. And yep, the browning is the best for the money out of the box. The S&W 41 is better but way way up there in price like about a grand give or take.

I have a Ruger Mark II stainless bull barelTarget and I realy love it , but right now I'm looking at browningbuckmark camper with a bull taper barel. $269.00
in like new shape. Good luck with your choice.
F.K.

exp
What did you ever settle on, or is it unsetteled?