[TheShootist]

Looking for a nice 22 lr semi-auto pistol.
Have always been a S&W fan, Highway Patrolman, .357 NICE!
I really like the grips on the deluxe model 41 S&W, but the rest of the guns looks I can take or leave.
The Ruger MK's have so many options it is almost hard to narrow down which I like most, looks fantastic too in SS!
But Which ONE??

I need a pistol that will last, last through many hundreds of shells and will keep working like the day I unwrapped it. It would also be nice if it retained its value pretty well, which is my best choice? Why?

 

[Fuelburns2]

I'm more familiar with the Ruger so I'll vote for it. Mine works flawlessly if I clean it on occassion. I know that sounds terrible but its a PITA to clean. They do work, seem to retain their value very well and have a ton of configurations. I think either would suit your needs so its a matter of preference.

 

[Paul F.]

IMO, the Ruger is the only semi-auto .22 to consider. All .22 semi's want to be clean, so that's not a drawback. Personally, I like the heavy barrel "slab side" :wink:

 

[john1911]

Never tried the S&W. I have a Ruger Mark II. Shoots well, reasonably accurate, PITA to fully disassemble. Just my two cents.

 

[huntswithdogs]

The only other 22 semi that I'd rather have would be a Colt Woodsman. I've had my Ruger for quite sometime and have found it to be pretty accurate no matter the kind of shells I feed it. As for cleaning it thoroughly, I HATE TRYING TO GET IT BACK TOGETHER ! Ya gotta hold your mouth just rightmstand on your head and pray. I think the prayers work better than anything else!

HWD

 

[TheShootist]

Thanks for the info guys, Why are they (ruger) such a PITA to clean? :?:

 

[hoashooter]

They are not hard to clean----they are hard to reassemble :wink:

 

[Fuelburns2]

Check out the manual for the Ruger online. That might explain it better than we can.

 

[uglydog]

I'm a 41 fan as I have one. It is a classic and along with the High Standard Military series, is one of my favorite .22 handguns. The problem is they are so dang expensive. For the same money, one can get a Ruger and have numerous upgrades that should easily put the Ruger on par with, if not surpass, the S&W 41. For classic looks get a 41, for a cost effective competitive pistol, go with the Ruger.
As for disassembly and assembly, do as I do; borrow the Ruger and pretend you can't get it back together. The owner will then be stuck doing it for you. Of course, he won't lend it to you again but there are plenty of Ruger owners out there.

 

[Roadkill Bill]

Apple and oranges here. The Ruger is not in the same class as the 41. You would have to compare the 22A with the Ruger. Sure you can buy 3 Rugers for the price of a 41, but you get what you pay for.

 

[jakenov3]

how about a nice hi-standard ? i love the ruger and the s&w is great but the fit and feel of my h-s model b with a trigger that is slick as they come.

 

[UncleFudd]

I agree with roadkill, apples and oranges.

But as everyone has said they are soooo expensive If you can find one.I also like the HI standards but again which model and where do you find an old one in good shape?

After that. I will take the Ruger 22/45 which has the Standard Ruger stuff with the more modern grip and magazine relaesa. I have one in 2/34 and one with the 6" barrel and I wouldn't trade them for any other 22 I have ever shot. They are reasonably priced and they will not wear out no matter what you do.

Another thing you might find interesting and just for kicks.
I have several of the Ruger pistols (22) in the rental counter and always have had as they just go on shooting. As you might imagine they do not get cleaned as often as they should in ideal circumstances. But we still do not have trouble with them.
My gunsmith came to me one day and said "lets track one of these to see how long it will go before it breaks or gets so dirty it will not fire again".
This particular model is the 22/45 with three inch barrel and as of last Thur. it has almost 47,000 rounds through it and it still has not quit.
How long do you think it will take you to fire that many rounds through any gun you might own?
Bottom line is simply that say what you want it is very difficult to argue with the real deal. No matter how expensive a gun may be I doubt you will find another that will do any better, if as good as this particular Ruger 22. In the bargain, they are very accurate.

UF

 

[Bunnyman]

The trick with the Ruger re-assembly seems to be to (1) do it after every range session so you commit it to muscle memory, and (2) do it enough that they are 'broken in' - the new ones can be awfully stiff.

All Ruger MKs are nice, but I would recommend trying to track down a MKI or MKII, since the MKIIIs have a bit too much idiotproofing (chamber-loaded indicator, magazine safety, etc etc). I love the elegant simplicity of my MKI - the safety can be used to hold the bolt open, etc.

If you get into S&W 41 territory, think about a SIG/Hammerli Trailside...about half the price and damned accurate.

 

[bdkith]

I have a ruger mk which i love. It's never failed to fire or eject a round. Another plus with the it is that it has the same magazine release etc. as a 1911. Which makes it a good practice pistol for the 1911.

 

[Norman Ralph]

I just ran across this thread. I bought a Ruger MK III last year. The first couple times I cleaned it it was a "bear" to get back together. However after a few times it became easier and now I can disassemble it, clean it, and have it back together all in less than 15 minutes. Not as fast as my Glock 21 but still no sweat.

Norm,