The mostest bestest 22 handgun ever

[ASH556]

Just got rid of my M&P22. It was a great gun, ran great, and especially when I was shooting M&P's was a good understudy that I used to develop draw speed and get cost effective reps. I also used it as a suppressor host and general backyard pest eliminator:

https://i.imgur.com/gx6w7dtl.jpg

That said, there are much better "pure .22" platforms out there. I'm thinking either a Ruger or Browning Buckmark platform. I like the Buckmark better for its more open chamber area and therefore easier ability to be kept clean; especially with high volumes of suppressed fire.

What I really want is something like the gun below. Where I'm struggling is to find anything on the ability to attach a rail to the Tac Sol Barrel.

Anyone been down this road and could offer some insight? Also, about mounting the dot. It'll be an RM06 for me, and just wondering if there's a better/cleaner way than the pic mount to a rail. Looking for bombproof TEOTWAWKI shiz.

Thanks!

https://i.imgur.com/iALpnOVl.jpg

[farscott]

Interested to see where the conversations go. Looks like the pistol should be a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical per https://ruger.com/products/markIV2245Tactical/models.html

How to mount the RMR is always the issue. With the Ruger, most people opt for a mount replacing the rear sight or a mount that covers the ejection port. Examples at http://maddmacsprecisiontactical.com/trijicon-rmrreg.html

Both, IMHO, are not optimal. One removes the rear sight, and the other can impact ejection.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Interested to see where the conversations go. Looks like the pistol should be a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical per https://ruger.com/products/markIV2245Tactical/models.html

How to mount the RMR is always the issue. With the Ruger, most people opt for a mount replacing the rear sight or a mount that covers the ejection port. Examples at http://maddmacsprecisiontactical.com/trijicon-rmrreg.html

Both, IMHO, are not optimal. One removes the rear sight, and the other can impact ejection.

I use the Maddmaccs center mount with a Holosun and find it to be the optimal solution. Havent had any ejection issues, and it mounts lower than another mount I tried, and much lower than the factory pic rail.

I would definitely reccomend the 22/45 Tactical.

[Evil_Ed]

Nice underrated thing about the Rugers - since there's a defined ejection port (and not the whole top of the slide opening up), any spit back/carbon/crud/etc that gets ejected doesn't go straight up or back to the shooter...it tends to mostly go out the side, away from the shooter's face. Your glasses get significantly less peppered with carbon and crud IME..

[ASH556]

Nice underrated thing about the Rugers - since there's a defined ejection port (and not the whole top of the slide opening up), any spit back/carbon/crud/etc that gets ejected doesn't go straight up or back to the shooter...it tends to mostly go out the side, away from the shooter's face. Your glasses get significantly less peppered with carbon and crud IME..

That's a really good thought, especially with the dot!

[OlongJohnson]

TacSol has a rail that keeps the Buck Mark rear sight.

https://tacticalsol.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1366871&CAT=12588

Browning has made a variety of models with a Pic rail section under the barrel over the years. I'd call up Browning CS or a place like Midwest Gun Works and see if they can direct you to the part you need. Another company's barrel might have to be drilled & tapped to mount it, but it should work. If you dig around, you might find a factory Buck Mark model with an aluminum barrel and underlug. They make a lot of different flavors. Currently, they make a fluted/threaded/lite and a non-fluted/non-threaded/lite/rail model.

I'd probably just buy a TacSol barrel and put it on whatever Buck Mark I could get for the least money. D&T for the under-rail.

Locked and Loaded seems to be the lowest-price source for TacSol stuff when I've checked lately. Multiple orders from them - they ship slowly, but I've never had a problem.

ETA: Saw a post on RFC where someone at TacSol said they have an under-barrel rail section for Buck Marks with 0.900" bull barrels, but it wasn't on their site. Call TacSol CS and ask what they can do for you.

[ASH556]

TacSol has a rail that keeps the Buck Mark rear sight.

https://tacticalsol.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1366871&CAT=12588

Browning has made a variety of models with a Pic rail section under the barrel over the years. I'd call up Browning CS or a place like Midwest Gun Works and see if they can direct you to the part you need. Another company's barrel might have to be drilled & tapped to mount it, but it should work. If you dig around, you might find a factory Buck Mark model with an aluminum barrel and underlug. They make a lot of different flavors.

I'd probably just buy a TacSol barrel and put it on whatever Buck Mark I could get for the least money. D&T for the under-rail.

Locked and Loaded seems to be the lowest-price source for TacSol stuff when I've checked lately. Multiple orders from them - they ship slowly, but I've never had a problem.

I spoke with TacSol this afternoon and the D&T barrel for light rail is no longer a factory option. They don't offer the rail anymore either, so this would be 100% a gunsmith operation. I hate to say it, but there's not a gunsmith in my area (Atlanta, GA) I'd trust to perform this operation. I've used several for projects over the years, including some big name outfits, and ALWAYS had problems.

I might just have to forego the LW barrel unless I can find it as a factory option from either Ruger or Browning. I know Ruger offers a MkIV currently with an under-rail, but believe it's a full weight bull barrel.

[farscott]

If you want the light barrel, keep an eye on Volquartsen's clearance page at https://volquartsen.com/clearance as they dump unused uppers from pistols purchased for the frames. The Lite uppers show up for about $100 every few weeks. Combined with a 22/45 lower and bolt from any pistol, and you can build your own. I used a Ruger 40107 which is the least expensive 22/45 for my frame. The unserialized frame is the hard part to get as Ruger does not sell just the frames, and it cannot be copied right now due to patent protections.

I bought from Volquartsen the all-steel bull upper for $40 and the four-inch fixed upper for $35; both prices were delivered to my FFL. New bolt assemblies are sold by Volquartsen on eBay for about $35. With some careful shopping, you can get what you want with a reasonably small outlay.

[OlongJohnson]

The cheapest price I've been quoted to thread a Buck Mark barrel around here or at Adco was about the same as just buying the TS threaded barrel online.

[JimLob65]

Browning lists at least three models of the Buckmark with an under barrel pic rail. May want to check them out.

[UNK]

Ive got a 22/45 with the Tac sol upper. Had to go that route because my daughter wasnt strong enough to hold the stainless steel upper that came with it for steel challenge.
Maybe things are different now but at the time tac sol didnt have an upper that mounted correctly to the 22/45. 😐
Didnt find that out till after I bought it. Their “fix” was to use a punch in the bottom to create a high spot so it would fit snugly against the frame. 😐😐😐 I shit you not.
Other than that it runs good and likes oil. Ive only run cheap .22 through it so I have no idea what the precision is like.

[JPedersen]

I have the new Taurus model. TX22 I think. I have 2000 rounds through it without a hiccup. Came with adapter for suppressor. Adjustable sights. I am really impressed with it. I know Taurus is not normally thought highly of here ... YMMV ... but I have enjoyed it.


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[OlongJohnson]

Here would be my recipe:

Any Buck Mark in good condition. Better if the barrel is rusty or something so the price is silly cheap. I like stainless slides because you don't have to reblue them after you knock the high points off the tool marks to keep them from filing down the frame. Better to get a 2001 or newer, as parts support on some of the older stuff (slide parts, mainly) is limited.

Buy the rail used on this model direct from Browning, if they'll sell it to you:
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/pistols/buck-mark-pistols/current-production/buck-mark-plus-practical-urx.html

Buy a TacSol barrel similar to this one:
https://tacticalsol.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1366858&CAT=13329

Get an aluminum true Pic rail section such as the ones sold by Magpul or BCM and have the bottom of the barrel machined flat and D&T like this old model, and screw on the Pic section. Might have to knock MLOK features off the bottom of the rail section, but that would be the easiest part.
https://everygunpart.com/handgun-kits/browning-arms-buck-mark-semi-auto-black.html

[Wheeler]

I spoke with TacSol this afternoon and the D&T barrel for light rail is no longer a factory option. They don't offer the rail anymore either, so this would be 100% a gunsmith operation. I hate to say it, but there's not a gunsmith in my area (Atlanta, GA) I'd trust to perform this operation. I've used several for projects over the years, including some big name outfits, and ALWAYS had problems.

I might just have to forego the LW barrel unless I can find it as a factory option from either Ruger or Browning. I know Ruger offers a MkIV currently with an under-rail, but believe it's a full weight bull barrel.

Here's a guy that's local to you and specializes in custom .22 work. He has built a fair few .22 race guns for the Steel Challenge crowd.
https://stores.sjcguns.com

[Joshmill]

I have a 20 yo Buckmark and a recent 22/45 Tactical with a lot of extras. I absolutely love the Ruger. Can't bring myself to sell the Browning though, nice having 2 suppressor hosts for plinking with a friend.

[CraigS]

Current production listing has only this w/ an under rail
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/pistols/buck-mark-pistols/current-production/buck-mark-lite-ufx.html

[Rotundra]

I’ve got a MKIV 22/45 Tactical with the under-rail. Mad Macs center base with a DPP. Couldn’t be happier. No matter what I bring to the range, it always goes.

[JimLob65]

Current production listing has only this w/ an under rail
https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/pistols/buck-mark-pistols/current-production/buck-mark-lite-ufx.html

There are a couple models listed under the 'limited availability' section, although one has a laser mounted on it.

[ASH556]

Here's a guy that's local to you and specializes in custom .22 work. He has built a fair few .22 race guns for the Steel Challenge crowd.
https://stores.sjcguns.com

Ha! i know 'ol John pretty well.

[UNM1136]

Following with interest.

pat

[AzShooter]

https://i.imgur.com/AOQRIOul.jpg

If you are not married to the TacSol upper go with a Volquartsen. I paid about $ 300 for my LLV 4 six inch. It has a rail on the bottom and is easy to attach a Laser to.

[tango-papa]

I use the Maddmaccs center mount with a Holosun and find it to be the optimal solution. Havent had any ejection issues, and it mounts lower than another mount I tried, and much lower than the factory pic rail.

I would definitely reccomend the 22/45 Tactical.

That center mount might just push me to put a dot on a MK II.
If not too much trouble, would you mind posting a few photos of your pistol (ejection port side / from the top / from rear-shooters perspective)?

[OlongJohnson]

Looks like someone already built what you're looking for. Good price.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/885263576

[Whirlwind06]

CDNN has a Buckmark with the rail https://www.cdnnsports.com/browning-buckmark-black-lite-ufx-22lr.html

I have the Kel Tec CP33 is not a bad 22 IMO.

Last but not least there is the Beretta 92x with .22 top end. Kind of an expensive route but it’s a pretty good .22.

[HCM]

CDNN has a Buckmark with the rail https://www.cdnnsports.com/browning-buckmark-black-lite-ufx-22lr.html

I have the Kel Tec CP33 is not a bad 22 IMO.

Last but not least there is the Beretta 92x with .22 top end. Kind of an expensive route but it’s a pretty good .22.

Beretta has $100 off orders over $300 making the .22 conversion kit $100 off for BF.

[GJM]

I have the new Taurus model. TX22 I think. I have 2000 rounds through it without a hiccup. Came with adapter for suppressor. Adjustable sights. I am really impressed with it. I know Taurus is not normally thought highly of here ... YMMV ... but I have enjoyed it.


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There was a husband and wife shooting the TX22 at Tuesday Night Steel today. They were raving about them, and as they were almost out of 9mm, it let them shoot the match. They mentioned there is a new optic ready one — what is the deal on them?

[Joe in PNG]

I don't know about most bestest, but I do rather enjoy my Beretta 87. Something about the elegant lines, the small-but-not-too-small size, and that something something makes it a pleasure to take along to the range.

[HCM]

There was a husband and wife shooting the TX22 at Tuesday Night Steel today. They were raving about them, and as they were almost out of 9mm, it let them shoot the match. They mentioned there is a new optic ready one — what is the deal on them?

The deal is it's brand new and no one outside industry channels has them yet. Has a fixed barrel with an optics mount over the chamber.

[UNK]

Try a Hammerili Xesse IPSC with the Larrys guns trigger. Sweet shooting package.
https://www.larrysguns.com/Products/WaltherHammerli-Xesse-IPSC__Walther-fslsh-Hammerli-spc-Xesse-spc-IPSC.aspx

[Paul D]

68633

I have the Ruger 22/45 IV Tactical. The barrel is all metal and heavy. The stock trigger is terrible (I need to change it out eventually). However the upper and lower rails are convenient and disassembly for cleaning is a breeze.

[CSW]

[QUOTE=ASH556;1144258]Just got rid of my M&P22. It was a great gun, ran great, and especially when I was shooting M&P's was a good understudy that I used to develop draw speed and get cost effective reps. I also used it as a suppressor host and general backyard pest eliminator:

https://i.imgur.com/gx6w7dtl.jpg

That said, there are much better "pure .22" platforms out there. I'm thinking either a Ruger or Browning Buckmark platform. I like the Buckmark better for its more open chamber area and therefore easier ability to be kept clean; especially with high volumes of suppressed fire.

What I really want is something like the gun below. Where I'm struggling is to find anything on the ability to attach a rail to the Tac Sol Barrel.

Anyone been down this road and could offer some insight? Also, about mounting the dot. It'll be an RM06 for me, and just wondering if there's a better/cleaner way than the pic mount to a rail. Looking for bombproof TEOTWAWKI shiz.

Thanks!



I have owned so many semi auto 22s I could make your head spin. But thru them all, the one that always remained in the herd was a Buckmark 5" blued heavy barrel.
The gun is hyper accurate, and points as natural as a 1911.
I'll wager that I have owned it for 15 years now.
Like it so much that I have a Buckmark rifle to accompany it.


This is an old picture, but from my wife's first time with the Buckmark, at 7 yards.

[farscott]

My personal problem is I have not found many .22 handguns I do not like. My favorite is the Ruger Standard design, probably because I learned to shoot using my father's RST-6 back in 1973. So I now have multiple samples of every revision from Standard to Mark IV. I actually have two complete Mark IV pistols (one polymer lower and one stainless lower) and three spare uppers. Everything from the modern RST-4 pencil to the ten-inch stainless. I have an integrally suppressed stainless Mark II that is a lot of fun. It looks like the eight-inch barreled pistol, but the actual barrel is only about 3.5" long. The barrel shroud can be removed by loosening a single set screw, exposing the baffle stack of the suppressor. It is cleaned by just soaking it in Kroil and brushing it.

Volquartsen makes it easy to suppress and add MRDS and lights to the Ruger design. The latest versions of the Scorpion/LLV uppers have rails both on top and bottom of the barrel as well as a threaded muzzle. Volquartsen makes nice stuff, and I spend too much shopping from the "Clearance" page of the website.

But I like the old Woodsman design, which does not lend itself to adding anything. It makes an excellent field pistol, especially with subsonic 40-grain rounds. My personal favorite is an Iver Johnson clone that originated in Argentina called the Trailsman. It blends the best of the 2nd Generation Woodsman with the fixed sights of the Colt design, and 2nd Generation and later magazines work with it. The original Brazilian design and my copy are pictured below. I also have a Cerakote-finished Challenger that is the backup for the Trailsman. These guns are all steel and wood using a John Browning design that is timeless. A bit of a hassle to assemble after field stripping but easier than the Ruger Standard for those who do not know that pistol. The Challenger is a 3rd Generation gun with the magazine release on the bottom of the grip frame. That is the reason I like the Trailsman so much; it uses a 1911-style magazine release.

My wife likes the Buckmark design. I like that the barrel can be swapped on the Buckmark without needing a Form 4473, but the Ruger design works better for me.

[zaitcev]

I am not a rimfire shooter at all, and I was considering dipping the toe in. Last couple of times I've been to Steel challenge, I squadded randomly and got to shoot with a bunch of rimfire folks. The Ruger 22/45 absolutely dominated the popularity contest: the only other gun was some kind of extremely obscure S&W (not Victory). Some sported a full Volquartzen treatment. But boy, so many problems with the reliabilty of those 22/45s. I was shocked by how poorly rimfire guys fared. You'd think that you tune your match gun ahead of time and only bring top reliability to the match, but apparently not? Now I read testimonials like in this thread about M&P Compact or Taurus TX22 never jamming and I cannot help asking if it's really true or bias? I suppose there's only one way to find out.

[farscott]

Every .22 has issues. The ammo itself is the root cause of many. It is outside lubricated and collects junk. It is made by the billions on automated machinery. Priming compound may or may not be spread equally throughout the rim. The powder load may or may not be as expected/specified. Depending upon how it is packaged, the rounds may or may not be damaged. Anyone who has never had a stoppage with a .22 does not shoot a lot of .22. Even my best pistols with high-quality ammo have a stoppage rate above 0.5%. Many of those are caused by rounds that will not fire no matter how many times a different portion of the rim is struck. Then you get the mess from outside lubrication slowing the bolt/slide as the round count rises and you get more stoppages.

As for the obscure S&W, my guess is the Model 41, S&W's old school bullseye pistol. Very accurate and very finicky. Yes, I have one.