Last night I paid my local store another visit, this time to purchase some more arrows for my bow. While there, I once again browsed their rimfire handgun sections. This time, I took a look at their semi-auto .22s. Among some of the ones they had, I saw two that have been mentioned on this forum, a Browning Buck Mark and a few Ruger Mark IIIs. They were in a similar price range to the revolvers, and in fact some of them were less expensive. They can be equipped with rail to mount a scope on, so that's a big plus too.

How do the accuracy of these handguns compare? Would they be good options for squirrel hunting at relatively close ranges?

Not a fan of the grip angle of the Lugers, er Rugers I mean. I have a 22/45 model though and it is a shooter. I put an Optima on it and can lay a whole mag load inside an inch @ 25 without really trying.

I'm with Rod on the Luger grip and much prefer the 22/45 version. I've own a MK II 22/45 since they came out with the stainless model (90-92), I think. I would not be afraid to say it has fired over a million rounds in its time and never had a misfire or malfunction; other than dud ammo. It's extremely accurate and durable.
Some 22/45's action results...





My cousin owns a Buckmark and loves it, but I prefer the Ruger.

I prefer and highly recommend the Ruger, although I prefer the Mk. II versions. I don't think any other .22 semi-auto compares to them.

Buy an older MK-II or get a newer 22/45

I recently purchased the 22/45 lite with the threaded barrel. With my can on the end of it, it has become one of my favorite guns. I can ring my 10" steel plate consistently out to 100 yards with match 22 ammo. When I hike around my farm or do work on the tractor it rides along with me. Need to get a holster made that will accommodate the can on the end of the barrel.

Oh, I also have a buck mark I purchased for my son a while back. I prefer my ruger over the browning.

I also have the Lite, but I can't get it to shoot like the Rugers are known for. With and without the can, it will not shoot any better than 4" groups at 25 yards; no matter what ammo I use. I'm thinking it may have a crown issue, but not positive. I'm probably going to send it back to Ruger and see what they come up with.

I have a Mark III hunter and couldn't be happier. The luger grip angle doesn't bother me a bit and it has cycled ever thing I've ever tried to run through it, including Aguila 60 gr subsonic.

Get which ever one feels the best in your hand .They both need trigger work but neither is too hard to work on .I have a 22/45 but prefer my scoped High Standard Sport King for squirrel.

I've had my mark II 6 7/8 slabside target model for 12 years and wouldn't trade it for a truckload of other guns. I had a real luger and found the reach to the trigger guard too much for me. The ruger is just right though.

My Mk III works fantastic on groundhogs, too, especially with 38 gr. Aguila HP subsonics. Did these 5 in 15 min. Took over 40 with it this year. Works good on squirrels with CCI 38 gr. subsonic Segmented HPs. The hit is louder than the gun going off if it's set up right.

You ain't gettin' older, Larry ... yer just gettin' better!
Ken

Yeah, Ken, for 104 I'm still movin' OK. Have to wear the hat now. The white hair scares everything!!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

Another question: I've seen a couple of different variants of 22/45s at the various stores I visit. Is any one inherently more accurate or "better" than the others, such as the Lite or Target?

My MKII guns are incredible. My favorites by far and don't have the hideous loaded chamber deal on the receiver. Never was a buckmark fan at all.

KRal, I have been shooting the Norma target ammo in mine and its dead on. Likes CCI fodder but everything else is hit or miss.

Take your pick, either is a fine pistol. I started with the Buckmark Standard back in `89 and have killed truckloads of small game with it. No telling how many tens of thousands of rounds have been put through it. If you want a Browning and plan to scope it, get one that comes from the factory with a rail. The below pictured full length rib is a discontinued B-Square model, nothing else works as well as the factory mounts.



This Bullseye model is the most accurate handgun I own, an honest MOA shooter to 50yds.



I've owned two Rugers with the standard grip frame and while they were very accurate and reliable, the grip angle doesn't agree with me. Both were traded away. It wasn't until the 22/45RP model that I found a Ruger to live with. Overall, I still prefer the Brownings.

Craig44, I think you and I are the only Buckmark guys here.... When I bought this gun I looked at both pistols and the Browning just felt better in my hand. Like most of the replies have said, either gun is a good shooter.

I have the ruger mk 3. One son has a buckmark and the other has a ruger mk 3. I like both and i think i dont care which. Pretty even imho

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.

Can't use semi autos here in Pa. for hunting, so i will be squirrel hunting with my single six. It will be a first for me,but hope to have some fun.