Semi-Auto Rimfire target guns MARK IV/BUCK MARK/MODEL 41/VICTORY??

[DaveTN]

So…I was thinking about .22LR Semi-Auto Rimfire target gun. (I already have a 617 Revolver). I’m a Smith & Wesson Fanboy so I thought I would try a Victory. But the barrel isn’t long enough, I thought they would have a longer version out by know, but it hasn’t happened. They also seem to be having a lot of feeding problems posted on the S&W forums I use. So, I started looking at others.

The models I am comparing are the Smith & Wesson SW22 VICTORY Model: 10201, Browning Buck Mark Contour Model: 051508490, Ruger MARK IV COMPETITION Model: 40112, Smith & Wesson MODEL 41, Model: 130512

Let’s go ahead and kick the S&W Model 41 out of the running. I included it because it is the gun that owns this class. Hands down, I would love to have it; but I’m not putting over a grand in a rimfire.

I’m not happy with reports I see on the Victory; but you know how that goes. You mainly hear from the people with problems, and I can find those for most of these guns if that’s what I’m looking for. I also don’t like that they don’t have a longer barrel version.

The Ruger and the Browning look the best. They both have great reviews. The Browning is $100 less, I would assume that’s because it has an is aluminum receiver?? I’d be curious to know if anyone knows the accuracy difference between these two?

I don’t care about suppressors and probably will never buy one unless the laws change. But I chose the threaded barrel on the Victory simply because it was an option. It isn’t an option on the others; and that’s fine, it’s not a deciding factor.

What do you guys think of these?

Should I be looking at others?

Let’s discuss. And lets please keep this to semi-auto target rimfires; not rimfire copies of our Tupperware carry guns; that will be another thread.

*************************************

Browning Buck Mark Contour Stainless URX, 7 1/4 (Barrel is Satinless, Receiver is Aluminum) Model: 051508490, Stainless, MSRP: $589.99, Barrel:7.25", Weight: 39 OZ, Height: unk, Length: 11.3", Width unk, Sight Rear: Pro-Target, Sight front: Pro-Target, Cap:10

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/pistols/buck-mark-pistols/current-production/buck-mark-contour-stainless-urx-7.html

Street:   https://grabagun.com/browning-35206309.html $485

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/98379/browning+bm+cntr+stainless+22+725+urx $520

 

 

Ruger MARK IV™ COMPETITION, Model: 40112, Stainless, MSRP: $749, Barrel:6.88", Weight: 45.8 OZ, Height: 5.50", Length: 11.12", Width 1.75" Sight Rear: Adjustable, Sight front: Fixed, Cap:10

https://www.ruger.com/products/markIVCompetition/specSheets/40112.html

Street:   https://grabagun.com/ruger-mkiv-competition-22lr-6-88-ss.html $589

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/34252/ruger+mark+iv+competition+22+lr $613

 

 

Smith & Wesson SW22 VICTORY THREADED BARREL, Model: 10201, Stainless, MSRP $429, Barrel: 5.5", Weight 36.0 OZ,Height: unk, Length: 9.2", Width unk, Sight Rear: Adjustable Fiber Optic, Sight front: Green Fiber Optic, Cap:10

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/sw22-victory-threaded-barrel

Street:   https://grabagun.com/smith-and-wesson-sw22-victory-22lr-5-5-thread.html $329

               https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/5681/smith+%26+wesson+10201+victory+22+lr++55+10r+threaded+barrel+stainless+steel $324

 

 

Smith & Wesson MODEL 41, Model: 130512, Carbon Steel Blue, MSRP: $1369, Barrel:7", Weight: 44.8 OZ, Height: unk, Length: 12", Width unk Sight Rear: Adjustable, Sight front: Patridge, Cap:10

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-41-0

Street:   https://grabagun.com/s-w-41-7-22lr-blue.html $1119 (Out of Stock)

               https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/26195/s%26w+m41+10%2b1+22+lr++7" $1193 (Out of Stock)

 

 

Beretta 87 Target, Model: J87T010, Frame: Aluminum Alloy black, Slide: Blue, MSRP: $1050, Barrel:5.9", Weight: 41 OZ, Height: 5.3, Length: 8.8", Width: 1.1", Sight Rear: Adjustable Target, Sight front: Interchangeable, Cap:10
http://www.beretta.com/en/87-target/
Street:   https://grabagun.com/beretta-87-22lr-5-9-bl-2-10rd.html $928
   https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/25754/Firearms/Handguns/Beretta/Beretta+87+Target+22+LR+5.9+Adj.+Sights+10+1

Edited October 10, 2019 by DaveTN

[Hozzie]

I wouldn't buy a new 41 for that either.  I would find a real 41 (meaning older) or for the money, one of the best target rimfire semi-auto's is going to be the High Standard Supermatic (different versions available).  Some of them more expensive than others, and those made in Hamden are typically considered better than those made after the move to New Hartford but there are excellent models from both.

Keep in mind that in most of these older guns, you should only shoot standard velocity ammo, but that is what you should shoot anyway if you actually want to target shoot.  

There was a 41 on here a while back that was a nice gun at a fair price.  Would have been a good one to pick up.  The thing with older 41's, High Standards, and Brownings is they hold their value assuming you don't completely overpay.  

If you just want a longer barrelled semi-auto, the Ruger's are good, but I would stick to the Mark III or Mark 2.  to be fair I haven't shot a Mark 4, but haven't liked some of the things I have read. 

If were throwing out  guns, I love my Browning Medalist.  If you want a shooter they are out there without box, etc for somewhat reasonable prices.  You also can't go wrong with a Colt Match Target (2nd gen are my favorite due to the safety release location).  Again, it wouldn't be a cream of the crop condition for less than $800, but will outshoot anything you have listed. 

I guess it really depends what you actually want to do.  I always go to proven, quality models that may not be the cheapest, but will more than likely be better shooters, more comfortable, and hold their value. YMMV.  

 

This is the link to the one that just sold here for reference.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2019 by Hozzie
grammar

[KahrMan]

Hozzie knows his rimfires. I also agree with the Hi Standard and the Colt Match Target. Both are great guns. 

[FUJIMO]

Hozzie summed it up well and if it were me I'd search for a bull barrel mkii ruger which will most likely be the cheapest of those described in terms of value vs accuracy.

 

[gregintenn]

You are an economical guy. Do you like 1911s?

I have a GSG 1911 22. It is as fun to shoot as any handgun I’ve ever handled. I think you can buy a new one for about two hundred bucks. I suck as a pistol shooter, but can routinely ring a four inch gong at 50 yards with mine shooting cheap bulk federal ammo.

[Guest BCR#1]

I shoot bullseye pistol every week at my local club. My rim fire gun is a stainless Ruger Mark II that I found on GB last year for $400.00 shipped. If I do my part, I can get most 10 round strings in the black of a slow fire pistol target at 25 yards using CCI SV ammo.

Bill

 

[Grayfox54]

I own a S&W 41 and agree that the only thing wrong with these outstanding pistols is the price. These days you can't hardly touch a well worn one for less than a $1000.  

Honestly, I know the Rugers are good guns, but I just never was comfortable with the feel of them. The grip angle is all wrong for my hand. Plus the older models can be a real PITA to take apart and put back together. 

No experience with the S&W Victory, but, like you, I've heard they have some issues.

However, I'm a huge fan of the Browning Buckmark. IMHO, this is the best standard .22 semi-auto pistol available today. I have two of them. A 4" Camper model with a threaded barrel for use with my suppressor and a very early 5"  Buckmark Plus that I bought way back in the early 1990s. With ammo they like, both will hold 1" groups at 25 yards no problem.  

 

Edited October 7, 2019 by Grayfox54

[DaveTN]

14 hours ago, gregintenn said:

You are an economical guy. Do you like 1911s?

I have a GSG 1911 22. It is as fun to shoot as any handgun I’ve ever handled. I think you can buy a new one for about two hundred bucks. I suck as a pistol shooter, but can routinely ring a four inch gong at 50 yards with mine shooting cheap bulk federal ammo.

Yes, but an independent barrel and slide doesn’t fit this application. As far as accuracy goes, I have a 617. I’m just looking for a semi-auto target type gun that can keep up with it.

[DaveTN]

Is something wrong with the Mark III? Is it not as good as the Mark II, or is it just going to be so close in price to new I might as well go with the Mark IV?

[tnhawk]

I've been shooting a Victory for a few years now.  It has performed well with and without a suppressor.  Only issue I've had was the screw attaching the barrel needed VC-3 threadlocker to keep it from loosening.

[gary_boom]

I can’t pass up this opportunity to tell you I paid $275 for my M 41. In the mid 70s. I probably had to work more hours to pay for it back then compared to now for a new one.

$1000 isn’t a lot for something that will last a life time.

[DaveTN]

9 minutes ago, gary_boom said:

I can’t pass up this opportunity to tell you I paid $275 for my M 41. In the mid 70s.

I can’t pass up this opportunity to tell you I paid $300 each for three 6" Pythons in the late 70’s. So put that in you pipe and smoke it. 

 

 

[Hozzie]

4 hours ago, DaveTN said:

Is something wrong with the Mark III? Is it not as good as the Mark II, or is it just going to be so close in price to new I might as well go with the Mark IV?

 Nothing wrong with a Mark III.  Plenty of aftermarket items from Volquartsen and  Tandemkross if you want to play with it.  I would take one before a Mark 4 personally ( and I do have the 6” Mark III hunter). 

Edited October 7, 2019 by Hozzie

[DaveTN]

8 minutes ago, Hozzie said:

 I would take one before a Mark 4 personally

Thanks,

Why?

[Moped]

4 hours ago, gary_boom said:

I can’t pass up this opportunity to tell you I paid $275 for my M 41. In the mid 70s. I probably had to work more hours to pay for it back then compared to now for a new one.

$1000 isn’t a lot for something that will last a life time.

 

3 hours ago, DaveTN said:

I can’t pass up this opportunity to tell you I paid $300 each for three 6" Pythons in the late 70’s. So put that in you pipe and smoke it. 

 

 

I hate you both.  

[Chucktshoes]

13 minutes ago, Moped said:

 

I hate you both.  

I feel like there’s a joke in there somewhere about using that information to pick them up for a song at their estate sales, but that might be a little dark.

[DaveTN]

18 minutes ago, Moped said:

 

I hate you both.  

 

2 minutes ago, Chucktshoes said:

I feel like there’s a joke in there somewhere about using that information to pick them up for a song at their estate sales, but that might be a little dark.

I don't have mine anymore. So, haters don't have to hate.

[Pickaroon]

Ruger MK IV. Several models to choose from.

[Defender]

Love my Victory.  Havent really shot it all that much and had few problems when i did.

[Hozzie]

4 hours ago, DaveTN said:

Thanks,

Why?

To be fair, my main reasoning is simply from what I have read.  I replaced the trigger on my III and I don’t find it difficult to take down.  I also like the full stainless.  I doubt you will be disappointed with any of them.  Find the one you like the looks of and go with it.  

Edited October 7, 2019 by Hozzie

[Rebels010]

I’m the one who bought the S&W 41 on here. Been on the look out for one in the $800 range for the last 4-5 years. After shooting it yesterday I should have dropped $1000+ years ago. The pistol was extremely impressive and accurate. The trigger is great. Kept a smile on my face the entire time at the range. 

[hipower]

I always liked the Model 41, and have shot several. Made me almost regret selling a 1974 production, NIB model that I inherited.

My Dad had bought it for a friend, or so I was told, and when the buyer backed out on a 200 buck 22, it just sat in Dad's closet for many years, completely covered up.

Short version of the story, I put it in my safe and left it alone until roughly 2010.

Decided I really didn't need it, as I had a High Standard Olympic Victory Model. So I took it to the old M'boro gun show one Saturday and walked it around. Priced it at 1000. Had many offers I turned down, and one guy kept coming back. I held firm and got my price for it.

Why? I really had no attachment to it. Sure, Dad had bought it, but not for himself. We had never shot it together, and it was too nice a pistol to just sit round and look at yearly.

These days, I sometimes think on it, but have that Olympic and other 22s. I'm content. For now. lol

[TomInMN]

My "from the list" suggestion would be either a Ruger Mk IV or Browning Buckmark.

But I'd love to see you pick up a Beretta 87 Target.

[Jaysan60]

I've always been a fan of the Buckmark.  Good quality, accurate and affordable.  But, if the right High Standard was found...

[DaveTN]

12 hours ago, TomInMN said:

My "from the list" suggestion would be either a Ruger Mk IV or Browning Buckmark.

But I'd love to see you pick up a Beretta 87 Target.

Thanks for that info. I had never even heard of that. I added it to the list because it is in modern production, and I think it deserves consideration. But it’s also at a price I really can’t justify for a .22 target, and if I could I think I’d have to go with the S&W Model 41.