Hi everyone,

I'd like to buy a factory threaded .22 auto pistol for suppressed plinking. My preferences include:

• An excellent trigger
• Sights high enough to be used with a suppressor in place
• Easy to clean
• Reliable with quality ammo

I've owned a Ruger Mark II since the 90's and am very happy with it, but I've heard the latest Rugers have really poor triggers, and that's a deal breaker. I also own a Sig .22 Mosquto, but am not terribly impressed. I'd prefer the pistol come with usable iron sights, but will go red dot if forced. I'd also really like something easy to clean as .22 ammo can be pretty dirty stuff.

What are you currently using that you're happy with?

I have one of the 1911 22's from GSG and I've been really happy with it. pretty decent trigger and suppresses well. Night and day difference between it and my step dads mosquito.

Browning buckmark all the way! My favorite .22 pistol. Checks all your boxes, IMO.

http://www.browning.com/products/firearm...ssor-ready.html

On another note, most .22 cans are small enough in diameter that any iron sights work. You don’t really need to worry about sight height on a suppressed .22 pistol, in my experience. For example, I have a Silencerco spectre II, and it is pretty much the same diameter as the barrel on my buckmark.

I have the following; walther p22, sig mosquito, sig 1911-22 and ruger 22/45 lite (basically a ruger mark pistol).

They all have issues with some ammo when shooting suppressed. I have a sparrow if that matters. The ruger performs the best by far but still doesn't cycle consistently with subsonic but pretty good with regular 22lr. Sig mosquito does the worse. Mostly commenting on how well it cycles or rate of failures.

I agree about the sights. All.mine are factory and can use them fine. But still I put a red dot on my ruger just for fun because it came with a rail that I can still use the iron sights for when installed. No real cowitness ability though.

My favorite pistol to shoot suppressed is a S&W M&P Compact 22lr.
I also like my Browning Buckmark and S&W 22A-1.

That's a lot of gun, OP. I would check it out! I would also look at the S&W .22 Victory.

I have a similar Buckmark that I added a TacSol threaded barrel to and I also have the Spectre II can. The factory sights are fine on mine.

If suppressed plinking and not target shooting is your goal, you can move straight to the value choice of the Walther P-22. They are mostly a junk pistol, but for plinking with a .22 suppressor I think it's the best deal out there. Find a lightly used one.

I have tried several host .22 pistols, but seem to always favor the P-22 because it:
1. Functions reliably as long as ammo relatively clean
2. Functions quietly with inexpensive HP ammo
3. Plinking range accurate

Is the trigger good? No. Is it bad? No.

I like my 22/45 Lite.

I have Ruger, S&W, Colt and Browning. The buckmark is the best out of the box shooter. Great trigger, very accurate. The Ruger can compete with it after you get a trigger job.

I have a 22/45 that I like to shoot with my sparrow.

Another vote for the Ruger 22/45 lite. I run one with a Silencerco Spectre II. Super reliable, and very accurate. It has a picatinny rail which can be removed, but doesn’t need to be to run the stock irons. As others have stated, the factory sights clear a rimfire supressor just fine. Mine has been heavily modified with parts from Tandemcross, but really only needs a Volquartsen sear and a trigger from either Volquartsen or Tandemcross. These parts are easily installed at home, without special tools in about 15 minutes. Those two options together should run you less than $75, and are well worth the price. My trigger is plenty light and crisp, with little take up and a short reset.

Nice!

The Browning and Ruger worked the best for me. Usually carry the Ruger.

Similar here. Buckmark with TacSol 4” barrel, Burris fast fire and a SiCo Sparrow. Love it but the package is expensive to say the least. I can dispatch rabbits without bothering neighbors.

You guys are going to laugh at me, but while shopping for a Buckmark, I found a good deal on a S&W M&P 2.0 .45 ACP with a threaded barrel and raised sights. That said, you've pretty much convinced me to go Buckmark and I'll probably pick one up in a month or two.

Thanks for all the excellent suggestions and helpful hints.