good, inexpensive .22 target pistol?

[steve2267]

What is a good, inexpensive .22 target pistol? This handgun will be used to introduce new students to the art of pistol shooting.

I'm leaning towards a Ruger .22/45 in 4" barrel, but as that gun is such a PITA to break down for cleaning, am considering other options. I'd prefer a target pistol with a grip angle of 11 degrees -- the 1911 grip angle. I was thinking a Browning Buckmark is pretty close to this. The classic Ruger Mk I / II / III has a fairly raked grip. Also the older High Standards were the same way. I can get a .22/45 for around $250 delivered, so that is my pricepoint.

What other .22 target pistols should I consider besides the Ruger .22/45 and the Browning Buckmark?

[Guantes]

STeve,
I have both a Buckmark and a S&W 422. I have had good luck with both of them, but if you can get a 22/45 for $250, I would jump on it.

[steve2267]

Guantes,

How do you like your S&W 422? What I've heard about them has been nothing positive.

Do you consider the Ruger .22/45 to be superior to the Browning Buckmark?

Are Buckmarks any easier to break down to clean?

[Guantes]

I have had good luck with the 422. I've fired 4-5k rounds through it. I finally had to replace a worn extractor.

Not having shot the 22/45 I couldn't say. I do like the Buckmark, which I bought used from Bobby when he was disposing of his collection.

The only part of the Buckmark that is a pain is taking out the sight screws to facilitate breakdown. I have heard about the sights not going back to true but have not experienced that.

The 422 breaks down easy using a small plastic spring depressor to facilitate removal of a locking key.