Comparison:  S&W Model 41 / Ruger MKIII / Browning Buckmark:

Caliber: .22LR

Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine

Action: Semiautomatic SAO

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I wanted to post this because I've seen a lot of talk comparing these pistols but not much in the way of proof-of-performance. Since I own all three I decided to shoot them together and show the results.

All three pistols were fired in the following way:

• Distance:  50 feet
• Ammo:  CCI Minimag
• 25 rounds per pistol:
• 5 rounds initially in a seated/rested position
• 20 rounds in a Weaver stance (2 full 10-round magazines)
  

This is the configuration in which each pistol was fired.
The S&W is stock, though I have a 5.5" factory barrel installed instead of the 7" it came with.
The Buckmark has a few modifications and the Ruger is heavily modified. You can see specifics for each here by clicking each pistol's link.


I shot the S&W first and as you can see, its precision is unmatched by the other two. I sometimes consider selling this pistol, until I shoot it again.


The Buckmark was second. I think this is a decent group at 50 feet. The pistol internals are stock. The Tactical solutions barrel is only a 4.5".


Finally the Ruger. This group surprised me as I usually shoot it a lot better than this. Fliers are rare with this pistol. I don't shoot it as well as the Smith, but ususally better than the Buckmark. I think some of it had to do with the fact that I already shot 50 rounds though the other two pistols and that Smith is heavy. At any rate I am still pleased with this group for a 4.5" barrel and these were the targets shot so that's what I'm posting.

I suppose the most accurate comparison would be to shoot all three guns two more times in the same way, but shoot the Buckmark and Ruger first in each session. The Buckmark and Ruger are also a lot lighter than the S&W due to the aluminum Tactical Solutions modifications. This may affect the comparison. I setup the Ruger for a trail gun and the Buckmark for a suppressor so I needed them to be lighter.