Bullseye .45: Kimber? Springfield? Other?

[Ned]

Although my heart still says get a .45 revolver (S&W 625) for Bullseye my head says semi-auto is the way to go.

Looking at their websites I was interested in the Springfield Armory "Trophy Match" and the Kimber "Target Match". Prices are close with the Kimber about $100 less (MSRPs).

Wondering if anyone here has experience with either of these guns. Are they really usuable "out of the box" for a novice or is work still needed to make them competitive?

Any other suggestions for guns in the $1300-$1400 price range?

Thank you.

Ned

[Questor]

Ned:

I'm always happy to serve as a bad example. I did what you're suggesting and have regretted it ever since. Do yourself a favor and buy a dedicated bullseye 1911 wad gun first. If you don't, you'll end up with one anyway, in the future.

My recommendation is that you look at the Les Baer or Rock River wad guns. Yes, they are more than you are budgeting, but you will be getting what you need, and ultimately what you want. Adding a red dot is up to you, but I am certain that if you stick with the game for more than a year you will be wanting a red dot sight. UltraDot sights are excellent and have an excellent warranty.

I started with a Kimber Gold Match and it was fine for about a year, then I started looking at wad guns and bought one.  The Gold Match sat unused for years until I revived it as a Marvel .22 conversion.

If you are firm in your requirement to stay within the budget, try buying a used wad gun from www.larrysguns.com, www.pilkguns.com, gunsamerica.com, or one of the other gun auction sites.  Some of the shooters in your leagues may have guns for sale.

I shoot that 45 a lot, and you'll need to shoot yours a lot to get good at it. It will be well worth your while to use a gun that is made for the purpose.

Avoid Clark Custom Guns unless you like hassles and inferior product.

If you have further questions check out bullseyepistol.com. There is an e-mail based forum that you can join and you will be able to ask questions to an audience of bullseye shooters.

[Lloyd Smale]

there both excellent guns. As are stis and les baers and smith and wessnons and dan wessons and there all in your price range its hard to make a recomendation as id be proud to own any of them and have at one time owned them all except the sti and ive shot enough of them to know there good guns.

[Ned]

Questor:

Appreciate your advice.

Just to clarify for this "newbie": I assume a "wad gun" fires wadcutter ammunition rather than standard round nose bullets? Do they tend to be more accurate or is the wadcutter a lower power round and thus make it easier to realign the sights?

Thanks again.

Ned

[Questor]

Ned:

"Wad gun" is just jargon for a bullseye centerfire pistol that is tuned for shooting 185 to 200 grain semi-wadcutter bullets at about 800fps. The link shows a representative example.  It's a specialty gun.  They are built to shoot groups no larger (and usually significantly smaller) than 3 inches at 50 yards. The extra mass of the rail not only holds the sight, but helps reduce muzzle jump on recoil for better controllability during the rapid fire stages.  A good characterization of a wad gun is "it ain't pretty, but it sure is accurate."  If you're serious about shooting bullseye as a long-term activity, these guns are good value for the money. I know people who have put a half million rounds through one gun before it needed to go back to the shop for a new barrel and some adjustments.

Going hand-in-hand with a bullseye gun is a progressive reloading press, like a Dillon 550. It's not cheap to get into the game. I paid to get in, and now I just buy bullets, powder, primers, targets, and match fees. It's about as expensive as going bowling and a lot cheaper in the long run than golf.  


http://www.rockriverarms.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=PS2100&storeid=1&image=pbew.gif

[Ned]

Just another thank you for the information; I've been away for a few days and could not post until now.

Ned

[Questor]

You're welcome, Ned. There's plent of good information out there. Do you have a .22 yet for bullseye?

[Ned]

No, do not have a .22 yet. I think I might go with a Ruger since they seem to have a decent reputation and the price is reasonable. (I have three Ruger revolvers that have been completely reliable).

Truth to tell, I still can't completely shake the idea of using revolvers in Bullseye. I have no illusions about becoming a national champion; I'd be thrilled to make it to Sharpshooter or Expert and tend to think revolvers might do for those levels (?)

Ned

[Questor]

Ned:

In that case, go for it! I sometimes use my revolvers in bullseye matches and can shoot just fine with them. The reason I got into it in the first place was to become a better shot. I've long been fighting the urge to get a 45 caliber revolver. I have a .38 now and it's a good gun. Heck of a lot cheaper than buying a 45 auto too! I got the 38 for about $300-- Smith and Wesson model 14.

It takes a little getting used to cocking the hammer during the timed and rapid stages of the match but you'll soon get used to it. You won't likely shoot your best, but your shooting will definitely improve.

The triggers on ruger 22 autos are very poor and you will need to have it modified to make it suitable for bullseye.

[Questor]

I forgot to mention that it's probably best if you shoot some of the 22 matches first to see if you like it. You don't need a centerfire pistol to compete in bullseye. Lots of people only shoot the .22  

Centerfire is a quantum leap in expense because you need reloading equipment to make your ammo. I reloaded with a single stage press for a while and I almost gave up on bullseye because I was spending too much time reloading. Then I got a progressive press and, while expensive, it made the game more enjoyable.

If you're looking for a 22 I'll recommend you stay away from Rugers and Buckmarks unless you like customization projects. The SIG Trailside is currently the best value in a stock factory .22.