Author Topic: .22 target pistol (Read 2301 times)

Armand Boivin · « **on:** August 27, 2003, 05:09:01 AM »

Greetings and Salutations,
I am new to the forum and am looking for some help finding a nice targeting .22 pistol. This will be my first handgun and only used for targetting. So far I have been really looking at the beretta neos dlx but nobody seems to have them or be able to get them right now. I was recommended also toward the sig trailside. Since I am new I am kinda looking for advice from the experts . I am kinda thinking more towards a gun with adjustable sights and ease of breaking down and putting back together. Any help or information you can give would be greatly appreciated.

So far I am looking at:

Beretta neos (dlx)
hammerli trailside (target)
browning buckmark field/target
ruger mark II

Thank in advance,
Armand

Savage · « **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2003, 05:58:04 AM »

Welcome!
I have heard a lot of good reviews on the Sig Trailside and also good things also about the Buckmark. I have only seen one of the new Berettas in action, and the performance of it was less than stellar! I own three of the Ruger target pistols and can highly reccomend them. Some people have difficulties with reassembly of these pistols, but I have not experienced it. I shoot rimfire falling plates with a club that has no shortage of Master Class Shooters. These guys can afford to shoot anything they want. If you were to attend one of these matches, you would see about 40-45 of the 50 or so shooters shooting the Rugers. The rest would be a smattering of Hammerlis and High Standards. Oh, yeah, and the guy with the Neos.
Have fun shooting the pistol of your choice!
Stay Safe,
Savage

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2003, 06:01:48 AM »

That first .22 target pistol is a significant expense.

1. If you are economy-minded, the best value is the Ruger Mark II.

I've owned several Ruger Standard Models (the predecessor to the Mark II) in both fixed-sight, target sight, and bull-barreled models. The pistol will shoot better than you can. Many championships have been won using this pistol. You simply have to be a better shot than your competition.

Stripping AND assembly is easy once you learn the little trick of positioning the hammer strut BEFORE you snap the mainspring housing closed.

2. For elegance, the S&W M41 in heavy-barrel slide configuration.
Expensive, but all machined parts. The several samples I've shot were all very accurate. I can not recommend any of the other S&W auto pistol models.

3. I've handled and shot the Browning Buckmark, but didn't care for it. It lacked the "feel" and quality of the old Browning Medalist.

4. Sorry, but I've no first-hand experience with the model Beretta or the Hammerli pistols you mentioned. Years ago, I shot the M71 target model extensively, and found it to be only "okay" for accuracy. The sporter model M71 was only capable of plinking accuracy..

5. For many years, the High Standard auto pistols dominated the competitve shooting scene. If you can find an excellent used one, you may find that more satisfactory than a new pistol without the performance record of the High Standard Victor or Olympic models.

HTH
John

Chris · « **Reply #3 on:** August 27, 2003, 08:41:48 PM »

Armand:

If you are just starting out, you'll find a number of good pistols out there. Best to stop by severel gun shops, handle them and ask the sales help to show you how they operate and disassemble...before you take the leap. If you can find a range close by, perhaps you can find out what others are shooting...that will help too.

Most of us work to a budget so cost is certainly a factor. The Neo and comperable pistols appear to be decent tin can rollers in the $200 range. You can get a nice competition model Ruger/Browning for ~$350, a S&W Model 41 for ~$800, or you can take the leap to a Hammerli/Pardini for ~$1200. Then comes the accessories...you can spend all you want on the toys.

If you come across something to you like, drop us a note and let us know what you find. You'll find lots of good advice on this forum from some good folks.

Good Luck and Be Safe! ...Chris

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2003, 01:25:17 AM »

Where can you find a buckmark for around 350$ and what model? All the prices I have seen has been high 400's. I will be stopping by lots of different stores and feel the guns. I think I need a heavier barrel than the walther p22 has or even the ruger mkII without the bull barrel. I have shot the ruger MKII before and it was fun and I did very well :grin: The sigarms/hammerli trailside is @ 450$ which I think would be the max i could go. I definately want to say thanks to all who are posting. All information and recommendations are openly welcomed.

Thank you,
Armand

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2003, 03:05:27 AM »

Anyone know of some places to find used high standard victor or olympic? I am just curious what there pricing is and stuff like that. Brand new it seems like they go for about 600$. Any information that you can give will be greatly appreciated. I certainly do not want to rule out any possibilities for different models.

Once again thanks for everything,

Thank you,
Armand

Savage · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2003, 05:39:25 AM »

Armand,
You might try:
GunBroker.com
Stay Safe,
Savage

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2003, 07:05:33 AM »

Armand: If you are specializing in paper targets at 25 yards and 50 yards (meters), you will soon want a gun that is specifically built for that purpose. The Browning Buckmark is a good low-cost target pistol that can be used to develop skills, but there is a level of equipment beyond it. Check out www.pilkguns.com to see the used guns they have for sale, and to post on the target talk forum with your questions regarding target shooting. Many of the people who post there have expensive European pistols. These are not necessary at first, but are desirable eventually.

I specifically warn you away from the Neos. I have read and heard that it has a poor trigger. A pistol with a poor trigger is useless. Rugers likewise need a trigger job before they can be used as target pistols.

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2003, 08:08:32 AM »

thank you for the post. I will take my questions to the target forum as well. I have kinda narrowed it down a little bit. My choices right now are the browning standard target, browning camper camo, or the ruger MK II. I will check out pilkguns.com. thanks for the information. Out of my selection so far would any of them stand above the others?

Again thank you all for your time,

Thanks,
Armand

Savage · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2003, 10:41:51 AM »

Armand,
Ruger Mk ll, hands down! As is, and in the right hands, these guns are competive. As your skills improve you can add aftermarket compotents to make it even better. There are more enhanced parts available for this gun than any other out there. Good news is, when you get through you'll have a gun that shoots better than 90% of the masters and for about half the cost of the euro target pistols!

Stay Safe,
Savage

El Hombre · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2003, 11:12:59 AM »

Hello,
I think that you have been given some good advice. I'd like to add my 2 cents worth.

I don't have a S&W 41, but I will have eventually I think they are the cream of the crop for production pistols.
I do have/have had several Buckmarks and Rugers. They are both great guns for the money. I will have to give the edge to the Ruger because of the ability to upgrade with aftermarket parts. You might check out the offerings on these websites:

www.volquartsen.com

www.clarkcustomguns.com

My favorite production pistols of all time are the old Browning Medialists and Browning Challengers, They are jewels. The old High Standards are nice too. Only problem with some of these older guns is parts availability
Thanks & Good Luck!

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2003, 04:02:52 PM »

Thanks so much for the information. I was looking at the Volquartsen website and was curious what the MKII would be like with these upgrades.

1) MKII Accurizing Performance Kit ($87.50)
2) MKII Volthane R.H. Grips ($44)
3) MKII LLV w/ sights (253.50)

would there be a better barrel? than the MKII LLV w/ sights?

I am just kinda hypothetically looking at these possibilities. Trying to see if the MKII with some upgrades has more bang for the buck compared to some of the other guns.

What would be the the recommended upgrades for the mkII??

Sorry for so many questions :grin:

Thank you for all your help.

Thanks,
Armand

Chris · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2003, 04:55:34 PM »

Armand:

I regularly shoot a MKII Comp Govt. Model. I outfitted mine with the Volquartzen trigger upgrade, Volquartsen grips, extended magzine release and the trigger shield. Topped it off with an Ultra Dot.

Got all of my upgrades from On Target...good folks, quick service:

http://www.ontargetguns.com/

Bottom line...the govt. model MKII will put them where you want them to go. If you can hold it steady enough, they'll all go X-ring at 20yds.

Good Luck and Be Safe! ...Chris

P.S. I'm counting the days before I get a Model 41. Just a few more honey-do's and maybe a chick-flick...and it's mine!!! HA! :-D

ENCOREROOKIE · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2003, 06:08:06 PM »

Armand, OK I will go against the grain .I used to have a 5.5 in ruger mark II (blue)target and I must say, shot wonderful,could use a trigger job but it was still pretty good.I only had one problem.you gotta be a rocket scientist( or maybe a little lucky ) to put one back together so i sold mine.I cussed it many of nights after cleaning it.then i regretted it cause it shot so well.then I came across a stainess version so i thought i'd try it out again.( maybe i forgot how much i cussed before)I went out shooting then came home to clean it and guess what.....It was still a pain in the (you know where)I came upon a trade and traded the stainless ruger mark II target for a standard buckmark( I may got the worse end of the deal by money but i literally hated cleaning it and couldn't get it back together.I took it out shooting.It shot as well as the rugers.and had a better trigger,and felt better in my hand. then i came home to clean it.I got out the instruction manual.unscrewed 2 screws, popped the recoil spring out and slid the slide off.I was like, geesh is that it.I was AMAZED :-D :-D :eek: to say the least.It was taken apart in less then a minute .with that in mind.I figured nomatter how much the diference in price was.It was worth it for me.so all I can tell you is...see which one fits the best in your hand,then have the salesman take them apart and put them back together.I'm sure you will lean towards the browning.maybe not but thats just my 2 cents.. catch ya later ....ENCORE ROOKIE

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2003, 01:57:26 AM »

I guess as of right now i am leaning more towards the ruger with some upgrades, but buckmark is not completely out of the picture. I am in hopes to be able to go to the gun shop this weekend and hold both guns. I have to say I do like the idea that a buckmark can be stripped that easy. I wonder if given upgrades the ruger would be come easier to strip?
Anyone know of any sites that have buckmark upgrades? also are there any other sites that have ruger mkII upgrades?

I really appreciate all that help you all have given me.

Thank you,
Armand Boivin

John Traveler · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2003, 04:19:32 AM »

The Ruger IS EASY TO STRIP and ASSEMBLE, if you do it properly!

It was DESIGNED for tool-less dissassembly and reassembly.

The single biggest problem that most shooters have is forgetting to position the hammer strut (with hammer uncocked) in the seat provided for it BEFORE snapping the mainspring housing shut!

This pistol CAN NOT be assembled when the hammer is in the cocked position!

John

Savage · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2003, 02:13:02 PM »

John,
I agree! There's even pictures and step by step instructions in the owner's manual. My first Ruger was a Mk l that I bought used with no owner's manual. Didn't take long to figure it out. No problems here-----.
Stay Safe,
Savage

Chris · « **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2003, 06:03:09 PM »

Maybe a bit perplexing the first go-around :? , then it's EZ! It only take a few seconds to strip the Ruger down and put it back together. All you really need to get started is a paperclip...that's it.

Try it...you'll like it!

...Chris

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2003, 12:00:11 PM »

Here it is.. time to put down the cash. I will pick up my gun tomorrow. I am laning most toward the ruger mkII.. I really liked the ruger but I liked the grips better on the buck mark. I figure the grips aren't that expensive to replace 44$ at volquartsen, so it might be worth it to do that. I have been thinking about possibly, after getting comforatble with my own gun, try join the club for target competitions. It would be fun I think. I wanted to thank everyone for everything and all the information. If anyone wants to post any last minutes feel free I will be going to choose and bring home my new gun sunday aug 31 at 10am est. Any recommendations for possible other grips?

Once again thanks for everything.

Thanks,
Armand

PS. My next gun purchase ... next year sometime will be a glock... I just fell in love with the look and feel while looking at .22 's. A friend had shown me the one he had and nice.. plus the quality test each glock goes through is amazing ;-) but that is for next year.

TScottO · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2003, 01:57:53 PM »

Congrats. I've shot several different Buckmarks and Ruger Mark IIs. From my experience the Rugers are the best choice. I put the Volq trigger and accurizing kit on my 6 7/8" gvt model. It works great.

Don't forget to pick up several different brands of ammo to find out what your gun likes. My gun doesnt allow CCI mini-mags to fully chamber. The CCIs will chamber but not quite deep enough to engage the trigger mechanism. Winchester super x performs better from my gun in comparison to Remington, Federal or Wolf. I've never tried the High dollar 22 ammo.

Good luck and be safe,
Scott

Armand Boivin · « **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2003, 09:23:14 AM »

I just wanted everyone to know that I purchased ruger 5.5 mkII target stainless. I put about 100 rounds of remington standard velocity through it today. I definitely need to work on my shooting ;-) I think I tend to pull to right a bit.. although I did manage to put 6 or so in the bull ;-) *cheers* Anyway I am actually contemplating picking up a revolver of some sort maybe a 5in. barrel but not sure. I almost picked up one instead of the mk II, it was a used ruger .22 double action and it felt sweet but was told that it wouldn't be that good for target shooting. Any thoughts or recommendations?

I want to thank everyone for all the help they have given to me ;-)

Thank you,
Armand

KYODE · « **Reply #21 on:** September 01, 2003, 12:19:55 PM »

pick yourself up some wolf match target ammo to try in it. good shooting stuff!

John Traveler · « **Reply #22 on:** September 01, 2003, 02:21:30 PM »

Hi again, Armand!

Congratulations on your new Ruger Mk II!

The standard factory grips fit me just fine, so I've no ideas about better grips. You can get checkered walnut, if you want.

As for using a revolver in .22 bullseye shooting, the S&W M17 six-shot revolvers dominate the American competitve shooting circles. Colt used to have a good share of the business, but all the old popular Colt models are long out of production.

Mine used to shoot 3/4" to 1" groups from a Ransom machine rest without even trying hard.

As for Ruger, I didn't even know they made a target-quality .22 revolver.

The semiauto .22 pistols dominate bullseye shooting because they are much easier to shoot accurately during the rapid-fire stages.

And YES, trying different ammo brands can make a BIG difference in your groups!

HTH
John

Questor · « **Reply #23 on:** September 02, 2003, 10:04:41 AM »

Armand:

I guess it depends on your objectives. If my goal was to learn to shoot a revolver, I'd get a S&W 617 or 17 with a 6" barrel. If my goal were to excel at target shooting, I'd forget the revolver and concentrate on getting the most out of the semi auto. If my goal were to try a little of everything without committing a lot of money, then most any decent revolver would satisfy me.

El Hombre · « **Reply #24 on:** September 04, 2003, 09:13:03 AM »

Congradulations on your purchase! I will agree with the other posts in that for revolvers, the S & W is an excellent choice. One other option is the Dan Wesson model 22 (or 722 in stainless steel) I have several Dan Wessons and they are all jewels. They stand up to their claim of being the most accurate production revolvers made. The only negative is they are not very popular, so resale value is not very high. This can be an easy way to pick up a good used one however! If you are a shooter though, you will probably fall in love with it and never want to sell it!
That being said, a semi-auto is the way to go for top accuracy. This is because of consistancy. In a revolver, not all of your cylinder holes are going to be exactly the same as far as diameter and how they line up with the barrel forcing cone. In quality revolvers it may not be much of a difference, but their will be a difference. In a semi-auto, you have one chamber, so consistancy is assured. It all depends on what type of shooting and how much shooting you are going to do. It will take longer to master two different triggers, sight pictures, & grips than to focus on one.
Whatever you do, have fun!