[jakk55]

I've gone target shooting a number of times and have really started to get into it but the handgun rentals and ammo prices are really starting to add up so i decided it might be time to buy a 22lr handgun of some sort.

I've looked at and held mkIIIs and Buckmarks as well as the Ruger NRs and smith&wesson 617s

I've heard of the k-22s and dan wesson 22s but have never seen them after going to a few firearms dealers and pawnshops.

If I am mainly target shooting is there a point to having double action on a 22 revolver(which the 617s have but the NRs do not)

I've read conflicting reports on whether self loading 22s are more accurate than revolvers.

Another variable is the ability to shoot 22 magnum. Is there a great differenct between this and 22lr, and are they inter changable and what is the pricing?

Looking for a little guidance,
JAKK

[Starter52]

If you intend to try bullseye competition then you must get an autoloader. The Ruger MkII is a good one to start with. Revolvers cannot compete with autoloaders in the rapid fire portion of bullseye matches.

If you are into informal target shooting, any of the revolvers you mentioned will work just fine.

You cannot fire .22 magnum from a .22 LR autoloader. You can fire .22 magnum from a revolver if it is fitted with a spare cylinder. The single-action Ruger .22 revolvers are the only ones that I can think of.

.22 magnums are for hunting, not target shooting.

[MatthewVanitas]

.22 Mag costs a lot more than .22LR, but is useful for some contexts (mostly hunting small game).


The only common firearm (in the "quality but affordable") category which can convert between the two is the Ruger Single Six.

If you like revolvers, don't feel the need for DA, and want .22 Mag capability, then the Ruger Single Six is exactly your gun. They sell for around $350 NIB, as low as $175 used in Austin (if you look hard).

They come in stainless, in various barrel lengths, and with various sight options. They're outstanding guns and dang-near indestructible.

Just use the THR Search Engine to dig up tons of rave reviews of the Ruger Single Six.

If you're looking auto, I'll put in a strong vote for the Ruger MkII (or MkIII if you can't find a II). The III model added some unnecessary "safety" features, but isn't inherently a bad gun. I prefer a used II, myself. Buckmark is also very popular, and the new S&W 22a is quite good.

-MV

[22-rimfire]

Second vote for Ruger Mark II or III with bull barrel. Get the 5.5" model. Good shooting gun.

[treeprof]

Can you more precisely define what you mean by "target shooting"? If you just mean informally shooting paper targets as opposed to game (as I suspect), then it's hard to make general statements re the accuracy and suitablity of dbl action revolvers vs. semi-autos for your purposes. There are a lot of good options in both action types in the $300-$500 range, incl. the ones you mentioned. My favorite .22 handun (and most accurate) is my semi-auto S&W Model 41, but those are up in the $800 range now. I have a 6" S&W 617 that's quite accurate, but I really prefer autos. My Ruger 22/45's have always been pretty accurate, as well as the MKII I used to have. As previously stated, Ruger makes the single action Single Six with interchangeable 22 lr and 22 mag cylinders; they are by no means "target" guns (I have 2 of them), but they are great plinkers. A Buckmark will be my next .22 handgun.

If you own, or intend to buy, a centerfire handgun, seriously consider buying a .22 with the same action type as your centerfire.

[ugaarguy]

If you really want to build the fundamentals learning to shoot a revolver DA will teach that. The S&W 617 you've seen evolved from the K-22. After 1957 S&W went to model names and the K-22 became the Model 17; sometime later they went from blued steel to stainless and introduced the 617. The Ruger SP-101 was also made in 22lr.

If you want an autoloader the ones you mentioned are great options. I'll add that the Ruger 22/45 is another good one. It's basically a MKIII with a polymer grip and a less extreme grip angle. I've read many positive reviews of the S&W 22A as well.

[Steve C]

You really can't go wrong with either a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger MKII or MKIII. A nice .22 revolver would also be nice but more for informal target shooting than if you decide to shoot in a more formal type events like Bullseye.

S&W makes a 617 .22 lr that's a nice gun of current production. If you can find a good condition used .22 revovler the S&W model 17's and 18's are great as would be a Colt Diamondback but the prices of good DA revolvers are significantly higher than the semi automatics.

Revolvers haven't been competitive for quite a while now in the traditional .22 shooting events where you have the choice of using either a semi auto or revolver like Bullseye Pistol matches. Mostly this is due to follow up shots needing to be DA in the rapid fire portions. In some types of shooting games revolvers have their own class so they don't have to compete against semi auto's.

For the most part shooting .22 magnum ammo option is found in Single Action pistols. The magnum gives significantly more bang and a little better velocity and range. This would be good if you wanted to shoot varmits and other small game with your handgun and wanted a little more power. The .22 magnums are also quite a bit higher priced at $8 to $10 a box. As expensive as 9mm centerfire pistol ammo.

[jakk55]

Yes, the target shooting I intend to do is paper targets at an indoor range informally, sorry i wasn't more clear.

[dragongoddess]

Look for a Hammerli Trailside.

[treeprof]

Well, then, I would just shoot the crap out of each one you can get your hands on at the rental range, or by borrowing, and go with the one that fits you best. Lots of good suggestions in this thread, and you already seemed to be on some solid choices yourself.

As long as it's reliable, there's always room for one more .22 in one's stable.

[jakk55]

unfortunatly testing the guns before i buy them is a problem. The range that i rent from only has one 22 for rent and its a snubnose, while most of the other gun dealers are big companies and refused to let me test fire guns even on their own range.

[treeprof]

Sounds you might have to settle for extended fondling sessions, then. That's ok; just see which one fits the best and points most naturally. The downside with fondling .22's is that it's not a good idea to dry-fire some of them, and most dealers won't let you dry-fire any of them.

[rockstar.esq]

The thing that gets me every time someone asks this is that there is never a running commentary on how the grip feels. I have found the only two comfortable .22LR semiautos to be the Browning Buckmark and the Beretta 87 Target. I sold my Buckmark to fund the 87 and I'm sure that I made the right choice. The Rugers that get lots of airtime are more akin to a Luger than any other semiauto. The grip angle on all but the "45" version is way too acute for me to comfortably shoot it. The same goes for the Beretta Neos. Given the immense number of shots fired through .22LR's I'm continually impressed by the durability of these pistols.

[borrowedtime69]

i fully recomend a Ruger MK II either the regular grip or 22/45 grip in the 5 1/2" BBL or 6 7/8" BBL for great accuracy and follow-up shots.

my 22/45 MK II 6 7/8" slabside barrel with a 4X 32 Simmons pistol scope gets groups of 0.30" at 25 yards with a rest. i use it for hunting the small pine squirrels in the rocky mountains.

there are a ton of add-on accessories for this gun (not really the 22/45 grip model, just the regular grip model). you can upgrade barrels, grips, triggers, springs, extractors, hammers... i could go on.

just a word of advice, stay away from the MK III, its mostly a Lawyer gun.

[jlh26oo]

The thing that gets me every time someone asks this is that there is never a running commentary on how the grip feels.That's because OUR hands are not his. It has been suggested to p/u and handle. You have to understand that grip feel/fit has a high ymmv factor. Plus, different grips on the pistol could make a difference. Most MkII's are not substantial enough for me, but the fat contoured wood on my kmk678gc fits like a glove, ymmv.

I 2nd a MKII in 5 1/2", 6 7/8", bull barrel or slabsides.

[greener]

The Ruger MKII folks are a bit stubborn when it comes to mentioning MKIII's. I'd add MKIII's to your consider list. Since MKII's are out of production, it's getting a bit harder to find a new one.

My guess is that most of the .22 pistols/revolvers are pretty good. Buy one that feels good and fits your hand and budget. I have an S&W 22A (~$175, new), Stainless Steel MKIII Hunter ($420, new) and a Single Six ($320 new). As long as you watch your shooting mechanics and use the ammo they like, there isn't much difference between them in accuracy up to 25 yards. One day I do better with one and the next I do better with another.

A lot of suggestions boil down to personal preference. For example, I don't like the grip on the Ruger 22/45's. I prefer the "standard" ruger grip on my Hunter. My personal preference for target shooting are handguns with adjustable sights. I haven't fired a Buckmark, Neos, P22 or Trailside. I've seen people do very well with them and others do very poorly with them. I believe the "accuracy" from those observations have more to do with the shooter than the pistol.

Revolvers are fun to shoot and can be quite accurate. If money is no object, then the best semi-auto out there is probably the S&W Model 41. If you want to tinker with add-ons, Rugers are tops.

If I were going to by another .22 handgun my list is in this order:

S&W Mod 41
Ruger MKII Government Target Model
S&W Mod 617
Buckmark (but not camper)
P22 with two barrels (if I can get over not liking the grip).

[MCgunner]

I wouldn't put much weight toward the gun being able to fire .22 mag. It's a pretty worthless round, especially in a handgun. In a rifle, it extends the range quite a bit of the .22LR and that can be handy, but you can't hunt much with it that you can't hunt with a .22LR. The HV .22LR will work for any small game I can think of that you can hunt with a handgun, rabbit, squirrel, 'coon, etc.

I like revolvers. If you're not doing formal competition, the revolver will have less problems with the .22LR in my experience. .22 will occasionally fail to fire, part of being a rimfire, with the bargain bulk pack stuff. It is not designed with autoloader feed reliability in mind, though a quality firearm properly set up will feed it pretty reliably. It's just a lot less hassle in a revolver, to me, though, although I have .22 autos. I prefer shooting my revolver. Besides, it's a DA and is good DA practice for cheap, 10 bucks for 550 rounds of bulk pack Federal.

[highlander 5]

I love my Ruger 22/45 grip angle is perfect for me I have the 5 1/5 ' version.
I also own a Smith 617 6' and quite pleased with it hit a 12 gauge shotgun shell from 25 yds from a rest mine is a 6 shot version don't like the 8 or 10 shot just ain't right it's a SIX gun not a 10 gun

[XavierBreath]

I'm a bit of a .22 collector and shooter, and I can tell you that you are making a good choice.

I'll list the Ruger MKII (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2005/10/beauty-of-22-pistol.html) as a first choice, if you can find one. They have allbut dried up on the new gun market, being superceded by the MKIII. Yes, the MKII is a better gun in my opinion. Less stuff to go wrong. It has everything that is needed over the MKI, and nothing that is not needed. A used one should run between $150 and $200 in good condition. They are very durable, so there is little worry about buying one used. Buying a new MKIII will get you shooting faster, but the MKII will likely have less problems. Both are good guns.

If and when you can find one, buy a S&W Model 17 (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/08/smith-wesson-model-17-4.html) or Model 18. These are finely crafted .22 DA revolvers. They are presently running $350-450 in good condition, used, when you can find one. Do not fear the price tag on these. They will only appreciate in value.

I have no experience with the Buckmark. I never felt the need.

The Whitney Wolverine (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/whitney-wolverine-range-report.html) can now be bought from Olympic Arms (http://www.olyarms.com/?rootView=browse&view=dtl&ids=ww) new, but with a polymer frame. I own an original aluminum framed one. They are great shooting and feeling guns. I have not shot the Olympic Arms version.

For inexpensive extremely accurate shooting, I will recommend the IZH46M (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2005/12/izh-46mthisun-aint-no-toy.html). $269 for world class match accuracy you can shoot in your back yard is nothing to sneeze at.

[22-rimfire]

It seems that what most are hinting at is that you might consider BOTH a 22 auto and a well made double action 22 revolver. Kimber makes a fine 22 auto in the standard 1911 style. I don't have one. My plinking and casual target shooting 22 autos are a 5.5" Ruger Mark II (III is just fine) and a High Standard Victor. I recommend both although the High Standard can be finicky with ammo. Get the auto first as they are generally cheaper than the double actions. Then start looking or saving for a good revolver. (The High Standards are not cheap, neither is the Kimber.) Smith Model 41 is one to look at if you want to spend $800+.

On the revolver side of the fence, if you want something that is currently made go with the Smith 617. Price is high, but worth it in the long haul. Other older models that you can find in new or near new condition are the Smith Predecessor Model 17 or Model 18 (K-22). Smith also made a Model 34 which included both a 22LR and 22WMR cylinder. On the Colt side, the Diamondback is excellent. The Trooper Mark III is less expensive and excellent as well. Other models are the Officers Model Match, or the original Trooper. You will pay for a good double action 22 revolver, but they will provide several lifetimes of shooting fun. Stick to either Smith & Wesson or Colt. Yes, do take a look at the Taurus line. Don't own one, so I can't recommend one.

Single actions... I would suggest Ruger. There are others available.

[jakk55]

I just read something online about Korths, a google search doesn't return much but their official website says they make 22s revolvers. Any info on these? also they dont seem to come with prices.

[treeprof]

Do you have children? 'cause you'll need to pawn a couple, along with a kidney and your left ____, to get into a Korth. Figure at least $2k for something used, upwards of $5k for new.

[10-Ring]

In 22lr, I've been exclusively DA wheelgun. I just really enjoy shooting revolvers lately :D

[Rube]

I bought the Ruger 22/45 w/5.5" barrel. The grip angle has the feel of my other automatics. I also purchased a Taurus 94 DA revolver with a 2" barrel. It allows me to practice shooting a snubby with the cheaper 22lr ammo. For me, the Ruger is the most accurate gun I own; however, the Taurus is helping me to get better with my other revolvers. I'm very happy with the quality of both guns.

[jakk55]

hmm I guess thats why they don't show prices for the Korths(if you have to ask their too expensive huh)

Im begining to think that its either a ruger 5.5in or a s&w of somesort,

On the ruger 22/45 5.5in bull barrell mkIII, is the rearsight elevation adjustable?

[Rube]

My 22/45 mk II has adjustable elevation on rear sight--I'm not positive about the Mk III, but I'm betting it does.

[Socrates]

Well, if you can find one, usually in the 300-400 dollar range, colt Trooper Mark III's are the poor man's Python:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/Socrates28/Colt%20Trooper%20III/Trooper3copy.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/Socrates28/Colt%20Trooper%20III/Trooper2copy.jpg

They also, are likely to go up in value...

Good triggers are the key to good shooting, with 22lrs. The accurate guns mentioned, with the exception of the Ruger
autos, all have good triggers out of the box. Rugers, IIRC, require a trigger kit to get a decent trigger pull.

S

[Baphomet]

On the ruger 22/45 5.5in bull barrell mkIII, is the rearsight elevation adjustable?The rear sight on the MK III is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.

Rugers, IIRC, require a trigger kit to get a decent trigger pull.If you want something truly crisp and creep-free, yes; I would agree with you there. I had a Clark trigger-kit installed on my MK II and it made all the difference. IMO though, most everything "out there" these days needs work on the trigger/action; just to varying degrees. Any competent 'smith can make something pretty decent out of the standard Ruger parts, but a Clark or Volquartson trigger-kit is the next step up. It all depends on how sweet a trigger pull you want and how much you're willing to pay to get it.

[Socrates]

Some don't need trigger jobs, but, they are mainly rifles. CZ 452's, the CZ 550, both come with under two pound triggers. The Safari magnums come with a push forward, adjustable, set trigger, giving you a super, like 12 oz. or as light as you want, target trigger, on your 458 Lott, or in my case, 375 H&H.

Wonder what the triggers and accuracy are like on the CZ Kadet, in 22lr?

I think Sig makes a 22lr trainer, as well.

Another consideration is buy a CZ 75B in 9mm. They are supposed to be super accurate, under 500 dollars, and, 9mm is very cheap to shoot. Doesn't recoil much more then a 22lr, 3 ftlbs, IIRC, and, push comes to shove, it may have better uses, such as home defense, then the 22lr.

Another way to get a 22lr that's a tack driver is to buy a Marvel 22lr conversion for 400 bucks, and put it on a 1911 frame. If you can find one, with let's say a well worn barrel, etc. for cheap, you could get the merits of
having a 1911 trigger pull, with tack driving accuracy.

Perhaps the best way to get a really accurate 22lr, handgun, is to buy one of the bolt action, Olympic type target pistols. They can be found for under 400 dollars, and, drive tacks. Hammerli, Aussomething,,....

S

[buspete]

I've used a Ruger MkII for years in bullseye competition, and found it to be a great gun for the price. I view it as a good platform to build a good target gun out of, or just a cheap, fun plinker.

The drawbacks to it are:

-skinny grips at a funny angle: Old Bill Ruger was trying to make his auto-pistol look like a Luger. Get oversized replacement grips for it. Mine are Volquartson.

-trigger pull is rediculous, something like 8lb. Lots of creep. Have somebody do a trigger job on it, and while he's in there, put an overtravel stop on the trigger. Make sure whoever does it KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING with a MkII, I've seen wannabe gunsmiths accidentaly change the sear face angle and made the gun go full-auto.

When I first started bullseye shooting, I coveted a S&W 41, but they were pretty expensive even then. With the right tweaks and add-ons, a $150 Ruger will hold it's own against the S&W 41

http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.com/images/NonBiz/RugerMkII.JPG

[Anna's Dad]

+1 on the Sig Trailside. I have fired Ruger Mark II and I own a Buckmark. The Trailside is by far my favorite. Balance is perfect and I just plain shoot it better. YMMV.

[B yond]

I've got 2 and I love them both.

S&W 22A w/ red dot sight - tackdriver @ 50 yards, red dot helps a lot, but then I can't find a holster that will fit it w/ the sight. It's reliable as long as you use hi-velocity ammo (I like cci blazer for $1/50rds). There's a recoil spacer that is supposed to be replaced every few thousand rounds, you can get them free from the factory just for asking. I've got at least 5,000 rounds through mine and haven't had to replace it yet.

H&R Sportsman DA revolver- also a tackdriver, weighs less than the smith w/sight, fits in a holster, and shoots any ammo I've tried. Holds 9rds, speedloaders are available for about $8. I'm pretty sure they're out of production, but you can find them on gunbroker.

Added bonus for the revolver: you can fan the hammer! That sure turns heads at the range. Popopopopopopopopop! :evil:

[Justin]

The Smith & Wesson Mod. 41 is about the best choice for a US-made .22 that can be used for plinking and competitive shooting.

[jakk55]

wow $1,153:what: for the model 41, yah thats a little out of my price range im at like $650 max.

Also how useful is a red dot scope? The new ruger automatics all come drilled, tapped, and with a rail.

[Baphomet]

Also how useful is a red dot scope?
Pretty useful, I'd say.

This target shot from a lightly rested position (I was making sight adjustments) at 25 yards using my MK II and CCI Mini Mag HP's. This is no freak accident either, this is pretty much what I expect from my MK II:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/Baphomet/Target002.jpg

The specific sight being used is a Redfield multi-reticle red-dot model that I think has been discontinued. My suggestion, should you decide to go this route, would be get the red-dot sight with the smallest "dot" you can. I do my my best precision shooting with the smallest "dot" the sight can provide.

[SJshooter]

Let me put in a vote for the 10-shot S&W 617. If you are looking for a fun range gun, this is about a good as it gets: Sweet trigger, dependable gun, and 10 shots per load.

[jakk55]

I really try to keep myself from getting caught up in looks but that 10 shot cylinder just looked awsome.:evil:

BTW do you know if they make moon clips or speed loaders for the 10 shot cylinder?

[tinygnat219]

Walther P22, basically their P99 in .22 LR. The one I owned was crap. Complete and utter crap. It had a tendency to jam every 3-4 rounds. Gunsmith couldn't find anything wrong. I ended up selling it.

[Impala]

The Walther P22 has my vote for sure.
A friend of mine has one and can shoot inside 6" at 50yds!!:eek:
He says it is very fun to shoot and rediculously accurate for a small pistol.
Definitely worth it's $220 asking price and the new finish options are excellent.
My dad recently bought a Heritage arms SA revolver for a cheap knockaround gun, it comes with a .22LR and .22WMR cylinders a good thing if you're looking for interchangeability.

[SJshooter]

Yes, there is a 10-shot speedloader for the S&W 617:

http://www.msnusers.com/Speedloader/shoebox.msnw

[jakk55]

Very nice, one more point to the 617.

[TimboKhan]

Someone said earlier that us MkII guys are stubborn to mention the MkIII. Speaking for myself, thats true. Reason? I just don't think the MkIII is as good a gun as the MkII, and here is why:

1. I have never needed all the safety features that are on the MkIII
2. I don't like the redesigned magazines
3. I am resistant to change.

Now, I am not saying the MkIII is a bad gun at all. I just like the MkII's better. In particular, I like the magazine release better. Rockstar.esq and I have a long running argument over this, but I think the heel clip is perfectly suited to the gun, and I don't personally find it at all inconvenient, or slow, to operate. But, thats just my opinion. You like the MkIII better, then thats good enough for me.

Revolver-wise, I have shot a host of .22 revolvers, but the one that I like best is the H&R Sportsman 999. Mine is in a state of disrepair at the moment, but when it was working properly, I found it to be a delight to shoot. I can never remember all the numbers, but I also handled a S&W revo one time. I didn't shoot it, but I really liked it. I have also shot a host of Ruger single actions, and I liked every one, even though I can't say I am a particularly big fan of single action revolvers. Really, it boils down to the fact that when I shoot .22's, I don't shoot 25 or 50 rounds at a time, I shoot like 250 rounds at a time, and I just get tired of 6 shots and a somewhat tedious reloading process. As far as accuracy and comfort go, they are perfectly fine, and if you like them, they really are super pistols.

[.45 AUTO]

For $250-$300 you can get a new Walther P22, a nice shooter. You can not beat the price for the high quality. They can even be fitted with a suppressor which is about the same price as the gun.

[jakk55]

I hear alot of horror stories about the p22. Also why would you want a silencer? I don't plan to go hunting or murdering, and always have to wear ear protecion at the range, so not much need for it/

[greener]

Timbokahn: have you gotten over the Marines DX'ing the '03 Springfield, yet?

Seriously, he is right about the LCI on the MKIII's. (a) The chamber is empty only when I make the bigger hole on the other side and look in. (b) The mag disconnect means nothing to me because I believe it is loaded and will fire until (a) happens. Basically, the only time I notice the new safety features is when I'm cleaning the MKIII. The mag disconnect may save some poor soul if he is careless with a loaded weapon. The LCI is a nice place for gunk to hide.

You can buy a 22A for around $200. For the price, it is a great semiauto. I also have a MKIII Hunter. It is a great shooter, but hasn't replaced the 22A. Enjoy shooting both, and both shoot better than I do. Coming up fast for sheer enjoyment is the Single Six I bought a couple of months ago.

[jakk55]

A guy i know says he has an mkII in good condition, how much is a reasonable price?

[XavierBreath]

If it is a Government Model, $250-300. Pretty much the same goes for the Hunter.

If it is anything else, $200 tops, with the 4 inch blued tapered barrel being the most common. If there is a lot of finish wear, the price would drop to $150.

Since we're posting pics..........
http://www.bayourovers.com/BullseyeRugers.jpg
http://www.bayourovers.com/plinkers.jpg

[TimboKhan]

Timbokahn: have you gotten over the Marines DX'ing the '03 Springfield, yet?

Hahahahaha..... No! It's funny that you say that because back when I first got my '03, I told my buddy that it was the finest rifle the Marines ever had. I was sort of not joking about that, either....

Xavier,
Bottom picture, top gun. What do you call that grip design? My dad has that style of grip on a 1911, and I have always been partial to it, but I have never been able to find them. Where did you find those for a MkII?

[Jim Reaves]

JAKK55
I recently had to purchase a 22 revolver for a handgun class that I teach.
I have numerous semi-auto 22s but had gotten rid of my revolvers over the years. Anyway I needed a 22 revolver, did my research, wanted a S&W but unwilling to pay the high dollar. I purchased the Taurus Tracker with 6 inch barrel. It feels great, will outshoot any semi-auto in my collection and is a snap to clean. Take a long look at it before you buy.
My students in my handgun classes love it.:)

[Brian Williams]

I had a Ruger MarkII slabside and while very accurate, it was clunky compared to my old 1st series Colt woodsman. My Woodsman is just as accurate off the bench as the Ruger and it looks better. I have handled and messed with just about every other 22 auto out there and the only one I would trade the Woodsman for would be an older S&W 41.
I also have a S&W 35 which is a 6 shot revolver with a 6" barrel and target sights built on a S&W J frame. This is my introduction to shooting gun and if everyone in the world had access to one of these there would be a lot more ammunition factories because just about everyone wants one after they shoot it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=44513&d=1157594135

[XavierBreath]

Xavier,
Bottom picture, top gun. What do you call that grip design? My dad has that style of grip on a 1911, and I have always been partial to it, but I have never been able to find them. Where did you find those for a MkII?
Glad you like 'em Timbo, I do too. They are "skip checkered" grips. They are an old classic design. Herretts still makes them, and they can be found on ebay for 1911s.

These were clearanced by CDNN. they are originally MKI grips, but I relieved them for a MKII. CDNN has been out of them for over a year. I shoulda bought two or three pairs!

[jakk55]

Well there is a gun show in town next weekend, anyone know what i should expect to pay for a S&W 617 new or used, and a Browning Buchmark, new or used preferably with a stainless steel one?