.22 Pistol for....?

[308sc]

I'm looking into to getting a .22 LR pistol for .22 only bullseye competition.

Does anyone have any suggestions? The only real requirement is that it needs to be accurate, and reliable. And a reasonable price to.

I might be able to snag a Colt Cadet for $300 how are they?

Thanks!

 

[Majic]

Bullseye competition, accurate, and reasonable price really don't go together. To really be competitive you are going to spend a lot more than 300 bucks. Your best bet might be to look at the Rugers and invest in aftermarket parts to upgrade it. Otherwise you are talking about pistols costing 1000 bucks and up. I have 5 that will fulfill your wants (High Standards, Colts, S&W) and the best you could get any of them for is 800 bucks.

 

[John C]

I respectfully disagree with Majic. I shoot Bullseye, and before that I shot International, a similar discipline, and I think that for an entry level shooter, you can buy a great pistol for less than $300.

I personally started on a stock Ruger Mark II Target, and I think those are an excellent choice. The Mark III is the current model. In recent years, these have gone up in price, so on a price/performance basis, I think there are better choices. Although I don't own one, I would recommend the Browning Buckmark. Both of these pistols, in stock form, or perhaps some grips, will easily get you to expert level or higher. At that point, you'll have the experience to know whether you want to put some custom work into your current pistol or upgrade.

If I had to do it all over again, I would get a quality, base model 1911 (with a trigger job, but no other accurization) and a Marvel conversion kit (http://www.marvelprod.com/). This is more than your $300 limit, and you don't need a .45, but this combo will last you a lifetime. Plus, even if you get out of bullseye, you'll have a quality 1911 and a top notch .22 on the same frame. If you already have a 1911, this is the perfect way to go for you.

Good luck!

-John

 

[panther22]

Both Ruger and Browning make 6 inch, fluted barreled versions of their .22 pistols. They will run you more then $300, but they are fine shooting guns.
I think the Colt Cadet that you are looking at would do okay. I always thought of it as more of a plinker, but I'm sure it's accurate and reliable. Most competition shooters I know use a gun with at least a 6 inch barrel.

 

[John C]

Panther is right on. I actually started with a Ruger Mark II Government Target, which has a 6.5 inch bull barrel. But when I bought my own pistol, it was a 5.5 inch version. Of course, this is just splitting hairs with Panther's statement, but for me I liked the lower muzzle-heaviness of the 5.5 incher. I guess what I'm trying so is to try before you buy, if you can.

Also, most bullseye shooters have other pistols that they previously shot with but now don't use. You can usually buy these for a good price.

-John

 

[308sc]

Thanks for the suggestions....I will take a look at buck marks. But I think the .45 way is the way to go considering true bullsye you have to use a .45 right?
also where did it say in my first poll that I have only $300 dollars to spend?

 

[mr.trooper]

Get a Ruger MK III, and upgrade.

The factory irons are already pretty decent, so id focus on upgrading the trigger, and put on some more comfortable grips.

 

[308sc]

Which model would you suggest?

 

[Steve C]

In the company bullseye leage I shoot in the Rugers are very popular with S&W's and Browning following 2nd. Then there are some that shoot Walthers, Pardini's and other higer end pistols.

I've been shooting this Browning for the last 8 years and it will shoot with the best of them in accuracy. With this model you get a rib to mount a Red Dot if you want as well as adjustable pull trigger, target stocks and target sights for about the same as you'd pay for a Ruger and the same accessories. IMO the Browning is a bit more reliable (less alibi's) than the Ruger which seems to need more TLC in cleaning.

OTH the Rugers are a robust pistol and will last a lifetime. Add Volthane grips a Volquardson drop in trigger job and you've got a fine pistol.

 

[Joel Jacobs]

While the Rugers and Brownings are nice pistols give the Smith & Wesson Model 41 a hard look. More expensive but a lot more gun.

 

[cavman]

I had the Mark III Hunter 6 7/8" fluted.

Its trigger was awesome. Many said that the Volquartsen trigger was probably not needed. (It may have been an unusual, exceptional pistol, I don't know). It was better than the Browning Buckmark that I shot from time to time, tho'.

The rake (angle) of the grips of the Ruger is more severe than the Browning or S&W M41. I suggest to definitely hold them as much a you can to see how you like it. (The Ruger has been a mainstay on the line for 50 years). The Ruger is also a lot lighter than the Smith. Depending on your starting arm strength, the Ruger is great to start shooting with for a few years.

I see less Rugers on the line, with more S&W M41s (out of the pistols discussed here), but that is probably due to the lines that I shoot on are pretty "experienced" and have upgraded over years of shooting.

I currently shoot the M41. It is best for me at this time.

 

[dbski]

Try the Ruger Mk111 Hunter with 6 7/8 inch barrel. It will be alittle over $300 though.

 

[308sc]

thanks for all the suggestions. I was doing some research and read that the Sig/Hammerli Trailsides are good if you can find them.

 

[gb6491]

...I was doing some research and read that the Sig/Hammerli Trailsides are good if you can find them.

Walther is handling the Hammerli now; also has a new name: "X-esse".

Larry's carries them.

Regards,
Greg