Pistol to learn accuracy with

[kedearian]

So on a recent trip to the range I shot a friends .45 and found out that, after about 10 years of not touching a pistol, I'm complete rubbish with them. I'm not sure exactly what I was doing wrong, but I was unable to get more than 2 or 3 shots out of 20 on paper at 25 yards which was more than a little embrassing. I'd like to get to the point where I could think about doing something like a 3gun competition or something like that. I'm pretty decent with rifles, so I think I just need more practice. Something that is a decent center-fire autoloader with cheap ammo is what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance.

 

[NMGonzo]

Ruger 22/45, mkII or something similar.

 

[kedearian]

I was looking for something that was center-fire, as I think part of my problem was the recoil from the .45 so I'd like something with enough kick for me to get used to it, but not as much as a 45.

 

[NMGonzo]

How big of a boy are you?

 

[kedearian]

5'10" around 150lbs, but smallish hands.

 

[Shadow 7D]

22 is how you learn accuracy, because you get to SHOOT, training with a bang, consider the cost of 2 boxes of 9mm and the same in .22 (hint, you can get between 500 to 1000 rounds for the same price in .22)

Any who, the usual solution is something like this, .22 conversion or trainer (22/45 & 1911)
so you can take your .22 practice and polish it off on the big gun.

 

[Haifisch]

Ruger Mark III .22 pistol.

 

[MCgunner]

Plus one on the Ruger .22. ALWAYS go to an accurate .22 for marksmanship training.

 

[iibao]

Or the Buckmark.
(If you go with 22)

 

[kedearian]

I used to use a Mark III when I went shooting with my dad, and I hated it. Something about the feel of it in my hand just made me loath the gun. Also this may be a small thing, but I really dislike those magazines, the metal tab you have to pull down bugged me.

 

[jeepguy]

i think if you want to put alot of rounds down range get a 9mm. also what kind of .45 were you shooting? for instance if it was a hi point i wouldnt wory about not shooting it well. get a good quality 9mm. sig, beretta, cz, glock, xd, or ruger. if you like single stack they make some nice 1911's in 9mm. 9mm is a good round to start with, low recoil & cheep.

 

[NMGonzo]

I would recommend then a rock island armory 1911 in 9mm.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...new/manufacturers_id/116/products_id/4294?SID

 

[kedearian]

it was a smith and wesson .45 I dont remember the model of it how ever.

 

[Bullseye_shooter]

IMO the Ruger's can't compete with the S&W M41
Get a Kimber 1911 in 9mm and get the drop in .22 Kit that is probably the most pratical and cost efficent set-up
P

 

[aka108]

Colt Service Model Ace if you can find one for a reasonable price.

 

[kedearian]

I'm not sold on the 1911's saftey after looking into the gun, something about the hammer having to be cocked just seems unsafe to me, it may not be but i guess it's one of those mental things.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Or get a conversion kit for a 1911, like an ACE or one of the others

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/1911-22conv.aspx

 

[kedearian]

What about the glock 19? I saw another thread here that someone stated they liked it and it shoots the fairly cheap 9mm round so I could get in plenty of practice and it would be a little more than a 22 for recoil management, my only hold up is the accuracy and the sights. I've not fired one before but it seems to fit most of what I'm looking for if it's a fairly decent gun.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Anything in 7.62 Tok, most guns cost less than 300, centerfire, cheap round,just don't develop a finch from the fireball...

 

[9mmepiphany]

i would recommend a Sig 226 two-step .22lr

it is a full sized Sig 226 with the .22lr conversion top end already mounted for about $500
http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-p226/index2.html which comes with a discount coupon with a CF top end. you can get the 9mm top end and the total savings makes the .22lr conversion kit almost free.

the 9mm 226 would be an excellent pistol later for 3-gun, IDPA or USPSA

 

[kedearian]

was the 7.62TOK just a joke? the ammo seems to be more pricey than the 9mm stuff is per box. The Sig 226 looks good, but I'll have to see what my local guns stores have in stock. I don't want to end up buying something, and like the ruger mk III, hating the feel of it in my hand.

 

[6x6pinz]

7.62x25 mil surp is cheaper than 9mm but then you are limited to the style of pistol. Not a real fan of conversion, would rather just have two complete pistols but some of the conversions out right now are very nice. If you hang out at a range a simple instruction course can do wonders over internet advice and a lot cheaper than the rounds wasted trying figure things out on your own.

 

[Shadow 7D]

actually no, it runs about 100 125 a tin of 1250

 

[nerfsrule2]

Smith and Wesson Model 41...Shoot CCI Standard velocity ammo out of it (22 in a blue box).. Have fun

 

[BCRider]

9mm has considerably more kick than a .22. Enough that it can cause significant flinch issues of it's own.

I support all those that have suggested a .22. But instead of the Ruger Mk II and III I suggest you get one that has a grip angle that is more similar to the center fire guns you'll also end up with.

There's a lot of good used guns so you don't need to spend a lot on a .22. To me the Ruger 22/45 feels like it has an odd balance due to the plastic trigger frame making it feel very top heavy. On the other hand the Buckmark feels really nicely balanced.

There's a number of other guns that would work as well. I've got a S&W 422 with a 2206 coming. The 422 has been superbly reliable and shoots nice tight groups. They can typically be gotten for quite cheap and would make for a nice practice gun.