Ruger MKII?

[Monkeyleg]

Over the past twenty years, I've gone from shooting pistol competition to rifle plinking and then back to pistol plinking.

The last two years I've barely shot my .45's at all.

I've read many posts here about shooting .22 auto's as a way of learning how to shoot the big calibers. Something along the lines of, "if you can shoot a .22 well, you'll do well with the others."

Two years or so ago, I was a good shot with my 1911's. Not great, but got compliments on my targets, even from some of the shooters that I really admire.

Our group is going to have a fund-raising banquet with a firearms auction, and there will likely be two Ruger MKII's in the auction.

Should I go back to "basic training" with the MKII's, or buy the handgun I really want and just get back to practicing with the 1911's?

(A bit of history: I had my first MKII probably around 1980 or so, and sold it soon after. There just wasn't enough excitement).

Sage advice much appreciated.

 

[rustymaggot]

ive never stopped shooting my ruger mk1. things that always go into my shooting bag are earmuffs and the ruger. its always fun.

 

[JDGray]

With a .22, you can see how good a shooter you CAN be with a big bore For a beginner, a .22 teaches you smooth trigger controle, that is hard to do with a hand cannon.

 

[XavierBreath]

The .22 pistol can fill so many different roles that I never really stopped shooting it. Basically, if it fills a need for you, get one and shoot it.

My advocacy of the .22 pistol stems from so many people who go out and buy a centerfire handgun in a defensive caliber as their first gun, and never really learn how to shoot as a result. You will see them at the range with groups three feet across, and they blame the gun or the wind or something. They blame anything except the fact they never learned how to shoot. They are simply embarrassed to shoot a "kid's gun" and don't see the purchase of a .22 pistol as being worthwhile. To these folks, it's easier to explain away horrible shooting as being caused by wind conditions or planet alignment than it is to be seen learning how to shoot with a .22 pistol. It's an ego thing. How do I know? That was me 20 years ago. I really began to learn to shoot when I bought my son a .22 pistol. I bought myself one shortly afterwards.

If you shoot well enough to satisfy yourself, and feel no need for a .22 pistol, then you don't have the need for one. If you are not satisfied with your shooting, and want to improve it, then a .22 pistol may be right for you.

 

[bpisler]

You could buy a 22 conversion kit for your 45.

 

[ball3006]

My first pistol was a...

Ruger standard auto, before the Mk I, with 4 inch barrel. If you are not following proper shooting tecnique, that gun sure will let you know by lousy groups. You can't go wrong with a Ruger auto pistol.......chris3

 

[Monkeyleg]

Thanks for the replies.

My shooting skills with my .45's haven't disappeared, but they do need refinement. Biggest problem for me right now is a lack of physical fitness.

"If you shoot well enough to satisfy yourself, and feel no need for a .22 pistol, then you don't have the need for one. If you are not satisfied with your shooting, and want to improve it, then a .22 pistol may be right for you."

The latter part of your statement, XavierBreath, is what I was thinking.

 

[10-Ring]

I have a Mk II that I shoot regularly & a 22 wheelgun that I shoot even more. I thought I was just to much of a man to shoot 22lr. I've learned more shoot my 22's than w/ any other pistol I have. Now, that's not to say I don't appreciate or enjoy shooting my other pistols, it's just that the 22lr really does have a place in my collection

 

[xenatexas13]

I got a very good deal on a used Buckmark Target 22 and spent a long time working on my technique. After a few months I finally got a new center fire pistol and my heavens what a difference! I am a far better shot with the higher calibers than I have ever been before.

I had the chance to shoot a Ruger Mark II Target along side of my Buckmark for a few weeks. I strongly preferred the Buckmark.