Target Gun recommendations?

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Daxx

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I'm fairly new to the sport. I'm looking for advice on which handgun to purchase that would be a good, large caliber, target gun. Preferably a .45 cal. I know there are lots of factors to consider and everyone is different, but all that aside, please list your personal recommendations for fit, accuracy, and reliability.

I've been eye-balling the Kimber Eclipse Target II. :scrutiny:

Thanks!
Daxx
 
More info would be better.

The 1911 platform (Kimber) is the choice of a lot of people who target shoot, but there are many other choices.

Try out some different types of guns to see what you shoot well. You may decide you like Glocks, Sigs, HKs, etc better than the Kimber.
 
I'm not in any official competitions. I am just range shooting and looking for a very accurate handgun.

I don't want anything excessivly large like a "Dirty Harry" gun, but something medium sized that drives tacks at 25 yards and can be used as a carry weapon if needed.

I hope that's enough info, let me know specifics if you need something else.
 
Even if you are just wanting to punch targets at the range, a gun with fully adjustable sights is something I would recommend. Nothing worse than a "target" gun that cannot be adjusted to shoot to the point of aim.

In sanctioned target matches such as NRA Bullseye , adjustable sights , either open or something like a red dot are needed. As well as gun that meets the minimum accuracy requirements - usually at least 3" at 50 yards.

Well , you already posted again before I had the chance to read it! For 25 target shooting I would think a Kimber with fully adjustable sights would be a good choice. The Kimber owners I know personally all like thier pistols and the ones I have shot were accurate.
 
Well, I just found this on a discussion of target guns. Apparently even good brand names aren't worth a darn until sent out to a pistolsmith.

"Don't consider high dollar pistols that cannot shoot less than 3" groups guaranteed. Flashy "pseudo-customs" like the Kimber Match Custom may be beautiful pistols but you would be a complete idiot to dump over a $1000 into a gun that will still need to be accurized in order for you to be competitive! If you just want to throw your money away, please send it to me - I could use it!"
 
Sounds like you are doing informal target right now.
Any good quality gun will be fine for that, and even for some beginning matches.

Spending Uberbucks for accurizing is for SERIOUS target shooters, or people who have more money than brains.

A good pistol from (insert brand here) will do just fine until you get to higher level competition.

A lot of the big-time target shooters are not using 45 anyway. Many are using 38 Super, some are using 40 S&W.
 
I'm not in any official competitions. I am just range shooting and looking for a very accurate handgun.

I don't want anything excessivly large like a "Dirty Harry" gun, but something medium sized that drives tacks at 25 yards and can be used as a carry weapon if needed.
Click to expand...

Well, I just found this on a discussion of target guns. Apparently even good brand names aren't worth a darn until sent out to a pistolsmith.

"Don't consider high dollar pistols that cannot shoot less than 3" groups guaranteed. Flashy "pseudo-customs" like the Kimber Match Custom may be beautiful pistols but you would be a complete idiot to dump over a $1000 into a gun that will still need to be accurized in order for you to be competitive! If you just want to throw your money away, please send it to me - I could use it!"
Click to expand...

You said you wanted a gun to shoot at the range, and maybe carry.

That is completely different from a gun that is really suited to bullseye competition shooting, which is what the quote you found is alluding to.

For goofing off at the range and occasionally carrying it around, any of the better factory 1911s are just fine.

If you are serious about bullseye competitions, you really need a gun with a guaranteed level of accuracy, not a factory Kimber that might be no better than 6" @ 50 yards from a machine rest when you are trying to keep all your shots in a 3.36" 10-ring.
 
A lot of the big-time target shooters are not using 45 anyway. Many are using 38 Super, some are using 40 S&W.
Click to expand...

It depends on the shooting sport. NRA bullseye rules require .45 caliber guns for many competitions. IDPA requries .45 ACP for CDP class, USPSA Limited and Limited-10 just requires =>.40 and major power factor. The rules of the specific sport dictate the allowed calibers, so know the rules before you buy the gun.
 
So if I'm hearing this right, the Kimber Target II will suit my needs just fine AND if I ever decide to get more serious, then I can send out that very same gun to be accurized. Dang that gun is expensive though. :eek:

I'll tell you why I'm stuck on Kimber. I don't have access to the other guns to "try them out" before I buy and the gun store guys around here are all suggesting Kimber. Maybe they make more money off that gun, maybe they're being honest.

That's why I was asking ya'll to list your manufacture/model recommendations so I could do some further research into the various choices that are presented. Helps me to narrow down the list a lot quicker. And who knows, someone may suggest something that is just as good (or better) as a Kimber for a heck of a lot better price.

Thanks,
Daxx
 
Carry?

You mentioned use as a carry gun, too.

So, one more question to ask : Are you willing to carry a gun with the added complexity of a firing pin safety that could malfunction?

The chance is small, but one I personally prefer not to take.
 
I use the Springfield Armory XD-40 Sub Compact for carry. It would be nice if I could carry my next handgun too, but it's not a requirement. Just looking for a good range shooter.

Models I like so far after some reading:

Kimber Custom Target II
HK USP Expert
HK USP Elite
SIG P220 Sport
 
Last edited:
Springfield Armory PI9132L (stainless "Loaded" model with target sights) is another option, along with the Dan Wesson PM7.

http://www.czusa.com/01.detail.php?id=65
http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-fs.shtml

If you are interested in future bullseye shooting, anything else but a .45 ACP 1911 is a waste of time for most competitions. On the other hand, pretty much any good .45 ACP 1911 can be modified by a good bullseye 'smith into a good competition gun... though he might throw everything but the frame, slide and a few pins into the trash. :eek:
 
I didn't quite understand what you were saying about the .45. Are you saying to get a different caliber than a .45 for target shooting? Or are you saying the .45 is the best choice?

Nevermind, I think I understand. Get the .45. And any .45 can be made into a competition gun with enough parts and money thrown at it.

That Dan Wesson PM7 is very nice, but I didn't see it in their pricesheet or catalog. Dang it, I find stuff right after I post...I see the price now. :)
 
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