What to use as a target gun?

[BADUNAME5]

In your experience what handgun under $700 will hold a tighter groop when shot in single action, a 38 revolver or a 9mm autoloader?

I already have a 6 inch 686 but I want to by a heavy framed 25 to 50 yard plinking gun that anyone I take with me (Including small females with no experience shooting handguns) can shoot without too much dificulty. I would also like to use this gun to practice my 1 handed unsupported slow fire groups.

 

[Standing Wolf]

You could buy a Python or a Smith & Wesson N frame model 27 in .357 magnum. That saidâ„¢, your 686 ought to be the accuracy equal of either of those guns, plus or minus such a small amount of difference only a truly excellent shot would be able to tell the difference.

 

[standingbear]

I would dare to guess.. a 38. up the ante to 357 mag.

the sig line of handguns would be my second choice in either a 226,228 or 229.

 

[Moondoggie]

Target gun?

Easy to use??

Versatile???

Accurate????

Contender?????

Slap a .22 bbl on it for new shooters, and work you way up to whatever you like.

 

[Ala Dan]

nuff said, the 6" Smith & Wesson should make an excellent
target/plinking gun~

then, if you want an autoloader that is scary accurate right out
of the box try a SIG-SAUER P220A in .45 ACP!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[trickyasafox]

i'd say contender or encore

 

[Highland Ranger]

Not sure what other purposes you had in mind for the gun, but there are numerous threads here on 22 plinkers . . . . my personal favorite is the S&W model 41 - scary accurate . . .

 

[BADUNAME5]

Didn't even think of an encore. Darn good suggestion

 

[Kamicosmos]

The CZ line of pistols is very good, very ergonomic, and very accurate, and very affordable, most models between 450-600 new. The CZ97b .45 is scary accurate. Any of the 75/85 in 9mm or 40 are also very accurate and comfortable to shoot.

Can't go wrong with a CZ really.

 

[Majic]

S&W K38 (Model 14).

 

[Sheldon]

Both those calibers may be a little much for a beginner, unless they are light loads. The 686 you have should be a good shooter if the trigger is decent. It may or may not be a little heavy though. What about a nice target 22 lr?? I like the Ruger MKII 22 pistols a lot. On a recent trip out with some friends, someone brought a newbie. She tried to shoot the friends Beretta 92FS and was having a real touge with the recoil. I had my Ruger MKII with me so I offered it up. She had a much better time with it.

 

[stans]

A single shot pistol like a Contender or Encore is most likely going to be the most accurate, hands down!

Next up would be a fixed barrel type pistol like a Ruger Mark II, Browning Buckmark and certainly a S&W model 41.

After that, under $700 I would expect a quality revolver like a Colt Python, S&W 586/686, 19, or 14 would be excellent.

You might find a centerfire semi-auto pistol under $700 that is scary accurate.

 

[Tman]

I might recommend a 22 for plinking and using a a beginner's pistol for your guests. A friend wanted to learn to shoot, so I got her a private lesson with an instructor. Was told by the range to bring a 9mm instead of my 22lr. She had a good time but the recoil and blast (indoor range) was a little bit much. Second time out I brought the 22lr, a much better experience for her. Fun plinker for me.