Accuracy of semiautomatic 22LR target pistols?

glenwolde · Mar 22, 2022

If you were to make a true high-quality .22 target pistol today the retail price is going to be in the $1,500 range at least. People have a hard time justifying such a costly pistol to shoot cheap ammo, they see it as a contradiction.

I have a Houston made High Standard 10-X that will make you reconsider whether or not the Houston guns are "real" High Standards. They are now out of business once again but remnants survive. Now the High Standards are finicky. Problems are often traced to the magazine, which you need to learn how to properly adjust if you're going to shoot once of these. The advantage of the Houston guns is the collectors aren't interested so prices are lower for excellent shooters.

Then again, I have a S&W 22a-1 that is one-quarter the price and shoots really, really well with Remington Golden Bullets. Go figure.

The High Standard survivors are here:

"X Series" | highstandardfirearmsusa.com

Naphtali · Mar 22, 2022

Many thanks, guys, for many cogent and useful replies. I have found information that is reassuring for owners of Ruger MK. IIs, somewhat less reassuring for owners of Mk. IIIs like me. In the 2005 edition of Gun Digest, target pistol sub-section, one of the features listed for Ruger Mk. II Government Target model is that a target [for grouping??] is furnished with each. To me this means that while specially fitted parts and assemblies may not be used, at least Ruger selects for sale as target pistols those that meet an accuracy specification that is superior to their non-standard models. OR a minor amount of "futzing" will be done to try to make minor adjustments or parts' exchanges to me that specification. . . . Well, that's something. Unfortunately, my pistol's box with everything I got with it except its second magazine is in our storage locker. I have no Gun Digest newer than 2005. I cannot find out whether this feature persisted at least through the Mk. III series.

Patrick L · Mar 22, 2022

In the case of Rugers, I doubt much was done to ensure a higher level of accuracy than the standard models. I am not bashing, my Bullseye gun is an old MK II bull barrel. It's just that they shoot well enough to meet any "target standards" right off the assembly line in the hands of all but the absolute best shooters. The target models have features that make it easier for the shooter to realize accuracy potential better, but that's it. My sister has a MK II standard model with the old 6 inch skinny barrel. I put a set of adjustable sights on it, and that's her Bullseye gun. I doubt it's any more accurate than mine. If it's trigger was the equal of mine (and again, only because I did a trigger job) I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it in competition.

GSP Fan · Mar 22, 2022

The High Std got a new main spring so hopefully that will cure it's failure to fire problems. It's to cold and windy today but hopefully tomorrow that along with the M41 and Colt Match Target will get out to the range and see which is the most accurate of the semi auto's.

BB57 · Mar 22, 2022

I’ll second one of the things both Murphydog and 6 string said in different ways, and reiterate my original comment:

Target guns generally make it easier to shoot to your potential, through better sights, grips and triggers - either in terms of quality or adjustability.

BB57 · Mar 22, 2022

glenwolde said:
If you were to make a true high-quality .22 target pistol today the retail price is going to be in the $1,500 range at least. People have a hard time justifying such a costly pistol to shoot cheap ammo, they see it as a contradiction.

I have a Houston made High Standard 10-X that will make you reconsider whether or not the Houston guns are "real" High Standards. They are now out of business once again but remnants survive. Now the High Standards are finicky. Problems are often traced to the magazine, which you need to learn how to properly adjust if you're going to shoot once of these. The advantage of the Houston guns is the collectors aren't interested so prices are lower for excellent shooters.

Then again, I have a S&W 22a-1 that is one-quarter and shoots really, really well with Remington Golden Bullets. Go figure.

The High Standard survivors are here:

"X Series" | highstandardfirearmsusa.com

Agree with all of the above.

The thing shooters need to understand about the High Standard target pistols is that they do not have a feed ramp. The magazine feed lips hold the round in the proper position for the slide to push the round into the chamber, so feed lips are critical to reliable performance.

This also means cheap Triple K magazines won’t work, or at least won’t work for long as the lips are soft and won’t stay in tune. You really need an original High Standard magazine, or one of the Interarms X replacement magazines.

Either way you should also invest in a magazine adjustment tool in case you have a magazine that gets dropped and detunes itself on the ground.

I don’t think the Interarms X magazines are going to be available anytime soon, but their main advantage was they were available and were made from decently hard steel. That said, about half of the ones I bought needed some tweaking to be reliable. But once tuned, stayed that way.

BB57 · Mar 22, 2022

If you look close. You’ll see that the Mk I 678 and the Mk II 512 both have after market Volquartzen triggers (and sears).

At one point the Mk II also had a Volquartzen hammer and firing pin. Those light weight parts were designed to improve the lock time and thus improve accuracy. However they also made it prone to light strikes with some brands of ammo, so it became a very finicky eater. I pulled them back out.

——-

The point here is that I shot the Mk I and Mk II in Bullseye completion and in .22LR category bowling pin and plate shoots for years and did well with the, with the improved trigger.

When I started the Ruger Mk II Target was around $160 new and a nice Mk I target could be found for about $100. The S&W Model 41 was around $300 and the High Standard Victor was in the $340-$350 range.

A used Mk I made a lot of sense, especially for a new shooter new to bullseye shooting.

With $100 worth of aftermarket parts a Ruger is still pretty competitive at intramural levels.

GSP Fan · Mar 22, 2022

I bought the Ruger MKI as a gift for my little brother when he would turn 18. IIRC it was in the $150-175 range in 1981. Unfortunately he never got it. I shot it Sunday for the first time in decades.

chief38 · Mar 22, 2022

824tsv said:
chief38, what Colt target pistol that is difficult to "take down" are you referring to?
I'm with robvious, I like the quality and accuracy of the Marvel Precision 1911-22 Conversions which are made in the USA. This one an older Unit#1 mounted on a Colt Combat Elite lower.

I sold it a while ago but I believe it was the Targetsman model

Walstib · Mar 23, 2022

Colt Woodsman Match Targets Rock!!!

Boy, wandered all the way down to here from the start and was amazed to see NO Colts, so thought I would make a contribution.

While mine isn't beautifully finished, it is beautiful in form and function. It was the first firearm I ever shot, when I was maybe 6 or 7 years old. Now, at 72, it's been with me a while. And it was with my father long before I came along. Clearly not a hangar queen, it's lived a long and worth life. But boy, it does shoot good.

AzShooter · Mar 23, 2022

Ruger target model with the 5.5 inch barrel is still a nail driver. Even their 22/45 Lite will shoot one hole groups at 50 feet. This is the Lite frame with the target barrel. It's a bit heavier and more stable. I use the Lite for Steel Challenge competitions.

Volquartsen make an excellent trigger kit for the Ruger and it's well worth the money. It took my factory trigger from 6.5 pounds down to a very crisp 2 pounds.

The Hunter is my most accurate Ruger. So, pick up each and see which one fits your hand the best. They are all good for competition.

Greyman50 · Mar 23, 2022

glenwolde said:
If you were to make a true high-quality .22 target pistol today the retail price is going to be in the $1,500 range at least. People have a hard time justifying such a costly pistol to shoot cheap ammo, they see it as a contradiction.

I have a Houston made High Standard 10-X that will make you reconsider whether or not the Houston guns are "real" High Standards. They are now out of business once again but remnants survive. Now the High Standards are finicky. Problems are often traced to the magazine, which you need to learn how to properly adjust if you're going to shoot once of these. The advantage of the Houston guns is the collectors aren't interested so prices are lower for excellent shooters.

Then again, I have a S&W 22a-1 that is one-quarter and shoots really, really well with Remington Golden Bullets. Go figure.

The High Standard survivors are here:

"X Series" | highstandardfirearmsusa.com

100% correct regarding Hi Standard magazines. Back in 73-74 when in AMU we shot 41s and Hi Standards 22s. Sad to say the Hi Standard Supermatic Citation always shot better than I could and I averaged around 295-297 for NM course. Have had Ruger targets which were ok but triggers were always an issue and now only have a Supermatic Citation and it sure shoots better than my 71 year eyes. Back to Hi Standard magazines, just picked up a couple more from Hi Standard in Texas and took about a week of “ adjusting “with my special smooth jaw angled needle nose pliers and small cratex polishing point before they fed without stove piping. Im all in for Supermatic Citations.

Engineer1911 · Mar 23, 2022

This is my 2¢ contribution. I have had feeding problems with two S&W M41 and two Ruger Mk II using different brands of ammo. Twenty years ago, I bought a small plastic squeeze bottle of 'gun oil' that had a blunt needle spout. Applying a small smear of oil on the case of the top round in the magazine before inserting the mag into the gun ELIMINATED all feeding issues.

At the end of the day back home, I wipe the bolt face clean and push a solvent patch, then a dry patch down the bore.

glenwolde · Mar 23, 2022

Greyman50 said:
100% correct regarding Hi Standard magazines. Back in 73-74 when in AMU we shot 41s and Hi Standards 22s. Sad to say the Hi Standard Supermatic Citation always shot better than I could and I averaged around 295-297 for NM course. Have had Ruger targets which were ok but triggers were always an issue and now only have a Supermatic Citation and it sure shoots better than my 71 year eyes. Back to Hi Standard magazines, just picked up a couple more from Hi Standard in Texas and took about a week of “ adjusting “with my special smooth jaw angled needle nose pliers and small cratex polishing point before they fed without stove piping. Im all in for Supermatic Citations.

There's a handy "High Standard Magazine Adjustment Tool" that's sold on eBay. It has the same bending slot like the original High Standard magazine adjustment tool. In addition the handle is machined down in two dimensions and acts as a gauge when set between the magazine lips. I have both, but carry the eBay one in my range bag.

OIF2 · Mar 23, 2022

Ruger MK II tuned for ISU Standard Pistol by Roddy Toyota. Factory heavy barrel.
Bob

GSP Fan · Mar 23, 2022

Does anyone have any experience with the Browning Medalist pistols?

PALADIN85020 · Mar 23, 2022

I recently did an article for Dillon's Blue Press on the Ruger Mk II Government Target pistol. It should probably answer most of the questions posed here. Here is the link for this forum.

I should mention that I own a Colt Match Target Woodsman, two High Standard Supermatics, a Smith 41, and six Ruger target pistols, all Marks from I to IV. The Ruger Gov't Target Mk II will outshoot them all from a rest with match ammo. I have one Mark III Ruger, and I would never touch another with a 10-foot pole. Designed by lawyers, gimmicky, and almost impossible to field strip and re-assemble without studying the instructions for an hour or so. Not worth the aggravation.

John

The Ruger Mark II Government Target Model

H Richard · Mar 23, 2022

A High Standard Victor with a light custom Falcon barrel would do 3/8" at 25 yards. The IZH35M will do just about the same.

boatbum101 · Mar 23, 2022

High Standard was the only American mfger whose barrel / chambering could be considered " match grade " . I still have a 107 Hamden Citation & shoot a Marvel Conversion as primary . Also have 2 Rugers a MK I 6 7/8 tapered & a MK II 5.5 Bull . Both have had trigger work & MK II has a 1" UltraDot . Keep them for new shooter loaner guns as they eat anything & are about as " child-proof " as they come . All that said I've seen many a shooter progress to Master level shooting a Ruger in the 22 portion . My bitches are factory trigger , grip angle & coarseness of adjustments on factory sights . All that said for the money one could do worse like spend twice as much on a newer Model 41 .

wagwan · Mar 23, 2022

GSP Fan said:
Does anyone have any experience with the Browning Medalist pistols?

My Gold Line Medalist. Not much experience, tho - I'm afraid to shoot it!

Accuracy of semiautomatic 22LR target pistols?

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