I am looking for a 22 cal target pistol suggestion beyond the Model 41 S&W. I don't want an old High Standard. Any comments on the Ruger 22/45?
Thanks
Thanks
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22 Target Pistol Recommendations
- Thread starter Narragansett
- Start date
double-dipper
Well-known member
I like my Ruger Mark II Government Target Model and my Mark II slabside. I'm not a huge fan of the Polymer frame 22/45's
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Volquartsens look interesting;-)
I think the Rugers are hard to beat for the money.
Oldsalt66
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I strongly prefer the steel frame Ruger MKxx pistols over the composite frame 22/45s.
My wife has a 22/45 (which, as it comes from the factory, you can't "slingshot") and it's the only pistol we have that I just don't like at all.
If you're willing to spend the money; Volquartsen.
(I love my 41, but you've indicated that you're not interested in one.)
My wife has a 22/45 (which, as it comes from the factory, you can't "slingshot") and it's the only pistol we have that I just don't like at all.
If you're willing to spend the money; Volquartsen.
(I love my 41, but you've indicated that you're not interested in one.)
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Yendor357
Well-known member
I have a Ruger Mk II. I put the Volquartzen trigger/sear kit in it. The trigger breaks , after the slack is taken up, without any prior movement. It’s crisp. It just goes. Weight of pull is right at 2 pounds. I couldn’t ask for a better trigger.
I don’t know about the higher end Brownings, but my Buck Mark standards are very accurate. But the triggers are mushy. Very accurate, tho. I have a scope on the 5.5 inch. It’ll put 10 shots just under an inch at 25 yards from a good sandbag rest.
But the King of the Hill…… the Beat em all Best, is still the Model 41.
What’s it mean to “sling shot” something? I’m not familiar with that term.
I don’t know about the higher end Brownings, but my Buck Mark standards are very accurate. But the triggers are mushy. Very accurate, tho. I have a scope on the 5.5 inch. It’ll put 10 shots just under an inch at 25 yards from a good sandbag rest.
But the King of the Hill…… the Beat em all Best, is still the Model 41.
What’s it mean to “sling shot” something? I’m not familiar with that term.
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I've been very happy with this MKIII after a few modifications.
The pistol was very accurate but the trigger had a heavy pull and cycling was not 100%.
I installed a Volquartsen trigger kit, extractor, magazine release, and chamber indicator filler. It has a very nice trigger pull now and it cycles reliability with anything I run through it.
It's pretty common I know, but this little pistol holds its own for whatever I use it for. I carry it a lot when arrowhead hunting in a DeSantis Woodsman holster.
The pistol was very accurate but the trigger had a heavy pull and cycling was not 100%.
I installed a Volquartsen trigger kit, extractor, magazine release, and chamber indicator filler. It has a very nice trigger pull now and it cycles reliability with anything I run through it.
It's pretty common I know, but this little pistol holds its own for whatever I use it for. I carry it a lot when arrowhead hunting in a DeSantis Woodsman holster.
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Rodan
SWCA Member
For competition, or just informal shooting with accuracy emphasized?
I agree with the posters above that the polymer framed Rugers just don't have the right weight/balance. I wish they made a steel version of the '45' frame because the grip angle of the standard Marks doesn't work for me.
For informal shooting, I really like my 1911 'target' gun. It's a Kimber Rimfire conversion on a Tisas stainless frame. Mags are easy to get, it's reasonably accurate, and reliable with CCI SV.
For serious competition, there are a lot of suitable choices, but many of them are older/out of production at this point which can make parts/mags, etc. hard to get. I have a Hammerli 208 and a High Standard The Victor that both shoot better than I can these days. Both are a bit finicky and surprisingly, I shoot The Victor better than the Hammerli. Walther GSPs are also reasonably priced these days, and probably a little easier to get parts for since the basic gun is still in production.
I agree with the posters above that the polymer framed Rugers just don't have the right weight/balance. I wish they made a steel version of the '45' frame because the grip angle of the standard Marks doesn't work for me.
For informal shooting, I really like my 1911 'target' gun. It's a Kimber Rimfire conversion on a Tisas stainless frame. Mags are easy to get, it's reasonably accurate, and reliable with CCI SV.
For serious competition, there are a lot of suitable choices, but many of them are older/out of production at this point which can make parts/mags, etc. hard to get. I have a Hammerli 208 and a High Standard The Victor that both shoot better than I can these days. Both are a bit finicky and surprisingly, I shoot The Victor better than the Hammerli. Walther GSPs are also reasonably priced these days, and probably a little easier to get parts for since the basic gun is still in production.
Electraclyde
Well-known member
I have owned several of the Rugers and one Buckmark. The steel Rugers can be changed into pretty accurate guns if you are willing to spend money after the purchase. The light weight Rugers are not good candidates for accuracy, (too light). My own experience has been best with the S&W victory 22. Out of the box with no after market mods it out shoots any Ruger Mk II or Mk III,s that I have owned.
Just my personal opinion. Your mileage may vary.
Just my personal opinion. Your mileage may vary.
What do you mean by “target” 22?
To me, “target” means no-compromise tool for winning matches.
American made “target” 22s are, in fact, mostly plinkers. They don’t have the accuracy, they don’t have the triggers, grips,or sights, and they don’t have the range of adjustments needed to fine tune the gun to your technique.
One exception, for American guns, is Volquartson. They still lack some refinements and adjustments, but if they fit you, they will shoot!
True match grade “target” 22s all come from Europe. The top pistols currently in production are:
1) Pardini SP 22
2) Feinwerkbau AW93
3) Walther GSP
(All three pictured in order)
Older Hämmerli 208 and 208s are long out of production but are still highly sought after. The Walther and Pardini can be converted to 32 wadcutter for International Centerfire matches. The Pardini and Walther have their magazine in front of the trigger. This allows maximum range of grip fitting and sizes, and helps keep the bore line as low as possible. The Feinwerkbau, like the older Hämmerli, is more traditional.
Any of these guns will last you a lifetime of high volume shooting and, with care, will maintain their reliability and accuracy.
They also hold their value.
Even if you don’t compete, they are fun and rewarding to shoot. They’ll also help your shooting abilities.
Feel free to PM me if you would like any help or recommendations for this type of pistol.
PS: the PardiniUSA importer/dealer is a few hours drive from you, in Tampa, FL. They have superb customer service and professional consultants. They will take the time to help you select the perfect .22 pistol for you, fit you with the best grip and trigger set-up, and offer coaching or training help if needed.
It’s an incredible experience just shopping with them.
I’ve had my Pardini since 2001. I’ll take it to the grave before I’d sell it.
To me, “target” means no-compromise tool for winning matches.
American made “target” 22s are, in fact, mostly plinkers. They don’t have the accuracy, they don’t have the triggers, grips,or sights, and they don’t have the range of adjustments needed to fine tune the gun to your technique.
One exception, for American guns, is Volquartson. They still lack some refinements and adjustments, but if they fit you, they will shoot!
True match grade “target” 22s all come from Europe. The top pistols currently in production are:
1) Pardini SP 22
2) Feinwerkbau AW93
3) Walther GSP
(All three pictured in order)
Older Hämmerli 208 and 208s are long out of production but are still highly sought after. The Walther and Pardini can be converted to 32 wadcutter for International Centerfire matches. The Pardini and Walther have their magazine in front of the trigger. This allows maximum range of grip fitting and sizes, and helps keep the bore line as low as possible. The Feinwerkbau, like the older Hämmerli, is more traditional.
Any of these guns will last you a lifetime of high volume shooting and, with care, will maintain their reliability and accuracy.
They also hold their value.
Even if you don’t compete, they are fun and rewarding to shoot. They’ll also help your shooting abilities.
Feel free to PM me if you would like any help or recommendations for this type of pistol.
PS: the PardiniUSA importer/dealer is a few hours drive from you, in Tampa, FL. They have superb customer service and professional consultants. They will take the time to help you select the perfect .22 pistol for you, fit you with the best grip and trigger set-up, and offer coaching or training help if needed.
It’s an incredible experience just shopping with them.
I’ve had my Pardini since 2001. I’ll take it to the grave before I’d sell it.
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65Whelen
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huntsman22
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Lots of good replies on here. 6string say it best I think. Club shoots and more informal matches just about the best affordable pistol would be a Ruger Mk series with Volquartson accurizing kit and a good set of grips. Hard to beat for the price.
Serious league or nra matches require a more sophisticated pistol if you’re up to it. They cost a lot of money and are only needed when you get to a certain level with your shooting.
Here is what I use. A Ruger Mk2 with the full internal treatment and an old Hammerli 280.
Over the years they have served me well. There are a lot of choices today from mild to wild.
Serious league or nra matches require a more sophisticated pistol if you’re up to it. They cost a lot of money and are only needed when you get to a certain level with your shooting.
Here is what I use. A Ruger Mk2 with the full internal treatment and an old Hammerli 280.
Over the years they have served me well. There are a lot of choices today from mild to wild.
AJ
US Veteran
Not sure the amount that you want to spend, but it seems like under $1000. I started with a Colt Woodsman Match and a S&W 41. Then I found a Browning Medalist. The others went away along with a HS Victor and others. Started shooting more with the Browning Medalist. Then I thought about if I broke it parts maybe hard to find. So I got a Browning Buckmark (read great grandson of the Medalist). Works well for me and what I do with it. Also have a Colt Conversion Unit that sometimes gets shot on my Gold Cup frame, but not often nowadays.
Faulkner
Well-known member
For target shooting I recommend a Ruger MKII Target model with heavy barrel, I have two of them. The MKII's are no longer in production but they can still be found and are the best of the Ruger MK series.
I have Ruger MKII's, MKIII, and MKIV. I don't dislike the MKIV but it is my least favorite of the MK series, I much prefer the II and III.
I also recommend the S&W Victory .22, I have been pleased with mine.
I have Ruger MKII's, MKIII, and MKIV. I don't dislike the MKIV but it is my least favorite of the MK series, I much prefer the II and III.
I also recommend the S&W Victory .22, I have been pleased with mine.
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For modern-ish guns, a Ruger MkII or perhaps an S & W Victory, have no experience with the latter.
As mentioned above, depending on your budget, a Colt Woodsman Match Target.
As mentioned above, depending on your budget, a Colt Woodsman Match Target.
AJ
US Veteran
I do not have an exact number I want to spend, but under $1K for sure. Half of that would be better. Too much into guns lately..
It is not very encouraging to hear, if you buy a Ruger, better figure on a trigger.
More suggestions welcome
I did two things to my Buckmark. I took out the magazine safety and did the Heggis Flip. [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFamBx5v5JM[/ame] My trigger pull is about 2-2.5 pounds. I am happy with it. No extra cost out of pocket to do these changes. About 5 years ago the Buckmark cost me $350.
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