I'm just not about to pay current prices for centerfire ammo. I've got plenty of it already, but I really don't want to deplete my supply. Although I have reloading equipment, I no longer have room to set it up. After some thought on these things, I've decided to do a LOT more rimfire .22 shooting, substituting firearms that have a resemblance to the centerfire guns I used to shoot so often. For example, instead of my bolt action .30/06 and .308 rifles, I've re-stocked a vintage Winchester Model 69A with a more adult-sized Monte Carlo stock, and scoped it. Now I get in all the practice I want on the cheap, with the bonus that I don't have to deal with recoil. I can concentrate on sight picture and trigger control. Same deal with my AR-15. I put together a folding-stock Ruger 10-22 with a banana magazine, scoped it, and now I can blaze away to my heart's content.
I used to shoot a LOT of .45 ACP in 1911s. I have two choices here. I can use my 45-22 Colt conversion unit for the feel and some of the recoil of the 1911. That floating chamber fouls easily, though, and cleaning it is a chore. My next choice in line is a Ruger 22/45 pistol that simulates the controls of the 1911 and duplicates its grip angle. Easy to clean with a lot less fuss and bother. I can do tactical drills with it and shoot all day for not a lot.
But this is the Smith & Wesson forum, right? How about revolvers? I'm covered there, too.
From top to bottom:
Model 17-4, 8 3/8" barrel, 1980.
Model 17-3, 6" barrel, 1977.
Model 18-4, 4" barrel, 1978
I will NOT submit to high ammo prices, and I WILL continue to shoot a lot. I'm just going to shoot more .22s! How about you? Shooting centerfire and enjoying it less, or shooting .22s more often and pocketing the savings to buy those guns you always wanted?
I used to shoot a LOT of .45 ACP in 1911s. I have two choices here. I can use my 45-22 Colt conversion unit for the feel and some of the recoil of the 1911. That floating chamber fouls easily, though, and cleaning it is a chore. My next choice in line is a Ruger 22/45 pistol that simulates the controls of the 1911 and duplicates its grip angle. Easy to clean with a lot less fuss and bother. I can do tactical drills with it and shoot all day for not a lot.
But this is the Smith & Wesson forum, right? How about revolvers? I'm covered there, too.
From top to bottom:
Model 17-4, 8 3/8" barrel, 1980.
Model 17-3, 6" barrel, 1977.
Model 18-4, 4" barrel, 1978
I will NOT submit to high ammo prices, and I WILL continue to shoot a lot. I'm just going to shoot more .22s! How about you? Shooting centerfire and enjoying it less, or shooting .22s more often and pocketing the savings to buy those guns you always wanted?
Since when?
