22 Target Pistol Recommendations

[Imissedagain]

I was advised, long ago, by the AMU and other top shooters, if my
Colt Sporter, holds a 1.5" group at 100yds, prone, with the 3x Colt scope, it's worth having a crisp trigger at 4.5lbs. Then just shoot it.
These days, now that I'll be testing one of our 6920's with the Geissele SS and a T36, if it shoots 5, into a ragged hole or thereabouts, prone, with POA and POI the same, then it won't need another barrel.
We load, so that is a plus.

The MKIV, even though the OEM trigger gets better as it's shot, it might be nice to have a crisp and lighter trigger, especially with irons.
I bought a new Ace, around '80, and gave it to my brother.

 

[diyj98]

I don't personally like the 22/45, but any of the Mk Rugers would be my pick. People seem to love the MKII's. I do to, but I've never found them to be more accurate on average than the MKIII or MKIV's that I've owned.

I dropped a Volquartsen trigger kit in my MKIV. To be honest, the factory trigger wasn't bad, but I just wanted to tinker.

 

[SteveJewels]

A Nelson Conversion on a 1911 frame you already have and have worked to your preferences.

If you go to Camp Perry for the shooting championships you will see a lot of them on the line.

 

[TheTinMan]

For a pistol, I like my Ruger Mk II a lot.

If you are patient and like to shoot one-handed, either of these would be excellent!

First year Colt Camp Perry single shot on top and a 1916 S&W Third Model Perfected single shot on the bottom. To be honest, I haven't shot the Camp Perry but the S&W is a delight if you're not in a hurry. A 10" barrel at arm's length makes iron sights much better for me.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Why buy a gun that most folks want to rebuild from the start with aftermarket parts (triggers, barrels, sears etc................)? About the only thing original that is left is the frame. Just buy a true match gun and be done with it.

I'm not sure that "most folks want to rebuild from the start with aftermarket parts". Of those who do, I'm unsure of what percentage has tried the pistol first and fixed what needed fixing, and what percentage has rebuilt the pistol because the internet told them they had to.

My Ruger Mk II 5-1/2" Heavy Barrel has been to Clark's for a trigger job. Full stop. It would hold the X at 50 yards with its favorite ammo (Eley National Match) from a rest back when I was competing. It shot well enough with Federal #711 that I used that for the 25 yard line. Disassembling it for cleaning was a PITA, but it was a once-a-year chore.

I haven't shot bullseye for about 30 years, but I wouldn't mind finding a local .22 match. I've already put the custom grips back on the Ruger.

 

[Puller]

I borrowed this from someone else, but I agree, the Ruger MK series are not all that hard to deal with.

 

[rockquarry]

I'm not sure that "most folks want to rebuild from the start with aftermarket parts". Of those who do, I'm unsure of what percentage has tried the pistol first and fixed what needed fixing, and what percentage has rebuilt the pistol because the internet told them they had to.

My Ruger Mk II 5-1/2" Heavy Barrel has been to Clark's for a trigger job. Full stop. It would hold the X at 50 yards with its favorite ammo (Eley National Match) from a rest back when I was competing. It shot well enough with Federal #711 that I used that for the 25 yard line. Disassembling it for cleaning was a PITA, but it was a once-a-year chore.

I haven't shot bullseye for about 30 years, but I wouldn't mind finding a local .22 match. I've already put the custom grips back on the Ruger.

Your premise that a number of owners likely never shot the pistol enough to familiarize themselves with it before tearing it apart and replacing parts is probably quite valid. Many seem to think this will make up for a lack of skill, but it never does.

As for Internet advice in general on this subject and many more, a lot of un-credentialed and less-than-knowledgeable YouDupe maestros can easily convince the unknowing they need to resort to gimmicks to shoot well.

It's always best to shoot a new gun (a lot) as it comes from the box before making a decision to modify or rebuild it. It may need neither.

 

[desmobob]

If you have a 1911 with a trigger you like, the Advantage Arms Target Conversion kit is a very nice option.

And, I don't think anyone on this S&W forum has mentioned the K-22!

 

[Imissedagain]

And, I don't think anyone on this S&W forum has mentioned the K-22!

It might be that the word Pistol, is considered semi-auto.
OR,
In rapid fire events, that fire 10 rounds, the K22 cylinder,
will not allow the fired cases, to be extracted quickly,
as they be stuck.
Just kidding.

At some point the MKIV and the K22M, will be tested with OEM
triggers, from a rest, indoors at 25 yds, with irons and scope.
Just Green florescent Testors, on both front sights.
The revolver has a great trigger and will stay that way.
The Ruger might get a trigger upgrade and nothing else.

 

[Dvus]

I've had Ruger Marks since 1970. When I first wanted to do a field strip I simply read the owner's manual. They all went right back together. No problem.

I didn't know there was a problem until I read it on the internet.

THIS^^^^^^^^^

When I got my first MKll at the age of 14, the first thing I did was read the manual cover to cover (thanks dad.) I then practiced field stripping it until I could have it broke down in it's basic components and reassembled in 30 seconds (again, thanks dad.)

Now, since you have thrown out the High Standards as an option, though I don't know why, your next best option is to find a Ruger MKll Goverment Target and install a Volquartsen trigger kit. If you can't find a Government Target, any MKll target will make a good replacement with the Volquartson trigger set.

 

[Imissedagain]

With the same trigger upgrades, what makes the MKII,
favored, over a MKIV?
In '68, I bought an HS, as the OEM triggers, were better than
the Rugers. Never liked any Rugers that I tried since.
Just bought the MKIV, as better triggers are available, and the
kids wanted a full size semi.

Those with MK trigger upgrades, what and why did you choose?
Thx

 

[InTheWoods]

With the same trigger upgrades, what makes the MKII,
favored, over a MKIV?
In '68, I bought an HS, as the OEM triggers, were better than
the Rugers. Never liked any Rugers that I tried since.
Just bought the MKIV, as better triggers are available, and the
kids wanted a full size semi.

Those with MK trigger upgrades, what and why did you choose?
Thx

I used Volquartsen's "Accurizing Kit" kit with their stainless steel trigger for my recently purchased Mark4 22/45 fun gun. It involved the replacement of at least a half dozen parts. I paid Volquartsen to do the work. The neat thing about these Ruger Marks is that the lower receiver is NOT the serialized part of the gun (the upper receiver is) and, therefore, the lower can be sent to Voquartsen without any FFL involvement. Their website has details. It took only 1.5 days for them to do the work and ship the receiver back to me!!!

The resulting trigger is amazing! On par with my SW41 and Colt Woodsman. I chose the 22/45 because the grip angle is the same as my 41 and my 1911s. I even put a set of double diamond 1911 style walnut grips on it to dress up the somewhat drab lower polymer frame. It is a very fun, accurate, extremely reliable, and easy to clean pistol. Certainly not as classy as my SW41, but I bet I will be shooting it more.

 

[zeke]

With the same trigger upgrades, what makes the MKII,
favored, over a MKIV?
In '68, I bought an HS, as the OEM triggers, were better than
the Rugers. Never liked any Rugers that I tried since.
Just bought the MKIV, as better triggers are available, and the
kids wanted a full size semi.

Those with MK trigger upgrades, what and why did you choose?
Thx

The main differences that mattered to me were the Mark II didn't "need" a trigger upgrade to shoot accurately, but needed the manual for it's reassembly. If memory serves it also has a steel frame.

Bought 2 of the newer Mark IV heavy barrels (not the 45 plastic frames), mainly for their threaded barrels and ease of disassembly/reassembly.
No polite words to describe their triggers, they were that bad with heavy creep. Bought 2 of the Volts kits, but used the stock springs to maintain at least 3 lb trigger pull. Changed them myself with aid of you tube and slave pins, which took me awile to do correctly.

 

[desi2358]

Lots of different ideas on what the OP should look for in a 22 target pistol. The impression I get is he's looking for a solid, reliable gun for informal target shooting or maybe club matches. I would agree a Ruger is a decent choice for that kind of shooting and that the steel frame models are far better than the 22/45 frame versions.

As to the takedown being an issue it shouldn't be but for some it is. I never found it difficult at all since I got my first Ruger Standard model many years ago, read the manual, practiced with it and have done many since. Including the ones that people brought into the gun shop because they did it wrong! Seems like at least once a month someone would bring one in, either locked up or in a pile of parts!

As to the various European guns recommended they are excellent guns but many are a bit pricey. The European shooting sports are a bit different, most seem to be aimed at Olympic type competitions and they strive for extremely high accuracy levels.......... But that makes the prices a lot higher. Great choices for really serious shooting but maybe more than the OP is looking for?

 

[GypsmJim]

I borrowed this from someone else, but I agree, the Ruger MK series are not all that hard to deal with.

I wouldn't say it's for sissies. I simply bought one because I needed to complete my collection of ALL the Marks.

 

[elgatodeacero]

Here is a Walther I have been eyeing……

CSP DYNAMIC (2875349) | Carl Walther Sport Weapons

 

[Troystat]

I have a model 41 and love it, my friends who shoot in the bullseye league and some of the other shooters shoot Pardini's. I know the Ruger models are a great value. Some bullseye shooters use 1911 22 conversions but the triggers are rarely as good as a good 22. I know you said no to the Hi Standards but I have shot a Victor and it was sweet.

 

[GypsmJim]

Here is a Walther I have been eyeing……

CSP DYNAMIC (2875349) | Carl Walther Sport Weapons

At about $1,400.00 I think I'll buy 3 Marks instead.

 

[diyj98]

With the same trigger upgrades, what makes the MKII,
favored, over a MKIV?

In my opinion, absolutely nothing. I've owned I's, II's, III's and IV's, but don't see hill of beans difference. Especially with the same trigger upgrades.

 

[fiasconva]

Don't know if you are seriously target shooting or just a casual shooter like me. But if you can shoot both the Ruger Mk IV and the S&W Victory and compare them. My Victory has a great trigger, sights, and is extremely accurate.