Accuracy of semiautomatic 22LR target pistols?

[Naphtali]

While there are many distinct brands of 22LR semiautomatic pistols, fewer manufacturers make target versions of their basic or standard pistols. Among the pistols are Colt's Woodsman and the High Standards. What is probably an obvious choice that is made currently is Ruger's Mark I through IV pistols. Since this Ruger series is almost certainly the largest selling pistol of this basic/target type in history, and my only semiautomatic 22LR pistol is a Ruger heavy barrel target pistol, questions keep recurring in my mind about it.

- Excluding any accuracy that occurs solely because of better sights, are target versions derived from the basic version inherently more accurate?

- Why more accurate?

- How is it done?

 

[series guy]

Most “target” versions have heavier or longer barrels and adjustable sights. Unlike some rifles they don’t have match chambers. Some semi autos like the Model 41 were built to be target pistols.

 

[Breakaway500]

I like to think "target" versions get more attention when being built.Best triggers,best barrels,and thorough testing. Using the proper ammo is paramount as well.I have a few .22lr pistols that are one hole wonders at 50 feet. Assuming I do my part...

The Olympic is an amazing instrument.I believe I can shoot the eye out of a gnat at 50 paces with it.

The 422 "target" is a standard model with "target" sights..but the trigger is as nice as my old model 41 and just as accurate.I have other 422s but this one stands out as superior in accuracy.

 

[505Gibbs]

Except for something like the Freedom Arms which is line bored the best target pistols are blow back with the barrel locked up. After that, you get in to the chamber size for true target models.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Korth models were line bored but I don't know that to be true.

 

[BB57]

I have a few Ruger targets;

A Mk I 678 Target
a Mk II 512 Target and
a MK II Government Model Target

The first two are off the shelf Rugers with heavy target barrels (either the longer 6 7/8” tapered barrel or the 5 1/2” bull barrel). Other than an adjustable rear sight and a target front sight, there isn’t anything special in terms of trigger, chamber, etc.

The Government Model pistols had to meet an accuracy standard and they had a “rolled” chamber that was a little tighter - in between the standard sporting chamber and a match chamber.

All of them can be improved with aftermarket triggers and sears.

——

I have a couple S&W 41 pistols and they were designed as target pistols. My older 41 is better than my newer 41 as they really don’t build them like they used to. A S&W Model is both objectively and subjectively a better target pistol than a Ruger Mk whatever target.

——

I also have a couple High Standard 107 Victor pistols, both early production (one of them shown on the bottom below my newer S&W 41).

The difference isn’t as great but I also feel the Victor is a better target pistol than the Model 41. That’s partly subjective based on feel and balance, bit also objective based on the Victor’s much better trigger.

—-

All that said, all of them from the Ruger to the High Standard Victor will shoot better than the vast majority of shooters can shoot, especially with one hand in a Bullseye match. However, the refinements on the S&W and High Standard target pistols make it a little easier to shoot to your potential.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

To truly determine accuracy. Each should be mounted in a Ransom Rest and fired at a target. Most will surprise you when you eliminate the human error.

 

[pantannojack]

In the 90's I compared a Ruger bull 5" with a m41 5" The Ruger grip angle I could not like so I fashioned a piece of wood to fill in the back curve, held in with black elec tape. The 41 g angle more to my liking, but the trigger to far to the rear ward, I set in a Ransom rest and fired up to ten select brands of target and sub sonic ammo. It consistently shot 1 1/2" gps at 25 yds. I shot better 25 yd scores with the Ruger.

 

[moosedog]

Closer quality control inspections, slide to frame mating, chamber dimensions and polishing, along with better triggers are the main differences.

 

[Drm50]

I’m not bad mouthing Rugers but they weren’t in same class as the Colt Woodsman Match, Hi Standards, Browning Medalist and S&W 41. Originally Ruger Target was just heavy barrel with Microsights. They have come a long way since but are still in another class. The Ruger Marks, Buckmarks and S&W Victory are Target but manf for low end, which generates much more sales. Smith & Wesson 41 is the only American top shelf Target pistol still in print.
When people that have shot field grade 22s there whole life shoot a full blown Target pistol they range between disbelief and awe.

 

[Pisgah]

Let's just be honest, shall we? I have seen pistols costing thousands that wouldn't keep 10 shots on your hat at 5 yards; and, I have known .22 pistols that cost $50 brand-new and would beat any other pistol, period.

We can list and debate theoretical factors of accuracy all day long, but if we knew all of the secrets of accuracy, every pistol would be a tack-driver. The best way to get an accurate .22 target pistol is to shoot every one you can get your hands on, and try out every brand of ammo you can get, pick the gun/ammo combo that shoots best for you, and call it good no matter what make or model it may be.

 

[murphydog]

When the OP asks about “inherent accuracy” I think “mechanical” as opposed to “practical” ability of the gun to shoot small groups. If you put a 4 3/4” Ruger Standard Auto and an expensive .22 target pistol with ammo each likes in a machine rest I suspect there would not be a great difference in group size. Perhaps an expensive match barrel tailored to a specific load may make a slight difference?

How a gun balances, grip configuration, trigger quality and other subjective factors - practical or human ability accuracy - is a different subject to me.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Years ago, one of my prizes for winning a state pistol match was a Ruger Mk II bull barrel target pistol. It had a run of the mill trigger pull which didn't do much for shooting it well. The trigger pull wasn't any better than a stock Ruger, which I have and could thus make a comparison. Ruger didn't put any effort into that particular trigger, even though it was on a target pistol.

The state game & fish armorer was an acquaintance of mine, and he installed an aftermarket trigger that broke like glass which made the pistol a competitive handgun.

And don't forget the ammo portion of the equation. I once found a specific lot of inexpensive "Thunderbolt" ammo that shot as well as the Army issue pistol match ammo and the high-end offerings of the major companies. I bought several bricks of that particular lot and shot very happily with it for several years. It was X and 10 ring ammo at a bargain basement price.

There is intrinsic accuracy and there is shootable accuracy. Both need to be present for a target pistol to perform as it should... when you have good ammo to go with it.

 

[StakeOut]

My Ruger Mk1 Target with trigger job was my backup to a High Standard Supermatic Military 107 in 2700 matches
My S&W 41s and a Hammerli didn't make the cut due to too many malfunctions.
I shoot Eley 10X exclusively in matches during the 1960s and 1970s

Because it's expensive doesn't make it shoot any better or worse.It's in the hands of a human.

 

[GypsmJim]

About 50 years ago, when I first got into bullseye, I couldn't afford much. I found a High Standard 4" H-D Military for 40 bucks and joined the team.

Years later I bought a Model 41 for $125 and my score improved a bit. But that old beater hit the black every time and never gave me an alibi.

When I left the team and moved, I traded the 41 in for a brand new 1976 Blackhawk 45 Convertible. I still have the 45 and the H-D to this day.

 

[6string]

There are plenty of superbly accurate .22 LR semiauto pistols.
But, they're not being made in the U.S.
They're dedicated target pistols made in Europe, and they do not have "plinking" type derivatives.
Here's a few to look for:
-Pardini. One of the top choices, and in big demand.
-Walther GSP. A classic that's been in production for decades
-Hämmerli. Many models from the steel classic 208, to the more modern 280 and SP20.
-Matchguns. Very new and innovative.

All of them place a premium on barrel and chamber quality. They all have incredible adjustable triggers. They all have precision sights with ability to configure sight picture any way you want it. They all have ergonomic grips in different sizes for RH and LH use. They can all shoot inside an inch at 50 yds with proper ammunition.
The American makers have all given up on supporting the serious target shooter. Some people will disagree. But, it's sad and true. Go to the serious international matches: you won't see a single S&W, Ruger, Colt or High Standard anywhere.

PS: My apologies for somewhat missing part of what the OP was asking. Scharfschuetzer makes some great points.
You may want to look into the pistols offered by Volquartsen. They take the idea of the Ruger to an unmatched level. While not offering the refinements and adjustability of the European pistols, they are so similar to the basic Ruger, yet more refined, you might come away with more answers to your questions.
One thing, though, about the Volquartsen; once you've paid for all their options and upgrades, you're in dollar-wise to the same level as the European pistols.

 

[GSP Fan]

I took 4 22 pistols to the range yesterday. A Ruger MKI 5 1/2 bull barrel, High Std HD Military with a 4 inch bull barrel, M41 with a 6 inch (? it's new to me still) barrel and a 6 inch M617. I used CCI Std velocity and Federal Auto Match ammo. I experienced multiple failure to fire with the High Std (it's at the gunsmith now) but the Ruger digested all the ammo and was just as accurate as the Smith which stove piped a couple of times. The big surprise was the M617 which held it's own against the Ruger and the Smith. Next range session I'll see how the Colt Match Target fares. I just forgot to bring it yesterday

 

[robvious]

my solution was a Marvel 22 conversion on a 1911... gun is certified less that an inch at 50 yards.. the factory target for mine is about 5/8 inch group.. WAY better then I can do...

 

[Tu_S]

For accuracy, besides and more important than the lighter and more precise triggers, all the target 22LR's I know of are blowback actions, where the barrel and sights are fixed to each other and don't move. The heavy bull barrels, which is what usually distinguishes a target from standard 22LR pistol, also plays a factor in the harmonics of the thing just firing and the action cycling, but not having the slide and barrel both moving, engaging and disengaging, matters more. It's something I've noticed with a good SA revolver, or DA one when you cock the hammer.

For target pistols I have a Ruger Mk1 and Browing Buck Marks, with the bull barrels, and have been looking at a Model 41, but there are some other things on the list ahead of that.

 

[chief38]

I will jump in and throw in my 2 cents. This is just from my life's experience and I am referring to the pistols below in general, not to any one individual pistol by itself.

The most accurate, trouble free 22 target pistols I have found are the vintage High Standards. Out of the box they had the best triggers, hardly ever gave me any issues and were superbly accurate. The only reason I do not currently own one is because I dislike the magazine release on the bottom of the Butt and the slide release is IMHO oriented for left handed shooters - I am a righty. For the most part if you acquire a vintage model, stick with vintage magazines as the new magazines are garbage and will usually not work correctly out of the box in vintage pistols. High Standard Co. is not the real deal today!

The vintage M41's are very accurate but the caveat is that they are in general a bit finicky. If you get a good one or have the patience to make a problematic one reliable, they do shoot well. All the controls and the feel of the pistol are to my liking and the barrels are easily interchangeable. Vintage models are the way to go IMHO. Once again, if you own or acquire a vintage model, stick with the all metal vintage magazines. they are pricy but they do work well. New mag's in old pistols will give yo fits! Been there - done that! I bit the bullet and spent the money for vintage - they work every time!

The Ruger has never been one of my favorites - they are IMHO basic stamped out sheet metal pistols and are only marginally accurate. That said, I have shot two newly made 4th generation pistols with a few Volquartsen springs and parts in them and they are very accurate, have great triggers and they FINALLY got the take down to be a pleasure! If one wants a reasonably inexpensive 22 target pistol and is willing to add a few after market Volquartsen parts or trigger group, the NEW Ruger model is a formidable option.

I had a few Colts and they were also very finely made and exceptionally accurate but hated the take down on them as well. The workmanship on the Colts may be the best and the bluing was certainly top top notch! As much as I disliked the take down, I might regret selling my Colt target pistol - if not for its beauty and fine workmanship alone.

I also have a few conversion kits and they do make it fun to use a 1911. They work reasonably well, are usually trouble free and while certainly accurate enough for most, they are not "Olympic" accurate. Still, lots of fun to shoot a 1911 in 22RF - just keep 'em clean for best results.

There are other exotic pistols that I have little to no personal experience with. Mostly European models and I can't comment on them because of my lack of experience with them. There are also the Browning Buckmarks. . Their current basic model is just a plinker IMHO but is not expensive and if you are just shooting cans and steel targets, they are OK. Not great triggers out of the box, but again, very reasonably priced. They used to make some expensive top end pistols in 22RF but don't think they are still currently available. So there are my thoughts on 22 pistols.

 

[824tsv]

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.