Bullseye Centerfire
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AllAces
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Learning the Ropes
If you are shooting bullseye league (rimfire & centerfire only) you can get by with a Ruger MK II and a 1911. I know some bullseye league shooters who use a revolver, usually a S&W 38 for centerfire. It you are just getting into bullseye, most any centerfire will do. Some will tell you to get a 1911 because of the rapid and timed firing stages. I know a number of shooters that use a revolver, single action for slow, timed and rapid fire. Here's my recommendation:
Once you get into bullseye shooting, you may want to compete in NRA 2700 matches. A Ruger MK II and a 1911 with adjustable rear sight are all you need gun-wise. Start there, talk to the folks you shoot with, take a look at their range setup, range box, scope, ammo, and add the extras later. My first 2700 match, I took a Ruger MkII, a 1911, ammo, and a cooler with water. Shot all day with iron sights and ball ammo. Had to borrow a pen, have someone teach me how to score, borrow a stapler and pasters for the targets. I was green as grass, but I watched, listen and asked questions. The folks at the range took the time to teach me the ropes and never once did someone say "that's a dumb question".
If you are shooting bullseye league (rimfire & centerfire only) you can get by with a Ruger MK II and a 1911. I know some bullseye league shooters who use a revolver, usually a S&W 38 for centerfire. It you are just getting into bullseye, most any centerfire will do. Some will tell you to get a 1911 because of the rapid and timed firing stages. I know a number of shooters that use a revolver, single action for slow, timed and rapid fire. Here's my recommendation:
Once you get into bullseye shooting, you may want to compete in NRA 2700 matches. A Ruger MK II and a 1911 with adjustable rear sight are all you need gun-wise. Start there, talk to the folks you shoot with, take a look at their range setup, range box, scope, ammo, and add the extras later. My first 2700 match, I took a Ruger MkII, a 1911, ammo, and a cooler with water. Shot all day with iron sights and ball ammo. Had to borrow a pen, have someone teach me how to score, borrow a stapler and pasters for the targets. I was green as grass, but I watched, listen and asked questions. The folks at the range took the time to teach me the ropes and never once did someone say "that's a dumb question".
I attended a small NRA sanctioned match this weekend and the competitors and those running the event were very helpful and answered all of my dumb questions. I'm covered with the rimfire weapons but I'm exploring a dedicated .45 Bullseye gun. After some preliminary research, I'm leaning towards a Springfield Range Officer as a starter 1911. I don't really want to spend $2K or more until I find out if I like this activity. Am I on the right track?
handgunner356
Member
I've seen a little bit of everything used in centerfire, easier to start off with something you have. A good 38/357 or 44 revolver with light specials, 9mm or 45 SA auto will work just fine. Some shooters prefer to use the 45 in both centerfire and 45 class, feeling that it's better to use the same gun rather than switching back and forth.
ACP230
Member
My son is on the local Jr. Pistol Team.
He uses a Springfield Armory .45 made for target shooting.
He's gone to an Ultra Dot sight in the last few years.
Most everybody on the team uses the same setup.
He started out shooting my old Ruger Mark II in .22 competition.
Now uses a Marvel conversion unit on the Springfield .45 frame.
I started shooting 2700s with an old Colt Model of 1911. Got a custom
.45 (used) for my 45th birthday.
Used a custom bowling pin gun made on a Para P14 frame with a Caspian Hybrid slide for a few matches.
The Springfields seem like good guns.
He uses a Springfield Armory .45 made for target shooting.
He's gone to an Ultra Dot sight in the last few years.
Most everybody on the team uses the same setup.
He started out shooting my old Ruger Mark II in .22 competition.
Now uses a Marvel conversion unit on the Springfield .45 frame.
I started shooting 2700s with an old Colt Model of 1911. Got a custom
.45 (used) for my 45th birthday.
Used a custom bowling pin gun made on a Para P14 frame with a Caspian Hybrid slide for a few matches.
The Springfields seem like good guns.
boatbum101
Member
Shoot a 45acp 1911 . It'll pay off in the long run . You can take a used SA , Norinco or other decent steel frame 1911 & have it accurized for $6-700 by a dedicated Bullseye 'smith . They will know what mods the gun needs to be competitive & what is just bells & whistles . You have to shoot the 45 in a NRA 2700 so the more trigger time you get on it the better off you'll be .
CGM
Member
Yes. Any 1911 with adjustable sights will serve as well. If you get to where you need more accuracy, as another poster said, you can always get it tweaked by a good smith.
Of course....next step will be getting into reloading cast bullets for your 45 to allow for lots of practice without breaking the bank! But we can leave that for another day!!
Joni_Lynn
US Veteran
The Range Officer should be a great starter gun.
You're definitely on the right track with your decision. I shot bullseye several years with only two guns, as most shooters do, a .22 and 45. Your .45 will be excellent for casual shooting if you decide to abandon bullseye, or it can be upgraded by a fine pistol smith to further pursue bullseye.
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