Full size range gun

[Rick Leslie]

For strictly a paper puncher, hard to beat a 22 rimfire. Cheap to shoot and no brass to pick up. If you want more impact results like some of the internet sensations, large caliber revolver would be my pick. No brass policing here either if you reload.
I absolutely love Smith K and N frames!! (Duh!) I also have full sized Glocks, 1911s, Beretta 92s, Ruger Blackhawks and a few other oddballs.

In the end it comes down to personal taste. The 1911, Beretta, Glock and some rimfire semis have a great aftermarket and are very customizable. If I had to pick one, it would probably be 10911 in 9mm. (With a suppressor for giggles.)

 

[glenwolde]

I mostly shoot revolvers, as mentioned by Rick no need to pick up brass. But my choice for a 9mm range gun is a Springfield Stainless Loaded Target. I still hate picking up brass. I tell myself to leave it but I can't. I don't bend as easily as I used too. I've found that if I let the RSO's shoot my guns they'll pick it up for me. They are a lot younger.

 

[sheepdawg]

S&W 5906, 539 or 639. If you ever wear one out they also can then be used as boat anchors.

 

[Castloader]

So I learn something new I wouldn’t think of changing target every 20 rds I usually shoot with daughter or wife. That would mean for me changing every mag I shoot while they reload and vis versa. Normally I adjust where I aim but I was trying to fix my grip but for most part if not hitting where aiming pretty sure going to the same area. Usually shoot the cheapest ammo I can find. I know I need a lot of work but if I hit the range every 45 days I’m lucky. That said next time there by myself I might switch more often

Couple thoughts:
1) targets are WAY cheaper than ammo
2) for me, groups are typically more important than impacts. If my group size is good, I keep shooting. I may not know where shot #17 went, but I know its somewhere in the zone I want to be in. Good enough for most drills.
3) if target changes require the line to go cold vs reeling in a target frame, I set up targets with more aim points.
4) sometimes I flip the target over and put 2” or 3” circle stickers on the back for as many aim points as I want. A roll on Amazon is really cheap.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

If you trade the ROCK Island in you won't get much for it, So build it up. Buy a ROCK RIVER Barrel for it from their site. Then get a trigger spring from e-bay and polish the trigger up. That should get you started.

 

[Moose074]

If you trade the ROCK Island in you won't get much for it, So build it up. Buy a ROCK RIVER Barrel for it from their site. Then get a trigger spring from e-bay and polish the trigger up. That should get you started.

I shoot my rock island and when I go hunting that is my carry of choice . Haynes gun did a package upgrade on mine I like but trigger is soft

 

[Moose074]

Couple thoughts:
1) targets are WAY cheaper than ammo
2) for me, groups are typically more important than impacts. If my group size is good, I keep shooting. I may not know where shot #17 went, but I know its somewhere in the zone I want to be in. Good enough for most drills.
3) if target changes require the line to go cold vs reeling in a target frame, I set up targets with more aim points.
4) sometimes I flip the target over and put 2” or 3” circle stickers on the back for as many aim points as I want. A roll on Amazon is really cheap.

No arguments from me I figure I’m an ok shooter and yes I figure most shots are going thru or making my hole bigger. My grouping gets a few thumbs up occasionally people don’t realize I use all my luck at the range. Here is a pic of my Savage 308 straight out of box it was a ways off I was worried my scope would get messed up if I kept adjusting. It bench rest I know that’s cheating and 3 rounds were fired at corner target at guessed at center rest shots were one shot move( I was kneeling it hurt) chamber shoot after three rounds make adjustments. I felt like I was turning screw too much

 

[Moose074]

For strictly a paper puncher, hard to beat a 22 rimfire. Cheap to shoot and no brass to pick up. If you want more impact results like some of the internet sensations, large caliber revolver would be my pick. No brass policing here either if you reload.
I absolutely love Smith K and N frames!! (Duh!) I also have full sized Glocks, 1911s, Beretta 92s, Ruger Blackhawks and a few other oddballs.

In the end it comes down to personal taste. The 1911, Beretta, Glock and some rimfire semis have a great aftermarket and are very customizable. If I had to pick one, it would probably be 10911 in 9mm. (With a suppressor for giggles.)

I have a 22 I shoot I enjoy it but yes the .45 is funnier so is every other caliber but I have close to 2000 rounds thru it inless than 6 months

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

So I carry a Kimber mako as my EDC I own a Rock Island 1911 .45 . I am looking for a range gun thinking 9mm just because of price of ammo. I’m not brand loyal I was thinking of an Sig but I see other brands listed as well that intrigue my interest. Wondering what others use just for range.

Just for the Range a .22 LR rifle for fun. Also teach the grandchildren and great grandchildren how to shoot.

 

[old tanker]

How about a High Power clone? Some are now optics ready and a good SA trigger is hard to beat in a range gun.

High Powers are not noted for "good triggers." Removing the magazine disconnect and polishing all the up, down, across linkage gets it to tolerable. Tisas 1911 would be my suggestion a low cost 9mm

 

[rwsmith]

I'm all for third gen S&Ws, but Sig is always a good choice.

 

[Rock185]

If you decide on a 1911 type pistol in 9mm, I'd sure suggest you pick one with an integrally ramped barrel. I've been shooting 9mm 1911s since the '70s, and have not yet had a Colt 9mm, with traditional unramped barrel, that was reliable as received with anything other than RN ball ammo. Other manufacturer's 9mm 1911 offerings, e.g., Springfield, STI, Kimber, Dan Wesson, etc., using the ramped barrels have proven much more reliable for me with the various 9mm bullet profiles.

I've been shooting more 9mm and .38 Super 1911s in recent years than most anything else. But we are fortunate there are a plethora of quality 9s available in a wide range of prices, low to $$$$.

 

[Terry G]

Mine is a CZ TS2 in .40. Only mod is a larger set of grips. I like them heavy. All my other pistols ( .40 , 9mm and 22's ) feel so mild compared to the TS.

I like it too in 9MM. No modifications, great right out of the box.

 

[TonyR]

So I carry a Kimber mako as my EDC I own a Rock Island 1911 .45 . I am looking for a range gun thinking 9mm just because of price of ammo. I’m not brand loyal I was thinking of an Sig but I see other brands listed as well that intrigue my interest. Wondering what others use just for range.

I have owned and shot most of whats out there over the years. I recently picked up a CZ 75 P-01 compact. Double/ Single with decocker. It is one of the very best. Great ergonomics, accuracy, trigger, reliability and low recoil impulse. Couldn’t be more impressed.

 

[TonyR]

You have, for the most part, a very good group. If you are consistently shooting to the left and are having a hard time figuring out why, it just may be the sights. Drift the rear sight to the right. Problem solved. Good luck.