.22 target pistols

[Kevin]

I've always loved shooting 22 caliber more than centerfire. I don't shoot in competition just myself against myself. I started with a Mark II and then a Browning Buckmark (not as accurate,) and then a Smith and Wesson Model 41. Which has a great trigger.

I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions about more "advanced" target pistols like Hammerli or Pardini. Benellie makes a .22 pistol also. I know they are expensive e and I'm considering parting with a couple shotguns to fund the purchase.

My brother has actually a couple Hammerli pistols and a TOZ free pistol. I've shot them and have to say they are pretty nice.

Any opinions?

 

[frank n texas]

High Standard Supermatics are nice for bulls eye shooting

 

[Kevin]

Moderators:
Thanks for moving this thread. I'm not sure why I didn't think about the rimfire section.

Frank n Texas:
I've considered a high standard but worry about finding parts if it breaks, or even accessories like extra magazines.

Another pistol I've lusted after is a Browning Medalist.

 

[kennedy]

Sig trailside

 

[BlkHawk73]

Pardini stuff is awesome! Benelli, Morini... Head over to TargetTalk.org and see what the folks that really play at that level use.

 

[rugerguy]

Kevin, those "top of the line, big buck" guns are fine and in the hands of a TOP notch,competitive shooter may make a difference in their scores but tothe average shooter ,save your money, the High Standards in the Trophy,Victor are very good shooters, so are Colts Woodsmans, and the Browning Medallist,BUT try and find parts for them.........me, I've still got my High Standards and pretty tough to improve on "one hole groups"............

 

[Kevin]

Thanks for the feedback. High standards were on my "list." I haven't heard of TargetTalk.org, I'll check them out. I know the guns I asked about are expensive. I haven't really priced the High Standards, but on Cabela's gun library they can be 1500 for an Olympic model in .22 short. On the positive side, I don't really buy that many guns so that was in the price range I was thinking.

Thanks again.

 

[winterwood]

Whittaker Guns in Owensboro Ky usually has a fair number of High Standard .22 for sale. Check their web site for details under used handguns. I have purchased and traded with them in the past and found them to be a fair and well-stocked store.
Jim

PS: I love the High Standard "space gun". 8)

 

[contender]

I have shot a few of the high dollar target 22's and in my hands, I'll save a lot of money & just keep on buying guns that fit my needs a bit better w/o breaking the bank. As for High Standards,,, you will save a lot of $$ AND get a very good target pistol. I have 5 of them, and they arer SWEET!!!!!! I wouldn't worry about parts if you buy a good one that isn't beat to heck!

 

[Capn27]

Kevin .............

A while ago I picked up a Ruger Mark III Hunter with a quality Red Dot sight. I was actually looking for an AMT copy of the Ruger Mk. I. I had one of those years ago after my Browning Old Model Challenger got stolen and it was, like the Browning, a fine and accurate pistol.

Then I saw that fluted barrel of the Mk. III and had to have it. I don't believe the average . . . even better than average . . . pistolero can do justice to the Mk. III. On a sandbag, I can shoot one-hole, five shot groups at 25 yards - EVERY TIME! If only I could shoot just one freehand, I could die happy. Well, maybe that and a half hour with a redhead I used to know way back when.

Old guns are neat, and I have a lot of them. But if'n I want accuracy, a modern gun and at a good price, I can recommend the Ruger Mk. III.

 

[TiteGroups]

I shoot bullseye competition and have shot most of the high dollar guns which are common, I use a mark 2 Govt Target and do well with it, when it comes to handgun shooting the shooter himself is by far the biggest variable and the high dollar guns will do little to improve your scores except in the hands of expert class shooters. You did leave out the FWB's and Walther GSP's. You can't buy skills.

 

[Kevin]

Lots of good info here.

Contender: thanks for the ideas about high standard. I have looked at them for years. Just never bought one when I was out gun shopping. Yet that is...

Capn27: you might have just sold me on the Mark III. I've always favored Rugers and since they are American....

Titegroups: you are correct. Skill can't be bought.

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[m657]

My vote for the "affordable great accuracy" 22s remains with the High Standard marque. I prefer the feel of the action and the very easy cleaning access. For some reason, their sights are great for my geezer vision. Parts and magazines remain very available once you learn how to ferret out the suppliers of such.

I used to shoot a lot of Bulls Eye. At the time, by hands-on experience, while the Smith 41 was highly desirable, I found the High Standards worked better for *me*.

I've shot a number of the 22 short versions, and don't have the need/desire to follow that version.

Recently acquired a Mitchell Trophy II. Despite misgivings about the spotty quality issues I've heard on Mitchell Arms, this deal was right and it is a very accurate pistol.

The high $$$$ European models have potential simply above & beyond my own skill level, with virtues that are wasted on me. Besides, I have never shot one that fit my notion of proper balance. Their triggers have all been marvelous. Yes, that is a very individual thing, so YMMV.

As a matter of 'low cost durable available etc' plinker, it's hard to beat Ruger. A buddy recently insisted I try his suppressed lightweight new Ruger. [Lust ON] mode, but way expensive.

My 1954 Standard model works very well even now. While the trigger really needs a bit of help I eventually will have to provide for it, my geezer vision simply can not use the standard sights very well. An vintage S&W m17 gives better groups for me.

Exploring what's on the market is a great way to find a gem that requires taking home. Good luck.

 

[Fox Mike]

Keep in mind that the gun is only as good and the guy behind it. I have fired a few of the guns mentioned and did compete for years. I used a MK 1 Target and found it to be as good as anything others were using that I was competing against. Unless you are planning on going into SERIOUS competition a High Standard or a Ruger Target model are all you will probably ever need.

 

[hpman66]

You can take this any way you want to, but in my estimation, the best way to get good/accurate at shooting your firearm is to find the ammo that you pistol/rifle really likes(whatever kind of pistol/rifle it is) and then practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, and then do some more practice. IMHO, a guy that practices shooting his pistol/rifle often can out shoot a person(who practices infrequently) with a more accurate pistol. I have read that the guys that are really into competitive shooting(pistol/rifle) may shoot hundreds of rounds a week to get really proficient/accurate at shooting their firearms. That is a real advantage to shooting rimfire, the cost is a whole lot less than shooting centerfire. I was once at an informal .22 rifle match where there were quite a few good/higher quality rifles in the field. Then one guy showed up with a Remington Nylon 66 that looked like it had been ridden real hard and put away wet(if you know what I mean). I was really suprised when the shooter with the Nylon 66 won the informal match. He knew his gun and how to use it.

 

[bullseye2700]

Check out the new Oregon Precision Arms it has a match grade barell

 

[Kevin]

Wow. That is different. Is that a Ruger Mark II for the lower? It has a squared off trigger guard.

 

[TiteGroups]

2700, have you found anymore accuracy with the aftermarket barrel. Is that a VQ lower? What kind of scores you turning in with it? Could live without the gold. Tensioned barrel is interesting, more than just a liner inside a CNC aluminum upper.

 

[bullseye2700]

It comes with eather a VQ MKiii lower or a ruger 22/45 or if you want tou can get just the upper. it also comes in gold or black or any other color for extra fee. the barell is machened from a Feddersen blank and it shoot .5 to .75 groups at 50 yards off a Ransom rest. :mrgreen: