Any thoughts on the Ruger Charger for competition target

[Always-fixin']

I was at the range with the kids the other day, and they're still little enough that the standard stock on the 10/22 rifle is a little long for them, and one expressed that she'd REALLY like to go with pistol instead. Naturally I'd like to see some better fundamentals before going to short guns, but I decided to look around at some options. I kinda like the Ruger Charger. The kids could develop skills shooting it on the bipod without too much gun stock in the way, and it seems like it would partner well with the 10/22 takedown we already have. The compatibility with higher capacity mags and rapid fire capability make it 'not-useless' for home defense, and the threaded barrel just begs for a can on it just for some added fun of seeing how quiet you could actually get the thing. Heck, one can even hunt with it realistically. I'd even like to get the family involved in some of the local small-bore competitions, both adults and kids. Granted we are all far from Olympic qualifiers yet, but it's a small town and many others aren't either. Just a fun Saturday at the range on occasion.
So, finally to the point. Does anyone have any thoughts about this gun for competition? I know it's heavy, and the balance looks terrible, and it might even be better to shoot a very short rifle grip than try to really think of it as a pistol, but it's 90+% of a rifle's accuracy and muzzle velocity at 52% of the length. (I think the takedown version is a little pointless on something this short, but that's me). It also has the advantage of being the cheapest offering I've considered. Being 68% of the weight of a 10/22 rifle puts it almost 10 ounces more than even heavier pistols in the budget target category with a 50 ounce weigh-in. I know that's going to be a drawback, but is it a deal-breaker? And I guess the bigger question is 'can one shoot this franken-pistol in most competitions'? Naturally if any of the family were to enter into this seriously we would have to pony up for a 'real' target pistol, but just for some local plinkster competitions, any thoughts?

 

[Dan in MI]

Capable? By all means and then some?

The Charger platform is not suited well for standard handgun shooting form. (standing one or two handed) It's more for hunting (platform/prone/bipod) and silhouette style creedmore shooting.

 

[dingode]

I've been thinking about getting one for a long range handgun competition my club has on Monday nights. I think they shoot out to 200yds though. While the .22lr is capable of that with decent accuracy, I'm not sure I am that capable with a .22lr at that range. Still, though the Charger is cheap enough that I may just have to buy one over the winter and try it next year. Why wait till winter? Because I already blew my gun budget for the year and then some! :D Now if a Remington XP-100 in .223 or .243 becomes available at a decent price I may start acting like the government and just start running a deficit this year.

Wonder if we can get Ruger to release a pistol based on the 77 or American series actions?

 

[steelshooterco]

If you want to get your kids into some sort of shooting competition, find the sort of matches you are interested in getting them into in your area, and take them there.

Certain after the match folks can answer all your questions about equipment and you'll see what they are using, and will likely even let you try some shooting.

From there you can decide what works and if you'd like to buy something.

Most kids see to start out in a Jr. rifle program, with a single shot bolt action and a barrel that is farther away from most of their body parts....

 

[Always-fixin']

I know what you mean with the gun budget dingode. My gun budget keeps disappearing to pay for stupid things like doctor bills and little-league and gas. I gotta make every dollar count and firearms are just NEVER cheap. I've been looking all over and the prices for used guns are 95% of the new price, and in most cases I can find the same thing new cheaper with just a little shopping around. I'm really hoping to find a mini-14 for a price that is at least a little bit reasonable, but it's not really likely.
The xp-100 would be interesting, especially in a .223, but personally I'm thinking about the whole family shooting. I'm pretty sure the charger CAN hit 200 yds. If I were a shooter who had any business taking themselves seriously I might think about shooting something serious. But that's not me. I might hope to eventually afford a Charger, or I can forget the whole idea, 'cause I can't justify a dedicated target pistol. And the household short-guns will be 9mm when we can get around to affording them.
I intend to shoot .22LR, 9mm, .223, and probably 6.5 Creedmore. Not by coincidence are those the cheapest ammo available with an emphasis on 'available'. (I know the Creedmore is not cheap, but I CAN reload it, and as a dedicated long-range round I don't see needing more than 50 rounds on hand).

 

[Pat-inCO]

I know the Creedmore is not cheap, but I CAN reload it, and as a
dedicated long-range round I don't see needing more than 50 rounds on hand.

Depends on what discipline you are shooting. HP Rifle can shoot seventy
in one match, plus . . . if you have a shoot-off to resolve ties. :D

I'd count on a hundred fifty, myself, for a minimum. :wink:

 

[blume357]

I'd suggest a MK II, III or iV way before a Charger... it is good shooting at rest... on a table or on the ground... but for standing and holding... not so.

 

[9x19]

My 8 year old grandson does pretty well with my Charger SBR... it's a shame the FedGov makes owning one so onerous.

The Charger is capable of good accuracy (the take down hasn't proven to be as good as the standard IME), at least those I have shot .

He prefers mine without the silencer, just a simple linear comp.

 

[Always-fixin']

Thanks for all the input guys! sounds like it's pretty unanimous that I'm out in left field on this one. It seemed like it might not be completely crazy for a minute there, I guess that's why additional input is always a good idea. I'll have to shelve the handgun idea for the forseeable future and the rugrats will just have to hone their rifle skills. It's better for shooting skills development anyway. My 8 year-old daughter is seriously drooling over your Charger setup there Hunter. I wish the feds would stay outta stuff like regulating SBR's.

 

[coach]

I put a youth size stock on a 10/22 that fit my daughters much better when they were small. Easy to switch back and forth as needed.

 

[blume357]

Yep, that's what I would do ... outfit a few 10/22's for them.... stock length is probably the most important... and I personally would make them learn iron sights first.... after they got good with iron then I would probably upgrade the triggers on the rifles.... and then possibly let them have optics.... but optics is almost cheating on a rifle like this.

If they are really into 'black rifles' you and really dress up a 10/22 to look 'bad'.

 

[Big Old Boy]

Mm lol, lll, or lv my grandsons love it and I get to keep loading mags.