Good Target Gun for Handgun League?

[oldiron1]

Hi Guys,

As a newbie, I'm looking for input and suggestions.

Our local Sportsmans Club is having a "Handgun League" in their indoor shooting range. I've never participated in anything like it before, but stopped in last night as it's thier first night to check things out.

They shoot in 3 groups (for the Rimfire class). (Slow, Timed and Rapid Fire) at a 50' distance. All the folks I watched were using "target style" .22's and most had red-dot scopes on them. (I know I saw a Ruger Mark II there)

As I'm a beginner, what would be the best target pistol to look for, for the money? Do certain guns have the scope mount on them? (I know I don't want to drill any holes)

Any input and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

[Rick Courtright]

As I'm a beginner, what would be the best target pistol to look for, for the money? Do certain guns have the scope mount on them? (I know I don't want to drill any holes)

Hi,

It's always a bit intimidating to start a new hobby and see what all the "old timers" who've been at it for a while have collected, isn't it?

My vote for a good pistol to start w/ would be the Mk II in a target/bull barrel configuration. Mine's a 5 1/2" bull barrel, blued (MK512), and does whatever one wants to do w/ iron sights well enough to hold its own. While I like the balance of the shorter barrel, you'll see LOTS of votes for the 6 7/8" variants! In either configuration, stainless is popular for the lower "care factor." But the Mk II's not drilled...

So, if you can find a Mk III in the style that feels best to you, I believe you'll find it's factory drilled and tapped. You ought to be able to get outfitted "adequately" for a fairly reasonable amount, hopefully leaving some extra money for ammo.

Best of luck!

Rick C

 

[rugerjunkie]

Rick,

The later MkII's were tapped.

Oldiron,

Everything else Rick said will get you goin in the right direction. The only thing I'll add is that it's no big deal to drill n tap a MkII or many other pistols. A gunsmith worth anything can knock out a simple job like that in no time. Cost shouldn't be much over $30 or so to do it.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Rick,

The later MkII's were tapped.

Hi, rugerjunkie

Good to know! I've never seen one, but will know to keep my eyes open now.

Thanks!

Rick C

 

[rugerjunkie]

If I remember correctly Ruger started offering the D&T 5.5 and 6 7/8 target models soon after the slab side target models came out. Too bad there aren't more of them out there! The Mk3 came out soon afterwards.

 

[wwb]

There are also a handful of "no drill" scope mounts for the Ruger .22 autos.... Weaver, Weigand, B-Square, and some others I can't recall right offhand.

 

[carsinc]

Go with a MK II Goverment Model or MK II Competition "Slab Side". About $350 for either.

 

[Fox Mike]

I shot a MK I Target with the factory sights only for years in competition, at 50 feet, To each his own but I think open sights are the way to go.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I have, in the past, looked into getting into this aspect of shooting. I searched forums and such and while many suggested the Ruger or Buckmark, it seemed the more seasoned and experienced shooters, recommended models a bit higher up the ladder. I still debate getting something for this but haven't yet. I think when it does come time, I'll be looking at a Benelli at a minimum.

 

[rugerjunkie]

Go with a MK II Goverment Model or MK II Competition "Slab Side". About $350 for either.

You won't touch either model for $350. If you do , it was your lucky day. With the current demand for the MkII's you'd be doin good getting a slab side for less than $450. Anyone happen to notice the pair of 4" MkII's that were in the classifieds recently for $600 a piece? They didn't last long and both went to one buyer. One better have cash in pocket when you stumble across a nice target model for prices less than the above mentioned.

Jeff

 

[Baldy]

I don't see nothing wrong with the MK-III Target bull barrel and you can pick one up brand new for $330 or less. I shoot mine in competition all the time. To me $600 for any MK-II is way over priced unless fine tuned with quality parts by a well known gunsmith. Jmho.

Most any MK can be very accurate within a 50' range with the right ammo. That's part of the fun with the .22's is the ammo testing. Good luck and get in that league.. :lol:

 

[carsinc]

I picked up a MK II slabside last November for $350. Missed out on a MK II Govt Model for $300. I agree though that MK II prices are on the rise.