Looking for purchase advice for target 22's

BillO

BillO

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Would like to buy very accurate 22. I've been a centerfire guy for years and don't know much about 22's. Looking for advice on what to purchase. Looking for more than a plinker, and accurate enough to use in future pistol matches.
 
Back when I started shooting 30 years ago, all the gallery shooters used one or the other of these:

- Original HS Victor (Hartford).

- S&W 41

These days, folks start with Pardinis, Walthers, etc. Since selling these is "questionable" under current laws, and the likelihood of the target gun bill passing and being signed before the end of the session (11 days) is less than "zero", these guns aren't easy to come by.

Check the www.brp.org website's For Sale section, occasionally someone is selling their toys. Check gun club bulletin boards, WantAdvertiser, etc.

Otherwise contact me via Email for another source that I know of in these parts.
 
At my club's bulleye's matches you see an aweful lot of Ruger Mark II's and recently III's (especially Hunters). Simple, accurate, and cheap. I got mine, a Mark II Competition Target model with the 6 7/8" slab sided barrel used from Four Seasons with a red dot for less then $300. It's more accurate then I am!

The Walther P22 I bought for my wife, before we learned she likes 1911's, is not nearly as accurate and I've had the front site twist on me when practicing IDPA type movements with it. My Friend's S&W 22A is less accurate, in my hands and with my eyes, then my Ruger. It does however eject the casings about 30' away which is fun see on the indoor range!

Hope I was helpful,
Chuck
 
BillO said:
Would like to buy very accurate 22. I've been a centerfire guy for years and don't know much about 22's. Looking for advice on what to purchase. Looking for more than a plinker, and accurate enough to use in future pistol matches.
Click to expand...

I bought a Smith & Wesson model 422 at Four Seasons for a little over $200 a while back. It's FAR more accurate than I am, and has performed admirably in the (admittedly too few) times I've had it at the range. I think it's had maybe three FTF in ~ 2-300 rounds.

It's an inexpensive way to pick up a decent gun to get started.

The other way is to pick up a S&W model 617 revolver. Always fires, easier to clean, and generally loads of fun...
 
Guys,

BillO is no rookie. And he has at least one very expensive, highly modified competition gun that I have seen.

That's why my recommendations, which are the "high end".

I love the S&W 622 (essentially same as 422) but that, the P22, etc. are NOWHERE near in the same league that I think he is looking for. These are all fun, plinking guns, not serious competition guns.

BillO, watch for incoming Email.
 
BillO - I shoot in a few different Bullseye leagues. Most of the high-end shooters I see these days are using Walther GSPs and Pardinis, with an occasional Hammerli every now and again. The GSP is in the process of being replaced by the new SSP, which is generally not available yet, but I know a few guys who are waiting. After that, it's mostly Smith Mod. 41s and Rugers. Remember that the BE leagues are virtually 100% Red Dots now, so you want to be sure that whatever gun you end up with will take a Weaver mount (most will, sometimes with a little gunsmithing).

I wouldn't recommend making inherent accuracy a big consideration in your purchase decision. All of them, even the entry-level Rugers, are accurate enough to win matches, if the shooter does his/her part. Factors like dependability, adjustments possible to the trigger, and how the gun feels to you are much more important. My first BE gun was a 41, and I never felt limited by it, even when I was capable of shooting scores well into the 280s, which is a bit better than I'm averaging recently. I shoot a GSP now, but routinely get outscored by guys (and some women) with Rugers.

If you think you might be interested in a Walther, PM me and I can put you on to a dealer in MA. I don't believe anyone is selling new Pardinis in state. Mod. 41s are available of course, with lots on the used market and Rugers are available new and used as well.

Also, if you're anywhere near the Nashoba Valley area, we're always looking for new shooters on our team(s). The next season starts in September.
 
I've seen a few 41's over at Four Seasons. I think I'll head over there tomorrow and have a peek. Liked the Pardini's; Dick, I google searched the Walthers and liked it as well. Wasn't even aware that Walther made a 22. Len, got your email. Thanks Guys.
 
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