.22 Target Pistol

[kywindage]

I want a .22 auto-loader for practice. I have three S&W Revolvers that are very accurate, and Glock and Colt conversion units that are not. What ten shot auto do you guys like/recommend for keeping my hands and eyes in?

[AxeHandle]

#1 in my book is the Hammerli 208S. I have a S&W M41 that is a close second and a Clark custom High Standard that is right there too. If you like conversions the Marvel has been accepted by the Bullseye shooters as an acceptable replacement for the Kart.

[Ken O'Neill]

I prefer the Ruger Mk. II's above all others when competently tuned with a Clark trigger, and a Bowen Target rear sight, if iron sights are to be used. I've used the 5 1/2" Bull, and the 6 7/8" tapered, the limited run 5 1/4" tapered, as well as the ( scoped / or red dot ) 6" Standard Mdl., in Bullseye matches, all with very good results. With iron sights I slightly prefer the 6 7/8" tapered, but obviously that's a personal thing, and subject to change.

For Metallic Silhouette competition, the 10" version can't be beat.

Several friends and I have had poor reliability ( feeding ) problems with the slab side 6 7/8" Competition Target Models (4 guns). I have no explanation for that, but that's the way it is, anyway, so I won't have another.

I personally don't like the Mk. III versions with the extra doo-dads like the loaded chamber indicator, so I've never owned one. In our local Winter League Indoor Gallery Course competition the Rugers have shown themselves to be much more reliable over the last 30 years than the frequently alibi-prone Smiths and H-S's. But that's just our experience, FWIW.

[AxeHandle]

Can argue with the Ruger recommendation.. Can't get more gun for anywhere close to the same money. I've had good experence with the Clark trigger and the Volquartsen stuff too. I really like the Volquartsen grip for the Ruger. Gets rid of the plow handle angle that my 1911 educated hand dislikes so much. Haven't played with the late model 1911 angle grip plastic frame Ruger...

[kywindage]

Thanks for your comments. I am not interested in competition anymore, so the Hammerli is out of my league. I am lucky enough to have two ranges on my property (50 ft. Front yard, 150 yards in the back), and want a pistol I can step out and shoot three, four or five magazines and go back to the house. I guess I'll go out and see what seems to fit my hands and stance the best. Likely to purchase a Ruger but I do know where some good deals can be had on Smith 41s in both barrel lengths.

[rancherbob13]

I am a bit biased on .22 target pistols...

I would have to recommend the Hi Standard. I have been a Hi Standard collector for a while now. Quite accurate and you have the benefit of holding something of greater long term value than the run of the mill Buckmark, Neos, Sig, Mk I, II, III, etc.

just my .02

[patdaddy]

I only have experience with 1 22 auto pistol, and its a S&W 422. i put a red dot on mine, very accurate at 20 yards or so.

[ohnomrbillk]

Dec 5, 2010 8:08:31 GMT -5 Ken O'Neill said:

I prefer the Ruger Mk. II's above all others when competently tuned with a Clark trigger, and a Bowen Target rear sight, if iron sights are to be used. I've used the 5 1/2" Bull, and the 6 7/8" tapered, the limited run 5 1/4" tapered, as well as the ( scoped / or red dot ) 6" Standard Mdl., in Bullseye matches, all with very good results. With iron sights I slightly prefer the 6 7/8" tapered, but obviously that's a personal thing, and subject to change.

For Metallic Silhouette competition, the 10" version can't be beat.

Several friends and I have had poor reliability ( feeding ) problems with the slab side 6 7/8" Competition Target Models (4 guns). I have no explanation for that, but that's the way it is, anyway, so I won't have another.

I personally don't like the Mk. III versions with the extra doo-dads like the loaded chamber indicator, so I've never owned one. In our local Winter League Indoor Gallery Course competition the Rugers have shown themselves to be much more reliable over the last 30 years than the frequently alibi-prone Smiths and H-S's. But that's just our experience, FWIW.

The only different comment I have to add to Ken's is I have had 2 of the slab sides that run like tops. I've owned more Mark II pistols then all other guns, and I keep finding a reason for more. A mild tune up, as mentioned above, will put you into target class. Good luck.

[majorKAP]

One like this suits me. Sleek and Italian. It needs no tune-up and chicks dig it.

[Boge Quinn]

I've always wanted a Colt Woodsman and a Hi Standard, but when it comes time to lay down the bucks I just can't see paying two or three times what a Ruger costs. The Ruger is just plain hard to beat.

If you wanna spend some money and get something REALLY cool, I highly recommend one of these:

A Tactical Solutions "Pac-Lite" upper (www.gunblast.com/Pac-Lite-22Barrels.htm) on a Ruger 22/45 lower, with a Tactical Solutions Cascade suppressor and a Trijicon RMR sight. A HELL of a lot of fun, and accurate as all-git-out too. Plus, the whole shebang weighs less than a standard Ruger. It's an even better idea now that Ruger has redesigned the 22/45 with 1911-type grips: www.gunblast.com/Ruger-2245RP.htm.

[boxhead]

The S&W M41 is my pick.

[Tx Gun Runner]

The K-22 S&W in wheel gun and HS in auto

[aciera]

The original Hi Standard, factory closed in 86?, is my choise for a long time. The action and feel is very nice.
Not putting down others, but they did win a Gold Metal. :-)
My daughter has a Victor and it just tells you what you are doing wrong.
My $.02

[AxeHandle]

Failed to post pics of the ones that stay at my house. The Hammerli 208S and many Rugers have passed through here on the way to other homes. Quite a few SW 41s and High Standards passed through here too. These two stay. The S&W is box stock except for the grips and scope. The HS is a full blown old school Clark Custom. From a machine rest the S&W, with appropriate ammo, is capable of shooting a perfect score with all Xs on the NRA Outdoor Pistol 90 round course of fire. The only thing that holds it back is the shooter... Best score I ever shot with it was a 886 back when I worked at it hard. Did win the Chief of NGB small bore pistol indoor national championship with the 208S but that gun had no soul.

[jcn59]

What's wrong with a Trailside?