Howdy everyone,

I have some general questions and am seeking some advice from some knowledgable people.

I am looking to get into target shooting and would like a .22 for doing so but I have a problem. I have no idea what type of firearm to purchase, I know that a handgun is what I want but to many choices out there. If anyone can lend me some advice on what guns are good for someone new to target shooting but not new to firing a gun. As I know this will be a factor my price range is anythnig up to $400.

Thanks
dockman

Ruger auto - should be able to come in well under that price.

Get the barrel length, grip configuratio, sights, etc., that suits your fancy - there are a bunch of options / configurations.

There's plenty of other good brands out there, but that is what I have experience with.

i'm a ruger fan, and have both MKIIs and .22/45s. for serious competition the ruger 678GC is probably tops, with the five and one half inch bull barreled MKII or .22/45 being more popular for plinking and informal target shooting. some shooters also like the browning buckmark with several options available for sights, and barrel lengths. all of the pistols listed above can easily be topped with a dot sight if desired. if looking at the rugers, be sure to handle both the MKII (or MKIII) and .22/45, as they are mechanically similar but feel much different in the hand. my very favorite is an older .22/45 with a 5 1/4" heavy tapered barrel and target sights, topped with an Ultradot red dot sight. i have a 678GC with Leupold 2X that may shoot better, but is larger and heavier to carry afield.
the MKII or MKIII rugers are easy to change grips on, but the .22/45 has a moulded grip frame with intergeral grips that can't be easily changed.
if interested in the rugers you can go over to http://www.markii.org and look around. (the sticky called "pictures of your rugers, let's see them" has several pages of rugers with just about every modification available.
any of the handguns listed here should be priced less than your price cap. the 678GC has a MSRP higher, but can usually be had for less than $400 new, with other models from $200 and up.

monty

Thanks for the info fellas, a Ruger was one of my main considerations. I was also looking at some from Smith & Wesson, how are they as far as accuracy?

If you choose a Ruger rimfire, you might check this site for Q/A's. Click on: http://www.markii.org/forum/

I have a cross section of 22 handguns. I like S&W and never a better 22 revolver than the 617. It comes with a 6 shot or a 10. The ruger 22 target is accurate and fun to shoot. It holds 10 rounds. How about a T/C contender. It is a single shot and they are known for being a tack driver, easy to switch barrels for just about any caliber long or short. The little NAA revolver is really a paper weight, I carry it sometimes to work.

I think that I am pretty much sold on the Ruger, after seeing all the different upgrades available and what everyone has to say about them I see it as my logical choice. I like the fact there are a good array of models to choose from and a great selection of parts to customize the gun. Now I just need to get the cash together.

Thanks for everyones input, it was very helpfull.

I think that I am pretty much sold on the Ruger, after seeing all the different upgrades available and what everyone has to say about them I see it as my logical choice. I like the fact there are a good array of models to choose from and a great selection of parts to customize the gun. Now I just need to get the cash together.

Thanks for everyones input, it was very helpfull.

You will not be sorry with your choice.
KMK512's are very popular and my personal favorite.

Hi Dockman.
If you are looking at semi-auto, then you will like the Ruger. You asked about S&W earlier. I have a S&W 22A that shoots quite well. It has an integrated weaver style scope mount. It does experience some jams at times, especially when it gets dirty. Mine has the 4 inch barrel and balances well, but with the longer barrels, they feel a bit front-end heavy. The mag-release is centered on the front of the grip, which I personally like very well after becoming accustomed to it. I think you will be more satisfied with the Ruger, however. I would like to suggest looking at a Browning Buckmark also. I have one of these and it is awesome. Very accurate, reliable, and a durable finish. Scope mounts are available for it that replace the rear sight if you plan on putting a red dot on it like I did. It is well balanced and quite comfortable. The grip plates are replaceable and Browning has some very nice wood target grips available. I think price-wise it is about the same as the Ruger. I gave $239 for mine about three years ago. Good luck and good shooting.


Mark.

Welcome to the Forums, Dockman! Great place to spend a rainy afternoon, and a LOT of knowledge and experience on these boards.

My advise is to handle as many 22's as you can get your hands on, and see what feels best to you. Rugers have a different feel than Brownings, or S&W's, or whatever. The Ruger 22/45 is a popular one, just because of its different feel. I wanted a Ruger, but picked up a Browning Buck Mark Plus (with the laminated wood grips) and my hand said, "OOOOH.....This One!" The sights also worked well with my funky eyes, and that was all it took. Ten years later, it's still a favorite, and shoots better than any rimfire I've ever owned, including a few rifles. I even got a wild hair and put a scope on it, to test the accuracy, and it quickly proved itself a lot more accurate than the operator. (That would be me. :rolleyes: ) I got groups under an inch at 25 yards with bulk Federal ammo, so I quit testing right there and went out hunting bees. Works fine, if I hold it steady. And BTW, it has the best trigger I've ever squeezed on a handgun, which is a huge boon to good shooting. Good luck with your search, and may you two be very happy together!

One other note.....start laying in a good variety of ammo, they like different stuff, and you'll need to do a lot of testing to see what it likes best. Once you find it, buy in bricks or even better, case lots. You'll be amazed at how much ammo you can burn hunting dragonflies and feral soda cans! ;)

Papajohn

I am looking to get into target shooting and would like a .22 for doing so but I have a problem. I have no idea what type of firearm to purchase, I know that a handgun is what I want but to many choices out there. If anyone can lend me some advice on what guns are good for someone new to target shooting but not new to firing a gun. As I know this will be a factor my price range is anythnig up to $400.

In that price you should be able to find several very good quality target semi auto pistols in 22 cal. With a little looking you can still find Colt Match Target 2nd and 3rd generation models around $400 as well as the standard Woodsman models (these pistols were designed by John Browning and are some of the finest shooting 22 cal target semi-autos ever made). Go for something nice that you will enjoy shooting as your 1st target pistol and you will continue to enjoy target shooting for years.

Well I cruised on over to the Cabelas not to far from where I live and had a look at every single 22LR handgun they had in the store. After taking a good hard long look at each one and getting a feel for each of them to see how comfortable each one was (I think the guy at the counter was getting a little tired of me after the first 20 min) I have made a decision.

I have decided to go with a Buck Mark, it was the most comfortable to hold and had the perfect weight for me. They happen to have a very nice one that is nickle plated that if they still have in a few weeks I will pop on over and purchase.

Once again thanks for the advice that everyone has provided me, it has been a valuable tool in helping me make my decision.