target pistol... what to put on the Christmas list?

[photoshooter]

Hey gang:

I've got the basics of a carry pistol and home defense lined up.

Now I want to get a pistol for working on marksman rankings, and improving my skills with target practice. Would like to find some low level competitions to participate in.

I'm currently a member at Danville CC and I hope to be participating in their pistol comps next year... but I need a firearm to get in with.

1. What types of activities are there here in central Indiana?

2. What types of beginner to intermediate level pistols do you recommend I put on the Christmas wish list?

 

[Jay]

Not getting into the elite match pistols, I've had very acceptable accuracy with my Browning Buckmarks, my Ruger Mk II series, and my S&W Model 41 for semi-autos. My S&W 617 with a 6" barrel does very well for a revolver. There are many after-market grips for all these pistols, and those grips can seriously alter the "feel" of any of the guns. Get your hands on some and figure out what you like.

 

[USMC_0311]

1911's can be made to be very accurate and can be used in most competitions. The Ruger 10/45 is cheap and very acurate right out of the box. The S&W 41 is one of the best .22 target pistols but maybe a little salty.

 

[photoshooter]

Are most of the pistol competitions 22 cal? I'm assuming that's the caliber I'll be looking at.

BTW: "Salty" is not in the budget.

 

[USMC_0311]

Are most of the pistol competitions 22 cal? I'm assuming that's the caliber I'll be looking at.

BTW: "Salty" is not in the budget.

I know in Bullseye Shooting (NRA Conventional Pistol) .22 is one of the calibers used. A .45 and a center fire pistol (.45 can be used for both) are all so shot. It is my understanding most of the practical pistol shooting larger calibes .45, SW 40, and some 9mm. I don't shoot those so hopefully someone that does will elaborate. When shooting bowling pins or plates a little more knock down power is required then the .22.

I have not priced a 41 in a while maybe a deal could be had if you look hard. A good 1911 might be your best bet to shoot different matches untill you find the one you like.

 

[BillD]

The Ruger .22 pistols are available in varying configurations, fairly inexpensive and, being a .22, cheap to shoot.

Which means you can practice a lot, which is the most important.

 

[Jay]

I always advocate trying before buying, so if you're interested, you're welcome to come up here and shoot what we've talked about.....

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

A semi-auto .22 will probably be the most economical. Both to purchase AND to fire.

You can buy and upgrade a "low end" 1911 into a target gun, too.

Same with a Beretta M9/92

Or break the bank and score a sweet Sig P-210 of some kind.

CZ has some single-action target-style models of their venerable CZ-75

There are also plenty of .38/.357 revolvers that could be target guns.

Or even a semi-auto in .38Special if you want.

First thing's first, though, is that you need to come up with a budget.

And then you'll know what framework you need to stay within.

-J-

 

[photoshooter]

Thanks everyone:

What are the typical budge breakdowns?

Under $300 Great!
Under $500 possible...
Over that ain't gonna happen unless I get a much better job.