I have a Ruger mkI tapered target pistol. While I enjoy this gun in the field, i have never really mastered it in target shooting. I have noticed at the range some older grey beards shooting 22's, with excellant accuracy (iron sights). So has anyone have some input on a target plinker, revolver or auto that is dead on as one can get out of the box. Let me state I have been a loyal Ruger fan most of my life, but I am tired of taking apart that auto to clean it(every so many years)and puting it back together. A friend latched on to a High Standard 5" bull barrel that shot like a dream come true. I am not much into used guns.
Jim

I have a Ruger mkI tapered target pistol. While I enjoy this gun in the field, i have never really mastered it in target shooting. I have noticed at the range some older grey beards shooting 22's, with excellant accuracy (iron sights). So has anyone have some input on a target plinker, revolver or auto that is dead on as one can get out of the box. Let me state I have been a loyal Ruger fan most of my life, but I am tired of taking apart that auto to clean it(every so many years)and puting it back together. A friend latched on to a High Standard 5" bull barrel that shot like a dream come true. I am not much into used guns.
Jim

Couple of thoughts to mull over while you get advice on various target guns. They all need to be cleaned and all semi-autos will need to be dissassembled now and again...will agree, the Ruger take-down system isn't the most fun system ever designed.

By your own admission, you haven't mastered that gun (and in truth, I haven't mastered ANY of mine yet..but I keep trying) and I'll submit that there is more accuracy in the gun that you are currently able to get out of it (not a 'slam'..there is more in there than I can get out of it as well).

Getting a new gun may do it for you...may not...but practice will.

I once started out to learn to target shoot, and the "gray beards" (doubt theya re the same ones as you saw, these must have been in their graves for at least a decade) at the range took pity on me. The best advice I got was as follows:

"Once you get to the point that you KNOW you are holding better than the gun is giving you, then you need a better gun...not before."

Ignore the advice freely...I did. But if I had followed it, realize I'd have bought a lot fewer guns that dissapointed me than I did.

Ribbonstone
I hear you, but let me clear the field. I have owned this Mk I for 30+ yrs, and have worked out with it (practice), I have found my friends 5" bull to shoot better in my hands than this gun. I clean my guns lightly after every use (I use the weekly) the reason I put off the Ruger is that is APIA to assemble. I have not poised this queery properly. I am in search of a fun target 22 that is easy to carry in the field, that has a rep of being accurate out of the box. I can take it from there. I care not be it a revolver or auto, this a back pack,fanny pack gun, as I carry a Ruger 44 Redhawk on the hip.
Jim

Ribbonstone
I hear you, but let me clear the field. I have owned this Mk I for 30+ yrs, and have worked out with it (practice), I have found my friends 5" bull to shoot better in my hands than this gun. I clean my guns lightly after every use (I use the weekly) the reason I put off the Ruger is that is APIA to assemble. I have not poised this queery properly. I am in search of a fun target 22 that is easy to carry in the field, that has a rep of being accurate out of the box. I can take it from there. I care not be it a revolver or auto, this a back pack,fanny pack gun, as I carry a Ruger 44 Redhawk on the hip.
Jim

OK...understood..no offence intended.

Easy to carry in the field, semi-auto to be easy to disasseble (there aren't any tool-less easy to disasemble revolvers), and a reputation for accuracy. Understood...I picked a Beretta 76 some years ago for just those reasons..wore it out..and bought a second used (but NIB) one just a couple of years ago. IF they still made them, would tell you to buy one and be happy.

As they are not, will have to look to what is in current production. Rendered dwon, it comes to the Browning (not too thrilled with the take down), the Ruger (which is already out...although there is a speed strip conversion for those of us who dislike the Ruger disassembly), The SIG (but some owners are less than thrilled), or an expensive S&W (stay away from the Model .22A-type versions..."quality" they are not). This avoids the little pocket guns, which are fun, but really can't "hang" with the big boys.

Revolvers are either Tarus or S&W...again, the smaller framed guns are harder to shoot straight than the larger framed guns. Easy to carry, but harder to shot (and I'm not saying they are inaccurate...machie rest groups would probably impress both of us, but the biologic part of shooting is challenged by light weight/short sight radius).

Unimpressed with the Hi-Standard clones...have shot them, owned two, and no longer own either. Perhaps they got better...but I doubt it.

Someone else is going to have to tell you to "go out and buy this gun"...I've bought lots of .22's, still have 5 full sized semi-autos and two relovers in the safe...and can't tell you whaich is "better"...they all shoot well, the best ones are simply the ones that fit my hand and my eyes best.

Jim,

Sounds like you might be happer with a revolver.... ???

Like a single-six......what a fun gun...

Jim

I'd suggest either a Smith and wesson 10shot revolver (i forget the model number) or the S&W model 41. Personally i would go with the 41 if you can afford it, it is a wonderful gun, if your shooting open sights get the 7" barrel if not get the 5" and if you change your mind later? switch the barrels!

Jim,
I would second the suggestion on checking the new Single Six, Ruger 22LR/22magnum revolver. I have both the MKII and the Single Six....both are fun guns, and like you I find the semi-automatic a pain in the butt to clean. Since getting the SS I have found a gun that is inexpensive to shoot, pretty accurate out of the box and you can still crank it up by changing to the 22 magnum cylinder. If you can find one to shoot before buying that would be the best route to go, I think. Good luck!
RugerCal480 (Mike)

Jim, I would have to agree with RugerCal480. I also have MKII and a SS I have found (for me) the SS is a better shooter. Granted I have had the SS for quite a bit longer than the MKII so this could just be my being more familiar with the gun.

I have a MkI 6 7/8" bbl that I can shoot into a 2" circle quite easily at 25 yards off hand. I don't use match ammunition either. They have great capability.

Jim,
I did roughly the same thing for pertty much the same reasons, ( dis-like of the Ruger ). I bought a S&W model 41 and have never looked back. Just my experiance.
Doug

you really ought to handle the ruger .22/45 once and see if that's the one. i like both but prefer the .22/45 for it's weight savings and mag release. i've owned a model 41 and SS, along with a K17 and Colt Frontier .22. i now own two each MKIIs and .22/45s and one K17 if that tells ya anything. if i shot bullseye, i may have kept the model 41, but my guns live in the field and the Rugers shine there.

I'd go with another Ruger. Their Single-Actions are incredible. I have a 44 yr old Mark I, and it can shoot under 4" at 150 ft. offhand (I could never fire from a rest). I also have a Ruger .357 Magnum Blackhawk that I love. The recoil on that gun is transfered to all the right places, so there's almost no felt difference between .38 and .357 .
If you want a target gun, go 6" barrel, or an all around gun, go 4".

These are just my suggestoins. Try out different guns and see what you like.

Thanks for the reply's. I once shot a trappers model 9 shot, a top break 6-7" barrel, a target grade, this was many yro. The S&W k-22 was close to this but I guess they no longer make that as I could find nothing on there web site. The Ruger SS I believe is a small frame, and I would have a problem finding grips to fit my hand and still be comfortable.
Jim

The Ruger MKII is likewise a pain in the butt to clean. I couldn't shoot well with the open sights, but after installing a 4x32 scope, it has become a fun gun to shoot and very accurate now! (A gray-beard ...gray around the ears and gray-less elsewhere) The fun gun though is the New Single Six with the interchangeable 22LR/22mag cylinders. I usually take that one along and when done shooting the rifles, shotguns, or heavier caliber revolvers/pistols, get out the single six and have a ball shooting...Quite accurate also with open sights.....and makes for a satisfying time after some occasional unsatsfying times with the larger guns.

Ok
I have gathered all your welcome coments and Have decided on a choice. Sheels just opened a new store in our area, so I decided to check out the price of a S&W 617 6" 10 shot ss. Ordered same for $520. Had in mind the Ruger SS hunter which ran -$50 in a 7+" with mounts and mag cyl.. I wanted a DA to go back to the basics and the ability to mount a scope or a red dot

Great Choice Jim, you're going to really enjoy your new .22! I purchased the same gun last year and it goes to the range with me almost every trip!

Bobshouse
Did you happen to buy a holster? What would you recommend? I have a boat load of old 22 ammo, that I should take to a gun show, so what ammo are you having success with? I can understand the range part, I take 44 mags and try to improve my forgotten shooting skills, hence the purchase of the 617. I plan on practice till the dogs come home.
Thanks
Jim

The Ruger MKII is likewise a pain in the butt to clean. I couldn't shoot well with the open sights, but after installing a 4x32 scope, it has become a fun gun to shoot and very accurate now! (A gray-beard ...gray around the ears and gray-less elsewhere) The fun gun though is the New Single Six with the interchangeable 22LR/22mag cylinders. I usually take that one along and when done shooting the rifles, shotguns, or heavier caliber revolvers/pistols, get out the single six and have a ball shooting...Quite accurate also with open sights.....and makes for a satisfying time after some occasional unsatsfying times with the larger guns.

Well Jim for 30 years I wanted but never got around to buying a S&W Model 17. Saw one for sale last month and finally bought one. Goes well with my #27 and #29. The gun shoots like a dream, fun to taget shoot - I'm lousy at bullseye at any distance or plinking. Accurate as all get out. Mine had no wear on the cylinders where you normally see a ring and probably had never been shot much. They are around if you look. You just can't beat the quality of those old Smiths IMHO. Good luck in your search, until you see just the right gun you are going to crazy...looking.

If you've got lots of money to waste you buy an S&W 41. If you want to be able to still afford ammo, get a Browning Buckmark Bullseye Target. It dusts the doors off the S&W hands down. The trigger is far superior and reliability is light years above and beyond. I sold a 41 in favor of the Bullseye and my target scores skyrocketed and my wallet is fatter.

Congrats on your S&W. I have searched high and low for just the "right"one in a model 17, buy have yet to find it. I settled for a Taurus 96. Essentially a 17-newer. it shoots better than I can.
Practice is the key to it all.
My list of 22's is VERY long, but by far, the most accurate, most dependable would be a 1958 Colt Woodsman Match Target, series 3.
Second in accuracy and dependability would then be the Walther P22;

while the P22s sights are 3-dot, and not truly for "targeting".
She will hold her own on paper, and shoot the snot out of any tin can that comes along! ;)

target shooter
You missed the point. I wanted a revolver to practice the basics of double action shooting, with a realible piece. I have target autos in various cal's. At my age I don't need to be firing away with full house loads to get ready for deer season, when i have not practiced enough with a hand gun. This my deal.
Jim

I personally love my Ruger Single Six as a fun .22 rimfire (and fairly accurate, at that). We also just recently purchased a Smith and Wesson 22A pistol so my son could practice his target shooting while he's home from school (he's shooting Smith 41's with his ROTC unit). I've been very impressed with the Smith 22A - excellent sights, very easy to disassemble for cleaning, nice hold and grip. It reminds me a lot of my High Standard Victor. The trigger has a bit of creep, but it's pretty decent otherwise. This would be a great one to consider for someone looking for a well-made, accurate, and fairly inexpensive rimfire handgun. I once had a Ruger Mk I with bull barrel, but I hated to disassemble it for cleaning. I also found I shot a friend's Single Six more accurately than I shot the Mk I, so I sold it and bought the Victor.

Jim - I'm little late, but the Smith Model 617 in 6" may be the best fit for you, if you are looking for affordable accuracy. I've got several of the older K22's and a 6 shot 617. For grins, I once wanted to establish the accuracy of the 617 and put a scope on it and shoot Green Tag target ammo. At 50 yards I was able to get better than 1" 6 shot groups, and still felt the gun could do better.

If you want to carry the revolver regularly, consider the 4" or use the 6" in a cross draw for most comfortable use. It's not necessary to dis-assemble the 617, just wipe it down after each use and remove the cylinder when you feel it get tight, and clean.

But - as everyone has said, practice will improve any gun and the shooter.

Bad Hand
It looks to be a shooter, will take to the range weds, as was rained out last week. Have purchased many brands of ammo, to try out. I shoot 357 and 44's for the most part, so buying 22 ammo was a thrill. At this point I have no problem with the trigger, or timing. Out of the box is fine, but down the line may op for lighter springs for double action, which why I bought the gun.
Jim

took my 617 to our local range the other day and worked out at 25 yds. I tried out 7 differnt brands of ammo. This was not an extensive search but a quick review showed American Eagle 38gr, Federal Classic 40 gr, and winchester Wildcat 40 to be the most consistant in tighter groups. The others Blazer 40, American Eagle 40,Remington high vel ? grn, and rem sub sonic. I know these 22's are picky about ammo, and we are at the manf. mercy here. I would like to hear of some others that would be recomended. This was keen, the most a box cost was $1.79. When your buying 44 sp at $25 for 40 and want the brass. ????
Jim

Find yourself a High Standard. Easy to clean, very accurate and they last for ever.

Just bought a Beretta Neos. I love it. Accurate straight from the box, seem like this likes CCI MiniMags. Cleaning is breeze, I've never had a pistol so easy to breakdown. It's got replaceable front and rear sights, as well as a wever top rail for optics if you want. you can get a carbine stock for it if you want. All in all, this pistol changed my mind about Beretta, and firing it convinced my father in law he did not want that Browning Buck Mark after all. It's fairly inexpensive (I paid 290) Check it out

I've seen lots of mention about Buckmarks, but no mention of problems like I had pulling the slide back. Got mine new, and it was very accurate, with a great trigger, and fun to use, except for that darn slide! I had to wipe any oil, sweat, etc. form my hands before I could wrestle the slide back! Finally traded it for a Walther P22 ... shorter barrel but after about 10,000 rounds, other shooters have been stopping to watch me rip out tight groups.

Randy

The best purchase I made in regards to .22 is the S&W 617 with the six shot cylinder.

I had been hunting for months for an S&W 41 but ended up shooting the 617 at the range. I let a guy next to me shoot my Python and in return he let me shoot his 617.

He mentioned to me that he originally wanted the 10 shot but the trigger wasn't as good as that of the 6 shot.

I bought this gun in the early 90's and it's still one of my favorite guns.

Just wanted to pass that on.

I have had several .22 target pistols. My favorites were a S&W model 41 with a bull barrel, and a High Standard Supermatic Citation Military with bull barrel. If they still made them, I would probably give a slight preference to the High Standard. The High Standard Victor was very nice, too.

I had a couple of Rugers, and could never warm up to them. They are good shooters, but I just don't like them. It is nothing more than personal preference. You might try a Clark trigger and some real target grips for your Ruger.

I ordered a Browning target version of a Buckmark for a friend, and it is nice except the trigger pull is awful. I thought he should return it under warranty, it was so bad.

I have a Russian IHZ target pistol right now. It is good enough for serious competition. It has a trigger that is adjustable for backlash, return travel and sear engagement. Sights are great. Accuracy is quite good. The grips are kind of huge because you are supposed to carve them to fit your hand. The magazine holds five rounds, which is right for bullseye shooting, but it would be nice to have more for plinking.

It is about half the cost of a S&W M41. Don't get me wrong, it is not the same level of quality as a S&W, but it is a true target pistol. It also comes with a mount for Weaver-style rings.

As far as accuracy goes, ammo makes a bigger difference than most people think. Try Eley Club Extra. It's about $4 a box, wholesale. It is actually for target rifle shooting, but I get better accuracy with it in my pistol than with Eley pistol ammo. The Remington target ammo with the blue label is not as expensive, and is noticeably more accurate than the cheap promotional ammo.