Im new to bullseye, I could use some help selecting a 22 pistol platform to invest in.

Hello, I could use some guidance in selecting a 22 pistol. The title says it all. I’ve been going to bullseye practice for a little while an would like to get more serious about it. I currently have a ruger MKIV 22/45 but I’d like to invest in a solid platform that won’t cause too much fuss. Currently I’m considering builder a Custom standard MKIV because I’m familiar to the platform but I am open to anything. Im attracted to the grip angle of the Pardini’s and Walther GSP’S and such but I really don’t know much about them and I won’t be able to get down to my club for at least another month to ask them for advice. My budget is $1500. Any insights are welcome. Thank you.

Just about any quality pistol is going to shoot very well from a Ransom rest.  
What do you shoot well?  Much will follow from that.  
Can you thumb-cock a revolver fast enough for rapids?  If not, don't look at those.  
Do give some thought to whether parts & service will be available for the foreseeable future.

Where in Oregon are you?
We have a great pistolsmith in Springfield. 

Might I suggest a Springfield Range Officer 45.  Add a Nelson conversion.  Upgrade the RO trigger with a KC hammer and sear and a couple spring changes to Colt sear spring and 18-19 pound hammer spring (and regular MSH pins)
I did all this to a Range Officer and am very pleased.  Another unconverted RO I have has an excellent crisp trigger as is.  That trigger is good enough for now.

I've heard that the ergonomics of the GSP are so good that shooters will pick up 20-30 points in a 900 match.  I don't own one, so I can't validate that claim, but I have seen others improve with it.  If I can't get my Benelli running again, then I would certainly consider the GSP.   Right now, my Model 41 will do just fine.  It is an older one from 1958, when S&W took pride in their work.  The new ones, even from the Performance Center have a reputation for slipshod quality.

I would suggest a Ruger Mark IV Target with a Volquartsen Pistol Competition Kit installed and a good quality red dot installed on top.   Buy five or six extra magazines and a brick or two of good 22 target ammo and start working on your shooting!!!!    This pistol will get you to master, I know, I have seen it done......

If you want the best, keep an eye out for a used Pardini SP Bullseye...still tough to do for $1500, but doable at $2000.  If you want something more flexible and a close second, I'd get a Springfield Range Officer in .45acp and a Nelson .22 conversion with the combo rail and pay someone to do a trigger job...if you're planning on shooting centerfire and .45 event, have the gunsmith fit a new barrel bushing too.

I'm also located in Oregon. I have an older Walther GSP 22 fitted with Rink medium grip and an Ultradot mount which I am about to advertise for sale. I used it quite successfully for my first four 2700 competitions earlier this year. It will be well below your budget.

I also have a matching GSP in 32SWL with Rink grip and Ultradot mount is also for sale.

They are both quite reliable (as long as you keep them clean!) and I have shot many clean 100 short line targets with them.

Please PM me your contact details if you are interested.

I will be at the EEGC 2700 in Springfield on 28Jul19 and also the TCGC 2700 in Sherwood on 17Aug19.

Jack H mentions the excellent Bullseye gunsmith in Springfield OR. I second that statement, Roddy is really helpful, very experienced and does great work.

Thanks for the replies. I have to check my setting because I didn’t realize I had any.

Jack H wrote:Where in Oregon are you?
We have a great pistolsmith in Springfield. 

Might I suggest a Springfield Range Officer 45.  Add a Nelson conversion.  Upgrade the RO trigger with a KC hammer and sear and a couple spring changes to Colt sear spring and 18-19 pound hammer spring (and regular MSH pins)
I did all this to a Range Officer and am very pleased.  Another unconverted RO I have has an excellent crisp trigger as is.  That trigger is good enough for now.

Thanks for the reply. I’m in the Medford area. I’m real hesitant to go the 1911 route because I don’t know much about them and have never had one. Also I feel like I would prefer a grip angle that allows me to break my wrist over more. But I am open to whatever.

tray999 wrote:I would suggest a Ruger Mark IV Target with a Volquartsen Pistol Competition Kit installed and a good quality red dot installed on top.   Buy five or six extra magazines and a brick or two of good 22 target ammo and start working on your shooting!!!!    This pistol will get you to master, I know, I have seen it done......

 Interesting. I’m on a list to possibly get a TacSol 8.5” MKIV upper. How are the accuracy of the TacSol barrels?

I was able to have a nice long conversation with Roddy Toyota today. What a great guy. I’m so wet behind the ears, i didn’t realize you can’t even have an 8” barrel. Glad he straightened me out.

mpolans wrote:If you want the best, keep an eye out for a used Pardini SP Bullseye...still tough to do for $1500, but doable at $2000.  If you want something more flexible and a close second, I'd get a Springfield Range Officer in .45acp and a Nelson .22 conversion with the combo rail and pay someone to do a trigger job...if you're planning on shooting centerfire and .45 event, have the gunsmith fit a new barrel bushing too.

How much total investment is that? I will probably want to do centerfire later but only 22lr for now.

I wouldn't break the bank as a new BE shooter. Get the lust for the sport before spending big bucks.
I think one of the best 22's out there is a HS military model. They are accurate and typically have great triggers. Learn how to shoot it well then upgrade. 
A 22 conversion on 1911 frame is another great option. 
Jon

M
You can't go wrong with a 22/45 Ruger. There are a Bazillion after mkt improvements you can do yourself or have it done for you. On the right model you can put every 1911 grip ever made with 2 minutes of work with your pocket knife. Lucky for you they are not hard to find. Make your way over to the "Sportsman's Warehouse" on Waters road and check out this model.  www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/ruger-mark-iv-2245-22-long-rifle-55in-blued-pistol-101-rounds/p/1474135

They even have a gunsmith on site to answer questions. 369.99 and go shooting.

NFI

My MkIII after some after mkt goodies.

Another option might be a Benelli MP90.  Raked grip angle that you prefer, super accurate, great adjustable trigger, and can be converted to 32 S&W Long for centerfire like a Pardini.  Probably in your price range for the .22 cal.

Damend, first and foremost, buy a .22 that you can get repair parts for. Many good suggestions here, but check parts availability before you take the plunge. As it stands now, there are no parts available for Benelli, but may be by years end. They are great pistols, I have two. But at this point, all I have are matching bookends. Both need repairs, no parts available. High Standard? Good luck. IZH35M, I had two, sold them for a major loss, no parts available. As for older European target pistols, I'm not sure, but make certain parts are available in the USA. If you're just getting your feet wet in Bullseye, there is nothing wrong with a Ruger. At least you can find parts. Good luck!

Damend wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I’m in the Medford area. I’m real hesitant to go the 1911 route because I don’t know much about them and have never had one. Also I feel like I would prefer a grip angle that allows me to break my wrist over more. But I am open to whatever.

Grip angle solved.  This is one of my best guns.  A lowly Sport King High Standard 103 with an LSP Alumalite barrel.     Or with a Houston 10X barrel and Citation slide for iron sights.   Either combination works great.  The Sport King trigger is fantastic as HS triggers usually are.  Be it known, I have an extra HS SK laying around. 

I also like the down angle of the wrist.  I believe it helps firm the wrist.  And all those Europeans just might be right.

The Government model Rugers will give the grip angle you want also. Browning another good choice. The Browning and the MkIV are both available locally. There are not many add on's available yet for the MkIV's but Browning models like the "Hunter" have years of parts that fit.

MkIV, MKII and a Buckmark


Nills grips on the hunter give the angle you want.

Jon Eulette wrote:I wouldn't break the bank as a new BE shooter. Get the lust for the sport before spending big bucks.
I think one of the best 22's out there is a HS military model. They are accurate and typically have great triggers. Learn how to shoot it well then upgrade. 
A 22 conversion on 1911 frame is another great option. 
Jon

Jon, thanks for the input. I may go with a custom tuned ruger mk ii at this point, after discussing some options at depth with someone who knows.

Thanks tray, will do

tray999 wrote:I would suggest a Ruger Mark IV Target with a Volquartsen Pistol Competition Kit installed and a good quality red dot installed on top.   Buy five or six extra magazines and a brick or two of good 22 target ammo and start working on your shooting!!!!    This pistol will get you to master, I know, I have seen it done......

Sounds like great advice, thanks!

Mike38 wrote:Damend, first and foremost, buy a .22 that you can get repair parts for. Many good suggestions here, but check parts availability before you take the plunge. As it stands now, there are no parts available for Benelli, but may be by years end. They are great pistols, I have two. But at this point, all I have are matching bookends. Both need repairs, no parts available. High Standard? Good luck. IZH35M, I had two, sold them for a major loss, no parts available. As for older European target pistols, I'm not sure, but make certain parts are available in the USA. If you're just getting your feet wet in Bullseye, there is nothing wrong with a Ruger. At least you can find parts. Good luck!

Wow, nice

Jack H wrote:

Damend wrote:
Thanks for the reply. I’m in the Medford area. I’m real hesitant to go the 1911 route because I don’t know much about them and have never had one. Also I feel like I would prefer a grip angle that allows me to break my wrist over more. But I am open to whatever.

Grip angle solved.  This is one of my best guns.  A lowly Sport King High Standard 103 with an LSP Alumalite barrel.     Or with a Houston 10X barrel and Citation slide for iron sights.   Either combination works great.  The Sport King trigger is fantastic as HS triggers usually are.  Be it known, I have an extra HS SK laying around. 

I also like the down angle of the wrist.  I believe it helps firm the wrist.  And all those Europeans just might be right.

I started out with a mkii gov't Ruger. Loved it and kick myself for getting rid of it. PB with that gun was 889.
You can get a really good trigger pull on it by someone who knows what they're doing. Not a bad choice by any means.
Jon

You weren’t the only one to tell me that today Jon. I really appreciate the advice, thanks.

Damend wrote:

mpolans wrote:If you want the best, keep an eye out for a used Pardini SP Bullseye...still tough to do for $1500, but doable at $2000.  If you want something more flexible and a close second, I'd get a Springfield Range Officer in .45acp and a Nelson .22 conversion with the combo rail and pay someone to do a trigger job...if you're planning on shooting centerfire and .45 event, have the gunsmith fit a new barrel bushing too.

How much total investment is that? I will probably want to do centerfire later but only 22lr for now.

If you shop around for a used Range Officer, about $600. Nelson or Marvel kit $400-500. Used red Ultradot, $150. Drop in trigger job parts kit, $150.  So for .22, $1300-1400.

Shop around, it's worth the time it takes. I set up a Ruger MkII recently (see pic) and here's what I have into it.

Pistol, found at a pawn shop in Wisconsin. New, yes new. $250
Aftermarket rear target sight (Merit I think) had on hand.
Volquartzen sear and hammer. Had on hand.
Volquartzen adjustable trigger. $25 new, closeout sale. 
Herrett's Nationals grips. $50 new, closeout sale.

So for $325 I have a .22 that will get me to Master if I would do my part. Total cost for this pistol with all new
parts, nothing on hand, would be around $600.