Competition Shooting Question

[Sgt USMC]

I'm looking to get into competitive shooting in the near future. I have been looking for something that shoots well and doesn't brake the bank. I have looked at the Beretta Neos, but they are no longer allowed for sale in CA. I want a S & W Model 41, but just can't afford that. I was wondering does anyone have any input on the S & W 22a as a competition pistol?

[0321jarhead]

What price range are you talking about?

[Sgt USMC]

I'm looking at about $500 max for now. The wife is worried about how my hands will be able to take it due to multiple surgeries on my right and one on my left. If I can get good enough then I can try to talk her into my getting a better one.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

What about a Ruger? You can get a nice bull barreled Mk III or 22/45 and run it stock at first. Since they're so popular and have huge aftermarket support, you'll have the option of modifying it as you see fit even all the way up to a full race gun.

[Sgt USMC]

I was looking at the Ruger, but one thing that turns me off about them is that I would need tools to brake it down in the beginning. I'm not big on slamming weapons around or hitting them with a rubber hammer. I do like the fact that they can be really upgraded. How's the trigger out of the box on them?

[Gryff]

Ruger Mark III Competition. MSRP is $659, but I bet you can find it for a substantial amount less.

Alternatively, look for a Mark II with bull barrel. That's what I have and I find the gun to be fantastically accurate given its price.

The Browning Buck Mark guns also offer great accuracy at a reasonable price point.

[Gryff]

I was looking at the Ruger, but one thing that turns me off about them is that I would need tools to brake it down in the beginning. I'm not big on slamming weapons around or hitting them with a rubber hammer. I do like the fact that they can be really upgraded. How's the trigger out of the box on them?

The tools-to-disassemble issue is a pain, but not a massive one. For me, the bigger issue is having to keep the manual around because you have to hold the gun at certain angles during disassembly/reassembly or it won't go back together correctly. If this were a field or self-defense gun, this would be a deal breaker. But in an inexpensive, super fun range gun...not so much of a critical issue.

Triggers are crisp without significant take-up, over-travel.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

EDIT: ^^^Whoops! I need to learn to type faster^^^

I was looking at the Ruger, but one thing that turns me off about them is that I would need tools to brake it down in the beginning. I'm not big on slamming weapons around or hitting them with a rubber hammer. I do like the fact that they can be really upgraded. How's the trigger out of the box on them?

I don't own one, but I've heard often that the disassembly becomes easier and loosens up with repetition.

As for the stock trigger weight, I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question shortly. Or you can try over at rimfirecentral.

[rdawg]

You didnt mention the exact type of competitive shooting you want to do.

If its USPSA/IPSC or IDPA then a .22 is a no go for those shooting sports.

[Sgt USMC]

Another FGN question... Is there a class of pistol shooting for someone that can't move around really fast, something like maybe precision? I eventually want to get into NRA Conventional Pistol, but that's down the road a ways.

[Sgt USMC]

You didnt mention the exact type of competative shooting you want to do.

If its USPSA/IPSC or IDPA then a .22 is a no go for those shooting sports.

I can't do any of these due to the fact that I can't get around fast at all.

[Sgt USMC]

Are the Ruger's accurate? I have heard yes and I have heard no.

[TCWriter]

You didn't say what kind of competitive shooting you were interesed in.

I love my Ruger Mk III Target, though if you were interested in shooting action pistol with a rimfire, I'd get the 22/45 (for the better grip angle).

I keep a big paper clip on a string in the case with my Ruger MK III Target, and that's all you really need to take it apart (I didn't need a rubber mallet to get my gun apart -- a light knock on the case, piece of wood, wallet, etc does the job).

Might be the gun for you. Really, really accurate.

[Sgt USMC]

That's another thing I asked, is there a class for maybe precision. I can't get around very fast so the USPSA/IPSC or IDPA are out.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I can't do any of these due to the fact that I can't get around fast at all.

Maybe you can look into Bullseye Pistol Shooting.