Best 22 for target accuracy

Typically it is not which gun is more accurate, but which gun you can shoot the best.

For example, some Olympic class pistols may not be quite as accurate as say something like a particularly accurate S&W 41 or Beretta 89. However the ergonomics, trigger, grip, balance, sight radius, are far superior, making it much more "accurate" overall.

Rimfire ammo also makes a huge difference in accuracy.

That said,

S&W 41 $$
S&W 22A
Beretta 89, or an 87 with a trigger from an 89 $$
Browning Buckmark
SIG Trailside
Ruger Mk II/III with heavy barrel and a trigger job
High Standard $$
S&W K-22 revolver $
S&W 617 or 17 revolver $
 
What's your budget?

There was a couple of nice looking S&W 422's on the EE the last time I looked. I'm more than pleased with mine and can highly recomend them. The gun is capable of far more accuracy than I am able to hold it. But this applies for almost any hand gun in almost any handgun shooter's hands.

In other words unless you buy some old shot out and rusty piece o' junk the gun will reflect your own ability to hold it on target just fine. So it comes down to what fits your hands well and points in a natural manner.

The only thing I've found is that the more raked back grips such as on the Ruger and match style Hi Standards and similar seem to point more naturally when you use the sideways one handed dueling or Olympic style target shooter stance. The more vertical 1911 "45" angle grips work best if you use the two handed style of stance.
 
I use a Soviet made Vostock, rear and front sights are adjustable, they are pretty hard to beat for accuracy.
 
You can find a ruger Mk I or II for 300 or so with adjustable sights with a bit of snooping, thought they do benifit from trigger work. A older high standard will run you 400-500 but come with an awsome trigger and excellent accuracy.
 
Typically it is not which gun is more accurate, but which gun you can shoot the best.

Well guns do help accuracy too! My dad's H&R 676 Revolver is one of the worst .22's for accuracy. I've seen a dozen people including me shoot that thing and I swear you couldn't hit a damn popcan at more than 10 feet :D
 
I'd suggest a Browning Buckmark as an entry level accurate target pistol.

The Vostock MCM (aka Margolin) is a great pistol, but parts are limited.


The Ruger MK series are hard to take a part and for the reason would be leary to recommend them. Plus there triggers are not great.

Sometimes you can pick up a used Walther GSP for around $800 which would be great.
 
Well guns do help accuracy too! My dad's H&R 676 Revolver is one of the worst .22's for accuracy. I've seen a dozen people including me shoot that thing and I swear you couldn't hit a damn popcan at more than 10 feet :D

Of course within reason..... :kickInTheNuts: ;) :D

I have a 22LR derringer that could hit a 2' x 2' target at 10 feet.......only by accident,,, :redface: But then what do you expect for $20 (should have traded it in for a digital camera :rolleyes: but couldn't bear the thought of supporting the so called mayor)

So sometimes you do get EXACTLY what you pay for....
 
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I second the walther GSP - excellent value and they can be had for 800 - 900. Yes, there are lots of very good .22 pistols out there such as the smith and wesson .41, high standards, rugers (although the stock triggers leave a lot to be desired). What it comes down to is what you want to do with the pistol. If you want to do bullseye or scored competition the walther GSP has a lot of features that will help. The grip, balance and trigger is amazing. Plus I believe that the GSP has an even steeper grip angle than the rugers or high standards. The GSP has a completely adjustable trigger (I believe you can adjust the position, weight, pre travel and overtravel). It comes with different front sights. It is a much more modern design than a hammerli 208 (another classic) or any of the other pistols mentioned. It puts the magazine forward of the trigger guard which helps to control timed and rapid fire recoil. I have been looking at all of these pistols, but I can't see spending $600 - $800 on something like a high standard victor or S&W 41 when I could spend $800 - $900 on a walther GSP. The grip angle of the S&W is not as steep as the Walther, which may or may not be right for you. Higher grip angles when used one handed help to keep the pistol steady, especially during rapid fire.

If I were you and looking for a 1st pistol, think about just getting a used ruger mark II. There are lots of guys who compete with them and do very very well. If you like the grips on it and are happy with it, then you can always put a volquartsen accurizing kit in it (look it up). This is something that can be done at home if you have some mechanical aptitude and lots of patience. This will fix the biggest problem with these pistols IMHO - the trigger. That said, I have seen guys do very very well with these completely stock pistols in bullseye competition. You can get one for around $300 used and you can always sell it for what you paid for it later if you don't like it.

Remember that all of the pistols mentioned are capable of excellent accuracy and a good score is always due much more to the shooter than the pistol.
 
RugerMark111.jpg


Here's mine ... really nice looking, shoots great and eats all kind of ammo. But a real pain in the a** to re-assemble after cleaning.
 
But a real pain in the a** to re-assemble after cleaning.

You mean you actually have to clean them? :eek: :confused: We use a few shots of "crap-out" a squint of oil and GTG for another year....

;)


I second the walther GSP - excellent value and they can be had for 800 - 900. Yes, there are lots of very good .22 pistols out there such as the smith and wesson .41, high standards, rugers (although the stock triggers leave a lot to be desired). ......

.....Remember that all of the pistols mentioned are capable of excellent accuracy and a good score is always due much more to the shooter than the pistol.

The S&W 41 was once used in some Olympic events. However, it became outclassed by other guns such as the Walther GSP, not because the GSP is more accurate, but because the ergonomics resulted in better scores.
 
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