Need a new centerfire for ISSF

mrakimbo

mrakimbo

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I've been getting into ISSF bullseye over the last couple months exclusively with my Ruger MK III. I've dumped a little money into the gun to improve the trigger and get some nicer grips w/ a thumbrest... I think I've taken it as far as I want to go in terms of money.

What I want to do is grab a centerfire for ISSF, but I'm not sure which one yet. ISSF centerfire is precision and "dueling" so really I could do a revolver or a semi-auto. It has to be between .32 and .38 calibre. I like the M&P9 and the CZ75. But I've always wanted a wheel gun. Is the Ruger GP100 reasonably accurate? I like that it has adjustable sights.
 
M&P 9 and CZ75 are no where near accurate enough for ISSF centerfire.

Most competitors use a .32 S&W long because of the minimal recoil. Most competitive semi-autos have recoil reduction systems built into them.

I cannot comment on the accuracy of the GP100, but remember it has to meet ISSF specifications regarding size, weight, trigger weight, etc.
 
HammerliSP20 said:
M&P 9 and CZ75 are no where near accurate enough for ISSF centerfire.

Most competitors use a .32 S&W long because of the minimal recoil. Most competitive semi-autos have recoil reduction systems built into them.

I cannot comment on the accuracy of the GP100, but remember it has to meet ISSF specifications regarding size, weight, trigger weight, etc.
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Oh there's no question those two aren't nearly accurate enough but they might do with my skill level (eg noob-ish). I did have a chance to do the dueling round with a Hammerli 32 and there's pretty much no comparison. That thing was a nail driver! Problem is I can't afford a Hammerli.

I feel like a 9mm might just have too much recoil, which is why I'm kind of considering the GP100 since I could run lighter 38 through it.
 
If economy is a major concern look for a S&W Model 14 with 6inch barrel and the "target" features. You will be shooting an awful lot of ammo through it before you feel the need to move to an expensive European auto in .32. In fact if you look around a bit you might find a Taurus .32 that has been tuned up. Walther GSP32s are always around and tend to run between 800 and 1200 depending on age, condition, grips, triggers, etc. it was ten years and well into expert class before I surrendered my K 38 to the back of the safe, and I still occasionally bring it out to have fun.

Dr Jim
 
look around for a good deal on a used Walther gsp, I have seen some go for the price of a new gp 100, also look for a used Pardini or Hammerli. some great deals out there. go to an issf message board and put up a wtb add.
 
there is no need to worry about recoil in issf centre fire , the rapid fire stage is one shot @ a time . a wheel gun will work fine , better than your choice of 9's , the cz with a tuned trigger will do in a pinch . when you star looking something more up market , it's hard to find a more reliable gun than the walther gsp , new style .
 
nada said:
there is no need to worry about recoil in issf centre fire , the rapid fire stage is one shot @ a time . a wheel gun will work fine , better than your choice of 9's , the cz with a tuned trigger will do in a pinch . when you star looking something more up market , it's hard to find a more reliable gun than the walther gsp , new style .
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I shoot a Walther gsp expert 22/32 and it has been very reliable
 
The ruger GP100 is a combat gun not a target gun. The S&W model 14 for a wheelgun would probably be your best and cheapest choice. Now if you want a semi auto the S&W model 52 would be a great choice.

Graydog
 
Yeah Smith 52s are interesting, but long out of production and parts are starting to get to be really hard to find especially for the dash 1 and no dash versions with the wide extractor. That part is IMPOSSIBLE to find. The 52s tend to be 'love/hate' guns. If you are perfect, they are perfect, but lose a bit of perfection and they will screw you to the ground. I've had several, now on number three, some days I love it other days I'd gladly throw it in the river. Just be aware of what you are walking into with a 52. And if someone offers you a Hammerli P240 there are two cautions. The 32 ALWAYS throws the first round of each mag high and right, and the 38 barrel is slim and prone to severe bulging if you fire a second round after a squib. Check 38 s carefully before purchase. Also a no parts available gun.

Dr Jim
 
Cocked&Locked said:
question, how are 32 centerfires regulated? is not any 32 handgun a 12 6?
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Ordinarily, any hand-gun in .25 or .32 calibre is defined as Prohibited as per Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code. S.12(6) of the Firearms Act allows for certain grandfathered individuals to Possess and/or Acquire certain grandfathered guns of this Prohibited class.

The Regulations Prescribing Exclusions from Certain Definitions of the Criminal Code (International Sporting Competition Handguns) (SOR/98-465) give a list of guns commonly used in target competitions (ISSF), including the Walther GSP, which have been exempted from the definition of a Prohib. (they are still Restricted fire-arms). These are generally specialized target guns of inter-changeable cailbre which include a .32 S&W Long option.
 
T&G said:
Yeah Smith 52s are interesting, but long out of production and parts are starting to get to be really hard to find especially for the dash 1 and no dash versions with the wide extractor. That part is IMPOSSIBLE to find. The 52s tend to be 'love/hate' guns. If you are perfect, they are perfect, but lose a bit of perfection and they will screw you to the ground. I've had several, now on number three, some days I love it other days I'd gladly throw it in the river. Just be aware of what you are walking into with a 52. And if someone offers you a Hammerli P240 there are two cautions. The 32 ALWAYS throws the first round of each mag high and right, and the 38 barrel is slim and prone to severe bulging if you fire a second round after a squib. Check 38 s carefully before purchase. Also a no parts available gun.

Dr Jim
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My S&W 52 almost got thrown in the river years ago, but I found somebody who wanted it. Switched to the GSP and never looked back.

Lately I've been eyeing some of my .38 wheel guns to try in ISSF competition, just to see how I'll do. Just loaded some .38 special 158 gr SWC's with bullseye to test.
 
I've used S&W 41's,(.22) S&W 52-2 (.38), Colt-Clark 1911 (.38), GSP .22 & .32, all with good results, but the GSP's are brought out for competitions. 'nuff said !
 
red_bailey said:
Ordinarily, any hand-gun in .25 or .32 calibre is defined as Prohibited as per Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code. S.12(6) of the Firearms Act allows for certain grandfathered individuals to Possess and/or Acquire certain grandfathered guns of this Prohibited class.

The Regulations Prescribing Exclusions from Certain Definitions of the Criminal Code (International Sporting Competition Handguns) (SOR/98-465) give a list of guns commonly used in target competitions (ISSF), including the Walther GSP, which have been exempted from the definition of a Prohib. (they are still Restricted fire-arms). These are generally specialized target guns of inter-changeable cailbre which include a .32 S&W Long option.
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Thank you very much, i was not aware of the exemptions!
 
In both cases you should probably reload. With SW14 parts are all around, 38 spl brass and ammo (if you need) are widely available. Recoil is probably harder and your hands could be dirty during shooting.
GSP is more expensive, but beautiful platform. You can share same lower between 22 and 32, less training as a result. But you need to find brass and chase it after every session (use brass catcher).
 
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My GSP set has been passed on to my son in law, so I'm left with a FAS603, a Smith 52, a 38 1911 that I built a few years ago and three Smith M14 s so I think I have things covered for being an old shakey kind of guy. Don't get me started on what I use for NRA!

Dr Jim
 
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