New to hand guns

C

chevy

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Looking for your opinions on the following 22 LR handguns - please place in order of desirability.

Look forward to your replies, thanks.

Browning Medalist

Browning Buckmark

S&W Model 617

S&W Model 17-3

S&W Model M41

Hammerli Sport Comp 6 inch barrel
 
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Those are all nice guns but you are hitting a few very different markets I think.

The first grouping (around 1K - 1.5K used to new) would be the Browning Medalist, Hammerli Sport Comp, and S&W Model M41. Those are all going to be top shelf, but unless you want a collector like the Medalist the model 41 is what most would go for. Not many are familiar with the Hammerli, though i'm sure it is just as accurate.

Next would be the revolvers (600-900). If you want tradition and possibly better craftsmanship from the good old days - go 17. You want modern - go 617. They will both be good.

The Browning Buckmarks (or Ruger equivalents) are great value for the money ($300-600). If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg, or can't find great deals on the others, the Brownings and Rugers will still be nice. I have some nice 9mm and 45 target guns, but my highest end 22 auto is still my good old Ruger Mark II target 6 7/8". Never felt the need to upgrade, though I would still like a Smith 41 one day.
 
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You have very good taste for someone new to hand guns!
Gdawg has summarized perfectly what you need to know.
Unless you are looking for exclusivity, the Buckmark, Ruger Mk.II/III will be more than enough for plinking and simple marksmanship training.
The S&W 41 is a unicorn. Expensive, if you can actually find one.
The S&W K-17 is my choice, again, if you can find one. Simple to use and clean. Great single action trigger. The target hammer and trigger is very reassuring to use and the gun is accurate. The modern 617 is a good substitute.
The Hammerli is a pure target pistol. Not an easy gun to find and also pricy.
I'm not sure why I'm blabbering on. Just read gdawg's post again!
 
Still alive said:
You have very good taste for someone new to hand guns!
Gdawg has summarized perfectly what you need to know.
Unless you are looking for exclusivity, the Buckmark, Ruger Mk.II/III will be more than enough for plinking and simple marksmanship training.
The S&W 41 is a unicorn. Expensive, if you can actually find one.
The S&W K-17 is my choice, again, if you can find one. Simple to use and clean. Great single action trigger. The target hammer and trigger is very reassuring to use and the gun is accurate. The modern 617 is a good substitute.
The Hammerli is a pure target pistol. Not an easy gun to find and also pricy.
I'm not sure why I'm blabbering on. Just read gdawg's post again!
Click to expand...

Expensive, yes. But not that hard to find one or two.

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/product.php?productid=2859&cat=0&page=1

http://www.bullseyelondon.com/smith-wesson-model-41-22lr-5-5-10-round-130511-canada.html
 
I recently acquired a S and W 41 from Bullseye sports.
Very good service from Bullseye and the pistol is a pure joy to shoot. Built quality and finish is fantastic and accuracy is really there.
I still like my Ruger mark 3 though...

Gilbert
 
The Hammerli is the best for bulls-eye shooting closely followed by the S&W Mod 41 and the High Standard Victor. I have owned all three and all have their peculiarities. They tend to be ammunition fussy and magazines are a big issue. You must use standard velocity ammunition as you can crack the frame with high-velocity ammo. Since I acquired my Walther GSP, I may be putting my Victor up for sale shortly on the EE. I love the Victor, it is a true tack driver. Mine is a Hamden model which is the one sought after by collections and shooters due to its quality. Modern Victors are so-so. For plinking, Rugers and Buckmarks are great.
 
Thanks for the feedback/opinions - greatly appreciated.

I ended up purchasing the S&W Model 41 that was up on the EE with the 3 extra mags.
Bought it quickly so hopefully did not over pay as I originally thought this model was discontinued.

One thing for sure is I will be the proud owner of what sounds like a very sought after pistol.

Once I get possession of the listed guns I will let you know which I prefer in my hand.

Regarding ammunition for the Model 41, I have in my stash of ammo the following:

CCI minimags
Blazers
American Eagle
Federal Bulk packs

Will I be able to use all these brands without fear of damaging the slide?

Thanks again for your replies.

Cheers
 
Congrats on the Model 41. Used ones in excellent condition usually go for about $950. It's not discontinued, they are still available. The Model 41 should be used with standard velocity ammo. You can always buy this buffer from Brownell's.

h ttp://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-buffers/smith-wesson-model-41-buffer-sku071000011-302-1410.aspx?sku=071000011
 
Nice catch. The 41 is a sweet package. As above, I would stick with standard velocity and not use the CCI minimags.
 
Very good choice.
Like others have said, only use STANDARD VELOCITY ammo ( average 1050 fps).
CCI standard velocity or SK standard plus will do fine. You can get good quality standard velocity match ammo from Hirsch precision and Nordic Marksman among others.

Gilbert
 
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