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Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Sgt. 0811

Sgt. 0811

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 22, 2005
946
3
49
Aurora, CO
I am debating a few I like the beretta 87T but the trigger sucks
Smith and weeson maybe, I want to find a nice out of the box tac driver open to suggestions
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I have an old high Standard Trophy that I have yet to have a modern 22lr pistol out shoot or at best match it, and the trigger is great. Its still pretty easy to find the 6"+ ones that give you a nice long sight radius. I know that you can still find these in great condition for well under $1K.

If you are more interested in a modern one, I would pick the S&W41 over the Beretta 7 days a week.

Its at the very top of your price range, but you might be able to score a Benelli P90 used for that. They feel amazing, drive bullets like a boss and have a very adjustable trigger.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Ruger MK II's, or I guess now MK III's, are the most popular gun for bullseye shooting shooting in the league I shoot in. I do see some S&W 41's now and again, especially among the old timers.

I really don't expect that that Beretta 87T will do much for you. I don't think that it is in the class of guns your looking for.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Thompson Contender with 10" MGM barrel made from Shilen blank. I have seen several of these critters that would shoot MOA regularly out to 100yds with proper ammo.

I have found many of the pistols made today are accurate enough. It depends on what you want to do with it. If its Bullseye you want to play I would say trigger first, then ergonomics, then accuracy..its 50ft. If you want to shoot IHMSA then you need every ounce of accuracy out to 100M. There are lots of in between areas twixt those 2 sports.

Ruger is hard to beat for price and value and the ones I have had were damn sure accurate. I have a Smith 22A that I really like especially for the price. The trigger is not bad but it is no Bullseye gun. It is accurate enough but I wouldn't use it for IHMSA.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Check out a Browning Buckmark. Mine is as accurate as my accurized Colt Combat Commander.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

My advice, save up some more money and get the S&W Model 41. They appear to retail at around $1000-$1150. Never had any finicky magazine tuning problems, the way my High Standard did. The Smith 41 was just the Cadillac of rimfire target handguns back in the '90's when I was shooting 3-gun.

Greg
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I also like the S&W model 41, even better with a Clark barrel.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

The main options have all been covered so far, High Standard, Ruger, S&W. You can look around for a Sig Trailside, which is sort of a dumbed down Hammerli.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

S&W M41, sometimes I feel like I just can not miss. It's just uncanny.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

If you're willing to look at a revolver, don't leave out the S&W 617 or 17. They have excellent triggers out of the box, and they're typically tackdrivers.

I don't have anything that will outshoot my Ruger MK3 with 5.5" bull barrel. it cost a grand total of $275, NIB. only downside is that you WILL have to do some aftermarket mods to a Mk3 to get it where you want it to be.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

+1 for the Browning BuckMark. I have the stainless bull barrel one and love it. It shoots great and with the rubber grip is a very comfortable fit in the hand. I'm not sure if it is well used in completion or not though.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Clark Custom offers a customized Ruger Mk III with a custom Lothar Walther Barrel and a reliability job for $1075. S&W M41's and High Standards are very good, but the Ruger is a great platform for customization.

For cool factor, I like a High Standard Victor or Supermatic Trophy. For a good deal, I like a used Ruger Mk ii.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Benelli MP95E $750-1k used
newtemp002.jpg
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am debating a few I like the beretta 87T but the trigger sucks
Smith and weeson maybe, I want to find a nice out of the box tac driver open to suggestions </div></div>

The 87T trigger is OK with work, the ability to easily mount optics is awesome, not a great pistol for large hands.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I just picked up my Smith Model 41 about a month ago from a gunshop for $830. He had had it for a while and wanted it gone. Deals are out there.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Hammerli aslo has several match style pistols like that Benelli for less than a grand on Gunbroker.

The Hammerli Free Pistols will easily do a small ragged hole group at 50 meters, so I'm sure it should meet an of your accuracy standards. Although they are single shot only pistols.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I would vote for TOZ 35M, with the right ammo, half inch 50 yards 5 rounds groups is the norm for these TOZ 35M.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Unless you intend to shoot it from a rest and with a scope, or are a world class bullseye (or similar) shooter, almost any pistol will be far more accurate than you are. The important consideration is how easy the pistol is to shoot well.

My wife shoots a Ruger 22/45 with basic trigger job but occasionally borrows my Walther GSP. Her scores almost double with the GSP. My best targets with her 22/45 are only 5 to 8 points off my best with my GSP but my average targets are separated by 20 to 25 points. My Hi-Standard Citation is somewhere between the 2 and comparable to the S&W 41 I've shot. This also mirrors the experiences of several other shooters in our club.

The top tier of rimfire pistols are the european target guns. You can likely find a few used ones within you price range. Do your research as some of them are fragile and should only fire std vel or match ammo. These are almost exclusively single purpose bullseye guns.

The next tier are the american target pistols such as the Hi-Standard, S&W 41 and custom Ruger Mark 2/3 based guns. These are typically a bit more durable and versatile but more difficult to shoot well.

Although not really suitable for bullseye, the Ruger Single Six and S&W 17 revolvers, T/C Contender and possibly Charger are also accurate and were popular with the silhouette crowd when I did that during my teens. The triggers were good and the guns well suited to 2 hand grips unlike most of the bullseye focused pistols. These are also good for hunting and longer range plinking as the longer barrels help velocity.

Much more common and affordable are the Buckmarks, Mark 2/3, etc which are very durable and versatile. They'll happily digest HV ammo, grips are ambidextrous, they're suitable for hunting or plinking yet in the hands of a skilled shooter, are very nearly as accurate as the european guns (though an average shooter will struggle with poor sights, consistent grip, heavy and rough trigger, etc).

At the bottom of this list are the defensive pistol replicas such as the SR22, M&P22, etc. They have there place but with short sight radius, light weight in addition to the other shortcomings of the mass market pistols, this isn't it.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get,
Jeff

PS There's also free pistols which are very accurate but those guys are their own special breed of gun geek, kind of like pistol version of the guys with remote fired 50 pound bench rest rifles.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I would second Squib on the Benelli MP95e. More on the budget end, I second Sled Dog's advice on a gently used Sig (Hammerli) Trailside. It would likely be as accurate, simple to clean and customize, and durable as any non-Olympic shooter would need for any practical purpose. Plus, the adjustable sight version of the Trailside has pretty solid sights stock.

For parts, check Larry's Hammerli Shop. Don't have the site handy, but it comes up on Google.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you get and how it works out.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I have a c.1991 MkII Ruger with a heavy barrel @ 6-7/8" long marked "Government Model"

It's more accurate than anything I've ever been able to shoot myself, it cost me <$300 in hand. I had it threaded, capped and refinished and it's one of my all time favorite guns to shoot.

At 50yd with Eley ammo it will hold 2" off a rest.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Jeff,
Good post but I do outshoot a lot or pistols, especially .22s.

Looks like smith 41 or find a good used target pistol. Thanks guys.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

If you are after a semi-auto, + + + S&W 41 + + + all the way! I've had mine since late 80's.

Put a set of Herrett's grips on a 41 and it feels like a 1911, driving the Bullseye popularity. ~ 95% of the line shot S&W 41s. I shot Bullseye and never had an alibi, unlike some of the other high-end pistols. There are three basic barrels available which are easily interchangeable. The stock trigger is very good, but a good 41 smith can make it break like a tuned match 1911. They "list" at ~ $1300, but can be had for as little as $650 if you really look (good luck with that).

Kevin
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jeff,
Good post but I do outshoot a lot or pistols, especially .22s.

Looks like smith 41 or find a good used target pistol. Thanks guys.</div></div>

Thanks and in that case, I'm impressed. The best I can do is about 1.5" (5 consecutive 10's on an ISSF target) at 20 yards and it doesn't happen often.

Now I'm curious how good a cheap .22 is from a mechanical rest. Ruger 25 yard groups

PS. I paid about a grand each for my used GSP's a couple years ago.

Jeff
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I've had some poor luck lately with .22s but I keep falling for .22 trendy guns like the P22 Walther which has crap sights and an aweful trigger. Or .22 conversion kits which are decent but inconsistant not to mention a PITA when at the range. I finally borrowed a couple .22s from a friend, one was an 87T which was great except the trigger and a hamerelli which was fantastic, managed a slightly smaller than dime size group at 50 ft. But was wicked expensive not to mention I used some pricey ammo but still, i was impressed.

Honestly, I was hopeful someone would mention some 500.00 wonder gun I never tried.

I always viewed .22s as a novelty with pistols but lately i've changed my tune and would like to really explore them.

All the advice here has been helpful, I watched a great reviee of the smith 42 by Hickok45 and have become more interested in that.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Honestly, I was hopeful someone would mention some 500.00 wonder gun I never tried. </div></div>

Its not a wonder gun, but were I in this place of need I would go for a Ruger Mk1/2/3.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Seriously, If I had to outfit myself with a .22LR handgun for about a Half-G; I would be seriously looking at some of the Browning Buckmark models.

For me, handgun marksmanship was never a natural act; I had to work at it full time. But what I did learn was that for the most important aspects of .22LR handgun effectiveness, reliable operation and sharply distinct sights topped the list. As long as the gun operated without any doubt and could be lined up easily with the target, the accuracy was in the hand and in the eye, and not in the hunk of metal.

"...See the front sight, feel the trigger..." USMC/USNR/USAR CWO-4 Billy Miller, RIP

Greg
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I've had quite a few different ones over the years and tried most shooting IHMSA silhouette where we needed pretty decent accuracy. I still have the Model 41, Hi Standard Trophy and a couple Buckmarks, each has a distinct feel and favors a particular style of shooting better with their grip design. I think the 41 feels better for offhand bullseye as does the Trophy. The Trophy felt best for creedmoor in IHMSA. I've never mounted a scope on either of those but do have a 2X scope on one of the Buckmarks and that little bugger really shoots. It's sighted in for 220 yards just as a show off thing when we're at the range. I'll hand it to someone and tell them to hold on whatever little target we have left standing at 200 to 220 yards and they'll ding it nearly every time.

The other two would probably do it as easy but the open sights limit how small we can shoot at with it. I agree with Greg that nearly any of the upper level 22 pistols and I'm including the Buckmarks in that since they shoot so good and are very reliable will shoot better than most shooters ability. When you jump to the Contenders or Charger with a good scope and elevated mount they will shoot right with a rifle.

Have a good friend that shot on a military bullseye team and is really good with a 45 and a 22. I've watched him just drill the center out of a target at one of his matches but has a terrible time when you take him outside and shoot at our targets at 200 yards. Amazes me how small a group they can shoot and the muscle control they've developed. I do think ergonomics plays a bigger role for that than the inherent accuracy of a particular pistol. When you start stretching it out to 200 yards or more then you see how well they can shoot.

Accuracy can mean different things to different shooters so asking what the most accurate 22 pistols is for a certain price really isn't asking what you want the most accurate pistol to be accomplishing for you.

Topstrap
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Honestly, I was hopeful someone would mention some 500.00 wonder gun I never tried. </div></div>

Still can find 9-7/8 inch long, bull barreled Buckmarks for about $500

Both the Varmint and Silhouette are surprisingly accurate out to 100 yards
when shooting from a rest using an EER Scope and Pistol Match ammo.
Trigger on the Varmint is absolutely sweet!
grin.gif



http://www.gunsamerica.com/914996148/Browning_Buck_Mark_Silhouette.htm

buckmark-bench.JPG


buckmark-relief.JPG
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: squib</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Benelli MP95E $750-1k used
newtemp002.jpg
</div></div>

Nice gun. That's the world cup grip right? I had one for a day ended up selling it for a Hammerli 208. Don't know why either since it was as accurate as you could ever hope for. But mine didn't have the palm rest grip on it.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

Thanks, you are correct on the grip.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoctorWho1138</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: squib</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Benelli MP95E $750-1k used
newtemp002.jpg
</div></div>

Nice gun. That's the world cup grip right? I had one for a day ended up selling it for a Hammerli 208. Don't know why either since it was as accurate as you could ever hope for. But mine didn't have the palm rest grip on it.</div></div>
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I would get a Ruger Mark2, triggerjob and VQ parts. Good to go. Customize to your likings, and alot of options available.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

The first thing I learned about accuracy with any .22 rimfire was that they all seem to do well with some ammo, and really crappy with others. Whatever .22 you get, buy a box of every kind of ammo you can find, and when you find the holy grail for your gun, buy every bit of ammo you can find, with that lot number. Just changing ammo, can result in groups going from 1" to 6" at 50 yards, in some barrels.
That said, you really didn't say what you wanted to use the pistol for.
If for IHMSA silhouette, I use an old, Anschutz Exemplar which, with the ammo it REALLY likes will produce groups under 3/8" at 50 Yards.I can use cheap, Federal bulk in it, and clean the chickens, pigs, and turkeys, but, have to go to better ammo to clean the rams.
If you plan to shoot bullseye, and already own a 1911, a Marvel 1 conversion will easily do under an inch at 50 yards with ammo it likes.
I have an old, Ruger MKII, Government that will hover about an inch at 50 yards, with ammo it likes.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I would also recommend the Marvel Unit 1 if you like the 1911 and have one with a great trigger. Mine came with a 5 shot 0.78" test target at 50 yards so no question it out shoots me.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

If you're looking for best accuracy another cheap trick is using a rim thickness gauge. Sort your ammo by rim thickness and it puts them all into more comparable groups.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

I shot for the US Navy's rifle and pistol team. We could have what ever pistol we wanted. After much practice, I settled on the Smith & Wesson 41. What most owners don't know is the barrel is hand lapped for hours until it is perfect. The trigger is crisp and precise. The pistol will fire when most pistols are long fouled and stopped.
I have won so many small bore matches with this pistol I cannot imagine using any other .22 semi-auto pistol.
You will never look back.
The members here that have recommended this pistol know what it can do.
 
Re: Most accurate .22 pistol for under 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rapidrob</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shot for the US Navy's rifle and pistol team. We could have what ever pistol we wanted. After much practice, I settled on the Smith & Wesson 41. What most owners don't know is the barrel is hand lapped for hours until it is perfect. The trigger is crisp and precise. The pistol will fire when most pistols are long fouled and stopped.
I have won so many small bore matches with this pistol I cannot imagine using any other .22 semi-auto pistol.
You will never look back.
The members here that have recommended this pistol know what it can do.</div></div>

+1 for the S&W 41

I love my old Hi-Standards, but the first time I got my hands on a 41 there was a noticeable difference.
 
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