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another "Bullseye" Pistol thread...SW 41?

I started with a High Standard many years ago, then switched to the S&W 41. A better pistol for sure, but after 3 or 4 years, my scores were up there, but I wanted more. S&W with a scope weighed close to 3 pounds and required a strong arm plus it tended to whip when fired. The axis of the barrel is a lot higher than your arm, so there is a strong moment when the gun goes off. I then switched to a Hamerlii 208S. It is lighter and has a much better two stage trigger than the 41. They don't make them anymore, but the Hamerlii X-Esse is a close copy and for around $1200 it's worthy of a look. Champion's Choice has them. All that said, I like the Pardini even better because the axis of the barrel is very close to the axis of your arm and the recoil does not move the gun very much at all compared to the other pistols. I'd buy that one. Buy once, cry once. Of course, it depends how serious a shooter your are or intend to be.
 
Trent, I'd be more worried about that 10 at 10. It's way out of your group. The 9 is just out. Up one and left one would probably center your group up. But if your like me, each match brings a change to where my bullets land. The tighter the group, the farther it is from the center. I'd take that target results any day! Nice shooting.

Frank
 
I used to shoot bulls-eye matches weekly in the 80's and into the mid 90's. I shot a lot of pistols - but the ones I found myself using more than any others were accurized Ruger MK 1 and MK II pistols, a model 41 and a Benelli. The Model 41, out of the box, was the most accurate, slightly ahead of the Benelli, I think, but the trigger not as good. The Rugers shot as accurately after accurizing. But for me, I needed the extra weight of the Rugers to keep my shots where I wanted them. The Benelli fit best and was the most comfortable - just not enough forward weight for me - and I felt that way about the model 41 as well. The Rugers, even just swapping out the trigger and bolt parts with the Volquartson parts makes a HUGE difference. If I were to buy just one - it Would be the Ruger and I'd replace parts. Some of the other pistols readers are showing pics of look pretty interesting too.
 
How does a colt ace work
Never seen one on the firing line in the 70s. Did sell a new factory gun to a customer, back then. Accuracy unknown?

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/rifleman-q-a-what-was-the-colt-ace/
In 1978, Colt reintroduced an Ace Service Model, which was produced until 1982. A conversion unit for converting a standard Model 1911-type pistol from .45 ACP to .22 Long Rifle was also offered for many years, and it was called the Ace II.
 
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Update: My scores with the Volquartsen Scorpion have continued to improve over the season. There is only one shoot left in the season, and next year, I have another shooter joining me (my daughter will be 8 by then). I got a great deal on a used SW41. The great price gives me the flexibility to tinker with it over the winter. I am on the call list for a Clark Custom upper, but that might take a while.

IMG-7548.jpg
 
I have stated before that I am - or was - primarily a handgun shooter. I loved my M41. Like a pretty woman, it needed attention and care, could make you feel so good and then want to slam your head in a door. My serious shooting days are behind me, but my 41 remains at home. I replaced the factory grips with Herrett grips that mimic the feel and angle of a 1911. I also own 5 different barrels with different sighting arrangements - because I used this pistol for several different games. Steel challenge, silhouette, rimfire pins, bullseye, etc. Iron sights, C-more, Ultra Dot, an old Gil Hebard Burris 2X w/dot. But…if I was serious, and getting ready to campaign again, and I was 40 years younger, and could still walk and see, a pair of Marvel conversions by one of the bullseye wizards like KC, or Joe. And probably matching center fire guns. I mean, we’re wishing, right?
 
All of the pistols mentioned will shoot groups small enough to be clean targets.
BUT, only you can find out which one YOU can shoot clean targets with.
A better PURPOSE built bullseye pistol will be easier to shoot better in my opinion.
I know high masters that shoot 1911 conversions both Marvel and Nelson better than
I can shoot my Pardini with custom grips made for my hand and at the 1911 angle that I personaly prefer.
Shooting a small group off of a bench is of little value other that proofing ammo ( which would be a whole new thread).
A high 90 ( 96-99 ) slow fire target at 50 feet is and extreamly difficult feat and a high master can do this consistantly.
I have shot reagonal, and sectionals and have never seen a ruger listed in the winners list other than sharpshooter or tyro.
 
Great thread. I am also in the same spot as the poster. I debating between a vorquartsen Black Mamba 6 inch barrel $1600.00 or a used S&W 41 5 plus or 7 inch barrel for 1100.00 to 1250.00.
It such a tough tough choice for a old guy like my self. I will be putting a nice red dot on it. MD
 
When buying a new 22lr pistol, may want one that can be used, both in NRA Precision pistol & ISSF , if on a budget. ISSF may still be iron sights only?

In the 70s, i used 1 for both. The 5.5 barrels would fit the rules, back then.
Also needed guns for dueling, rapid, & air.
 
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I started with a High Standard 103 Supermatic Citation in 1973.
I gave $65 for it used with one mag.
I shot into expert with iron sights as there were no dot sights around yet.
I just saw a mint one in a shop for $600 and it was a Hamden or Hartford I recall.
They are around and would be a great start.
 
I have recently started back up Bullseye shooting after a 30+ year hiatus. Back in the day, in England, I was half way decent, BPC member, etc... These days coming back, not so much.
Back in the day (1970s) in the UK the smart .22LR shooters used S&W 41s. I bought a Hi Standard Victor, great pistol My last .22LR pistol in the UK was a Zeigenhahn. ATF wouldn't let me bring it here.
Today I am shooting a Ruger Mk II that has been a safe queen for 30+ years. I am going to Volquartsen it up and when I feel it's holding me back, we'll take it from there. If that ever happens. BTW, as I only shoot for relaxation and fun, and am looking to recreate my old experiences (if that is possible) I only shoot iron sights.
Were I to be buying new today I'd probably be looking at a Pardini.
BTW, I have no connection to these folks but they sure do have a plethora of fine target pistols: https://simpsonltd.com
Just keep me away from the Webley .455 target revolvers :-) Or the SIG 210s.

They have what looks like a nice HS Supermatic Citation with a bridge sight, 1978, which might be a good choice to duplicate a 45ACP grip. I have been vacillating over that pistol for weeks....
 

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