5" conversion. Is It Worth It?

[stainless1911]

Does the 5" barrel improve the accuracy of the gun enough to justify the cost? If an experienced shooter were to benchrest the gun, trying to get the best possible groups out of it, what size of groups would one expect out of the standard barrel, and the 5" one?

I got this P-22 for my daughter, trouble is, the thing isnt very accurate. Doesn't seem to matter what ammo I feed it, I think I could get tighter groups if I were throwing rocks at the target.

I don't want her to be disappointed with it, and give up shooting pistols. She does fine with the 10-22, but this thing is going to make her think that she can't shoot a handgun. I am either going to buy her a different gun, or the barrel extension for this one.

[stainless1911]

If one of you has a 5" barrel conversion that you don't want, how much would you sell it for?

[smoothjk]

I'm sorry that I'm not answering your question really, but I think people underestimate the accuracy of the P22. First couple of times I shot it, I thought it was horribly inaccurate as well. But then I realized my trigger pull wasn't very good and due to the light weight, I was swaying the gun a bit. Also, you have to be really precise with the sights, considering there's more "air" in between than other guns. But if you center it right and have good control, you can get very tight groups. Just a thought...I'm sure someone else will chime in with info about the 5" conversion.

[1917-1911M]

Theoretically the longer the barrel, the longer the sight distance...think rifle, the more accurate you can fire it. I've had both, could not tell the difference. I did not like the looks or function of the stabilizer. You have to remove it to remove the slide for cleaning. My 2 cents. M1911



10 round groups at 21', short barrel, bridge mount red dot, resting on a table saw, two hand grip. No rest. I cannot shoot this accurately through the open sights. A double action, short barrel, very light pistol with open sights is the hardest of all to shoot accurately. Browning, Ruger, Sig all make pistols that are accurate and easier to shoot accurately due to their weight and size. But, they aren't a small, carry anywhere P22. I think the new Ruger SR22 has better sights but the same size and weight issues will be there.

[1917-1911M]

The one up top will always be more accurate. Outperform the one on the bottom.....now that is another question. M1911

[jbr01]

Stick with what you already have. My $.02
Just takes time to get used to this gun, and practice every chance you get. Get her to use a very firm grip, focus on the front sight, trigger finger pulling (rolling) straight back, no jerking and it should be fine.
Make sure you get a few boxes of CCI minimags and a box or two of bulk Remmington Golden Bullets (RGBs). Sit back and watch her have fun.

[stainless1911]

I wish APEX would make a trigger for it. I've got the FSS on an M&P Pro, and I love it.

[1917-1911M]

The best trigger I've run into on a $400 < .22 pistol is the Sig Trailside. For some reason.....I can never remember firing a S&W 41. I'm sure I've had my paws on one at some time or the other but can't remember it. Of course a 41 goes for multiples of $400. I have not fired any of Walther's target pistols. If they would send me some.....I'd shoot em. M1911

[pz0r56]

1. The P22 is an OK plinker, but not a great target pistol.
2. The 5" barrel will not make it a good target pistol. At $150 new, it's not worth it.
3. No pistol will match what she can do with a 10-22. It is far more difficult to shoot a handgun compared to a rifle. The length of the barrel and site radius combined with the fact that you have 4 points of contact to steady the gun compared to a maximum of 2 points with a handgun changes the dynamics.
4. On the positive side: Learning to shoot any handgun well, will transfer to her rifle marksmanship. She will be a much better marksman after mastering a handgun.
5. If you are not happy with the P22 as is, I recommend selling it, taking the proceeds + the $150 saved by not buying a 5" barrel and go buy a decent Ruger Mark III or other .22lr target pistol.

Just my opinion.

One more thing: Do continue to encourage her shooting. You're doing a fine thing by introducing the shooting sports to her. Best of everything.

[smoothjk]

Originally Posted by pz0r56

1. The P22 is an OK plinker, but not a great target pistol.
2. The 5" barrel will not make it a good target pistol. At $150 new, it's not worth it.
3. No pistol will match what she can do with a 10-22. It is far more difficult to shoot a handgun compared to a rifle. The length of the barrel and site radius combined with the fact that you have 4 points of contact to steady the gun compared to a maximum of 2 points with a handgun changes the dynamics.
4. On the positive side: Learning to shoot any handgun well, will transfer to her rifle marksmanship. She will be a much better marksman after mastering a handgun.
5. If you are not happy with the P22 as is, I recommend selling it, taking the proceeds + the $150 saved by not buying a 5" barrel and go buy a decent Ruger Mark III or other .22lr target pistol.

Just my opinion.

One more thing: Do continue to encourage her shooting. You're doing a fine thing by introducing the shooting sports to her. Best of everything.

Good point, it seemed so obvious to point out, but I think that's part of her problem. Rifle shooting at any given range is far easier and more accurate than a pistol. The first time my wife picked up my rifle, she was hitting bullseye consistently. First time she shot a pistol, she was missing the paper completely at 7 yards sometimes.

Sure, once you go out to longer ranges, the fundamentals apply more, but you can't compare rifle shooting to pistol shooting.