For support we chose the Caldwell Matrix shooting rest with the rifle extension removed. Firing from a bench we would shoot the best groups possible. Since accuracy was the primary concern, our test procedure was simple. The Ruger Mark III Competition is the latest version of the popular pistol that often comes to mind when shooters talk about target shooting. The Smith & Wesson Model 41 has been in production since 1957. On the pistol side we decided to stay with the same manufacturers. The Smith & Wesson was a smallbore version of the L-frame 686 revolver, and the Ruger was the smallbore brother to the New Model Super Blackhawk Hunter single-action revolver. Our revolvers were the Smith & Wesson 617 double-action revolver with single-action capability and Ruger’s New Model Single Six Hunter. We were also split over choosing a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol.
Economy was the goal, but we didn’t want to buy the least expensive gun and risk outgrowing its capabilities. For quick reference we opened up our DVD copy of the Firearms Guide 2011 database ($40 from Firearms Multimedia Guide) and found almost 80 pistols and revolvers that would be eligible to compete, along with their specifications and schematics. We decided to review some of the guns that would be a good choice for competing in IHMSA’s Practical Hunter rimfire division. New shooters may use a sandbag or mechanical rest to support the gun. Competitors can shoot from any safe position they choose, including prone. As explained on the website, the rimfire arm of the Practical Hunter division is open to 22 LR handguns only with open sights, optical, or red-dot scopes. The International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association (IHMSA) recently instituted a new division aimed at attracting more shooters competing at a maximum distance of 100 yards or meters.