Let's see and learn about your Steel Challenge 22rf pistols

[steve123]

There's a match like this local to me and I found out they have a 22rf division. I think I'll try it.

I have a Ruger MK3 22/45 with a Holosun reflex on it and a old Bennelli MP95 also with a reflex on it.

Earlier this week I did a trigger job on the Ruger and it turned out much better than I thought it would. It's around 3 pounds.

The Benelli already has a great trigger at about 2 pounds. The magazines hold 9 rounds but I only have two.

What pistol is considered "the" gun for this type of match or what do the pro's use?

 

[gkgeiger]

I tried Steel Challenge a couple years ago, it was the most fun I’ve had with a RF handgun. At the time I had a VQ but later got a MK 4 2245 which I did a VQ trigger job. I liked it better. I was 78 at the time and was able to get around 3 seconds. I had a cheap Bushnell Red Dot. If I would have continued shooting I would’ve bought a C-more with a large dot. Have fun.

 

[Hoser]

The lightweight Ruger MkIIIs are a solid choice as is the VQ Mamba.

I have a lightweight 1911 with a Tactical Solutions conversion for iron sights and a S&W 41 with a Bully Barrel for optics. My 41 isnt the best choice, but I get lots of style points. It was also my primary pistol when I was shooting the Sportsmans Team Challenge often. Hitting 2-4 inch plates offhand at 40-50 yards was the norm for a STC accuracy requirement so it is huge overkill for Steel Challenge.

 

[steve123]

Thanks for commenting guys.

I'm still thinking about what would work best. I should try both my guns in this match and see how it goes.

Also it occurred to me that I should look into a 22rf conversion for my STI 2011.

 

[LR1845]

Volquartsen Scorpion.....10 rounds at 25yds 2" dot shot supported...I've got about 2000 rounds through it, 1 FTF 1 FTE both with Norma tac 22...FTF was a bad primer I rotated 180 and FTF again...FTE was after about 600 rounds(W/O cleaning)of the tac 22 lotta wax on them and a lot of build up in the extractor groove....I've shot at least 1000 rounds of match ammo with out any issues....3 different Eley, 2 different wolf and some SK...even the tac 22 shoots about 3" at 25yds...gun loves the 38g Eley.

I bought this pistol for the same reason your thinking...Steel Challenge...I was hesitant because of the price but after shooting it I would not hesitate to buy another and probably going to buy a Scorpion X here soon.

 

[davidsaidwhat]

I came here to learn about long range rimfire. This is something I know something about!

Ruger MKIV Lite with lots of TandemKross parts and pieces. If I had to do it over, I'd order the built pistol from TandemKross, have their really cool Kraken frame, and save about $100 or so over what I ended up buying. The VQ guns are very nice too.

I have added a DP Pro 6MOA dot, and TK comp, mount, trigger, sear kit, grips, racker, thumb rest, and extended safety. I have been very happy with this build.

ETA: I also own a MKIV Tactical full steel upper for use with a Dead Air Mask. The Lite is better for Steel Challenge in my opinion, based on shooting both side by side.

 

[MajorD]

In reality like other gun games, people will spend a ton of money on custom guns. That is ok, if that is what you want to do.

in reality any reliable 22 will do just fine, considering the generous accuracy demands of steel challenge. I have shot steel challenge with an S&W victory, an old colt challenger, and very frequently my 2” S&W 34 revolver. Once just as a stunt really I even shot it with a ruger LCPII and they all did fine.

most people really into it are using a variant of the ruger mark series. Not because it is the best gun out there, but simply it’s as common as dirt and has a great cottage industry of aftermarket support if that matters.

 

[steve123]

Volquartsen Scorpion.....10 rounds at 25yds 2" dot shot supported...I've got about 2000 rounds through it, 1 FTF 1 FTE both with Norma tac 22...FTF was a bad primer I rotated 180 and FTF again...FTE was after about 600 rounds(W/O cleaning)of the tac 22 lotta wax on them and a lot of build up in the extractor groove....I've shot at least 1000 rounds of match ammo with out any issues....3 different Eley, 2 different wolf and some SK...even the tac 22 shoots about 3" at 25yds...gun loves the 38g Eley.

I bought this pistol for the same reason your thinking...Steel Challenge...I was hesitant because of the price but after shooting it I would not hesitate to buy another and probably going to buy a Scorpion X here soon.


View attachment 8145437View attachment 8145438View attachment 8145439

Nice!

How light do the triggers come on these?

 

[steve123]

I came here to learn about long range rimfire. This is something I know something about!

Ruger MKIV Lite with lots of TandemKross parts and pieces. If I had to do it over, I'd order the built pistol from TandemKross, have their really cool Kraken frame, and save about $100 or so over what I ended up buying. The VQ guns are very nice too.

I have added a DP Pro 6MOA dot, and TK comp, mount, trigger, sear kit, grips, racker, thumb rest, and extended safety. I have been very happy with this build.

ETA: I also own a MKIV Tactical full steel upper for use with a Dead Air Mask. The Lite is better for Steel Challenge in my opinion, based on shooting both side by side.

That's pretty cool. I didn't know about the Kraken frame. I'll go check it out.

Thanks for the advice and pics.

 

[gkgeiger]

Here's a couple I have shot. The 2245 later had a TK comp on it.

 

[steve123]

In reality like other gun games, people will spend a ton of money on custom guns. That is ok, if that is what you want to do.

in reality any reliable 22 will do just fine, considering the generous accuracy demands of steel challenge. I have shot steel challenge with an S&W victory, an old colt challenger, and very frequently my 2” S&W 34 revolver. Once just as a stunt really I even shot it with a ruger LCPII and they all did fine.

most people really into it are using a variant of the ruger mark series. Not because it is the best gun out there, but simply it’s as common as dirt and has a great cottage industry of aftermarket support if that matters.

Yep I understand fully.

From past experience the main thing that helps me go faster is having a light trigger.

And since its not so easy for me to see irons anymore the reflex sights have helped me get back most of the precision I had lost.
It's like going back 20 years having a Reflex!!!

I bought a ton a 22rf ammo last week and practiced at least once a week for the last month so I should be tuned in decently for my first match.

We have a plate rack at 10Y and I've gotten my time down to just over 2.5 seconds from low ready position. Now I need to start setting up some steel spread apart like they do for Steel Challenge to practice on.

 

[davidsaidwhat]

Yep I understand fully.

From past experience the main thing that helps me go faster is having a light trigger.

And since its not so easy for me to see irons anymore the reflex sights have helped me get back most of the precision I had lost.
It's like going back 20 years having a Reflex!!!

I bought a ton a 22rf ammo last week and practiced at least once a week for the last month so I should be tuned in decently for my first match.

We have a plate rack at 10Y and I've gotten my time down to just over 2.5 seconds from low ready position. Now I need to start setting up some steel spread apart like they do for Steel Challenge to practice on.

The other thing I find that helps me are the two thumb 'ledges' on the left side of the pistol, the rest and the extended safety. They really help keep the pistol locked in your hand, so when you rise from low ready, your hands and wrists keep the pistol in a place where the dot comes to the eye quickly and naturally. Sure, it takes some time to get used to, but it does work.

Also, I have a 6 MOA dot, mostly because I already had two other DP Pro dot 2.5 MOA units, so I stayed with the same product for this gun. If you can, I would try a 9ish MOA dot. I think that may be better than my 6 MOA. The targets are big, and the precision is low. Speed is the key, and a large dot on large steel seems the best bet.

 

[nikonNUT]

So I know kid (local to me) that shoots steel challenge and has the world record in RFRI and PCCO. Anyways… He’s good and shoots a CWA 2011 .22LR. I got to shoot it when I was at his place getting an NFA engraving (repaired a cylinder on his dads tractor and asked him if he wanted to do cash or just trade) and It was hands down the nicest .22 pistol I have ever shot! I believe his rifle is a VQ in some uber light aluminum and carbon fiber style chassis. I’ve only seen that one.

 

[LR1845]

Nice!

How light do the triggers come on these?

I'm not sure on the pull weight Volquartsen says 2.25lbs...if I had to guess I'd say its right there maybe a bit lighter, no creep or over travel and breaks clean.

 

[steve123]

The other thing I find that helps me are the two thumb 'ledges' on the left side of the pistol, the rest and the extended safety. They really help keep the pistol locked in your hand, so when you rise from low ready, your hands and wrists keep the pistol in a place where the dot comes to the eye quickly and naturally. Sure, it takes some time to get used to, but it does work.

Also, I have a 6 MOA dot, mostly because I already had two other DP Pro dot 2.5 MOA units, so I stayed with the same product for this gun. If you can, I would try a 9ish MOA dot. I think that may be better than my 6 MOA. The targets are big, and the precision is low. Speed is the key, and a large dot on large steel seems the best bet.

Great advice! The thumb ledge looks like it'd help.

I like BIG dots so I'll try a bigger one than my 6MOA green dot at some point.

 

[steve123]

So I know kid (local to me) that shoots steel challenge and has the world record in RFRI and PCCO. Anyways… He’s good and shoots a CWA 2011 .22LR. I got to shoot it when I was at his place getting an NFA engraving (repaired a cylinder on his dads tractor and asked him if he wanted to do cash or just trade) and It was hands down the nicest .22 pistol I have ever shot! I believe this rifle is a VQ in some uber light aluminum and carbon fiber style chassis. I’ve only seen that one.

Thanks, I'll go look up CWA.

 

[davidsaidwhat]

My overall 2 cents, and that's what it's worth, is Steel Challenge is like most other shooting sports. Ability is paramount, equipment is nice, and devotion is needed. Sure, you can 'win' with a stock Buckmark you got from your dad. But we like to play around with gear. Lots of gear. I built out a fully, as they like to say, 'Tandemized' pistol because I can afford it and it was fun. And it really does perform very well. It gives me joy to shoot it.

As with anything, please start out with whatever you have. The only real requirement, and this is mostly out of courtesy, is that you be able to shoot 5 consecutive runs of 5 shots plus any misses, without reloading your magazines. For 10 round mags, you need 5 mags. Chances are, if you don't have 5 mags, someone at the match will loan you a couple just to keep the flow going. Just don't show up next month without 5 mags. Please?

It is a sport almost the complete opposite of PRS Rimfire. And that's why I just bought a B14r last month, to try something different. I am here to learn, and if I can, I'd be happy to help others with what I have learned in USPSA and Steel Challenge.

 

[LR1845]

Great advice! The thumb ledge looks like it'd help.

I like BIG dots so I'll try a bigger one than my 6MOA green dot at some point.

6MOA is more than big enough and stick with green if you have bad eye's...the Holosun EPS is a great sight for this.
As @davidsaidwhat said above shoot a match or two and see what you think if you like it and plan to stick with it then decide with to buy or build.

 

[Quick1]

I love all things 22Lr, but really like shooting steel. Agree with some posts above, any reliable 22Lr pistol will work for steel challange, but better guns will result in faster times. Two things make the most difference for me, a great trigger and just about zero muzzle rise. I was able to acheive this with my new CWA 2011 race gun. Below is a pic of my steel challange duo, recently aquired CWA and my KIDD rifle, both are sporting C-More red dots with a 8MOA dot. My pistol progression went like this: basic ruger 22/45 with no mods, ruger 22/45 with upgraded trigger, Volquartsen Black Mamba (4.5 inch barrel), Volquartsen Mamba X (4.5 inch barrel), and now the CWA. I have sold the Ruger 22/45 and the Black Mamba and still have the Mamba X. The nicer guns did NOT make me a better shooter, you still need the skills, but they did make me faster. Yes, the CWA is very expensive, but worth it to me. The CWA is the Farrari of 22Lr pistols, the trigger is sub 2 pounds and absolutly amazing. All the parts work together to make a flat shooting gun with almost zero muzzle rise making transition from target to target smooth and fast. The Mamba X is also fast, and at a much lower price if you do not want to drop the money ona CWA. The difference is in hundredths of a second, but makes me smile when I beat my friends in some friendly competition. If interested in a CWA, give Chet a call, I thorougly enjoyed talking and working with him to create my custom master piece which was a promotion present to myself.

 

[steve123]

Thanks, I'll go look up CWA.

Wow those are Hot looking!

Minimum price for a base build is $2200. I'm selling about 5 grand worth of stuff on another forum so I'm seriously tempted to go for it because I already have the holster and mag pouches that'll fit it.

 

[steve123]

I love all things 22Lr, but really like shooting steel. Agree with some posts above, any reliable 22Lr pistol will work for steel challange, but better guns will result in faster times. Two things make the most difference for me, a great trigger and just about zero muzzle rise. I was able to acheive this with my new CWA 2011 race gun. Below is a pic of my steel challange duo, recently aquired CWA and my KIDD rifle, both are sporting C-More red dots with a 8MOA dot. My pistol progression went like this: basic ruger 22/45 with no mods, ruger 22/45 with upgraded trigger, Volquartsen Black Mamba (4.5 inch barrel), Volquartsen Mamba X (4.5 inch barrel), and now the CWA. I have sold the Ruger 22/45 and the Black Mamba and still have the Mamba X. The nicer guns did NOT make me a better shooter, you still need the skills, but they did make me faster. Yes, the CWA is very expensive, but worth it to me. The CWA is the Farrari of 22Lr pistols, the trigger is sub 2 pounds and absolutly amazing. All the parts work together to make a flat shooting gun with almost zero muzzle rise making transition from target to target smooth and fast. The Mamba X is also fast, and at a much lower price if you do not want to drop the money ona CWA. The difference is in hundredths of a second, but makes me smile when I beat my friends in some friendly competition. If interested in a CWA, give Chet a call, I thorougly enjoyed talking and working with him to create my custom master piece which was a promotion present to myself.

Wow, nice guns!!!!!!