TargetTalk

Hello all!

I have been a competitive rifle shooter for some time now and am currently shooting in the NCAA. My time will be up next year and I have thought about making the switch to more pistol competitions as I am tiring of rifle. As of now, the only real competitive type pistol that I have shot has been in precision black powder and that experience was amazing.

I would really love to get into 50m free pistol the most right now because of the challenge that it presents. Is this dreaming a little too big for me?? I am able to shoot at a Master-High Master level in 50m black powder pistol without too much trouble.

Alternatively, I would probably pick up an air pistol for cross training as well. Is this a smart idea?

As for training, I will have full access to a 50m range and a 10m indoor range as well as a scatt system that I currently use for rifle.

Also, what would I be looking at cost wise?? I plan on selling one of my two rifles when I graduate which should bring around $3,000. I know pistols are cheaper than rifles, but I really don't know how much would be good to spend for a beginner like me. I have read about the unfinished Toz 35m's, are these good deals? I have woodworking experience, so the grips wouldn't be a problem.

Thank you so much!!

P.S. I am left handed just to add some more difficulty ;)

Get an air pistol first. That will tell you if you want to pursue Free Pistol and it's great training for any other type of pistol competition.

You should be able to get into a CO2 gun fairly cheaply, and yes, the TOZ are good buys. Don't get suckered into overspending on this stuff. Save your money for ammo.

Would it be worth it to get a CO2 or Compressed air pistol, or would getting a baikal be good?

+1 Air Pistol. Go feel a few, any good pistol will out shoot you for many years to come. Don't listen too hard to the "you gotta get this" guys. Shoot a few, most owners will let you shoot one a bit to get a feel for it. Take your time and enjoy the process. As for a free pistol, lots of older mechanical trigger stuff is out there second hand. Upside is they are a ball for not a lot of money, downside is parts and service, maybe, if you need it. My Hammerli is stone cold reliable, My TOZ needs a set of Rinks before I know much about it. A third choice might be a Hammerli Exesse, Shoot NRA Bullseye and Intl sport pistol with the same gun. Under a grand tuned up new......

You can get a used top of the line CO2 gun for about the price of a new Baikal. You can buy a TOZ for under $500.

Buy the AP first: there are a lot of matches.

+1 on the get an air pistol first.
A used CO2 or compressed air in good condition is the best bet for those who are starting.

Once you get decent scores with it then try free pistol.

Hope this helps