We were surprised that there were very big differences in feel. We wanted to insert the personal element, and so fired them by hand. 45 autoloaders we tested back in April, these guns had already been proved in a Ransom Rest or similar machine designed to wring the most out of them. Once again we chose to hold them in our hand and avoid a machine rest. We of course shot all three guns for precision. They were, respectively, Eley 10X, RWS Rifle Target, Federal Gold Medal, and CCI Pistol Match. We chose an English brand, one from Germany, and two from the U.S.

We also acquired some outstanding target ammunition for them. The Pardini and Benelli were Italians, and the Hmmerli was Swiss-made. Our target pistols included a Pardini Model SP with scope ($1,095) from Nygord Precision a Hmmerli Model 208S ($1,925) from Larry’s Guns out of Portland, Maine and a Benelli MP 95E “Atlanta” ($795). We don’t know if it’s necessary to spend that much money for a top-quality target puncher, but we do have some solid opinions about three guns we tested recently that range between $1,000 and $2,000. Some of these cost more than $1,500, and we suppose if you look hard you’ll find some over $2,000. 22 target pistols such as those we covered last month, there are many handgun choices for those who are willing to spend $1,000 or more for the best of the best. Over and above the cost of beginner-level. Though the $1,095 Pardini Model SP target pistol offered the best price/performance matchup, we would pick the more expensive Hmmerli Model 208S over it and Benelli’s MP 95E Atlanta model.

Pardini red dot