Pro Tips: Choosing an Action Pistol

by
posted on December 5, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fullsizerender.jpg
Julie Golob—Action Pistol Champion
I prefer firearms that do not have finger grooves since they are just someone else’s idea of a perfect grip. Grip size is critical for me because I have small hands. Easily reached controls are another priority for me. I started on 1911’s so I am partial to that grip angle. Not having to have to carry a full tool box to disassemble a gun is also a perk. I am not a fan of polymer magazines because where the notch sits for magazine release can get buggered and cause issues.

Bruce Piatt—Conventional/Action Pistol Champion
For iron sighted guns, the main things I watch for include: accuracy; trigger weight at or just over legal weight, reach, and feel—either a clean break after a roll or two-stage; consistency; balance—too much weight in the rear tends to cause front end shake; sight radius—the longer the radius with iron sights, the easier to detect sighting errors; sight picture—white outlines and 3-dot combat sights aren’t very practical for competition; and adjustability—must have. Lastly, the grip purchase must give the shooter control during recoil.

Latest

Woox 1911Grips 1
Woox 1911Grips 1

New: WOOX Hand-Finished Grips for Your 1911

WOOX’s new 1911 grips come in American walnut ($89) or Micarta ($79), each with Plain, Diamond or X-Grip textures.

Canik Unveils Onyx, Phantom Optics Lineup

Canik launches four pistol red dots in open-emitter Onyx and enclosed Phantom families, priced at $259.99 and $299.99.

Collegiate Rifle: Muller, Perkowski Shoot Perfect 600s in NCAA Air Rifle

Alaska-Fairbanks’ Teagan Perkowski and WVU’s Océanne Muller shoot perfect air rifle 600s, Muller’s third of the season and a program record.

RCBS Updates Its Vibratory Case Polisher

RCBS updates its Vibratory Case Polisher with a quick-detach bowl and faster-sifting lid, cleaning up to 1,000 9 mm cases per load.

Wilson Combat Launches Match-Grade Barrels for Remington 700 Actions

Wilson Combat’s new match-grade barrels for Remington 700 pattern actions come in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor, with more to come.

What Ruger’s Production Cuts Mean for Competitive Shooters

Ruger has suspended four revolver families and will wind down 15 more by year’s end, including the RPR and PC Carbine.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.