MKII 22/45 -vs- MKIII Competition

I currently own a 1995 Ruger 22/45 with 4" barrel, but I am thinking about replacing it with a Mark III Competition, for .22 Bullseye.
Is there any advantage with the Competition's 6.88" barrel over the 22/45's 4" barrel?
I will be installing an Ultra Dot 4 scope, so sight radius won't be a factor.
I'm on the fence about the purchase. If the longer barrel won't be an improvement, I'll likely have my 22/45's receiver drilled and tapped, and use it. It's old enough to have not been factory drilled.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

If the gun you already has is accurate, then get the scope mount!

The other option is to simply replace your barrel with a longer one. Some manufacturers make replacement "top ends" that you don't even need a gunsmith to switch your existing gun over.

It's my bet that your existing gun won't offer you, as a beginner, any difference in performance and will likely carry you to at least sharpshooter. I recommend you mount up a dot and work with your existing .22. I think it will serve you well.

I've been using my MKII 22/45 in matches and it shoots just fine. It will hold the X-ring at 50 yards with good ammo so it should be a good gun to start you off. Take the money you would have spent on a new gun and get an Ultradon and a bunch of ammo and go practice.

Here's my .02 worth.

The guy who got me into shooting Bullseye had a 4.5" slab side that we Ransomed. It shot a consistent 1 1/2" group with Winchester bulk pack dynapoints (which was all we used at the time. $8.88/carton) at 50 yds.

I'll add my vote for just drilling & tapping your MKII.

FWIW

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the push off the fence.
I'm going to have the 22/45 drilled & tapped for the red-dot scope.
I've got an Ultra Dot Match Dot and a Volquartsen mount, time to take a trip to the gunsmith.
Thanks folks!
I'm sure I'll be spending more time hare at Bullseye Forum.
Tim

What version of the 22/45 do you have? Most of the models do not have replaceable grips, so one is stuck with the thin, slippery plastic profile.

The one benefit of going to the mk3 bull barrel or comp model is that it is already pretapped for a scope mount (and includes the mount) and the grips are replaceable.

However if you are fine with what you have, you should keep at it and put the money towards ammo and range time/membership.

Welcome to the sport!

Referencing the info from jakuda.

While you are at the gunsmith, see if he will add the grip screw inserts for a .45 into your frame. That will allow you to swap grips to whatever you like. A couple of years ago I ran into a gunsmith friend of mine that was doing that quite successfully.

I have the MK III 22/45 and it comes with a rail for scope mounting. I have the RP model, which will let you use 1911 grip panels. You have to trim a little off a standard grip to make clearance for he slide release. Toss in a Volquartsen trigger kit and it will do well.

I believe there is a guy on Rim Fire Central sell a action for the competiton model....for 225.00 i think is what he asking.....just thought I'd let you know,