Substitute for .22 in competition?

Hypothetically, would you use another caliber in the .22 section of a match if the rules permit it?  In other words, for example, since a .45 is allowed in centerfire would you also use it in place of a .22 for that competition if allowed?

The information you seek is in the rules for NRA Approved and Registered Matches.

CR10X wrote:The information you seek is in the rules for NRA Approved and Registered Matches.  

It wasn't a rules question unless you're suggesting to me that using any caliber pistol in the .22 section of a match is permitted.  Regardless, I'll read the rules again to see if it addresses my hypothetical question.

I read it wrong. The answer depends on the match. For example on a B-16 SF at 25 yards, might to get the potential extra points from the larger bullet. Otherwise, probably not.

Take a look at the results of scores in most any match.  The 22 scores are higher than either the center fire or 45 scores.  Once you make Master or High Master the scores will be much closer but usually even their 22 scores are higher.

Lighter trigger allowed, softer recoil with the 22, IMHO using anything but a 22 in the 22 match would put you at a disadvantage.

- Dave

Also page 13 states nothing but 22 rimfire can be used in a 22 match, so it's a moot point.

This was probably not one of my better questions.  It was almost purely hypothetical and sort of went along with an earlier question by another poster about the shortage of .22lr ammo.  I was just wondering if the rules permitted it would anyone shoot another caliber pistol in the part of the competition normally set aside for .22.

no, I wouldn't as my average 22 scores are at the master level many matches where im still working to bring my 45 to that level.

beeser wrote:This was probably not one of my better questions.  It was almost purely hypothetical and sort of went along with an earlier question by another poster about the shortage of .22lr ammo.  I was just wondering if the rules permitted it would anyone shoot another caliber pistol in the part of the competition normally set aside for .22.

I get the jest in the question. I know we have been hit pretty hard in the sport for lack of .22 rimfire ammo. It has surly slowed my training down. The tough part is filling the gap in a hypothetical way. The closest I can see would be 9mm or 38spc. I know both fit into the CF round but if there was no end to the .22 shortage, they seem to make the most sense. Cheap to load for, and fairly soft recoil compared to a .45. Guns out there for both. Nothing really in the pipeline for a reloadable .22 for pistol use, so you would need to go to the next  "every man" caliber .  Im my eyes the 38spc, and/or 9mm will fill that bill best. I know this is just a "what if" type question, but still fun to toss around.

To much effort has been put into the development of the 22 LR cartridge and the platforms to fire them to pick up anything else and expect it to be competitive.     My 22 ammo shortage fix for the year was to shoot a lot of 45 and put in some quality time with my air gun.

I would pick the .32 S&W or ACP.  Minimal kick in a Pardini.

As long as were day dreaming I would look at an older Browning in 380. They made some that look like they would be fun to play with. Check this one out.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=455423236

.22s shoot enough tighter than CF in everything I have tried (in my hands, at least, both over the bags and firing for record) that I would shoot other than .22 RF (IF rules allowed) only if I had absolutely no .22 AND some burning desire to shoot THAT match.

The bigger bullet hole "advantage" is swallowed up in the 1-2" tighter groups at 50 yards factor.

Maybe a .32 if it was accurate enough--in my hands.

I know it's hypothetical. Reminds me of one guy in college who wanted to shoot his .380 in an IPSC-style try-it-out shoot we organized. When planning, he asked why on the power factor, and I spat out the stuff I'd read in the Handgunner about "serious" calibers for self-defense, and mentioned the contrast between the unavoidable recoil of rounds making PF vs. the mouse phart loads of Bullseye pistol shooting, the two games being fundamentally different.

They guy still wanted to shoot the .380 and came back with the math showing that the recoil impulse in his pocket pistol was more than a PF 175 round shot from a full-size 1911. Or maybe it was PF 125 for Minor in those days. Anyway, the guy spent too much time thinking about how to justify running what he brung.

If they decided to drop 22, my choice would be to shoot my 45 the entire match.