Centerfire pistol recommendations

First topic message reminder :

I've been having a great time shooting Bullseye, but so far I've only been shooting rimfire, with my Buck Mark. I'd like to add a centerfire pistol, probably a .45, so I can do a full 2700. Any suggestions? I'd like to keep it under $700 if possible. The .45 would need be be able to have a mount for a red dot.

Thanks for the help, and see you on the line,

Jacob

This post is supposed to give a new .45 shooter advice on what he should do to join us when he buys his first love--A .45 caliber pistol. Let's keep his thread on target.

Jacob;

Some good suggestions have already been put forth, and given your price constraint, I would also vote for a SA Range Officer. For the features and performance (and price) hard to beat.

As you may know, many times you can get a "used" pistol for less. I say used in that sometimes folks will buy wanting to get into USPSA, IDPA, Bullseye, etc, realize it's not their cup of tea, and sell their pistol. Many times they have only shot 20-30 rounds or so. I have picked up a few firearms over the years this way, they look and function just fine, accuracy is great, they just didn't want to do the sport any longer. Check this forum, Internet auctions, and local clubs/shooters. Many states have shooter forums with ads also. Look everywhere.

When I got into IPSC in the early 80's, bought a Gold Cup National Match for about $675 IIRC. Already had mods made, but I did further mods, which of course means more $. I still have that GC, still shoots great!

Happy hunting, Joel

To the OP:

I remember being where you are. I suggest shooting the .22 rimfire and saving your money until you either find a used wadgun that will hold the 10/X-ring from a rest at 50 yards or you can afford to have a wadgun built. You might think you don't need that accurate of a gun, but you do.

I spent a lot of time and money making do until I got lucky and found a used Colt wadgun that was actually a few hundred dollars less than the Kimber Target II I was using. (Don't buy a Kimber!)