Originally Posted by BigMatt

Sub 1 inch groups at 25 yards is my goal

That has a lot more to do with your ability than the gun itself.

Anyways, my personal choice for a range gun in that price range would probably be the CZ-75.

-Jeff-

CZ-75 B (or SP-01). If you want a pure range gun in that price range, you can almost get a CX-75 SP-01 Tactical, which has a 5" barrel. They mostly go for $525-550, without shipping and taxes.

(Based on my own admittedly limited experience. The CZ-75 is the only pistol I've fired that shot straight where I pointed it without noticeable acquaintance time. I ended up with my FNP-9P when mixing in weight and cost. Now that I'm used to it, the FNP is a sweet shooter, but with the CZ the relationship was immediate. YMMV.)

Oh yeah. If you can shoot 1" groups at 75 feet with a two-handed standing grip, remind me to never offend you!

The most accurate centerfire auto at the $500 price point I've used so far is the CZ 85 Combat, which is just a variant of the 75.

You will not find an out-of-the-box centerfire auto in that price range that will do repeatable sub-1" groups at 25 yards.

PhilR.

Try looking at some .22 lr's with heavy barrels and adjustable sights for pure accuracy and economical shooting. You can find them anywhere for less than $500.00. Ruger makes an excellent selection and it would round out the collection you have started. Sub 1" groups are very attainable if you have the time and talent to practice and they are great for steel matches, recoil is minimal and it will improve your trigger control and reset. Just my .02.

Originally Posted by Scratchshooter40

Try looking at some .22 lr's with heavy barrels and adjustable sights for pure accuracy and economical shooting. You can find them anywhere for less than $500.00. Ruger makes an excellent selection and it would round out the collection you have started. Sub 1" groups are very attainable if you have the time and talent to practice and they are great for steel matches, recoil is minimal and it will improve your trigger control and reset. Just my .02.

Based on what the OP states he is interested in, he is evidently looking for a centerfire. But yes, a Ruger MK, along with several other .22lr auto's, can do quite well at 25 yards. A MKII or III with some Volquartsen trigger parts might be doable for under $500.

PhilR.

Originally Posted by BeefyBeefo

That has a lot more to do with your ability than the gun itself.

Anyways, my personal choice for a range gun in that price range would probably be the CZ-75.

-Jeff-

While a gos gun can make a difference BB has it right.

Is the gun going to determine what type competition or do you have a type of competition in mind you need the gun for?

Keep the Horse before the cart if you want things to go smoothly.

You will need a bunch of discount coupons for a sub 1" at 25yds. guarantee unless it's a rifle.

Good luck

My Les Baer is guaranteed to shoot 1.5'' groups at 50 yards which would be sub 1'' at 25 yards. It was shipped with a target as proof. Of course it was shot from a Ransom rest and cost $2100. A Mk 2 or 3 Ruger is your best bet for 500 bucks.

I've found the Beretta 92/96FS to also be quite accurate due to the 5" barrel, long sight radius and soft shooting nature of this big pistol.

Check your range and see if they have one for rent. If so, give it a try.

There are a ton of them in circulation so I am pretty sure parts and accessories are readily available.

My CZ-75B cost me $460 OTD, and was certified to shoot inside 2" at 25 yards, from the factory. I have never shot it that well, personally, but everything I have done with it leads me to believe that it really is capable of that degree of accuracy.

I think I am going to get the CZ-75B and put an extended ported barrle on it and a red dot sight and just go have some fun.

Originally Posted by BigMatt

I think I am going to get the CZ-75B and put an extended ported barrle on it and a red dot sight and just go have some fun.

You might also consider the addition of one of those Hogue rubber wraparound grips too. I have them on my 85Combat, and it's great. This grip combination is the best of all my pistols.

PhilR.