Fair Price for a New Model 97

[Racer X]

I am wanting one of these to shoot silhouette at my local club. I want to get extra cylinder for 22 mag as well.

A few questions:

1) Reasonable price for a new one?

2) Minimum barrel length for for silhouette?

3) Are match chambers worth the extra money?

4) Typical group sizes at 25 yards.

Thanks.

[MarkH]

with the extra cylinder, at least $1650.
No idea.
Not in my opinion.
Depends on you.

[Ken ONeill]

I agree with Mark on the price. With regard to the accuracy, if YOU can, IT can. 97's (or 83's) are as good as the shooter. The Match chamber may add a very slight bit to the mechanical accuracy, but is a bit of a nuisance, requiring thumb pressure to seat each round. Over the course of a 40 shot Metallic Silhouette match, you may even need a small wooden dowel to assist in the seating. I had my 83's Match chambers opened up to Sporting chambers 3 years ago. My 97 came with Sporting chambers, and I'm happy with it.
Barrel length ? What kind of Silhouettes are you shooting ? NRA Smallbore Hunter Pistol ? IHMSA... Standing? Freestle? If Creedmoore in Freestyle, you'll need a 10" for safety reasons. If Standing only, It's a matter of personal taste. Most Master or International class shooters would pick a 10", if they're shooting iron sights. If they're shooting in a scoped category standing, there's no reason not to pick, say, a 7 1/2".
The barrel length question suggests that you're new to Silhouette shooting. A dedicated silhouette gun should have better sights, if shooting irons. I suggest the ISGW ( or after market Bo-Mar) rear, and the FA hooded post front sights, and I'd drop the .22 Mag. extra cylinder, thereby more than paying for the sights.
On the other hand, if you don't plan to be a serious Silhouette competitor, the extra cylinder and standard sights will be fine for hunting and casual target use, and I'd pick a 7 1/2" or 5 1/2" barrel.

[Racer X]

I think it's NRA Small Bore but I am not really sure. I went to our range yesterday to test some loads in my Guide Gun and they were having a rimfire handgun silhouette match. They talked me into shooting in the match and lent me a Ruger MK III Bull Barrel to shoot. It was fun. The main reason I want to shoot rimfire handgun silhouette is to become a much better shot for handgun hunting.

None of the guys shooting had high-end guns like the FA's . Most shot Ruger Target Models. Some of the guys shot Creedmore (sp) but I did not.

[Ken ONeill]

If some in the match were shooting Creedmore, then it's IHMSA .22. The Ruger Mk. II Target 10" barrel semi-auto is an outstanding gun for that discipline. A good one is capable of shooting 40X40's and 60X60's in the right hands, and the cost is modest. After you master it, you could even add a Bowen Target rear sight, but that certainly won't be necessary until you shoot your way into International class, if then.

[myronman3]

while i dont know much about the formal  competitions, and i agree the rugers are good pistols for target shooting;  go with the freedom arm if you can.  they are damn fine firearms made by a fine company.  the gun will surely be something to treasure and appreciate.  and as nice as the rugers are,  the f.a. will blow it out of the water when it comes to accuracy.

[Rod in Pa]

Ken is the hands on "Expert" here and I follow his knowledge always. I can tell you that I received a Model 83 "field grade" about 45 days ago. With a two power Leupold scope it shoots one jagged hole at 50 feet. I can't wait till nest Squirrel season in Pa. This hangun if fitted with a factory three pound trigger plus a trigger stop. Rod in Pa..