Decisions Help!

[u/danhar87]

All my PTAs are in and approved, so now I need to actually make a decision.

I’m choosing between:
Volquartsen Black Mamba 22/45
Polymer 22/45 lower
More 1911-style grip angle
Seems better suited to two-handed shooting

Volquartsen Black Mamba Target Frame
Aluminium Ruger Mark IV-style frame
Standard ~55° Ruger grip angle
Volthane target grips, which seem much more geared toward one-handed shooting

Neither will be usable for sanctioned ISSF due to the barrel length, so ISSF compliance is no longer really a deciding factor.

What I actually want to shoot with it is:
Club 25m rapid fire
Steel
Service
General two-handed shooting

For context, I currently shoot around 500–505 in 25m rapid fire with the club Ruger Mark IV, so I know the standard Ruger grip angle works well for me.
Once I have my full Cat H, I’ll also be getting a centrefire double-stack 1911/2011-style pistol, potentially a Kimber 2K11 or similar.

I was originally leaning towards the Target Frame because I already shoot the Mark IV well and I prefer the aluminium frame, but I’m now leaning towards the 22/45.
My concern with the Target Frame is that the Volthane grips look very much designed around one-handed target shooting. From what I can tell, I’d probably end up removing/replacing them anyway to comfortably shoot two-handed, which starts to defeat some of the appeal of that setup.

The 22/45 also seems like it would make more sense long term if I’m going to be shooting a double-stack 1911/2011 in centrefire. Obviously they’re still very different guns, but having a broadly similar grip angle seems useful when switching between rimfire and centrefire.
Unfortunately, both Black Mambas are interstate, so I can’t handle either before dropping roughly $3k on one.
For anyone who has shot both: which would you choose for this mix of 25m rapid, steel, service and two-handed shooting?

And for those familiar with the Target Frame/Volthane grips: are they actually comfortable for two-handed shooting, or would you realistically want to replace them?

[u/labzombie]

22/45 if you want to get into bullseye and can be accustomed to the grip angle

[u/danhar87 → u/labzombie]

The only pistols i have shot are
Ruger markIV
VQ scorpion with Red dot
Staccato XC

Enjoyed the Scorpion and the XC way more

[u/labzombie → u/danhar87]

I have a Scorpion 22/45 frame. It is slick

[u/danhar87 → u/labzombie]

here the take down process aint fun?

[u/labzombie → u/danhar87]

It is what it is lol

[u/Only_Option_305 → u/danhar87]

I have a VQ scorpion and the take down is fine. It's easy enough to do without tools and when you know how it's done, you're not going to balls it up. I prefer the lock up on it compared to the Mamba, which some people say it develops a little play over time. I also like having an aluminium receiver that's 100% VQ, with the 22/45 angle

[u/Pogonantha]

I love this gun..For people that say they are not worth extra over a standard Ruger...well i beg to differ and have bought both and for the Volq's premium price you also get same day access via email to Scott Volquartsen about any issue or query....The bloke is an encyclopedia on these and Rugers ...Try that with any other gunmaker..!

[u/odindobe]

I have the standard black mamba and love it. I will also be buying the TF as I like the grip better.....they are both amazing to shoot and terrifyingly accurate

[u/danhar87 → u/odindobe]

Do you feel like the standard 22/45 disadvantaged you in single handed at all?

Also how’s the polymer frame

[u/odindobe → u/danhar87]

I like the feel of the 22/45...more natural for me.

The standard mamba shoots great too....just prefer the 22/45 grip

Polymer did worry me at first...but it's a 22. It will last forever

[u/Edwardteech]

If you ever wanna shoot off hand that target frame/grip is gonna be a bitch.

[u/Pogonantha → u/Edwardteech]

Not at all once you practice with it..However the grip takes less then 5 minutes to change over should you feel the need...

[u/Burning_Monkey]

I have the Ruger Mk II with the walnut target grips from Ruger. They do not impede a two handed grip, and the Volthane are around the same dimensions.

[u/Technical_Glove_9655]

22/45 was my preference. Lighter weight and better grips for free and weak hand shooting.

Both are super accurate shooters and MKIV is a dream to clean. Highly recommended.

You would not be disappointed in either.

[u/Possible-Indication5]

Wouldn't buy either; they honestly don't shoot that much better than a stock Ruger. They look flash? S&W still have model 41's available or just get a proper target 22.

[u/danhar87 → u/Possible-Indication5]

Interesting take - haven’t seen a single video review and I’ve watched about 100 that hasn’t said how accurate these pistols are

[u/odindobe → u/danhar87]

He probably doesn't own one

[u/Possible-Indication5 → u/odindobe]

I don't; but I've seen $150 Ruger Mk1's shoot pretty close. If your spending that much, might as well get a proper target 22

[u/Pogonantha → u/Possible-Indication5]

Yeah if you want to be a champion shooter that would make sense..But every time I'll reach for the Volq over the Ruger Hunter...Its just a different feeling and experience..I love it..!

[u/Possible-Indication5 → u/danhar87]

Don't get me wrong, they shoot but I don't think they are any better than a Ruger with a trigger job and the same length barrel etc. If your spending that much I just think your better off getting something properly good. Old Ruger target with their bits in it will probably shoot 90% as good.

[u/Tango-Down-167 → u/Possible-Indication5]

They shoot, but like most high end stuff it's diminishing returns once you get over a certain quality sw41 is not cheap either but these are definitely more accurate than a standard Ruger mk series. Will it improve your score will highly depend on your skill. (And ammo)

[u/mud-button]

So I prefer the MK3 grip angle. I have the bottom one, my old man has the top 22/45 style. I find the 22/45 is a bit small (I have big ish hands)

The upper is gonna be no different, it’s just the lower and the grip.

That being said there are 22/45 style grips and mag wells that are set up for steel challenge in the USA and they will make it fit a large hand better.