Get your hands on a model 41 and shoot it bit, and you might understand the price. It's difficult to understand the value of something you know nothing about.
Then again, the used car will get you and the Mk II or III and the pallet of ammo to the range and back.....
There's a reason the 41 is the most popular American made .22 Bullseye pistol at the Nationals.
They also do very well in the Steel Challenge game.
Once you go Model 41 smith you won't go back,
You don't see too many winning bullseye shooters using the Ruger products, Don't take that the wrong way the Rugers are Great in thier own class but you comparing the rugers and the smith 41's is like comparing a chevy work truck to a Rolls Silver Cloud.
Both will take you down the road but the precision of which they do it is different
Points well taken. I like and own some very expensive sidearms as well - Just seems a bit excess to spend that much if looking to start shooting/investing in your first 22 handgun for fun. Can't comment on Bullseye competition though as I don't compete - if I did that could justify the cost. I guess I'm going to have to handle one if I can find one.