The 22/45's polymer grip simulates the grip angle of the Model 1911, and the magazine release, slide stop, and thumb safety are located in virtually the same places as on the Model 1911.

My favorite thing is to gather an assortment of objects and put them to use as plinking targets. Early on I found that charcoal briquettes make excellent targets and provide a satisfying puff of "smoke" when you center them. Empty shotgun shells also become challenging targets, as do the clay pigeons that are used in the shotgun shooting sports. You can just set them against the backstop or, better still, hang them by a string and let the breeze supply you with moving targets. Golf balls are also challenging targets. When you hit a golf ball with a .22 bullet it really takes off. While "golfing" with your favorite .22 repeater, just be sure to remember safety rule No. 4 and be aware of what's behind the target.

Some of my favorite plinking targets come from raiding the refrigerator just prior to heading to the range. Now, I don't advocate shooting up perfectly good food, but sometimes stuff lingers a little too long in my 'fridge, and I'd a whole lot rather use it as targets than to just throw it in the trash. This includes tomatoes, apples, peaches, eggs, and heads of lettuce and cabbage. The possibilities are mind-boggling.

Some pretty basic rules go hand in hand with each and every plinking session. The first is that you never shoot at anything made of glass. Nobody wants broken glass all over their range, creek bank, or other informal shooting location. Also be very careful about shooting at metal or any other hard surface that might result in a ricochet. And, finally, clean up the mess when you're finished shooting. Fired cartridge cases, cans, shotgun shells, golf balls, and all that other shooting detritus needs to be policed up, put in a trash container, or hauled off. The possible exception to this would be the charcoal briquettes and food products that are biodegradable.

The front sight is a HiViz fiber-optic unit

The .22 Is Plinking King
Of course, we plinkers are free to enjoy our sport with just about whatever firearm happens to appeal to us. Bring along your shotgun, .45-70 carbine, matched pair of engraved Colt Peacemakers, or any other guns that melt your butter. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn when I say that the .22 rimfire cartridge is still the most popular plinker of them all. And being as how I make my living, I trust you'll understand when I say that my favorite plinking partner is some sort of .22 handgun.

In fact, I recently had the chance to try out the latest version of Ruger's 22/45 Mark III pistol. I'm talking about the Mark III Hunter with the 4.5-inch barrel. Ruger's 22/45 series of .22 auto pistols is built around a polymer frame that simulates the same grip angle as the classic 1911 pistol. And just as on the Model 1911, Ruger's 22/45 has its magazine release mounted on the left side of the frame just behind the trigger. The new 22/45 also features a slide stop and thumb safety in virtually the same location as on the Model 1911.

rear sight is adjustable and features a V-notch blade.

Topside, the Ruger 22/45 Mark III Hunter is crafted from stainless steel and has a target-crowned, fluted, bull barrel. Again, barrel length is 4.5 inches on this new-for-2007 version. The front sight is a HiViz fiber-optic unit.