RFPO Steel Challenge Build

Tyler Branstetter · May 25, 2017

So, I'm going to start shooting RFPO division in steel challenge and I'm wondering what I should do next to my gun.

Current Setup:
Smith and Wesson SW22 Victory
Tandemkross Victory Trigger
Tandemkross Halo Charging Handle

In the Mail:
Cmore Railway Optic

Possible Upgrades
1. Volquartsen CF Barrel - I'm leaning towards this as the next upgrade. The factory barrel is HEAVY!! Since this will be a dedicated Steel Challenge gun I feel like it is front heavy is very unbalanced and will slow my transitions down.
2. Volquarsten Custom Grips - I've got Sasquatch hands and while I don't hate the stock grips, the Volquartsen grip look like they would be Perfect for me. I use the oversized Ergo on my PCC AR9 so I think these grips would be amazing.
3. Tandemkross Cmore Mount - this lowers the Cmore a bit closer to the gun over using the rail mount. I don't want to do a side mount. Does is really make THAT big of a difference that I would need the lower mount and see a noticeable difference?
4. Tandemkross vs. Volquartsen compensator - I'd like to go the Volquartsen comp if I get the matching barrel. Does anyone have an opinion about which one is better? Preferences?
5. Volquartsen Extractor - pretty cheap upgrade if I have issues with the gun ejecting.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions!

Also, does anyone have a Victory and does yours have a preference on a particular type/kind of Ammo?

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dennishoddy · May 25, 2017

I don't have a victory, but there was a huge discussion on Rimfire.com about the effectiveness of a muzzle brake on a .22 rimfire pistol.
Both contestants in the battle were engineers and posted an array of technical reasons about why it would work or not.
Neither made the kill shot about effectiveness though.
Personally I have the Volquartson brake on my Mark III Hunter. If nothing else the weight up front should help with muzzle flip from the action working, but I'm dammed sure not going to put my hand over the top of the cuts to test it. Don't know if I'd change the barrel or not. Heavier might be better for the same reasons as the brake, to arrest muzzle flip.
Its not bullseye shooting so no matter how close to the bore axis you can get the Cmore, it really doesn't matter IMHO. Your just hitting the plate, and it doesn't matter where.
I'd try the factory extractor before upgrading to the Volquartsen. I have not seen any of the Victory's have ejection problems that could be related to the extractor. Lubrication issues, yes. Some think running one dry as the desert makes them more reliable. I don't get that theory, but it gives them time to think about it while clearing FTE's.

Tyler Branstetter · May 25, 2017

Thanks for the insight Dennis!

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sc3786 · May 25, 2017

I picked one up a couple of months ago but between the okc steel chalenge matches getting rescheduled due to other matches and my schedule, I haven't got a chance to shoot it at a match. But I have done the same upgrades you have. I had to clean up the frame to get the TK trigger to properly reset. At this point I am just going to keep factory barrel. Have used with cci mini mag and winchester super x high velocity ammo. Both ran great. I did also remove the magazine safety catch and replaced it with the TK to make unload show clear easier. Still need to pick up a c-more for it. Just have a cheapo dot on it now, but it shoots flat and was pretty easy to transition targets. At this point my skills are holding me back way more than any parts that need upgraded. Some have reported issues with the main take down screw loosening after 300-500rds so keep and I on that or add a split washer.

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