Mitchell Arms High Standard "Supermatic" .22

[drband]

Anybody seen one of these pistols? My local range has one for sale for $550 (consigned). Looks like a very nice pistol in great condition. A web search indicates manufactured between 1993-2000. This is the top model with gold plated trigger, gp mag release, gp slide release, gp safety. Also has trigger force adjustment, over travel adj., adj. target sights. The rear sight is on a "bridge" over the slide so it does not move. This one is in stainless (trophy finish, I think) with a smooth bull barrel. Also has carved walnut, checkered grips with thumb rest-very nice.

Any info would be appreciated. I guess you can tell I'm interested.

 

[saltydog452]

High Standard, like other mfgrs have had some good times and some not so good.

At one time there was a 'High Standard Forum'. If its still there, you might find more specific information regarding variable corporate Ownership focus,different mfg locations, and QC issues.

My current HS isn't considered a 'top shelf' model, but it suits me just dandy.

The magazines might need tweeking but information on how to adjust magazine lips is readily available. The HS doesn't have a feed ramp and depends on the magazine lips to get the loaded round pointed toward the camber.

It is highly unlikey that you'd see a High Standard on the firing line at the National Matches as there are more competitive pistols available for the Olympic level shooters. Time was though, it and the S&W 41/46 were capable of world class scores.

Maybe that'll help you some.

salty

 

[earplug]

I Had one.

Do not confuse them with a real HIGH STANDARD.
The heat treatment or choice of alloys on the Mitchell was inferior to a real High Standard. The plastic base pads on the magazines broke.
Mine broke firing pins, battered the slide and galled parts. the company is out of business.
The new production High Standards are well made and accurate.
I compete with a old Hampton made gun against people with the new Texas made guns, there great guns.

 

[drband]

Do not confuse them with a real HIGH STANDARD.

The heat treatment or choice of alloys on the Mitchell was inferior to a real High Standard. The plastic base pads on the magazines broke.

Mine broke firing pins, battered the slide and galled parts. the company is out of business.

The new production High Standards are well made and accurate.

I compete with a old Hampton made gun against people with the new Texas made guns, there great guns.

Thanks. This helps a lot! I think I'll pass. [emoji15]

 

[Pilot]

Yes, stay away from the Mitchells and first generation Texas guns. It sounds like they have their act together now, though.

 

[DT Guy]

I had an early Texas gun which I adored...except I couldn't get it to fire three times in a row.

I tweaked magazines, I researched on-line, I tweaked some more..nothing worked. Finally got the advice from an old HS guy that nothing WOULD work; the guns were simply out-of-spec, and were 'born' problematic.

I sold it and moved on; if it had run, it would have likely been an all-time favorite. Felt awesome, incredibly accurate, trigger was perfection....


Larry

 

[Saleen322]

I believe Mitchell Arms was sued by High Standard and Mitchell had to stop producing their pistol. I never owned any but I worked on a couple of the Mitchells and it seemed they were hit or miss in production. Some guys said they worked well and loved them while others could not get their Mitchell to function.

I have a number of High Standards with 4 being TX models. Two of the TX guns are very early production and 2 are later models. All 4 work great and will shoot groups under 1" @ 50 yards. Some of the early TX guns (including mine) had crappy factory magazines that were hardened to the point of being brittle. After replacing the magazines with aftermarket mags, the problems went away. The High Standards are good pistols that perform better than many pistols costing more. Great guns.