HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION
Posted May 19, 2023
The Hi-Standard Supermatic Citation is the pinnacle of performance and accuracy in the realm of .22 semi-automatic pistols. I have owned a number of firearms over the years, all ranging in performance and price point, and for years have considered the Supermatic Citation to be the absolute best in the business. From the moment I first fired the gun, I knew it was something special. Not only does the gun look great and have an incredibly smooth operation, it also has excellent accuracy. In this article, I will outline the features which make the Hi-Standard Supermatic Citation such an incredible gun and why it is my go-to choice for competitive and recreational shooting.
The first thing that should be mentioned about the Supermatic Citation is its construction. The gun is made with a stainless steel frame and slide, giving it an incredibly durable and tough feel in the hands. The weight of the gun is just right, balancing in the middle of heavy and light, making it suitable for both informal range sessions and competitive events. The gun has noticeably less recoil than other .22 pistols I have owned, which cuts down on fatigue and makes it more enjoyable to shoot in the long run. The overall fit and finish of the gun is outstanding, with no visible milled edges or poor welding. Everything about the design indicates attention to detail and top notch craftsmanship.
The next aspect of the gun worth mentioning is the trigger pull. I have own a variety of .22 pistols, ranging from an inexpensive Beretta to an expensive Browning, and the Supermatic Citation has one of the easiest and most consistent triggers out of all of them. The pull is relatively light and offers a nice break without requiring too much force. Combined with the superior construction, this ensures that you can take very precise shots with the Supermatic Citation.
The accuracy of the gun is also worth discussing. I have tested the gun over a variety of ranges, and whether I was shooting at a bullseye at 25 feet, or engaging in plinking from a distance of 50 yards, the Supermatic Citation always delivered precision shots with ease. I also used the gun for competitive shooting, and once again, it proved to be a reliable and consistent performer. It is a gun you can trust to make the shot, and the accuracy provided by the gun can be credited to its technical features, such as its 4.75 inch rifled barrel and adjustable sights.
One of the most impressive features of the Supermatic Citation is its versatility. The gun comes in a variety of configurations, making it perfect for different types of shooting, such as target, competitive, and self-defense. The barrel is available in 3.6 and 4.75 inch lengths, making it suitable for close and mid-range shooting. Additionally, the pistol comes with adjustable sights, allowing you to adjust the accuracy of the gun for more challenging conditions. Finally, the Supermatic Citation is compatible with a variety of magazines which can allow you to carry extra rounds and make it more useful overall.
The Supermatic Citation isn't a perfect gun, however. The price point can be a bit much for most shooters, and the metal construction can be quite heavy for certain types of shooting. Additionally, the fixed barrel may not be the ideal choice for certain types of accuracy work.
Overall, the Hi-Standard Supermatic Citation is an excellent choice if you are looking for an incredibly accurate and reliable semi-automatic .22 pistol. The gun is constructed from top-quality materials and offers superb performance in almost any environment. The trigger pull is excellent, making it perfect for precision shooting, while the adjustable sights make it suitable for longer ranges. The gun is also incredibly versatile, with a variety of barrel and magazine configurations, making it suitable for multiple applications. While the price point may put off some shooters, it is completely worth the investment for any serious shooter looking for the very best in .22 semi-automatic pistols.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION is a reliable choice for competition shooting, boasting match-grade accuracy and a smooth, consistent trigger pull.
- Utilizes a semi-auto 1911-style frame with a 4.5-inch barrel and comes with adjustable sights for enhanced accuracy.
- It is constructed of high-grade stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
- FIts all standard Holster releases, such as M1911 A1, M1911 C, M1911 ICS, and M1911 E models.
Cons:
- It is a bit more expensive than some other competition handguns.
- It does not come with a curved trigger, which could be preferable for competition shooters.
- It does not have an ambidextrous safety, which could also be preferable for competition purposes.
- It does not have an external hammer, which some shooters might prefer.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who was looking for an accurate and reliable firearm should consider buying the HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION. It is a well-known and well-regarded semi-automatic pistol that is known for its accuracy and reliability. On the other hand, people who are looking for a lightweight firearm or a gun that is more suited for concealed carry should look elsewhere. The HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION is a full-size pistol and not well-suited for small hands or for concealed carry.
Comparisons
| Striker Fired | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Trigger Pull |
| No | 10 Rounds | 5" | 4.2 Lb. |
| Yes | 6 Rounds | 2.75" | 6 Lb. |
| Yes | 15 Rounds | 4" | 6.5 Lb. |
| Yes | 15 Rounds | 4.02" | 5.5 Lb. |
| Striker Fired | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Trigger Pull |
| No | 10 Rounds | 5" | 4.2 Lb. |
| Yes | 6 Rounds | 2.75" | 6 Lb. |
| Yes | 15 Rounds | 4" | 6.5 Lb. |
| Yes | 15 Rounds | 4.02" | 5.5 Lb. |
| Ruger LCPII | Smith & Wesson M&P Compact | ||
| Yes | Yes | ||
| 10 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 15 Rounds | |
| 5" | 2.75" | 4" | |
| 4.2 Lb. | 6 Lb. | 6.5 Lb. | |
| $439.99 | $299.99 | $599.00 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Capacity: 10 rounds
• Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Barrel Length: 5.5”
• Safety: Manual thumb safety
• Stock Material: Synthetic
• Finish: Matte black, Supertec nickel plated
Popular Accessories
FIELD KING
The most popular accessories for the HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION FIELD KING pistol include a cleaning kit, spare magazines, a muzzle brake, holster or carry case, and aftermarket sights.
Accuracy
The HI-STANDARD SUPERMATIC CITATION is widely recognized as a reliable and accurate target pistol. Many shooters report excellent shooting results at their range when they use it, with some saying it is one of the most accurate pistols they have ever shot. Its frame is made of heat treated steel, which helps it stay accurate even after many hundreds of rounds. It has adjustable rear and front sights, a removable weight plug for quick performance, and a weight of 39 ounces. The Supermatic Citation also includes a magazine capacity of up to 10 rounds, making it even more useful for target practice and competitions. Ultimately, its accuracy makes it a great choice for many disciplines, whether your shooting range is outdoor or indoor.
Video Reviews
