It depends on the breeder you buy from. Most show breeders do have very well tempered stock since they will get heavily dinged for a rat that squeaks during handling or shows skittishness while be evaluated by the judges. You do need to be careful to dig into the practices of the breeders you're buying from. Some fancy pet rat breeders do not select for good health, build, or temperament.

I do wish I had known and had the opportunity to start with show stock when I started several years ago. Now that I feel well versed on AFRMA show standards and have some new lines to play with, I'm really pushing forward for show quality.

If I were you I'd pick up 2.2 or 1.2. You just never know what is going to happen and it's better to have a backup rat or two.