Poll - Informal Range Accuracy

[s&wchad]

I picked up a few handguns recently and took them to the club indoor range last week. I put between 50-100 rounds through each gun. We were shooting at 21', so club members could practice at defensive distances.

This was a very informal test and I was shooting offhand, but which gun do you think produced the best groups for me? Both semi-auto's were shot single action and the revolver was shot double-action. I've owned and used each platform more times than I can count!

[ContinentalOp]

I'm gonna go with the K-38.

[chief38]

I am most accurate with a Colt Series 70 Gold Cup (not offered as a choice in your poll) buy my Model 41 takes second place. Third place would be my Model 15.

[M29since14]

Originally Posted by ContinentalOp

I'm gonna go with the K-38.

I’d guess so, too.

[vonn]

K38. Long barrel /better sights equals accuracy even at that distance.

[Texas Star]

You didn't tell us that you were firing the K-38 DA! With that in mind, wouldn't be surprised if the 4506 won.

[gregintenn]

I know which one is the prettiest!

[Kurusu]

My K-38 only has 3 screws.

Edit. Does that count?

[Peak53]

I'm thinking the obvious choice is the K-38. But, itf that was the case, you wouldn't have asked. Of course, the Dan Wesson would also be a good choice by reputation. So, assuming trick question, I'll go with the lowly 3rd gen SW in 45

[s&wchad]

Pretty savvy bunch! The vast majority picked the K-38 and they were correct. The shooting results were not what I expected.

I’m also surprised no one mentioned the stocks on the K-38! Those were N fame Cokes at one time, but a previous owner shaved the back to fit a K frame and refinished them. I’m sure he had no idea they would bring good money in the future and his efforts reduced their present value by about $400.

I’ve put a lot of rounds of .38 Specials through a 6” Model 27 over the years and expected the K-38 to shoot about the same, but I shot it better than I generally do with the N frame. I let 2 other RO’s shoot the K-38 and they shot it really well too. We were only shooting at 21’, but a number of our groups with the Masterpiece were basically one ragged hole! Both semi-autos shot well, but the groups weren’t as tight.

I don’t remember shooting a 4506 before and was favorably impressed. It functioned flawlessly with ball ammo and was very soft shooting, which isn’t surprising given the size and weight. Not sure what I’m going to do with it. I don’t see myself carrying it and I have a 945 for range use.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Dan Wesson 1911’s, but I was a little disappointed. The fit and finish is flawless and it has a great trigger. Groups were OK and on par with the 4506. I had an instances were it left the fired case in the chamber and hung up trying to feed the next round. I was shooting Federal 115gr Champion, which cycles fine in my other 9mm’s. This has me a bit puzzled and doesn't instill a lot of confidence. The extractor looks fine. Slide to frame fit is very tight with no perceptible play, but I had it properly lubed and it seemed to cycle smoothly. The previous owner said he only put about 200 rounds through it, so maybe it will improve with use.

I shot one other “new to me” gun that day, a Beretta 21A in .22 LR. I don’t see much use for it, but I couldn’t pass it up for $100. Let’s just say it wasn’t in the running for most accurate! I had several failures to eject with standard velocity ammo, but it was flawless with Blazer high velocity. It weighs about the same as my S&W 317 and has the same capacity, but I don’t shoot it as well. The sights are way too small and they’re blurry!

[M29since14]

“...sights are way too small and they’re blurry,” huh?