Smith & Wesson. 1911. 45ACP. Accuracy questions. SOLVED!

[novalty]

Well I will openly admit to being a terrible shot. So I can't vindicate the accuracy of S&W 1911, but this was my most recent target shooting 225gr. RN cast bullets. This was the first clip through with this load shot from 10 yards standing, and were shot pretty quickly. Just have to adjust my sights.

 

[tatarica762]

update:

I got this from S&W customer service:


It appears they have fit a new barrel to this 1911

The gun should be on its way back to you on Monday


Michael

 

[2hawk]

Fingers crossed!

 

[M29since14]

They must have found something they didn't like. Let us know how things go when the gun returns.

 

[tatarica762]

new barrel = MUCH better groups:

 

[2hawk]

Perseverance pays off! Congrats, and happy shooting!

 

[tatarica762]

now the rest of the story:

The above group is 5 rounds (hard to the see 1 of them but it's basically the same hole as the most bottom one) @ 25 yards. I had my elbows resting on some sandbags (I wish I had access to a ransom rest).

I shot a variety of loads (factory, 2 unique (5.5 and 5.7) and 4 bullseyes (3.7 to 4.6). The above group is from the 4.3 load; 1.74 inches says my measuring tool. The rest were about 3-4 inches; 2 inches if you discount the flyers.

It was raining, windy and that little circle was very blurry at 25 yards. When I got home, I checked my eyes. My contacts were on wrong (left to right, right to left).

I'm going back to the range with my eyes good and more 4.3 grains of Bullseye. At least I know it can shoot!

 

[tatarica762]

Perseverance pays off! Congrats, and happy shooting!

Thank you! and thanks everyone!

You know what, after all the grief I had very little confidence in the gun. I even packed up the paperwork and extra mag. If I couldn't shoot it this morning, I was literally going to the gunshow and sell it at a loss.

I didn't go to the gunshow.

 

[tatarica762]

I read somewhere that you judge a person/company/etc. when it's at it's worst. (Before you get married to that girl, get her really angry and see what she's like and then decide if you still want to marry her.)

I've shot a lot of guns and I hated this gun even 4 hours ago. But this made me realize how great S&W's customer service is. I was surprised at how easy it was to send it in. Their customer service agent (Micheal) kept me up to date and is a great communicator. And in the end, they did it right and I'm a happy customer.

 

[lhump1961]

Glad to hear you found resolution with the accuracy issue. I'm sure you will be happy now. Here is mine from 30ft off hand...I am an average shooter but this one makes me look good.

 

[M29since14]

Your target and test conditions were apparently far from ideal. I couldn't even see that target at 25-yards, so you definitely get the "Eagle-eye" award.

Get some standard targets. At 25-yards, I like the B33 for an aiming point (not necessarily for scoring). Take the load you are most comfortable with and make up 500 of them. Then shoot 50-75 rounds every time you go to the range. (Shooting too many rounds wears you down, and unless you are a really top-level shooter, after a certain number, most shooters will tend to stop "learning.") Shoot carefully. Take breaks and rest your eyes.

By the time you slowly and deliberately work your way through those 500 rounds, you will know a lot more about that gun. I bet you will be impressed.

 

[tatarica762]

Your target and test conditions were apparently far from ideal. I couldn't even see that target at 25-yards, so you definitely get the "Eagle-eye" award.

Get some standard targets. At 25-yards, I like the B33 for an aiming point (not necessarily for scoring). Take the load you are most comfortable with and make up 500 of them. Then shoot 50-75 rounds every time you go to the range. (Shooting too many rounds wears you down, and unless you are a really top-level shooter, after a certain number, most shooters will tend to stop "learning.") Shoot carefully. Take breaks and rest your eyes.

By the time you slowly and deliberately work your way through those 500 rounds, you will know a lot more about that gun. I bet you will be impressed.

Thank you for your tips. Handgun shooting definitely has it's own challenges and I look forward to the practicing!