908 accuracy...so far, mine is not

[CoronaDan]

Have been getting acclimated to my 908...so far, dead nuts reliable through two sessions of 100+ rounds each, 115 grain ammo, various kinds. Mostly shooting at 10 yards.

First session, was way left and low. Drifted the rear sight over to center and it seems to have helped. But still low. Mostly. Actually it seems pretty erratic.

I'm not the best shot, but I'm not that bad. And I'm not looking to make this a target gun. But I would like for it to shoot generally where I aim it.

Slide and barrel seem to fit well together. Slide fits well with little play.

I have ordered a new recoil spring - Wolff brand, and slightly stiffer than standard.

Here's my thinking. Given the design of the barrel and bushing I am thinking a weak spring is allowing the slide to move to the rear too quickly. If it does move too soon, before the bullet clears, the barrel isn't held steady by the bushing.

I do love the size and feel of this pistol. Think it will be a very good ccw weapon. Just want to be confident I can keep the rounds generally on the target.

Good idea to replace the spring anyway. Curious about your thoughts and the logic of my reasoning. Thanks, as always.

Dan

 

[Telly]

Mine did the same thing. I move up in weight for the bullet 124 & 147 grain bullet and it seemed to help.
Just a suggestion.

 

[CoronaDan]

Telly...thanks. I've thought of that as well. Will try 124s next.

 

[CoronaDan]

Just an update....

First thing....replaced the factory (I assume) recoil spring, 15 lb I believe, with a slightly stiffer 17 lb from Wolff. Only a slight and hardly noticeable difference racking the slide.

Second, ran three boxes of 9mm through it yesterday, all at 10 yards.

Casual observations:
1. Still a slight tendency to go low and left. Although that may be as much me as anything else. Didn't try to bench rest it although I did try to focus on my breathing and be more careful.
2. Instead of spraying all around, managed to get pretty consistent 4-5 inch groups with the 147 grain Winchester and the 115 grain Lawman.
3. The 124 grain Lawman was a little better with 3-4 inch groups.
4. After 150 rounds the backer board was pretty damn mangled.
5. Left my Ruger 22/45 at home. That thing is a little tack driver and probably influences my expectations unrealistically.

And so my conclusions:
1. I'm pretty pleased with these results. This isn't a target gun by any means but it is a more than competent self defense weapon and accurate enough for that purpose.
2. It carries very comfortably. I have a Gould and Goodrich thumb break owb holster sized for a Sig 229 and it fits precisely. Wanted the security of a thumb break for the motorcycle rides.
3. The ergonomics of this pistol are very comfortable for me. The DA trigger seems similar to my Mod 10-5 and I like how the safety physically blocks the hammer from the firing pin.
4. My initial enthusiasm for this pistol is morphing into a long term appreciation for the design, its apparently robust reliability, great ergos and classic good looks.
5. I thought only my deeply blued 10-5 had soul. This 908S has just as much! I like this little pistol a lot - a very high appreciation of both form and function.

Life's a journey. Let's enjoy the ride!

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Glad you are still trying the 908s out, the 5926 I just picked up seemed to like 124gr. and 147gr. but don't know about 115gr. It seems from what I've read the the 3rd gen 9mm's seem to like heavier bullets.

 

[THX]

Mine is shooting a little below POA with the factory plastic sights and 115 gr as well. I am going to pick up some 147 and some hotter loads today and I'll report back if I see improvement.

The geometry of the factory sights doesn't seem high to me, but I've heard anecdotal reports that the trijicon replacement set addresses this below POA issue as well.

 

[nocents]

I too shot low and left with 3 different 3913's using 115 gr......switched to 147 gr. and better trigger discipline made all the difference.......that.....or maybe I don't just suck any more

 

[jimbo728]

Just keep shooting it. Once you are totally comfortable with it I think you will be surprised.
Jim

 

[Practical]

3913/908 spring are as little as $3 new if you look around. The 3913 for me has been 2-5 inch groups at 50 feet if you practice.

I

 

[Ascension]

The 3900's are different internally from the 908. The 908 has the same issue as the 910 I have in that the barrel does not engage the slide like other 3rd gen Smiths do. Wonder if this is allowing your barrel to move around slightly? If you pull the slide barrel on say a 5906 and a 910 and compare them you will see the rings just behind the barrel hood to allow engagement with the slide were not machined into the 908/910's.
My 910 is still a decent shooter but it simply does not group as well as my other 3rd gens and I suspect the lack of those barrel engagement rings is a factor.

 

[ds8514]

I fired my daughter's 908 on Monday along with my M&P40c, 4567 and my wife's 66-4 4". It was equally accurate as any of the others out at 7 and 15 yards.

 

[Ascension]

I fired my daughter's 908 on Monday along with my M&P40c, 4567 and my wife's 66-4 4". It was equally accurate as any of the others out at 7 and 15 yards.

Some seem to be while others are not. There are substantial internal differences in the barrel lock systems between the 908/910 value lines and other 3rd gen's outlined here in particular in the photos in post 15 http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/125908-910-vs-915-a.html#post138488312 .
I am convinced this does substantially affect accuracy after owning several of these pistols.

 

[CoronaDan]

Ascension - seeing the pic and differences in the barrel design highlight an interesting observation and one with, I think, a lot of merit. Thanks for sharing.

In the end, I don't think this is ever going to be a target pistol but I think it's capabilities are fine for what it is. I enjoy shooting it and frankly seem to be getting better. Matter of finding the right ammo, I think, trigger discipline, concentration.....training.

I'm happy with it.

 

[Ascension]

Ascension - seeing the pic and differences in the barrel design highlight an interesting observation and one with, I think, a lot of merit. Thanks for sharing.

In the end, I don't think this is ever going to be a target pistol but I think it's capabilities are fine for what it is. I enjoy shooting it and frankly seem to be getting better. Matter of finding the right ammo, I think, trigger discipline, concentration.....training.

I'm happy with it.

I agree and also own a 910 myself that I carry quite often.
I know it will never be a tack driver but it is dead reliable and shoots well enough for a EDC piece.