Sig X-Five vs. S&W 952

[bc1023]

I did a small amount of accuracy bench testing while at the range yesterday with the two target pistols I had with me. While its very amateur testing, I greatly enjoy pitting the most accurate handguns against each other and determining which shoots better for me on any given day. While I’m personally not the best shot in the world, I use block rests to take as much of the human element out of the equation as possible. The distances were 35 feet (about 12 yards) and 25 yards. Just about all the groups were five shots. The ammo used was cheap (Perfecta and Federal Aluminum).

More specifically the two pistols were an X-Five L1 and a 6" 952-2. Both were built about the same time period (8 to 10 years ago). As you can see, the S&W had the advantage of a longer barrel and sight radius. As much as I love the 952, I always felt the Sig had a slight edge in accuracy, so I was trying to even it out some. My X-Five outperformed my 5" 952 on a couple of occasions by a small margin.

I always found the 952 to be a nicer looking pistol and maybe a little more interesting, due to its rarity in comparison. However, there’s no denying the X-Five’s capabilities at the range. The trigger on the X-Five is also a little better, in my opinion.

The following are the groups I shot with each and an average from the two distances. Granted, I know the sample size is small. I didn’t have much time to do more. Also, I fully realize that both these pistols are capable of much better accuracy than what is listed below. However, my eyesight has its limitations, especially at 25 yards. A ransom rest would have surely yielded much better results.







952

35 feet


10 shots at 1.5"






5 shots at 1.125"






5 shots at 1.75"






5 shots at 1.625"






5 shots at 1.5" (4 shots under an inch)









25 yards


5 shots at 3.125"






5 shots at 2.75"






5 shots at 2.125"











X-Five

35 feet


10 shots at .875"






5 shots at .625"






5 shots at .875"






5 shots at 1.625"






5 shots at 1.25"






5 shots at 1.25"










25 yards


5 shots at 2.125"






5 shots at 2.125"






5 shots at 2.625" (4 shots at an inch)








Averages



952 at 35 feet: 1.5"
952 at 25 yards: 2.67"

X-Five at 35 feet: 1.08"
X-Five at 25 yards: 2.29"


This was a very small sample size, but the Sig clearly outperformed the S&W in my hands. As mentioned, I used a block rest to take out the shooter variable as much as I could. While both are exceptionally accurate, I give Sig the slight edge here. Its not the first time either. My X-Five edged out my 5" 952-1 also in a couple of tests. What I really need to do is pit the X-Five against my 5" and 6" PPC9 pistols. I think those are the most accurate 9mm pistols that S&W ever built.

At any rate, take it for what its worth. Its just one guy and a few groups. I actually wanted the 952 to win, because I prefer it over the Sig in general. However, that wasn’t the case this time.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Jebus35745]

Looks like you had fun, quiet morning at the range with 2 excellent guns. Larry

 

[dmar]

Thanks for the write-up, interesting read... Those are two great guns. My X Five and a CZ Custom Shop SP-01 are my two most accurate 9mm guns.

 

[M29since14]

I've never fired a 952. If the trigger is at all like a 52 trigger, the better trigger action of the X5 could easily account for the very small difference between the two guns, particularly if you are a trigger sensitive shooter (like me ).

Of course different ammo could tell a different tale, too.

I always enjoyed tinkering around with stuff like this but never had any illusions about my informal testing - and I always wished I had a Ransom rest. Never got around to buying one.

Thanks for your report!