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AR15.COM
2/17/2003 4:18:07 AM EDT
Hello,

Please bear with me, this is my first-ever 1911!


I was at the gun show yesterday and picked up a beater 1911 for about $250.  It's not pretty, but seems to be in sound shape.  At least it fuctions well didn't miss a beat with either 230 fmj or 230 gr. lead reloads.  My question is about the groups it shoots.  It puts them a little low and left.  I think I know how to deal with that.  But, the groups were about 2 or three inches wide and about six or eight inches tall, maybe a bit more, as I didn't measure.  (I tossed the targets out, too).

Now, when the slide is closed I can move the muzzle end back and forth about, oh, maybe 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch.  It has really no up and down play, maybe just the slightest, barely perceptable amount.  

When I push down on the barrel through the ejection port, I can move that part of the barrel a lot.  When I let go it always seems to return to the same place (due to the recoil spring pushing the slide forward I assume).  What I'm wondering is, will fitting a longer link help to eliminate that vertial stringing, or should I look for another cause, like ammo, me, etc?

Thank You!
Don
2/17/2003 5:04:22 AM EDT
[#1]
normally, vertical "stringing" patterns are caused by breathing incorrectly.  A lot of people forget that breathing is as important for accurate handgun shooting as with a rifle.

If you're new to 1911's, they do take a little more practice to master.  My personal sugesstion is go out and shoot it -a lot, practice technique, and see if your groups improve. If they still don't than investigate the weapon. I've shot quite a few 1911A1's that were very loose and sloppy, but they still seemed to shoot decent groups.

just my .02
2/17/2003 9:29:36 AM EDT
[#2]
Oh, man.  You were supposed to say "drop in part 'X' and go win at the National Matches"!

Now, I'm being a smart alec because I must admit something.  I guess I didn't understand what I was seeing, but I relise now I was pushing down on the barrel through the port with enough force to move the slide back.  If I hold the slide forward actualy there's almost no up and down play in the barrel at all.  False alarm, sorry.  Maybe I just wanted a reason to tinker with the gun.

I'll go practice shooting it now!
Don