Accuracy:1911 vs. S&W Revolver?

[dhancock]

For me, it depends on the day. One day my GP-100 has a tighter group, and the next time the 1911 will take the honors. Th fact is that all the shots are in a vital area and if this were a critical situation I would do well with either firearm.

Bottom line -- the person holding the firearm is a greater factor than any inherent accuracy of the hardware (up to a point).

 

[PreMod70]

If you have to shoot the .45ACP with your hands in both weapons the 1911 will perform better due to a lower c/l of bore plus the hand is fixed and the only movement to fire rounds is the trigger finger whereas the revolver is subject to a readjustment of the hand on every round. A revolver can be mastered but the 1911 is the better when shooting unrested within the rounds practical range.

 

[DeadeyeTom]

I have fired six shot double action groups at 15 yards with a Smith that I can hide under my thumb. I have never been able to do that with either of my 1911's.

 

[cpirtle]

Interesting discussion, but as others have said there is such a broad range of variables this is almost impossible to determine.

But, from a purely mechanical aspect, and all other things being equal (which is impossible), a fixed barrel design is more accurate, so the revolver would win.

With that said, a tightly tuned 1911 is about as close to being a fixed barrel as you can get without actually being a fixed barrel, but I think the fact that it's not and never will be fixed, negates the argument.

 

[PreMod70]

I'll throw a wrench in and say the revolver's barrel may fixed but the cylinder has as many ways to move as any 1911 so both excell with well fitting tolerances.

 

[harrygunner]

I can't do the comparison since I don't have a long barreled revolver.

But I was impressed at how often I could hit a 6"x6" metal target at 100 yards with my 1911 and its custom fitted 10mm Bar-Sto barrel.

But, since I use guns as self defense tools, precision is not that important to me.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

If all you needed was a fixed barrel to experience great accuracy, ALL revolvers should be tack drivers, right? As mentioned, chamber dimensions, alignment, sights, throat, etc, all play a part. I still say its a crap shoot. I have retained revolvers that have given me the best accuracy (I've had some stinkers, but why keep them?). I think if a 1911 doesn't shoot, it can acutally cost less to swap in parts and tighten it up than to tweak a revolver.

 

[cpirtle]

all other things being equal (which is impossible)

I guess I'll quote myself since no one else is.. as I said, all other things being equal - which is impossible, a fixed barrel is more accurate.

Play in the cylinder is a very good point and requires the same lockup qualities of a 1911.

I'm personally more accurate with the 1911, but I love both platforms.

 

[wuluf]

The two most accurate handguns i own, that is to say, the ones i start new shooters on, are a Kimber Custom II and a 4" S&W 686. New shooters are thrilled to hit the black on the first shot with either one...