accurate handguns- 1911 barrels

[sd]

I admit I don't practice enough and have a liking for compact models ( Colt 1991 Compact 3.5 " , G19 4") , none of which helps my accuracy. But I was disappointed shooting 1991 for the first time today, thought nice trigger would help. I shot a hand sized group at 25 feet but at 50 and 75 feet my hits were all over the place though still on the paper of a man silloutte target. I will never be as good as some of the gunners on this board but I wonder if I am expecting too much.

Is it possible to have a 5" match-grade 1911 barrel installed in my compact.
Does this work or am I asking for trouble. Is it cost prohibitive?
I don't want a target model, definitely want service model handgun but am seeking greater accuracy- would a revolver like the SW 686 5" version I have spotted get better accuracy than a 5" Berretta 92 Vertec? These are the models available at the moment that I'm thinking of. I know SIG has a good rep for accuracy, would a compact P239 be a "tack driver"?
Sorry guys, no 1911 suggestions. I'm kicking myself for not getting a standard 5" 1911 to start with but now I'm alittle "gun shy" about the platform and none of the dealers want to give me half the value of the compact even on a trade. I'm really taking a hit on this gun cause I traded two to get it.
As an aside saw two very nice SW moutain gun .41 mags at the two local gun stores- $650.00 Very nice. Also saw compact SW MP , looked very thin as compared to G26, very handy. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[10-Ring]

There is no substitute for practice...I have guns w/ longer sight radii that is very easy to shoot well and a couple of guns w/ very short sight radii that aren't exactly target guns, but still get rounds on target if I do my part.
Patience & trigger time...keep the faith

 

[Old Fuff]

The reason the longer 1911 style pistols (4 1/4" to 5" barrels) shoot more accurately is because they can be fitted to cam the barrel into battery at the breech, while a fitted barrel bushing at the front reduces muzzle wobble to zip. The smaller guns don't have barrel bushings because thre isn't room for them. Add to that a shorter handle to hold on to, and a shorter slide and sight radius and it should be clear that just about anything and everything that can work against you is. I don't believe anyone makes a true match barrel for the sub compacts.

From a accuracy point of view, a quality revolver will usually do much better, except for the best and most expensive autoloaders. That's because the barrel is screwed into the frame, and doesn't move. Also as a rule the single-action trigger pulls are lighter and more crisp then those found on pistols.

You can find very accurate revolvers that cost about 1/3rd or less then what an equally accurate automatic would cost, and unlike some sub-compact pistols, compact revolvers seldom have reliability issues,

Pistols vs. revolvers will be a never ending debate, but if accuracy is at the top of your list, and financial reality an important consideration, take another look at revolvers.

 

[sd]

thanks for the replies. the barrel swap was just a crazy thought. the 1991 compact is perfectly good carry piece, but if I could get 75% of what I have in it I believe I would look at SW revolvers. Appreciate this site and those who contribute to it. When I talk to others about my gun interests I think their eyes start to glaze over. Nice to have a forum.

 

[Steve C]

It isn't the gun, its the shooter. It takes practice and that's not just shooting a lot. You can read books and try to learn and practice what they say on your own. If you want to improve quickly find a mentor or invest that $500 to $1000 you'd waste on a new gun or trying to accurize your existing gun and hire a good instructor, take a class at your local range or one of the training centers like Gunsite or Thunder Ranch. You need analysis of the reasons you're not putting them all into the black in order to correct and improve.

Even the best competitive shooters go back to school for that other pair of eyes to help them work through the plateaus and improve their shooting.

 

[Delmar]

Your Compact 1991A1 does have a barrel bushing, unlike the 3 inch Defenders which have none, but lock the barrel up at the front with the slide. I'd bet the reason for your inaccuracy is not going to be helped with a 5 inch barrel. The problem is the short sight radius and mostly the lack of practice.

I have two shorty Colts-one a 1991A1 Compact, and an Officers Model, which is the same thing except for a bit nicer finish. The Compact is hand fitted with a Kings bushing, and a reversed spring plug. The pistol gave nice groups when stock, and they got a bit nicer after the bushing was installed.

The stock Officer Model shoots fine, and I'm leaving that one stock. Old Fuff makes a good point. A revolver is generally more accurate than a same priced autoloader. I do like the short 45's and have learned through 10 years of ownership that they are more particular in the ammunition choices, especially in handloads, but I haven't shot one yet that wouldn't knock out the bulls eye at 15 yards consistently.

The lead semi wadcutters I load were a bit challenging at first to find the right combination, much more so than my Commander and 5 inch models-any reasonable length would feed just fine. The shorties need a bit shorter overall length to perform well, and indeed they do. They are both at their worst with 230 jacketed ball, factory or homegrown so far as accuracy is concerned, but not bad at all. They really come into their own with loads 200 grains or less on my target board.

 

[Old Fuff]

sd:

I believe I would look at SW revolvers.

You don't necessarily have to spend bucks to get a revolver. I recently purchased a .38 Special Model 10 with a 3" barrel that was used and finish-worn but mechanically perfect for $200.00 and a similar K-38 Target Masterpiece (K-frame/6" barrel/adjustable sights) which is a tack-driver for $250,00 - both at a pawn shop. At 50 feet both will keep their shots in one ragged hole if the shooter does his part.

These days most handgun buyers go for pistols. Other then snubbies, some magnums, and "cowboy" single actions, revolvers have largely become step-children. This being the case you can find some excellent buys in the used gun market. This is especially true if the gun has a less-then-perfect finish. This of course has nothing too do with the way it shoots.

I suggest that you buy a used revolver and try it out. If you decide you like it you can keep it, or trade it back on a better one. Since you bought used in the first place you will recover most, or even all of your original investment. I seldom buy a new gun unless I am sure it is going to be a "keeper" to avoid taking a loss (especially a big one) if I should sell or trade it later. The ones I have kept have generally increased in value over the years, and should I sell them I would make a profit rather then take a loss.

 

[M2 Carbine]

sd
I admit I don't practice enough and have a liking for compact models ( Colt 1991 Compact 3.5 " , G19 4") , none of which helps my accuracy. But I was disappointed shooting 1991 for the first time today, thought nice trigger would help. I shot a hand sized group at 25 feet but at 50 and 75 feet my hits were all over the place though still on the paper of a man silloutte target. I will never be as good as some of the gunners on this board but I wonder if I am expecting too much.

I haven't shot the Colt 1991 but for the most part most quality guns are more accurate than most shooters that use them.
For sure your Colt will do much better than being "all over the place" at 25 yards.

No offense, but I think you are looking for a gun to make up for your shooting ability.

Instead of looking for that magic gun to make you a better shot, see if you can't get together with a good shot that can give you some pointers and practice, practice, practice.

Believe me it's not the short barrel length that's causing your big problem.
Even a 2 inch Smith will put all the shots in a silhouette at 100 yards.
(not counting that a little Beretta Minx 22 Short pistol will almost do the same, the pasters)