Badly cut chamber ?

[GooseGestapo]

I recently obtained an S&W Pro Series M1911 in 9mm.
I had high hopes for an accurate 1911 to use in some PPC matches I shoot in.

Taking the gun to the range and running some known accurate ammo through it proved a great disappointment. 18shot groups at 25yds gave a nice cluster, but 6-8 shouts would be flung out into 9 ring of B27 target. 24rounds at 50yds yields uncalled “7’s”, and even zero’s!

One photo shows annular ring immediately at beginning of tapering lead on lands most noticeably at 6 o’clock position of chamber. In photo centered on 3 o’clock position, you can barely make it out, though just looking into barrel, you can’t.
I’ve never seen but one other 9mm chamber cut like this. It did the same thing!

Should I send it back to S&W? They’ve already sent me the email form to initiate a RA and shipping container.

 

[Walkalong]

That is an awfully long jump to the rifling. (Plus that "ring") I have the same gun and it would do similarly, throw shots. After a trip to S&W and no real change, I installed a drop in "match" replacement barrel. Shoots much better. I'll look inside the old barrel tonight.

I would give them a chance to make it right.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Thanks Walkalong!
I do plan to let S&W have a look at it.
Also, wanted some affirmation of what I was seeing.

What barrel did you get?

 

[Walkalong]

I found the factory barrel, and besides being dirty, it looks just like yours, "annular ring" and all.

Bar Sto

 

[fxvr5]

GooseGestapo, how are you test firing the gun? Off sandbags, standing, etc.?

 

[GooseGestapo]

Thanks! Familiar with Bar Sto.
fxvr5; Started off shooting from positions, 18rds at 25yds, kneeling standing left, right barracade. Then 24rds at 50yds. Sitting, kneeling, l/r barricade.

When I started seeing tipping bullets hitting 8,7, and 0’s, (not called!), I benched them at both ranges. Sandbags.

Tried several bullets, too. Cast 120gr TC over 4.9gr LongShot (own a national record with this load), as well as Hornady 115gr, 124gr XTP, and some early ‘00’s factory Precision Delta 115’s when they were using Remington bullets. It does seem to shoot a “little” better with a 115gr Hornady HAP at 1.125” over 5.0gr VV N340. (David Sams guarantees his M1911’s to shoot under 2” at 50yds with this load (XTP’s). My gun will stay in 9ring at 50yds (12”) groups from sand bags.

I concur with WalkAlong regarding how long the throat is. Looks like S&W cut the chamber with a worn-out, many times resharpened, reamer.

It’s NOT my shooting. I missed by two points setting a new record last month with the Production Stock Semiauto Distinguished Match at a regional with my S&W 5906 (585/32x). Record is 587.

I got the 1911 to use in Service Semiauto and Distinguished Semiauto matches, as my PPC-9’s are worth more than my truck! A 6” PPC9 went for 4,250 on GunBroker recently. I’ve got THREE! A 4,5, and 6”. Have all factory box’s, paperwork and fired cases.

 

[fxvr5]

Thanks for that information. I had to ask because some folks on here are clueless on how to shoot in general, and really clueless on how to properly test a gun for accuracy.

P.S. Thanks for your and Sams' load data. I'll try them with a Ransom Rest - always looking for proven load data.

 

[Walkalong]

I had to ask because some folks on here are clueless on how to shoot in general, and really clueless on how to properly test a gun for accuracy.

While this is true (everywhere), it doesn't apply to GG. If he says his gun isn't shooting, it isn't.

In other words, if he says a rooster dips snuff, you better check under its wing for a snuff can.

 

[fxvr5]

While this is true (everywhere), it doesn't apply to GG. If he says his gun isn't shooting, it isn't.

In other words, if he says a rooster dips snuff, you better check under its wing for a snuff can.

I was not familiar with GG's background before this post. That's why I asked.

 

[GooseGestapo]

WalkAlong;
Question?
Is the ramp cut of the SW1911 Wilson/Nowlin, or Clark?
I’m guessing Wilson/Nowlin?
Instead of wasting time/ money on sending it back to S&W, I’m inclined to get a Bar-Sto barrel, too. Though it will preclude shooting it in the duty class matches.

 

[Walkalong]

Clark/Para.

Bar Sto



Stock S&W barrel.