Bullseye: 5 or 6 inch gun?

[John C]

I'm looking at getting a .45 wad gun for NRA bullseye matches. I have the opportunity to buy a 6 inch gun, versus the usual 5 inch 1911. My question is, which one is better for reasonably experienced shooter? (I'm currently rated Sharpshooter in Standard pistol) I'm 33, so I've a number of years before my eyes go. I intend on shooting it with iron sights for the time being. That may change, though.

Some pros and cons:

6 inch: Pros: longer sight radius, for more accurate sighting. Heavier mass for better recoil absorbtion. Cons: bullet stays in the barrel for 20% longer than a 5 inch, easier to blow a shot. The gun is heavier, tougher to shoot in a long match.

5 inch: Pros: The gun is lighter. Cons: More felt recoil.

Can somebody point me in the right direction?

-John

 

[Graystar]

I think that, currently, the best scores were shot with 5†guns...so it’s hard to say that you’re at any disadvantage shooting one.

Personally, I do not believe that the “longer is better†explanation is as simple as some make it sound. It is true that a longer sight radius presents the opportunity for less magnification of sighting misalignment. However, there are two other factors to consider. These factors are so important, that I feel they negate any benefit you can get from an extended sight radius.

The first is that the further away the front sight is, the more blurry the rear sight. As a rule of good shooting, you focus on the front sight and simply accept the rear sight as is. But if the sights are too far apart, the rear sight is so out of focus that it is impossible to line up the sights with any certainty.

The second problem is sight movement. The front sight has a tendency to “dance†around in the notch because slight movements of the hand are magnified by the extended sight radius. Coupled with a blurry rear sight, and you have a situation where you have trouble settling in due to uncertainty of your alignment. As a result, you hold too long and end up rushing the shot..

Obviously, a short sight radius isn’t any good either, so there is a length that is “just rightâ€...a perfect balance between these competing factors. I think the ol’ slabside gets it just right.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Flat contradiction FWIW

I like the heavy long slide - the gun hangs better, harder to blow a shot, there is less felt recoil, easier to shoot in a long match - on the other hand if you are also shooting leg matches or IDPA or what have you with a 5" 1911 you may want to go 5" all the way - then too, I'd go optical sight now.

 

[Powderman]

I recommend the 5 inch.

More parts availability for service if needed, more of a selection, at least two companies that I know of have them off the shelf for (almost immediate) purchase, and the big reason:

So far, I have not seen one National Championship do it with a longslide.

AFAIK, even Jim Clark, Sr.--arguably one of the very best BE shooters ever--used a standard length pistol. And, the company he founded (now run by his son, a capable gunsmith and shooter in his own right--and a gentleman to boot) makes and sells the longslides.

 

[John C]

Powderman;

Which two companies have pre-built wad guns available for immediate delivery? I've been calling around, and most places quote a 4-6 month wait.

-John

 

[Powderman]

I believe that Gil Hebard's, in IL, has both the Rock River Arms pistols and the Les Baer Wadguns in stock, ready for immediate shipment.

Do a search; you'll have to call them directly as they do not have a website.

 

[Sean Smith]

I think it is a matter of personal taste/preference more than anything else. I've got a friend who is a former multi-match-winning bullseye shooter, and he uses an *old* Clark Bullseye Longslide mainly, but also a P210 and assorted old Colt National Matches in .45 and .38 Special depending on the match/rules/etc.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd get the long slide model for the sight radius and increased resale value—if I could still see well enough to use iron sights.

That saidâ„¢, I'm looking at having to scope my five-inch model 1911 because I can't still shoot well with iron sights. In my case, the lighter weight of the short slide is an advantage, since the scope is going to add weight.