Colt Special Combat Government Accuracy

[russ45]

I have a new Special Combat Government 45 and it is beautifully finished and functions more reliably than any other pistol I've owned. This thing feeds, fires, and ejects everything. I would trust this pistol to operate any time with any ammunition. The only thing is accuracy. It came with a 15-yard test target that was a ragged hole with one flier that made it about a 1.5-inch group. The target stated 185 grain JSW. I have not been able to duplicate this target, but I am using 200-grain lead and jacketed SWC. The best I can do is 2.5 to 3-inches at 15 yards and this is consistant over a wide range of loads, and it's not getting any better after 1000 rounds. My other 1911 Colt pistol, an old model 70, makes one hole at 15-yards. I admit I am using light target loads. Does anyone know where Colt's test ammunition comes from or what is their test load? I may try their load before sending the gun back.

 

[Steve C]

The best I can do is 2.5 to 3-inches at 15 yards and this is consistant over a wide range of loads, and it's not getting any better after 1000 rounds.

Are you shooting your test accuracy off a rested position from a bench? The factory test group was likely fired from a machine rest.

 

[Old Fuff]

... Special Combat Government 45 and it is beautifully finished and functions more reliably than any other pistol I've owned. This thing feeds, fires, and ejects everything. I would trust this pistol to operate any time with any ammunition.

Maybe you made the mistake of buying an honest COMBAT WEAPON rather a big-boy toy that's exceptionally accurate but only occasionally reliable.

The most important feature of any weapon is reliability under all circumstances. It appears that your pistol, unlike many others, lives up to its name. I suggest you count your blessings.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Different bullet weights will give different results in the same gun. Twist rates vary and will work with one weight better than any other. Find some 185gr bullets and experiment, IF you're a reloader. If not then you're at the mercy of whatever you can find........

 

[russ45]

Yes, I've heard the term "combat accuracy", and the maker of this gun may have sacrificed some accuracy for reliability. Yes, they have definitely succeeded in that. It's just that I expected better accuracy. I will experiment with more loads before I abandon it.

 

[Old Fuff]

Frankly, I don't think that changing loads will make much difference in accuracy at 15 yards. You might see a slight difference in point-of-impact.

USGI Service Pistol requirement used to be 3" @ 25 yards, and I suspect your pistol will easily do that. A competent pistolsmith can tighten it up for better accuracy, but that often comes at a cost of lower reliability. Personally If I was going to carry it I'd leave it as it is. The High Road is filled with threads and posts from others that dearly wish that their malfunctioning pistol was as reliable as the one you have.

 

[russ45]

Thanks guys. You have confirmed what I thought, so we can close this thread. Thanks again.