How are factory accuracy 'specs' measured?

[socalbeachbum]

I see accuracy guarantees with some makers, example Wilson Combat, they guarantee 1"@25 yds. for several 1911's in 45acp, 9mm, and 38 super.

How exactly are these measured? is it in a Ransom rest?

How can we best measure accuracy and compare loads or different pistols, would it be accurate enough to rest on a sandbag and aim visually? would we be even close to what could be done on a Ransom rest?

 

[Jim K]

IMHO, few people will be able to match the steadiness and consistency of a Ransom rest. But shooting from sandbags can come very close for most steady shooters.

Do not rest any part of the gun on the bags or on any part of the bench or rest. Hold the pistol in both hands, with the wrists resting on the sandbags. Use the normal methods (breathing control, no caffeine, etc.) to get the best accuracy.

Jim

 

[9mmepiphany]

Most manufacture's accuracy guarantees are related to their pistol shot in a Ransom rest...although 1" at 25 yards doesn't really need that level of stability, it makes it easier. 50 yards would be a more meaningful measurement. To fairly duplicate/test their claims, it would only be fair to clamp the gun in that rest and to use the same ammo that they used.

would it be accurate enough to rest on a sandbag and aim visually?

That would depend on your skill level in managing the trigger. I know folks who can shoot groups slightly larger than 1" at 50 yards off a sandbag or a range bag; I also know folks for whom that would be a huge challenge at 25 yards.

You don't need a Ransom rest to compare loads or pistols if you have consistency in trigger management and basic technique

 

[wally]

Weatherby includes a test target listing the ammo used with each rifle. Although a three shot group doesn't really prove their claims.

 

[tipoc]

Manufacturers who guarantee a certain level of accuracy shoot the guns from a ransom rest at the set distance which they name. Usually 25 or 50 yards. They also shoot with select match grade ammo.

Clark Custom does the above. They have built a 50 yard plus shed alongside their production building in which they conduct testing and also shoot for their accuracy guarantees. This protects the test from the elements and guarantees the tests are done under similar conditions.

This is also why they shoot match grade ammo and usually say so.

Other makers work similarly.

Their guarantees are that under certain circumstances the gun will do x and y. This is honest. They can't guarantee that once I get the gun I'll be able to shoot it that well with some ammo I got at Big 5 Sporting Goods.

tipoc

 

[socalbeachbum]

that, plus everyon'e eyes, and overall capability differ. I've gotten down to 1.84" 5-shot group with Glock 19 @ 25yds rested, but not rested well. My hands on a hard plastic bench. With Russian Brown Bear ammo, best ammo I've tested yet. and I did it using an Insight laser on the G19. and 6.0lbs trigger.

I figure I'm about at the limit of my ability. With my S&W 22A I'm at about 2.3" at 25yds with a red dot. But I don't come close to the values some guys here can accomplish. But my eyeballs just turned 61, and my strong hand has a plate & screws in the wrist, so I'm grateful to still be able to shoot. Period.