I did a small amount of accuracy bench testing while at the range yesterday with the two target pistols I had with me. While its very amateur testing, I greatly enjoy pitting the most accurate handguns against each other and determining which shoots better for me on any given day. While I’m personally not the best shot in the world, I use block rests to take as much of the human element out of the equation as possible. The distances were 35 feet (about 12 yards) and 25 yards. Just about all the groups were five shots. The ammo used was cheap (Perfecta and Federal Aluminum).
More specifically the two pistols were an X-Five L1 and a 6" 952-2. Both were built about the same time period (8 to 10 years ago). As you can see, the S&W had the advantage of a longer barrel and sight radius. As much as I love the 952, I always felt the Sig had a slight edge in accuracy, so I was trying to even it out some. My X-Five outperformed my 5" 952 on a couple of occasions by a small margin.
I always found the 952 to be a nicer looking pistol and maybe a little more interesting, due to its rarity in comparison. However, there’s no denying the X-Five’s capabilities at the range. The trigger on the X-Five is also a little better, in my opinion.
The following are the groups I shot with each and an average from the two distances. Granted, I know the sample size is small. I didn’t have much time to do more. Also, I fully realize that both these pistols are capable of much better accuracy than what is listed below. However, my eyesight has its limitations, especially at 25 yards. A ransom rest would have surely yielded much better results.
952
35 feet
10 shots at 1.5"
5 shots at 1.125"
5 shots at 1.75"
5 shots at 1.625"
5 shots at 1.5" (4 shots under an inch)
25 yards
5 shots at 3.125"
5 shots at 2.75"
5 shots at 2.125"
More specifically the two pistols were an X-Five L1 and a 6" 952-2. Both were built about the same time period (8 to 10 years ago). As you can see, the S&W had the advantage of a longer barrel and sight radius. As much as I love the 952, I always felt the Sig had a slight edge in accuracy, so I was trying to even it out some. My X-Five outperformed my 5" 952 on a couple of occasions by a small margin.
I always found the 952 to be a nicer looking pistol and maybe a little more interesting, due to its rarity in comparison. However, there’s no denying the X-Five’s capabilities at the range. The trigger on the X-Five is also a little better, in my opinion.
The following are the groups I shot with each and an average from the two distances. Granted, I know the sample size is small. I didn’t have much time to do more. Also, I fully realize that both these pistols are capable of much better accuracy than what is listed below. However, my eyesight has its limitations, especially at 25 yards. A ransom rest would have surely yielded much better results.
952
35 feet
10 shots at 1.5"
5 shots at 1.125"
5 shots at 1.75"
5 shots at 1.625"
5 shots at 1.5" (4 shots under an inch)
25 yards
5 shots at 3.125"
5 shots at 2.75"
5 shots at 2.125"
