What could have been wrong with this 1911?

[Joe Link]

Here was my original post, which I posted on a 1911 specific website.

Roughly two years ago my girlfriend bought me my first (and only) 1911, a beautiful Springfield Loaded with factory night sights and CT grips. I couldn't wait to get it to the range, but once there I was highly disappointed. The CT grips were off by quite a bit, which was fine because I can adjust them easily myself. However, when I tried the sights, the gun consistently shot high left, about 2-3" up and 2-3" over, and I was shooting from the bench. I figured it was probably me because I was still getting used to the gun.

On my next visit there was a guy there with a GI model shooting one rough hole. We got to talking and I told him my problem, then asked him to try shooting my 1911. Shooting it from the bench, he was able to shoot one hole with it as well, but it was off the same as when I shot it, 2-3" high, 2-3" to the left. We drifted the rear sight a bit and got it down to about .75" to the left, but the sight was all the way over and the gun was still shooting high. Since that range visit the gun has been in my safe, untouched. I really like 1911's and I think it's time to get this problem corrected so I can shoot it.

I know Springfield has a warranty, but would it cover something like this? If not, how much would it cost to have them dial it in? Would it be better to take it to a local gunsmith? How much should I expect to pay?

Springfield called today to tell me my gun was done and would be shipped back tomorrow. The woman also told me they replaced the front sight and the barrel, but couldn't elaborate further. I'm curious, what do you guys think was wrong with it?

 

[mnrivrat]

Me thinks it was the barrel . Nothing comes out perfect all the time - Springfields are typically great guns, but like all other manufacturing there can be a glitch here and there.

I assume they did the work under warranty ? So , shoot and enjoy.

 

[Disaster]

I've seen this on occasion...has to do with the fit of the barrel to the slide and the bore. Had to drift the rear sight wayyyy over on one gun to get it centered. Up down is tougher and can be handled by a front sight change (many mfgs have sights in incremental heights for just such an issue.)

My S&W M&P shot around 8 inches high at 50 feet. Sent it in for another issue and mentioned the sighting problem. They replaced the slide, barrel and sights.

 

[ShakyJake]

1911 off

Hi Joey Link
Me thinks it may have been a Friday afternoon gun or maybe a siesta time gun. At least I'll bet it got field tested this time.
But to let it sit for that length of time, dissatisfied, does a disservice to SA, you and especially your girlfriend who spent her hard earned money. Hope things work much better the second time around.
TaKe CaRe
Ted

 

[Joe Link]

Yes, it was very sad indeed, letting it sit that long. I had no idea that SA customer service was so good! They paid shipping both ways and did cover the repair under warranty.