1942 M1911A1 accuracy ???

[radiorusty]

Hello.

I inherited my Dad's 1942 M1911A1 in '07. He dug it out of the sand in Eniwetok in '44 and brought it home in his seabag.

It works beautifully but those rounds are all over the road. (Part of that could be me... but my 1938 JP Sauer 38H, and my 1965 Python, shoot right where I point 'em every time. Well... almost every time.)

I had it refinished and found some beautiful Brazilian rosewood grips for it but I would like to be able to use it for a carry piece... so it needs to lose it's fire hose tendencies.

What can I do to tighten it up? Are there kits? Barrels, bushings, etc.?

I appreciate the help.

[HorseArtillery]

well, not exactly sure what the issues could be. there are some very knowledgeable people here who can probably zero in on it pretty quickly, and they will be along directly.

in the mean time, lets just go ahead and get you broke in real good:

:fp:


looking forward to seeing this vintage piece. hurry it up, now!

welcome to the forum-glad to have you!

[radiorusty]

http://i402.photobucket.com/albums/pp110/radiorusty/ColtM1911A145restored.jpg

[Backline Steve]

That looks real nice.
There's nothing like an authentic mil-spec Colt: except a lot of other Colts: but yours has mojo!

[daveohno]

I've heard a well fitted bushing can improve accuracy. Congrats on your new to you Colt!

[tenx]

Most of the USGI 1911a1s that I have seen shotgun, like you described, result from the rear of the barrel not locking into battery in the slide.

If that is indeed the problem the correct solution is to fit the barrel. That is a big undertaking done by skilled gunsmiths.

A simple solution is to go to the Wilson Combat web site (see the ad at the top of this page) and buy a Group Gripper. The Group Gripper replaces the barrel link and the recoil spring guide. The cost is about $30. It will put the barrel into battery. The Group Gripper life is reported at over 20,000 rounds.
At the same time get an 18 lb. or 18 1/2 lb recoil spring. Some of the Group Grippers that I have had are so stiff the gun won't close with a standard 16 lb recoil spring. It may or may not.

I have had great success with these. I have seen lightening guns (never strikes the same place twice) turn into very accurate guns.

[Tom]

You or someone along the lines has done some additional work to the pistol. The MSH isn't "right", and the sights do not appear to be "G.I.". But you're asking about accuracy, not authenticity, so I digress.

You need to check how well your barrel and slide fit. How well do the barrel lugs engage the slide grooves. Is there any play or slop there? And as Daveohno said, the muzzle end needs to be secure (though like everything else, not TOO secure). There should be minimal movement of the muzzle end with the pistol in battery. If there is significant play, a custom barrel bushing from EGW might do the trick.

[radiorusty]

Thanks for all the great ideas guys. Indeed, the gun was "improved' by Numrich arms in '65. We lived across the river in Poughkeepsie at the time. Kase Reeder of Flagstaff did the refinish and put on the new sights for me last summer. I may have him give it a good going over... if I can afford it. Yes, the old shootin' iron has Mojo. Gosh, that really says it. It has a history I will probably never know, but can feel all the same. Thanks again guys. I'll look into all your great insights. Either way, this one is a keeper and an heirloom. Russ