Accuracy improvement?

[CFLOYD]

I have a SA standard model that's had several thousand rounds through it. It's accuracy is not that good. At 15 yds its so-so and at 30 yrds it goes from being a group to a pattern. I would like to improve this. The original bushing has .002" bushing to frame fit and .002" barrel to bushing for a total of .004" slack. The barrel hood has a total of .020" clearance side of hood to frame. A new barrel is out of the budget right now, but I can afford a new bushing. Would a well fit bushing help improve accuracy much with the original barrel and it's loose hood?

[CHILO45]

While there are others on this forum that have more experience than this member, I went the route of a custom made thick flanged bushing from EGW according to my gun's measurements and with very minor final fitting my full sized 1911 became very accurate - bench rested groups of 3" or less at 25 yds.

I am very, very pleased with the final results; I also ordered their matching recoil plug to make the stainless steel look complete. Highly recommend.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cjw3cma/Image7.jpg

[niemi24s]

FWIW, taking 0.004" of slop out of the front of the barrel will (theoretically) reduce group size at 15 yards by about 0.5" - and an inch at 30 yards.

Regards

[kenhwind]

I bought a used blue Delta Elite that had a Commander bushing in it. So Ireplaced it with an EGW angle bored bushing and cut the groups in half IMO. It is a nice product.
But any bushing that is closer in tolerance than an as issue bushing should help.

My Series 70 needed a new barrel and I found a HS GI barrel and installed it with a bushing that was in my parts bin. the bushing fit the slide but the barrel to bushing fit leaves something to be desired. The pistol shoots quite well. Not satisfied I ordered an oversize Maryland Gun Works bushing that should be real close.

[kcshooter]

I'd hold off on the bushing.
While it will make some difference in accuracy, it won't turn a gun into a tack driver.
I'd save up for a new match barrel with a matching bushing. If you buy the bushing and fit it to your current barrel, and decide later to replace the barrel anyway, you'll need another bushing at that time.

[niemi24s]

I'd hold off on the bushing.Excellent advise.

Besides, some new barrels come with their own fitted bushing.

Regards

[CFLOYD]

That's what I'll do since I know at some point I want to replace the barrel. :D

[kenhwind]

In my case the gun is 37 years old, and the price of a new barrel even an inexpensive one wasn't justified.
But with that said it is my understanding that the S A barrels leave something to be desired, and a firearm that hasn't been shot thousands and thousands times might be worthy of a nice new "Drop in barrel with pre fit bushing"

[kenhwind]

That's what I'll do since I know at some point I want to replace the barrel.
With the clearance you posted, the problem probably isn't just the bushing.

[CFLOYD]

With the clearance you posted, the problem probably isn't just the bushing.

I'm sure more of the inaccuracy is my fault than I'd like to admit.