New guy from Arkansas

[Deadi]

Hello, I stumbled upon this forum and since I just purchased my first ever 1911, it seemed like a good place to hang around and learn a few things. Hope I don't sound too dumb, but like I said this is my first 45 ACP. I bought a stainless and black Springfield. Have about 250 rounds through it so far and it hasn't failed to load and eject one time. From what I have read, this is pretty good for a new gun. Now for some questions: (1) how many rounds should be fired through this gun before you all would consider it to be broken in.
(2) What can I expect groups to be like at 25 yds? is 1.5 inches too lofty a goal?

(3) Is 6 grains of Unique about right with 230 grain bullets?
(4) Does anybody reading this have one of these guns, and it so, how do you like it?
Thanks in advance for listening to this 45 newbie.

[John]

Welcome to the forums, I am sure you'll find it an interesting place to be around.

As for your questions, I'll try and answer those that I can:

1. I never trust my guns, that's why I always try to shoot them as often as I can :-) Jokes apart, I guess you would be OK at around 1000 to 2000 rounds, but rounds of the ammo you expect to carry. Don't test it with FMJ and then load it with Speer 200 gr "Flying Ashtray" and expect it to perform the same.

2. If I could shoot 1.5" at 25 yards, I wouldn't be sitting here watching this Forums Site, I would be participating at the Olympics. It all depends on you my friend, I know for sure I'll never reach the intrinsic accuracy of any pistol, due to my smoking and drinking too much caffeine, but that's me.

3. Can't comment, reloading is forbiden in Greece.

4. I have a 9mm Para Springfield and I love it.

Rgds

[stumbler]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a good gun there.

Now down to business:

1. broken in gun depends. Some say 5000 rounds, some say 250 rounds. IMO, get 1000 rounds through and you could say it is broken in. By then all parts should be settled down and working together.
2. 1.5 in at 25? Yes, but I would not expect consistently. Too many factors are involved to be consistent. You may find the 4" is the norm.
3. If you can buy powder, you should buy a reloading manual (and some companies supply them free). I never start at max loads. Even when I buy new powder, I begin the process of what works for my gun, and a lot of times, that is not the max loading.
4. I have an old parked SA that I bought in the around 1986 or 87. I've lost count of how many rounds have been through it. It has been to 2 Belgian IPSC comps, 1 Belgian steel shoot, the 1st German IPSC Intl shoot, countless local USPSA shoots and steel shoots, and practice. The gun will still hold 5 shots in a "touching" group at 15 yards if I do my part.

Good shooting

[Dnglbry]

You didn't mention three things that might indicate an answer to your question...1) which 1911 do you have. 2) what kind of groups can you shoot with other guns, and 3) are you referring to the gun shooting 1.5" groups, or you shooting 1.5" groups. The short answer is it is possible your gun can shoot these groups, but, no offense meant, you probably can't. Outside of matches, I have seen only a very few guys at the range who can shoot 1.5" 25 yard groups offhand.

[1911slabsides]

Howdy welcome,

Springfield puts out some very nice 1911's. I also can't put an exact or even general number of rounds needed to say the gun is reliable. I've found that the more I shoot a gun without malfunctions the more comfortable I get. I personally can't get 1.5 inch groups at 15 yards, but accuracy is more the shooter than the gun. 1.5 at 25 yards is a reach but it certainly doesn't hurt to work towards it. Some folks can do it. Most high quality 1911's (your springfield is included in high quality IMHO) will shoot better than the person shooting them. Personally I think that if you get down to 5 to 6 in groups at 25 yards on a regular basis you are a pretty good shot.

I can't help you with that reload information, I don't reload anymore.

I have had a couple of springfields over the years, I haven't had problems with any of them.

[Dnglbry]

One further comment on the difficulty of your goal...to my knowledge there have been 6 people who have shot a perfect score on the 1.51" 10-ring 25-yard bullseye target in sanctioned matches. Of course, getting a perfect run is a goal every match shooter strives for, that is the fun and challenge of it. (Note that there have been NO perfect scores in the 270 shot three pistol aggregate or in the 90 shot .45 caliber aggregate score).

[Deadi]

Thanks for the replies. When I asked if 1.5 inch groups at 25 yrds were possible, I meant, was the gun capable, say over sandbags or in a rest. I just wanted to know what people here thought about the accuracy of these particular Springfields. I used to shoot alot, mostly 22 caliber in the last several years, and I couldn't shoot 1.5 inch groups offhand, at 25 yards with them, so I am sure I won't be able to come even close with my new gun. But I can sure have alot of fun trying. So far I really like my Springfield, its one of the best looking guns of this type, in my opinion, but like I have already stated, I am a newbie with 45's. Thanks for all your input and I look forward to learning alot on this board.