Accuracy of long barrel pistols

[1066]

Almost none of the latchety barrel pistols have ever been competitive for precision pistol shooting. They are basically combat guns that, if enough time, money and effort is put into them can sometimes be made to shoot fairly well.

(They are brilliant at doing what they were designed for)

The S&W Mod 52 was designed to be the all singing, all dancing target pistol, chambered in .38 spec wadcutter but, although a good quality pistol and nice to shoot, it couldn't compete with more modern European designs like the FAS, Pardini, Walther etc. in pure accuracy competitions. All having fixed barrels, .32 cal. and low sight line.

If you're looking for an accurate pistol for target shooting try one of the modern 10m air pistols.

The S&W pass mark for the Mod 52 when shot from a machine rest was 2" at 50 yards.

[1066]

These are groups shot with my old Walther CM2 air pistol at 10m from a fixed rest. The lower groups are 5 shot groups with each pellet - the top group is a 4 shot group, one of each pellet type. All would have scored 10's so I know the flyers are all due to me.

[jack1]

Almost none of the latchety barrel pistols have ever been competitive for precision pistol shooting. They are basically combat guns that, if enough time, money and effort is put into them can sometimes be made to shoot fairly well.

(They are brilliant at doing what they were designed for)

The S&W Mod 52 was designed to be the all singing, all dancing target pistol, chambered in .38 spec wadcutter but, although a good quality pistol and nice to shoot, it couldn't compete with more modern European designs like the FAS, Pardini, Walther etc. in pure accuracy competitions. All having fixed barrels, .32 cal. and low sight line.

If you're looking for an accurate pistol for target shooting try one of the modern 10m air pistols.

The S&W pass mark for the Mod 52 when shot from a machine rest was 2" at 50 yards.

Thank you.
Yes I have a Steyr EVO 10 which will produce groups as you show at 10 meters standing off hand using RWS R10 4.49 pellets. The S&W Model was probably the finest semi automatic pistol ever and still holds the record for 50 yard (USA) offhand UIT competition. I achieved 'High master' classification in 1500 PPC shooting and took part in competitions at various ranges including the European 1500 championships at Melville range Bisley shooting a 'Model 52'

[Daryll]

The position of the barrel have nothing to do with accuracy......

My point was that that the relationship between the position of the barrel and the position of the sights has EVERYTHING to do with accuracy...

If that relationship is not consistent, the gun is never going to be accurate, so something with sights rigidly fixed to the barrel will be better.

[JammyGuns]

This review is a bit better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNOnkffJS84 because he does demonstrate what he personally can do with his k22 at 25 yrds free hand, but I agree that more reviews in this vein would be helpful. That is basically what I'm doing with my gsg now - though as per the reviewer in the vid, I'm not sure what counts as good or bad with these things as I have no prior experience with real pistols or other LBPs (though I also own a Taurus LBR) either. More anecdotal evidence, but rested it's surprisingly impressive (especially since installing the CWA kit) I can drill-out a small hole. Free hand? It can be a fight... Obviously with all these models there is far more barrel and weight than you'd ordinarily want out there. But the rested results prove that it mainly comes down to the shooter. Lastly, I found the stock sights on the gsg to be pretty horrendous and soon ditched them for adjustable fibre optic ones, so that is an option. But then you're gradually getting toward what comes as standard on the Xtrim anyway, so... Reading around the Buckmark is probably the best for both accuracy and price.

[jack1]

This review is a bit better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNOnkffJS84 because he does demonstrate what he personally can do with his k22 at 25 yrds free hand, but I agree that more reviews in this vein would be helpful. That is basically what I'm doing with my gsg now - though as per the reviewer in the vid, I'm not sure what counts as good or bad with these things as I have no prior experience with real pistols or other LBPs (though I also own a Taurus LBR) either. More anecdotal evidence, but rested it's surprisingly impressive (especially since installing the CWA kit) I can drill-out a small hole. Free hand? It can be a fight... Obviously with all these models there is far more barrel and weight than you'd ordinarily want out there. But the rested results prove that it mainly comes down to the shooter. Lastly, I found the stock sights on the gsg to be pretty horrendous and soon ditched them for adjustable fibre optic ones, so that is an option. But then you're gradually getting toward what comes as standard on the Xtrim anyway, so... Reading around the Buckmark is probably the best for both accuracy and price.

Thank you for your reply
Being the ever optimist I am sure that modifications to improve must be possible. To that end I have enquired the possibility of the installation of such as the 'Aristocrat' rear site and front post or even the full length sight for 1911's . Aint cheap though bearing in mind importation. I recall these from the days of 1500 PPC shooting on revolvers now they are available for auto's. maybe they were then I just wasn't aware they were as a 'wheel gunner'. Cost of course is very relative. Regarding the Buckmark I take your point but really think that it is what it is a modified rifle and I really want 'proper'. The other consideration and maybe the reason for the (you tube) shown lack of accuracy is the ammo. In my Volquartsen rifle I would only use RWS R50 ammo or Ely equivalent how would the 1911 derivatives work with such a RWS or Ely? Any chance of a you tube demo using such ammo in target unsupported off hand not rapid plinking mode. If successful may sell more. It would certainly sell me one. Got the space on my 'ticket'.........Thanks again
Jack

[Kungfugerbil]

Regarding the Buckmark I take your point but really think that it is what it is a modified rifle and I really want 'proper'.

Strictly speaking the BuckMark is a pistol and has been for a quarter of a century; the carbine came after the pistol. The perverse nature of LBPs over here means we have to start with the carbine and almost return it to its native form :)

[safetyfirst]

K22
And the right ammo is a great second place to a volquartsen. Gsg 1911 id be very surprised

[jack1]

K22
And the right ammo is a great second place to a volquartsen. Gsg 1911 id be very surprised

Are you saying that however high quality the ammo it would have no affect on the results of a GSG. You also mention a K22 would that be the same?

Success with RWS R50 in a Volquartsen semi auto rifle is a given

[1066]

At one time I was using a Browning Match 150 as my .22 competition pistol, it shot very well and had a good quality solid feel to it. Recently I had a try with a Buckmark, picking up and loading the mag felt like visiting an old friend and, although the Buckmark grip angle etc. all felt about the same, the quality was not in the same street. To see the two side by side would make you weep.

Shot with my Browning 150 (Unsupported one hand)