Why does my M1 make two groups like this?

[MZ5]

No, I thought I already said (maybe I didn't) that I cannot be positive that the hits alternated according to which side of the clip the cartridge fed from. The gas cylinder is tight on the splines, but the plug cannot screw in tight without putting a bend/bind in things.

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[mac1911]

No, I thought I already said (maybe I didn't) that I cannot be positive that the hits alternated according to which side of the clip the cartridge fed from. The gas cylinder is tight on the splines, but the plug cannot screw in tight without putting a bend/bind in things.

Bend and bind? That does not sound good.
Try this draw some 4 3" bulls on a large piece of paper.
Take 2 shots at each bull and see how your groups look vs point of aim.
I have a M1 that has a cork screw pattern to its shots. You can compare shot for shot and it's the same patern.
It's the most correct WWII SA I have so I have not messed with it.
The M1s can be frustrating.
Although remember in the accuracy and testing portion of the weapons command over hall manual
They have you fire 3 warming shots before shooting the 5 consecutive shots for group testing at 1000" inches and that group is good to go at 1.77" or less.
All my M1s like to toss the first cold shot especially with HXP. It's not as bad with my reloads. My current M1 i use in the JCG as issued match will always shoot low right on first shot then settle in and drift a bit high as it gets hot. Not much but enough to loose a few into the 9 ring if I don't pay attention or cant see my impacts.