Swiss 1911 disappointing?

[amadeus76]

I probably shouldn't say disappointing as I admittedly rushed my shots...

So I finally got my Swiss 1911 I picked up from Classic out to the range to see how she shoots. I brought it out with about 5 other rifles I had to 'break in' or re-zero. When I finally got the the 1911 I was getting short on time so I think I probably rushed my shots more than I needed to. Between that and the PPU ammo I had on hand my groups probably suffered. Still, at 25 yards at expected better groups... The windage was on but there was probably an inch to an inch and half vertical string over the course of my 3 groups. The rifling is strong so I don't think the barrel condition was an issue. I assume it was mostly me rushing my shots but I'm still a bit disappointed considering the reputation this rifles have.

I'll take her out again in a few weeks after I get out of the field and set it up in a lead sled and hopefully get better results.

Information

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[Aragorn243]

I'm not sure what PPU's reputation is with the Swiss ammo. I know they aren't very good for Carcano's but most speak well about other calibers. Best thing to do is keep an eye on Midway and buy a case of Swiss surplus when they get it in and offer their free shipping deal.

[Frederick303]

Check the action screws. The front should be tightened first, then the back end, then the middle one brought up snug, but not dogged down.

band screws should be tight.

If you are shooting it off a rest, be sure to support the stock in the exact same spot on the rest, shot to shot, or you can get vertical stringing due to the variable jump, front load pressure on the barrel

[amadeus76]

Check the action screws. The front should be tightened first, then the back end, then the middle one brought up snug, but not dogged down.

band screws should be tight.

If you are shooting it off a rest, be sure to support the stock in the exact same spot on the rest, shot to shot, or you can get vertical stringing due to the variable jump, front load pressure on the barrel

Is there a specific torque poundage I should be looking at when I do this? While I'm asking, since I just picked up a K31, is there a different torque poundage for that rifle?

[Ernest T]

Good advice on the screws. I've got a 96/11 that the screws loosen up on after about 20 rounds, and the result is shots stringing vertically. I also had one 1911 rifle that would never shoot accurately no matter what I did. I tried adjusting the stock, shims, etc. Finally had a gunsmith counter-bore the muzzle and the accuracy improved significantly. Hard to find one of these rifles that has been shot out, but you will see one occasionally.

[Hcompton79]

One thing to keep in mind is that the 1911 and earlier rifles have been in the US a lot longer than the K-31s because they were surplused earlier. Thus they have likely been shot more without being subject to the maintenance and repair programs in Switzerland.

Be careful of cleaning rod damage to the muzzle as this can quickly destroy accuracy and is easily preventable.

In addition to the other comments about the bedding of the 1911, make sure that there is nothing jamming up the metal collar that supports the muzzle end of the barrel. The barrel is supposed to be a semi-free float if I understand the design correctly, where the barrel have a small amount of movement within the collar and is supported by whichever side of the collar is facing the ground.

[RC20]

Also keep in mind, not all guns were great and there is a chance to get a mediocre one.

I did some sight in work on a Remington 700. The barrel is bent (factory) so it does not bore sight well, but it shoots 1.5 inches groups so fine for hunting for which its used.

Bores are mystery and appearance only says it has a chance to do well, the rest is in all those barrel making fiddly details.

PPU brass is good but I do not know how it shoots in 1911 or K-31.

[Eaglelord17]

Commercial PPU ammo is one of my favourites, however I know it isn't very accurate ammo. When using my P14 my groups open up with their .303 over when I use my reloads. Try some GP-11 if you want a actual test for accuracy, some of the best ammo you will ever find.

[amadeus76]

Commercial PPU ammo is one of my favourites, however I know it isn't very accurate ammo.

I found PPU to be accurate enough to 20 rounds in a 6 inch plate at 100 yards shooting off hand with my K31... It's not the best ammo but that's still pretty damn good and a testament to the quality of the Swiss rifles.

[RC20]

Still working on a design that isn't already out there. We're close. I'll be field testing it next week. It will depend on the barrel as an anchor.

I will follow with deep interest!