Colt National Matc .38 Spec. Wad Cutter MK III

[ser2711]

I own a Colt National Matc .38 Spec. Wad Cutter MK III.. but less accurate of my Smith&Wesso 52-1.. any suggestion to reach same level of accuracy? I try heavy spring, but not evident emprovment..Thank's!

[Misny]

I own a Colt National Matc .38 Spec. Wad Cutter MK III.. but less accurate of my Smith&Wesso 52-1.. any suggestion to reach same level of accuracy? I try heavy spring, but not evident emprovment..Thank's!

I think the Colt was inherently less accurate at the git go than the S&W. It would probably require accurizing by a custom bullseye pistolsmith to get it to shoot to match standards.

[Jon Eulette]

I've been shooting and building 1911 .38 specials since 89. I'm currently building 2 from scratch, a historic replica old school rebuild and a re-barrel job on a longslide all .38's. I've shot almost all makes and models of 1911 .38 specials, so I'm very familiar with them. I don't consider myself an expert on the history and parts, but I know how to shoot them well and build them; personal best with .38 special 889 and Int. Centerfire 3 man team national record holder. They will flat out shoot when built right and right ammo.
The 52 wishes it could shoot as well as the 1911. I know I just stepped on toes, but I've never seen a 52 that would group at 50 yds! Jerry Keefer has built the only one I know of that will group at 50 because it has a fast twist barrel; 1:10. The 52 twist is too slow. 25 yds anything will group, but 50 is where it really matters.
So if your .38 1911 isn't grouping there's probably something needing fixed. I'm re-barrelling one now that the rifling is completely worn out and it wouldn't shoot.
My 2 cents anyhow :)
Jon

[fc60]

Greetings,

I have Colt National Match MK III as well.

It is a blow back pistol so there are more accumulated tolerances to deal with.

From a barrel tester, the barrel is quite accurate. The target image attached is the barrel in a fixture fired at 50 yards.

I did Random Rest the pistol many years ago with the H&G #50 cast bullet. It shot three inches at 50 yards.

Someone has gone through my gun as the rails have been peened and a new barrel bushing installed.

Cheers,

Dave

[Rover]

I had one of these. It was the most ammo finicky pistol I've ever owned. I finally found a load that was great. I still have a 99 score target from ISS center-fire stuck in my gun box.

[ser2711]

Hi, Rover could you tell me which was a load that was great? Thank you!

[Rover]

I don't think I can help you. The bullets were swaged HBWC, but are no longer made. I THINK the powder was 3.2 grains of 700X, but it was a long time ago.

The 99 target in my gun box has a note: "Pay attention, asshole!" Good advice to all.

[Jon Eulette]

Wow 3.2 700X is ptetty stout load. But some pistols shoot better hotter :l)
Jon

[Rover]

Wow 3.2 700X is pretty stout load. But some pistols shoot better hotter :l)
Jon

Well....sorta. I was using Speer manual #9 for info. For the HBWC they list 2.9 as max (didn't want blowouts). For the solid wadcutter they go to 4 grains.

As I said, it was a long time ago. It could have as easily been a load of HP38.

[fc60]

Greetings,

Another argument for purchasing a chronograph and some commercial wad cutter ammo.

Cheers,

Dave