Range Report: 1911 DW vs. GSG

[puRe59]

Not much of a technical report. Just thought I'd throw some pics up that my friend took. I took 2 friends to the Firing Line the other day (1 of them was first time shootin'). He actually did very well; I'm curious if he'll do just as well the second time around.

We shot my GSG 1911 .22 and DW Valor. I noticed that I shot much much better with the Valor. I know there is a huge price/quality difference between the guns, but would that be the only reason why I see such a large difference in terms of accuracy? I can comfortably shoot the Valor in a 3" group and maybe 7 out of 10 with the GSG (7 yards). I tried shooting one handed, results: 3" group with the Valor, a few hits on the 3" target with the GSG (7 yards).

I've had to adjust the sights on the GSG; it was shooting right (I'd consider it far right, couldn't even hit the 3" target). I don't know how well the sights are dialed in, but it must be decent since its hitting what I aim at. Am I just being sloppy when I shoot the GSG? Or being spoiled by the Valor?


4-6 mags through the head @ 7, 15, 20 yards.

[Target19]

Happens to me with that bulk 22 ammo.

[redhemi]

I have a GSG also and have made a few improvements to it and all I can say is the GSG is NOT a target pistol.

[Socal858]

DW is a hell of a gun, i had an older model and regret selling it

what kind of 22 ammo are you using? the bulk packs are pretty ****ty; i get great results out of some of the more expensive specialized target ammo, you may want to give that a chance if you havent already

[Matt P]

The GSG will shoot incredibly well. Much more so then most owners can do so.
One quick reason the other gun shoots better is weight. It sits in your hand more firmly, and you induce less movement when pressing the trigger.
Due to the GSG being lighter, you move it more when pressing the trigger.
As you shoot the GSG more you should hopefully see the accuracy increase. You could consider shooting CCI Mini Mags for near 100% reliability along with accuracy.

[Fishslayer]

Obviously the GSG is defective. I need parts. Give ya $100 for it!

Just kidding...

[puRe59]

Happens to me with that bulk 22 ammo.

DW is a hell of a gun, i had an older model and regret selling it

what kind of 22 ammo are you using? the bulk packs are pretty ****ty; i get great results out of some of the more expensive specialized target ammo, you may want to give that a chance if you havent already

The GSG will shoot incredibly well. Much more so then most owners can do so.
One quick reason the other gun shoots better is weight. It sits in your hand more firmly, and you induce less movement when pressing the trigger.
Due to the GSG being lighter, you move it more when pressing the trigger.
As you shoot the GSG more you should hopefully see the accuracy increase. You could consider shooting CCI Mini Mags for near 100% reliability along with accuracy.

I'm actually using CCI Mini Mags. Now that you mention it, it is probably due to the reduced weight and crappier trigger. Time to put in more practice with the .22!

Obviously the GSG is defective. I need parts. Give ya $100 for it!

Just kidding...

Hehe, I'm tempted to do it. I'm disappointed with this gun, but maybe I've been spoiled by the Valor.

[Ubermcoupe]

I'm disappointed with this gun, but maybe I've been spoiled by the Valor.

Maybe spoiled by the Valor, but I hope you didn't buy the GSG .22 thinking you were going to get a solid Target Pistol, especially since the price of the GSG is more than the better shooting, more accurate Ruger Mark II/III series pistols.

The GSG is not a Target .22, and most likely never will be.
Let's think about it: premium, accurate .45 1911s costs thousands of dollars and require hand fitted/gun-smithed parts to achieve those tight groups. The GSG (while fitting the expensive part) has parts that are mass created and made of less expensive quality materials.

For those that are expecting a Target Grade pistol from the GSG - DON'T.

The GSG .22 is a GREAT plinker, and GREAT tinkering 1911. I use the GSG because I can use the same gear as my .45 set-up. Same holster, same mag holders, etc but for less than the cost of .45 ammo and I can shoot for hours and hundreds of rounds. And it looks cool to shoot a 1911 .22

I love my GSG, I love tinkering/upgrading/playing/modifying/adjusting/plinking with my GSG, but i'f i'm going to play junior Olympian or hunt varmit I'm taking the Ruger.

/rant & /soapbox

Maybe ATi/GSG will retool and go with better quality parts. Maybe I was the only one that went in not expecting a target pistol, I don't know.

I just hate to see someone (not necessarily you OP, but you're not the only one...) that is disappointed by the GSG, saying its less than good pistol when the original purchaser was expecting a Target 1911 .22...

[DCF]

You can adjust the front sight of the GSG 1911 with the small allen wrench that comes with the gun. Mine is slight to the left so my groups are to the right. For the cost of a box of 50rds 45, I can shoot 500rds of 22. The GSG is more than capable to shoot 3" at 7 yards so may be is the type of ammo you use?

[johnjohn301]

Every couple hundred rounds or so - or when I notice my groups really start opening up, I check, and end up tightening the screw that holds the barrel. Very next magazine the groups are all tight again. Something to check - seems to be a common problem with the GSG 1911-22.

[JNunez23]

Tried Loctite yet?

Every couple hundred rounds or so - or when I notice my groups really start opening up, I check, and end up tightening the screw that holds the barrel. Very next magazine the groups are all tight again. Something to check - seems to be a common problem with the GSG 1911-22.

[johnjohn301]

Tried Loctite yet?

Nah, I'll shoot 500-1,000 rounds each time out so I break down and clean/oil after every shoot. Doesn't bother me enough (yet) to then clean the oil off so the Loctite will actually work. May get to that at some point.

Thanks!
JJ

[JNunez23]

I pick my GSG up Thursday. We'll see if I experience the same issue.

[puRe59]

****Update****

I had to find out whether or not it was me or the gun. I went to the range today and here's what I got:

50 rounds @ 7 yards


50 more rounds @ 15 yards



I definitely need to shoot this more! I've noticed the biggest challenge is the trigger pull. I shot a couple hundred more rounds with 3" targets, paying careful attention to how I shoot.

I really wish there was more quality put into this gun. I think it could've been a much better product with a little more work. It could've been something that every 1911 owner has to have.

I pick my GSG up Thursday. We'll see if I experience the same issue.

I've had my guide rod break (pretty common I think). I basically had a paper weight for 2-3 months. Finally got tired of waiting for a replacement guide rod and bought an aftermarket one (well, there goes more money).

I find it ridiculous that they sent me a replacement spring, but no guide rod. What am I suppose to do with that?! I called them up and they said they'd ship one as soon as they get them in stock. It's been another month and I've yet to receive my guide rod from them. I might just give them another call.

Also, my slide doesn't lock back without a mag (happened after about 1k rounds). The notch is worn down. I think this is a common problem (?).

I'm not so much disappointed that this is not a target grade pistol, but the lack of quality in a $300 product. Granted, I knew of the guide rod problem but I would expect ATI's customer service to be on top of that. Nevertheless, I will appreciate what I have and this enjoyable hobby I am blessed with.

[JNunez23]

Wow, that's disappointing to say the least. Everyone always seems so satisfied with ATI's customer service.

I have already purchased an guide rod and recoil spring, there goes another $40 just to feel the gun is "shootable." This is based on all the reviews online of course. This can be an overreaction to all the negative feedback, but I can live with $40 for internal component upgrades.

Anyway, I haven't shot it myself, but I will on Friday and report back.