High-End 1911 Test Target

[enegue]

I'm currently looking for a high-end 1911. Deciding between Wilson Combat, Colt Special Combat, and Ed Brown. Mostly looking through gunbroker. My question relates to the test target that comes with each of these.

It seems like a turn off when I see a test target that isn't center-punched. When paying $2-3k for a pistol, isn't it weird that some of the test targets don't look like the pistol is shooting at point of aim? Is this an issue? (yes I realize the groups are decent but more referring to shooting at point of aim).

colt target.jpg

[CAGLS]

I think groups are more important. You can always drift the sights to your poa to match the poi although it would be ideal if the sights were perfectly centered and could produce the same tight groups with the poa to match the poi in the bullseye.

[enegue]

I think groups are more important. You can always drift the sights to your poa to match the poi.

Yes, I agree and understand that. But when you're paying $2-3k for a "handcrafted" pistol, wouldn't you expect it to shoot POA out of the box?

I know I have to be wrong to have concern since they send the pistol with a test target like the one in my original post - it's shooting 1 inch left at 15 yards which seems easily fixable before leaving the factory since it's "custom built." I just want to know why I'm wrong.

[nimbus]

Yeah, that would bug me. All that cash and they can't drift the sight a little bit to get it shooting straight.

[Mr.Caketown]

With all the weapons they deal with daily I think they just bench rest it , look and pull the trigger . Doesn't have to really be PoA ,

[bulletblood]

I don't even believe those targets, I always ignore them.

[norman_brown]

It shouldn't be a problem at all, point of aim-point of impact will change with ammo choice so how disappointed would you be if you got a target that was center punched and you could not replicate that with your ammo of choice when you got it home.. a persons grip will also change poi.

[usmcspud]

What Norman said.

[bwhited]

What Norman said.

+2.

[XBleed]

You think they aim those? They test fire so many a day that they just bench it and fire off a group. If the sights are centered on the slide you're good to go.

[L84CABO]

I've never been disappointed with the Wilson Combat test targets I've seen. YMMV

[robert101]

Please explain how the grip affects point of impact to the sight alignment. To me if the sights are properly aligned on a specific target, the individual's style of grip is not and issue.

to the OP's point, it is likely that your pistol will not shoot to center of target as well. Yes, bullet grain weight, velocity and other factors will affect the impact quadrant on the target. I typically don't mind a slight vertical difference. What I do not like is a horizontal variance.

[bwhited]

Actually, various grips can effect the how the firearm recoils which can an change the point of impact.
Try shooting a grip with a firm but weak hold and then shot a group with a death grip on the firearm. The group will probably be lower with the tighter grip.

Please explain how the grip affects point of impact to the sight alignment. To me if the sights are properly aligned on a specific target, the individual's style of grip is not and issue.

to the OP's point, it is likely that your pistol will not shoot to center of target as well. Yes, bullet grain weight, velocity and other factors will affect the impact quadrant on the target. I typically don't mind a slight vertical difference. What I do not like is a horizontal variance.

[sammy]

How does your gun shoot at 15 yards? Are the sights off like the test target shows? If they use a Ransom Rest I would guess it might be tough to line up the gun and target exactly center. If it was shot offhand they should have adjusted the sights. Who wants to mark up the sights on a high end gun getting it zeroed? Then again my Springfield Professional shot 2" right at 15 but came with no test target.

[sammy]

Actually, various grips can effect the how the firearm recoils which can an change the point of impact.
Try shooting a grip with a firm but weak hold and then shot a group with a death grip on the firearm. The group will probably be lower with the tighter grip.

I see what you are saying but the bullet is already at the target before any recoil occurs.