Colt 38 Spl NM 1911 vs S&W 52

How accurate were the Colt 38SPL NM 1911 compared to S&W 52?

Greetings,

I use my 38NM barrel to test ammo in a fixture. It regularly shoots X-ring at 50 yards with good ammo.

The 38NM pistol is a blow back and does not shoot as well out of the Random Rest. Too many parts with accumulated tolerances. Still, I was able to get ten ring groups at 50 yards via the Random Rest.

I have no way to test M-52 barrels; but, I did chop up an old K-38 barrel to the same length as a M-52. They have the same rate of twist; but, a larger groove diameter. (M-52 is 0.354", K-38 is 0.357") Out of the barrel tester I got X-ring groups with good ammo at 50 yards.

Never got any of the fantastic groups that Gil Hebard got out of the Random Rest.

The key to either gun shooting well is GOOD ammo.

Cheers,

Dave

I'm fortunate to have inherited a Clark/Hebard Custom 1911 38 special kit gun made in the mid 1960's.  Awesome accurate.  Best trigger in my collection.  However, it shoots only as good as I do and a Master will beat me every time with his Model 52 and swear by it.  That being said, I wouldn't trade or sell it for anything out there.

I had both, I think the 52 is better. Both were out of the box. The NM 1911 38 shot better than the Gold Cup .45 out of the box. But the 52 out of the box was far better than the 38 NM