Performance Criteria
All of this talk of value, of course, presupposes a certain level of function: If a gun doesn’t work well, it’s hard to like it (there’s a parallel here to certain Italian cars, but I will pass lightly over it), and that standard varies depending on which class the gun is in.
Most service pistols are not as accurate as 1911s. Revolvers are often more accurate and good .22s can generally embarrass the lot. Based on my experience, I expect a 1911 to average 3″ or better from a Ransom Rest with everything I stuff in it. Most high-end 1911s shoot 2″ or tighter and I’ve seen plenty that average in the 1″ range. I also expect it to run all the time. Contrary to social media myths, the 1911 is quite reliable. Remember, it went 6,000 rounds without a malfunction prior to its adoption by the U.S. Army. Having established the tune with which beauty’s beat must harmonize, on with the show.
DoubleTap ammunition provided 500 rounds of .45 ACP 200-grain match full metal jacket. I had the opportunity to burn it all through the Standard during a multi-day event at Gunsite, during which I never cleaned or oiled it. In deference to the gun’s finish — it is, after all, somebody else’s several-thousand-dollar gun — I did not work it in and out of a holster. In every other way, I rode it hard and sent it home sooty and shot from 10 yards to 200 (not a typo), fast, slow, offhand, left hand, etc.
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