About how accurate are "normal" production handguns?

[ummm]

Just curious - a completely stock gun like a Glock 34, or a Springfield XDm, or a Beretta 92FS -- something that is made in quantity, for a relatively competitive price. They're much more accurate than I am, but I'm curious about their limits when used by some of the best in our sport.

If you were to have, say Bob Vogel or Ben Stoeger shoot 100 brand-new Glock 34's for groups, slo-fire at 25 yards, how would they average out, using "normal" factory ammo, like what can be bought at a Wal-Mart?

I've heard that many good shooters can do impressive things with higher-quality guns and match ammo, so I'm curious what you think are the limits of stock, production guns with very average factory ammo.

 

[Jefpainthorse]

I'd expect a "service" grade handgun to shoot 3 inchs or better, rested on sandbags at 25 yards... with non match spec ammo. Some will do better....


IIRC Wilson says it's $3000 + 1911 will hold under 2 inches at 50 yards...and if I was shooting NRA or Bullseye matches that would make sense. IDPA and most action formats have a pretty good "A" zone for size...the ranges mimic combat handgun distanced...plus your moving, reloading and not taking a "fine bead" sight picture.... any pistol that shoots 5inches@ 25 yards or tighter will compete in that kind of venue..or do for CCW work.

 

[Adam Striegel]

My 40 cal Sig P226 is super accurate no tweaking done. Sucker just puts it where it's been pointed every time.

<3 my Sig p226

 

[ummm]

I'd expect a "service" grade handgun to shoot 3 inchs or better, rested on sandbags at 25 yards... with non match spec ammo. Some will do better....

Thanks for your answer, Jeff. Just so I'm clear - a 3 inch group means a circle with a 6" diameter? Or a circle with a 3" diameter? Or something else entirely?

 

[Jefpainthorse]

Measure a shot groups widest point

If you can cover the bullet holes with red solo cup... About 4 inches...

An IDPA targets center is about 8 inches... I've seen every thing from Hi points to Wilson's shoot pairs into that all day

 

[technetium-99m]

My XD tactical will do 3-4 inches at 25 yards. From others reports about those guns I got a diamond in the rough.

 

[RK{ARMS}]

My M&P Pro will hold about 3-4 inch group. My problem is the trigger nut always comes loose on game day.

 

[Jeff T.]

My problem is the trigger nut always comes loose on game day.

I only own production guns, no work done to any of them, and I think this ^^^^^ is my biggest issue as well.