How much do barrel compensators really help?
I usually like to shoot rimfire pistols which of course do not really need a compensator. I am a pretty good shot. but resently I have taken an interest in 1911's. I can shoot them accurately but only one shot very slowly at a time. I think this is because of my small hands and because I am very small. If I get a barrel compensator will this help me to shoot tighter shot groups more rapidly? If so which compensator is best and how much work is it to have it installed?
Answers:
However, with the way a 1911 works, you cannot just add a compensator.it's not just a 'bolt-on' part. because you are changing the physics of the barrel, which actually needs to tip up as the action cycles. So adding that weight to the front of the barrel changes the dynamics of how the action works as well.
The compensator device will also need to replace the barrel bushing and required a great deal of manual fitting and testing to make them work properly.
I'm not an expert on 1911s, but that's what I recall from reading about it and why custom gunsmithing is required for compensator installation. I'll bet this whole process is more than your 1911!
Do a search for 1911 custom gunsmiths and see what they are charging for this service.that may make up your mind for you.
The fact that you can shoot the 1911 well, although slowly, actually to me means you are well on your way to being proficient with the pistol as it is with no compensator.
Spending a few hundred bucks on ammunition and some dedicated practice time will get you shooting faster while still maintaining the accuracy.
Talk to a smith about options.
For example, you may do well by using much lighter ammo loads and a lighter recoil spring.
Remember it's much, much better to shoot slow and hit the bullseye than to shoot fast and miss the paper!
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I would go talk to a gunsmith and tell him what you wont out of the compensator and he will be the one installing it and there for best to advise you what is available to best fit your needs.That my opinion.
D58
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My understanding is a compensator on a 45 is not going to give you the best results. The 38 super in a 1911 will produce the pressure down you need. Just pushes more gas than the slow 45.http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/1911dtl.h...
I am NOT saying these are the best. I suspect they are pretty darn good. The comp will not improve your groups just your times. Go to brianenos.com go to forums and read about open guns this will give you a better idea on comps.
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If your shooting a 45 acp a compensator will not make a large difference as the bullet lacks the muzzle velocity/pressure to get the job done. You will see a little less muzzle flip but that is all, it will not effect accuracy. Now if your shooting a 40 or 38 super this is where the comp will really shine (above 1300 fps) and if tuned right the gun will have little recoil or muzzle rise HOWEVER prepare yourself for BLAST... you will want good ear protection! and shooting at a indoor range will definitely turn heads!It may take some trial and error on finding the right recoil spring to get the gun to cycle properly. The 1911 is recoil operated you will may need to get a lighter recoil spring.
I have used comp's in IPSC/USPSA competition and when shooting in open class every thing is geared toward speed and accuracy, a good comp will help keep the dot (red dot scope) on the target for fast follow up shots.
As to the type to get, that's up to you but you may want to go to the USPSA web site and find a local club in your area and watch a match, they are very fun to watch. Talk with a few shooters and ask then what they use and where they got there work done. USPSA members are very helpful don't be shy. You may just find a new hobby and a lot of new friends.
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