Sig Scorpion traditional 1911 range report

MNHNTR

New member
So I finally got to the range with the new Sig I just bought and thought I would write up a short range report on it. After owning close to a dozen different 1911s and carrying them on and off for years, I feel I have some experience and can give a fair assessment of them.
I wanted to be a fair as possible so I stripped and cleaned the pistol. I used PMC 230gr FMJ, Blazer Brass 230gr FMJ, Federal 230gr Hydra-shok, and my handloads which are 200gr MBC RNFP over a moderate charge of A#5. I used the 2 stock mags and a WC 47D which have been the most reliable in my experience.
I started at 7yds and fired 8 rounds out of each mag twice. I then did the Hilton Yam extractor test using 16 rounds with only one fail which threw the round in my face. Otherwise it passed with the other 15. I then loaded the mags with the ammo staggering the different types and brands to see if it would fail on certain ammo.
I fired approx. 175 rounds total and had 10-15 fail to return to full battery which required a tap to the back of the slide to push it in to battery. I attribute this to two things. First I always use Mobile 1 as gun oil on all my firearms and it has always worked well for me. I had an STI Lawman that had the same Cerakote finish that needed to be greased instead of oiled. I think this would have helped. I also think with 1911's and especially Cerakoted or any of these types of finishes, they need a break-in. I know there are verying opinions on this topic. Some may think a $1000 dollar pistol should not need one but it is a simple fact that anything having metal to metal friction get better with a little use.
As for accuracy this pistol is on par with my TRP and the Lawman. I shot two groups at 25yds with good results for me. I am an action pistol shooter and not a bullseye shooter so slowing down is hard to do. I got 5in groups shooting my version of slow fire, two handed, unsupported.
Overall fit and finish is just what you would expect from Sig Sauer. It is very well fitted and not too tight to cause failures but tight enough to know it is quality. The feel of this is very similar to the TRP with slightly less aggressive checkering on the front strap. The mag well is nice and blends from the grips but is not as slick as a race funnel magwell. I had reservations about an external extractor, but so far so good.
This pistol listed at 1099.99 and the LGS salesman who I know well gave me a deal and I got it for 859.00 plus tax. I feel for the money this is a great pistol. I paid 699 for the SR1911 when it came out and you get a lot more for the extra money it costs. While I will not say this is equal to the TRP it is very close for $500-$600 less, it is a value. The trigger is better on the TRP and this is most likely due to the Sig having series 80 parts which I will probably replace with the bypass parts. This should make the trigger better with less creep and lighter pull. I will post again when I get a few hundred more rounds down it but as for now it is a keeper. I will also get some pics posted later.
 
Nice review. Some of what you mention was `over my head`, because I have never owned a 1911.
Hilton Yam extractor test??
On the 10-15 failed to return to battery, was it by chance one particular brand of ammo? The Federal Hydra-shock I have for my .380 say Reduced Recoil, and wonder if those caused malfunctions?
A 1911 is on my `would like to purchase someday` list.
Will be nice to hear longer term update and pictures,
Thanks
 
I've found that many semi-auto pistols, especially in the modern 1911 platform need in excess of 200 rounds fired before complete reliability is achieved...If you consider the early 1911s had a reputation for 'always' firing, but inaccurate to the point of "having to be inside the barn to hit the side of it" due to the loose fit of parts...Talk to some of the WW2 vets on that subject..

It's been in the last 50-60 years that consumer demand for accuracy, beginning with the Colt Gold Cup series that companies began tightening up fit/finish standards and producing firearms with much tighter tolerances..Prior to that, competition shooters were the only ones that were modifying the 1911s by squeezing slides in a vice, making custom fit parts, etc..to get better accuracy out of the workhorse handguns...By reducing tolerances, you increase the potential for various types of failure with specific types of ammo..We used to use the standard of a 1911 that would feed empty casings to be 'totally' reliable for match purposes..While that may be slightly impractical for most, it is achievable...

If you read some of the comments on some of the handgun/competition forums, you will find some that promote firing a minimum of 500 rounds through a stock Kimber to achieve 'complete' reliability...
 
Second day of range time with this pistol. I replaced the stock recoil spring with a 18.5lb Nowlin spring and lubed it up with shooters choice grease. 100rounds of WWB 230gr ball and 75 rounds of the same reloads with only 1 failure to lock back on an empty mag.
 


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