vintage Colt accuracy

[MLC]

I was at the local shop looking for an A2 lower for my new WOA Upper and the only fixed stock rifle there was an older Colt upper with an A1 stock on a spud lower.
I was skeptical about the originality of the upper but the employee helping me assured me it was original Colt.
How accurate are the old CL, pencil, 12 twist barrels?
Do you think that 600 is too much?
I thought it might be fun with 50-55 grain VMAX's and my TA01 ACOG for groundhogs.

 

[harbinger]

Re: vintage Colt accuracy

Haven't kept up with the value of those in a while, but I have seen a bunch of those Colt pencil barrels shoot with outstanding accuracy. Gotta keep to the lighter side with bullet selection but they can definately shoot.

 

[fast_dave]

Re: vintage Colt accuracy

The old 1 in 12 twist A1 pencil barrels are optimized for 55 grain FMJ / M193 Ammo.

If you shoot anything heavier than 55 grain, your groups start opening up and after 20 rounds your target will look like a a shotgun pattern ;-)

The good thing in all of this is M193 / 55 Grain FMJ ammo is widely available and the most reasonably priced - $4-5 for (20).

Hope that helps -

 

[Hellbender]

Re: vintage Colt accuracy

They shoot excellent with 60 grain and under bullets.

I have a 20" I bought new in 1981 and it will shoot 1/2-5/8" groups with good hand loads. Killed a lot of prairie dogs w/ it!

Also have an SP1 Carbine that shoots well.

 

[MLC]

Re: vintage Colt accuracy

I couldn't believe how light it was.
My carbine has a chunker 16' tube with a Nightforce optic and the Colt felt like half the weight.
Talk about an awesome walking varminter.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: vintage Colt accuracy

the old 1-12 with 55gr is good to about 500 yds, it is perfect in weight for walking prairie dog shooting if you keep your shots around 200 yds.
cheers.