First Round Flyer

[CANDERSEN]

I have a problem - building up a new 5" 9mm Caspian; it has a gunsmith fitted Kart Barrel. Testing for accuracy out of my Ransom rest- 10 round groups with ammunition of known quality.

Frequently the first round (chambered from slide lock) will print 3 to 7 inches low and slightly left. The rest of the group will be in a tight cluster 1.5 - 1.75 inches. It only happens with the first round.

I took the gun out of the Ransom and test fired again - same thing the first usually groups way low?

Any thoughts?

Thanks Chris

[Quack]

just a guess, but maybe its how the first round is chambered (using the slide lock vs. pulling the slide back) and how the barrel locks up.

[Hi-Power Jack]

Many gun mag writers have noted this tendency for fourty years.

Not sure why it is (probably the way it's loaded, as above)

but easy to defeat ...

When I load my carry gun, I fire the first shot, so the first

round in the chamber has been seated by firing it - it should

group with all the other rounds in the mag.

If I'm target shooting, looking for small group sizes, I fire

the first shot into the berm and then start my group.

Good luck,

Jack

[Roadrider18]

Can be a number things...

Since the Kart was installed by a gunsmith, I suggest returning the pistol to him for evaluation.

It can take 100 rounds or so for a 'hard fit' barrel to settle in and mate up with surrounding parts and bearing surfaces.

[CANDERSEN]

Did some more shooting - noted that the first shot flyer does not seem to appears when the gun is freshly cleaned and oiled; but after 2-3 groups it begins. I have tried shooting the gun from slide lock, racking the slide etc, with full magazine or a partially empty one - all with the same results. The first round is way low - either out of the Ransom Rest or hand held from a supported bench. A good average is 4-5 inches low from the other rounds group at 25 yards. The rest of the group is nice and tight.

I have put approximately 120 rounds through the gun testing it and the problem persists - the barrel appears to lock up tight.

I have seen the first shot phenomena before - but not to this extreme.