Quincy said:
what would generally be thought of as the most accurate handgun at 25 yards?...I suspect the Freedom arms revolvers, would a tuned 1911 compete?
As far as platforms, revolvers and semi-autos each have their compromises, but generally, revolvers get a
slight nod for out-of-the box accuracy. 1911s can be tuned to match-grade accuracy, but to keep the comparison fair, so can revolvers, and often with less effort.
Among revolvers, I suspect the shorter
double action hammer travel would help accuracy, but few are as good with a DA trigger.
I've never shot one, but FA revolvers have a reputation for excellent accuracy, due, in part, to the fact that their chambers are lined-bored with the barrel.
Quincy said:
And what would you expect, minus the human factor. Say in a Ransom Rest, ½” groups at 25 yard, better, worse? Just wondering what your thoughts are.
A match-grade handgun ought to be able to clean the x-ring of an NRA bullseye target, which is about 0.7" at 25 yards and 1.7" at 50 yards. This is about what I've always felt an expect an in-spec, but otherwise factory stock S&W revolver to be able to deliver with match ammo. A 1911 ought to be able to deliver this with some good tuning. Given their reputation (and price), I'd certainly expect a FA revolver to deliver at least this level of accuracy.
If you're looking for an accurate semi-auto, do some research into CZs as well.