Any decent 1911 or Ruger SA will do it at 25 yards. So I don't think buying a target pistol is necessary to meet your accuracy expectations.
I think you just got a 'dud' S&W. Around 1986 I had a new Model 17 which would barely stay on a piece of typing paper at 25 yards, shooting from a rest.
^^^ This^^^
Your Smith either has some issue or is in search of a load that it likes.
Most S&W's I've had/have (629's, 69's, 625's, etc.) will do 'around' 1 1/2" to 2" 25 yards rested with a load they like. Then again a few would not.
My Springfield Armory Stainless 'loaded' 1911 (not the version with the match barrel) would do 1 1/2 to 2 inches at 25 yards off a bench. Again I've tried some loads that were not up to that.
Jerry
