Question, please, for SW 1911 E series Owners

[John G C 1]

The new E series 45. 1911s look like they come with fixed sights. I am trying to target shoot, so I would not be using the gun for tactical or SD stuff.

Are these setup in the factory so that the shooter aligns the front blade in the standard way and then the POI will be the top of the front blade?

Also, are these generally sighted in well? Or if I am trying for accuracy at 15 and 25 yards should I avoid the fixed sights and go for target sights?

I am not looking for professional accuracy, but I am not interested in shooting quickly or at a large target area like a metal plate.

I am not that good, but want a target gun.

Thank you.

 

[OKFC05]

go for target sights?

Yes, even going from 230gr to 200gr bullets will cause the POI to shift enough to matter at bullseye shooting.
Have you looked at the .45 Pro 1911 SKU 178011? I like mine, and it has adjustable sights, but also the FO front I prefer for action pistol games.

 

[GtownGeorge]

JMHO but a 45 cal 1911 just for target shooting sounds like overkill. If you want a S&W 1911 then fine but if you want a gun to target shoot I'd go with something less expensive that takes cheaper ammo. But... everyone needs at least 1 1911.

 

[John G C 1]

You bet I have looked at the Performance Center 1911!!!

I did look at the 9mm 1911-style Pro Series Smith and Wessons. VERY nice too, but a bunch of old threads on that one seemed to indicate some people had problems, whereas the E series seems to have ironed out any issues from the earlier 45mm 1911.

I could be wrong. Maybe any issues with the 9mm Pro series were just a couple of flukes. But it does come with target sights so that would be a plus. 9mm sure would be cheaper.

 

[lhump1961]

Keep in mind that most guns shoot better than their owners...it's true for me! I have two S&W 1911's with fixed sights and both are very accurate and consistent with 100% function. I find that if I do my part all of my guns are accurate. I have a 6904 that is a 12 o'clock aim but it groups very well...just have to know it's POA...probably hits about 2" low at 25 feet and I don't consider that a big deal as long as it's consistant. I have others that are more of a 6 o'clock aim but again they group fine. Adjustable sights are nice but unless you are a better than average shooter they aren't necessary IMHO. As for my 1911's they are right on for me.

You said you "aren't that good" so to me that means practicing the fundamentals of shooting would gain results faster than adjustable sights. Usually when we aren't as accurate as we want to be it isn't the gun.

You're the one who has to be happy so if you want adjustable sights then go for it but I don't feel like I'm losing anything with fixed sights on a gun in terms of accuracy. But to answer your question about the S&W 1911 I find mine to be POA=POI better than my 3rd gens but the 1911 is an easy gun shoot well.

 

[John G C 1]

Thanks lhump1961.

 

[1coyote]

I had to drift the rear sight a little on my 1911 E-series, but its right on now at 50' and 25 yards.

 

[t-bird]

My new E with fixed sights is scary accurate. Shoots better than I can but makes me look good. Best of luck and hope it works out for you.

 

[John G C 1]

Thanks guys; wish I could try one out first with the combat sights but no shop around here has any new smith and wesson. They say they have ordered them but new smith and wessons don't usually make it to their shop, perhaps because they are small and rural? I don't know how that stuff works out.

Anyway, now I know what I need to know.,

 

[shawn mccarver]

Since they use the same 4000 Series sights as the 3rd Gen pistols, I would imagine it is more of a combat sight picture as opposed to a target shooting sight picture (point of aim/point of impact versus 6 o'clock hold).

That said, NO ONE can sight in a pistol for anyone other than himself. Each person sees the sights in relation to the target differently, and although you might get close, there is seemingly always some at least minor adjustments required.

Two very accomplished shooters, Jeff Cooper and Ray Chapman shot a 50 yard target using the same 1911, without changing the sight setting, and one had a nice cluster just north of center, and the other a nice cluster just south of center. Of course, that experiment was done back in the days when real accuracy was expected of a target pistol (2 inches at 50 yards), and real skill was expected of pistol shooters, who were expected to have learned the fundamentals through NRA bullseye shooting before proceeding to combat shooting. Today, "combat accuracy" is acceptable (4 inches at 25 yards) in the firearm, and the VAST majority of shooters are lucky if they can hold a 4 inch group at SEVEN yards (minute of paper plate at 7 yards is a great target to many).

I often see LE people practicing on an indoor range to ready themselves for an upcoming qualification, and most have trouble keeping shots in the black of a B-27 at 7 yards.

Therefore, minute sight changes to accommodate target shooting tight groups or capable shooters may be irrelevant these days. No one, it seems begins with the 22 and a K22 revolver or a Model 41 or Ruger Mk III pistol to really learn to shoot these days. Ever notice how there are repeated threads about which choice someone should make for their first gun, and the choices are a 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W or a .380 ACP pistol? All are terrible choices for a first pistol - recoil to a new shooter causes "anticipation" or "flinching," ammo cost is high, making practice non-existent, and there is no easy way to check for the dreaded flinch as can be done by surprise loading or unloading of some random charge holes as you can do with your K22.

Oh well.