Today I will review two 1911 45ACP Remington R1s. One has been customized and enhanced by Wilson Combat and the other is stock except it has Crimson Trace Laser grips. I tried to simulate someone that has a pistol for home protection who is not familiar with handguns or has not practiced shooting. Shooting is like any sport, if you don’t practice, chances are you will not be at the the top of your game. This is the first time that I have shot a 1911 in two months. I used a cardboard target that simulates a kill zone. The first shooting was with the Wilson Combat at 20 feet. Most life threatening situations occur from 15-25 feet. I fired three rapid fire shots by pointing and shooting( no target shooting techniques).Looking at the target- right shoulder, belly shot, and lower chest. Next at fifty feet taking three point and shoot shots and one three second aim and shoot. Two shots missed the target, one barely nicked, and the three second shot hit the lower part of the bull. Unless someone is shooting at you, never take a shot at 50 feet. Next shooting with the Crimson Trace 1911 starts out with 20 feet and moves to fifty feet. At 20 feet – good pattern for rapid fire point and shoot. At fifty feet – first three on the target, but not close to the kill zone. The three second aim and shoot is dead center bull. Three seconds gives you enough time to have proper finger placement on the trigger. Finger placement on a trigger is just like swinging a golf club. Wrong placement is a hook or a slice. At fifty feet I hooked the point and shoot shots. The reason for this comparison is that, if you are buying a pistol for home protection, an inexpensive handgun with a laser is a great option and the most sensible. R1 with laser grips approximate cost is $1,200.00- R1 enhanced and customized by Wilson Combat-$1,700.00. I would like to have some input from active or retired law enforcement. I have never been in a life or death situation, so this review is an educated guess and, unless someone has experienced this, who knows how each individual would respond.
