Wilson vs Rock River

[Tatume]

Hi Folks,

Looking for opinions: If you were going to buy a high-end M1911 45, which would you prefer? The Wilson CQB with "True Zero Optics" sight cut or the Rock River Arms Bullseye Wadcutter? Both would have iron sights, the Wilson with co-witness sights and the RRA with adjustable target sights built into the rib. Electronic sight will be Aimpoint ACRO P-1 or Trijicon RMR Type 2 (opinions encouraged on this choice too). The gun will be used primarily for bullseye target shooting.

Thanks, Tom

[Winger Ed.]

That's a tough decision.

We may need a govt. grant in order to research this properly.:bigsmyl2:

[Bigslug]

There are no secrets left as to how to construct a high-end match 1911, so it's more about getting the features you need. I would first consider the current rules of the Bullseye game to confirm what categories you'll be lumped into.

Last I looked, the rules have been loosened considerably to allow a wider range of gear. Optimizing a pistol for playing that game with a red dot, I would dispense with the iron sights entirely. I would also consider the 9mm over the .45 due to lower recoil helping out the timed and rapid fire stages.

As for the sight. . .there are advantages to a bigger dot for combat shooting, but for B.E. work, smaller is probably better. A 2MOA dot or smaller is probably better.

You might consider the Holosuns with the multi-mode reticle that allows you to choose between a 2 MOA dot within a 32 MOA circle or the dot or circle by themselves. At the 50 and 25 yards the Bullseye game is played at, that circle will span 16 and 8 inches, respectively. That circle might aid your eye in centering up on the black, in much the same way a globe sights with ring inserts do in the rifle game.

[Plate plinker]

Is RRA still in IL? I would say if so that disqualifies them.

[Forrest r]

rra + Trijicon RMR Type 2

[NuJudge]

If you are older than about age 40, you will need either Optometric intervention, or the red dot, to see sights. If you are not willing to wear the necessary glasses when shooting, you probably need to go with the red dot equipped pistol.

You seem to be saying you will have tall sights on the red dot equipped pistol. This will cause some problems with holsters and holstering, if you use a holster at all. I have several pistols with red dots, and so far they are range queens because of this consideration. There also is usually a problem with getting precise co-witnessing of red dots with tall iron sights, at least on my pistols.

My father had this choice to make, and about 2005 he went with the Rock River over the Wilson, having it hard Chromed.

[Mk42gunner]

I've never got the hang of using just a red dot sight on a handgun. Haven't tried it all that much either.

The idea of a co-witness set of irons makes sense to me, in that it gives you a reference point to pick up the dot.

Robert

[6string]

For your stated purpose, there is no question: ROCK RIVER all the way!

Wilson builds nice defensive pistols. But, they never have been, and never will be, a Bullseye target pistol. The Rock River has the 50 yd X ring accuracy out of the box, but it also has a superior trigger for offhand use. If you don't shoot Bullseye, you don't know how important that is!
One more thing: the lockup in the lug area of the Rock River is set up to delay and spread out the unlocking of the breech upon recoil. The result is a reduction in perceived recoil. If you plan on shooting the 90 shots of the CF match and the 90 shots of the 45 match with the same 1911, you will REALLY appreciate this!
Trust Me!!

[osteodoc08]

What are you trying to accomplish?

If you want a target style 1911, I’d recommend a Les Baer.

If you’re wanting one that you can put a RDS on, I’d recommend any of the higher end “combat” guns such as WC, NH, EB.

If you want a gun that’s the best value for the money, I’d look at a Dan Wesson.

I’ve personally kept my Nighthawk GAP and my DW Specialist. I’ve got a SA TRP but it’s not in the same league as the others. Also have my Kimber Gold Match (pre series II). The DW gets the most usage.

[Plate plinker]

What are you trying to accomplish?

If you want a target style 1911, I’d recommend a Les Baer.

If you’re wanting one that you can put a RDS on, I’d recommend any of the higher end “combat” guns such as WC, NH, EB.

If you want a gun that’s the best value for the money, I’d look at a Dan Wesson.

I’ve personally kept my Nighthawk GAP and my DW Specialist. I’ve got a SA TRP but it’s not in the same league as the others. Also have my Kimber Gold Match (pre series II). The DW gets the most usage.

Very good advice on the Dan Wesson. Best bang for the buck in the 1911 world.