Sights, Cleaning and Rounds

[skief]

First I want to thank BrassBalls and HairyTaint for all the responses to a previous thread. They both have given me alot of high quality feedback. (BB-I don't know if you are following the thread but my TRP is stainless and I will post some pics as soon as I get it back)
I wanted to continue along the lines of the conversation and hope to draw a few more people in.
As far as after market sights, pros vs. cons? Fixed vs. adjustable? I own a SA TRP which was shooting low basically out of the box. I found similar sights to the stock sights, only they are adjustable (www.sprinco.com/ptlist.html). As most of my experience is with HP rifles, I consider adjustable a good thing. I suppose if I were shooting at very fixed ranges I wouldn't really need a whole lot of adjustment (fixed sights). However, I kind of like to push the limits somewhat with my rifles and feel that it will probably translate to the my 1911. I will use it on target until I am comfortable, then maybe local competition and most certainly for game.
In the past I have been more of a hunter than a shooter but my interest is growing rapidly in the later. So I want to keep my options open as far as the sights. Again, good idea or no?
I also wanted to ask everyone, what are your cleaning habits as far as rounds per breakdown and clean. Opinions on target ammo? Wal-Mart sells 100 count Win. 230gr. FMJs for $19something a box. Remington 100 count 230gr. JHP for $23something a box. I picked up 4 of the wins and 2 of the rems to put through in the next couple days, just to see. At the range I will be shooting (30-50 feet) there won't be much difference in groups I assume, but how about residue?
My gunsmith recommended "softening" some of the edges on the gun internally. Wait until more rounds through (300 supposedly to this point) or ok now?
Although I have a basic knowledge of alot of firearms, there has been nothing close to intriguing as the 1911. From single and double action revolvers to the knock-offs, wannabes and the gluck-glucks, there is nothing like a 1911, what a piece. I am a newbe at the 1911 and comb this site on a more than regular basis. I just want to send out a big thanks for all that participate and make it possible! :D
Happy Holidays to all! Skief

[wichaka]

You're going to get a lot of opinions here on this one........

I'd stick to fixed sights, a lot tougher than adjustables. You can go out past 25 yards and never have to adjust the sights. Go with black on the rear with a dot or something or the like on the front. You want something to draw your eye to the front sight, and not worry about the rear. The human body does some pretty amazing things, and self aligning is one of them.

Ammo - most any quality ammo will do........stay away from anything with a steel case, the 1911 was not designed for it.

Softening the edges internally? Not sure what your 'smith means by that. There's nothing internal that needs to be 'softened'.

Just keep an eye on the wear areas for anything abnormal.......metal flanging, peening.......etc.

[brickeyee]

One of the first practice methods for trigger control is to balance a coin on the top of the pistol, then dry fire. The coin should just sit there. (Works best with a slightly ronded slide top). It takes longer to make accurate shots at longer range, and being able to watch the front site and squeeze the trigger without moving the pistol becomes very important.

[birds]

After shooting sessions bring the gun home and wipe the barrel clean with solvent. Wait three days and clean the gun through out. Oil inthe barrel, the works. Second time you clean the barrel you will get as much residue as the first.


Good shooting