First, let me say I'm not much of a pistol shot.
I was popping rounds at a foam plate off the deck with the 9mm and the .45.

My left eye is pretty well shot from MD, my right eye, with glasses is my "working eye", so to speak.

At about 10 yards, with a forearm rest, and left eye closed, the shots were all over the plate with both guns.
Same setup but with both eyes open, the .45 group tightened right up and the 9mm chewed a pretty good size ragged hole(minus a couple strays we'll blame on the "evil spirits" around).
With both eyes open, I can't really "aim" especially well, I more concentrate on the target itself and am simply "aware" of the sights on the guns. Sounds strange maybe, but I'll post a couple pics of the plates and the difference is substantial.
That said, if I'm not really "aiming" the gun per se, is there any real point in considering a set of up-graded sights on the 1911?

16 rounds/ 9mm CZ

you might want to try a red dot, or fiber optic sights. the red dot works well,but does take away some of the handiness of a handgun, the fiber optic sights really work well for me

If possible the rear sight is a blur the front sight is clear and the target fuzzy. If you are focusing on the target you are not using the sights properly.

quote:

If you are focusing on the target you are not using the sights properly.

I was under the impression that, in defensive shooting, you focus is on the threat first and foremost?

by the time you would have to use your gun in a defensive situation your focus must be on placing the shot on target, hence the front sight. if you don't want to do this then you need to spend a few hundred rounds downrange learning how to point shoot

Alvah, focusing on the front sight is used in bullseye shooting. You were complaining about the groups you were getting, hence the previous poster pointed this out. In addition, there is a reason why one of the large (practical) shooting schools in the USA is called "Front Sight"! "Front sight", "front sight" is still taught by people like Matt Burkett and (presumably) the other top IPSC shooters. While IPSC is a game, the skills being taught should transfer, with the possible exception of the infamous "double tap"!
Peter.

quote:

You were complaining about the groups you were getting,

Well, to be clear, I'm not complaining so much as wondering about the vast difference in the two targets. Theres no argueing which way worked better, but the results were not what I expected by any means.

For those with better eyesight, or glasses made particulary for focus on the front sight, the whole "front sight" thing is great, but for me, not a viable option. Heck, it's hard to believe ANYONE could focus on the front sight of my stock 1911, it's just a little bitty thing!

quote:

you need to spend a few hundred rounds downrange learning how to point shoot

I've spent quite a few more rounds than that honing my skill at point shooting, but I can shoot right in my yard so that helps practicing a LOT! Little bit of pro coaching could't hurt either I'm sure....

Alvah, you just raised an interesting point, namely the sights themselves. Go to a range and see if someone will let you shoot their target gun (45). This could be a Gold Cup or Kimber Target, not necessarily a full blown bullseye gun. You will,be surprised what a difference a decent set of sights will make! If your gun has that pimple on the front then I am not surprised!
Good groups are all about consistency, sight picture, trigger pull etc. etc.
Peter.

My CZ 75 with its fixed sights utilizing three white dots are more than accurate for plate shooting, something like an inch @ 25 feet and CorBon 125s. This was with a rest for my left hand.