It was time to head to the range and put this handsome 1911 to work. I selected a variety of .45 ACP loads ranging in weight from 185 to 230 grains. I then checked practical accuracy by firing four five-shot groups off sandbags at 50 yards with each load. Why 50 yards? I believe any high-quality full-size service pistol should be capable of posting decent groups at this distance. Velocity readings were measured 12 feet from the muzzle with a PACT Professional Chronograph XP at an ambient temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 5-inch match-grade barrel has a 1:16-inch left-hand twist and is mated to the slide with a handfitted solid steel match barrel bushing.

The five loads were Magtech's 185-grain Guardian +P JHP, Black Hills Ammunition's 200-grain lead SWC, CorBon's 200-grain +P JHP, Hornady's 230-grain FMJ, and Wolf Performance Ammunition's 230-grain FMJ. Despite the various weights and bullet styles no problems of any kind were encountered during testing. Best accuracy was posted with Black Hills Ammunition's 200-grain lead SWC, which averaged 2.60 inches at 897 fps. Accuracy from all the loads was quite acceptable, so I ran a few practical drills with it.

Putting the Ed Brown Sheriff Jim Wilson pistol to work on multiple targets inside 15 yards revealed it to be quite able. Loaded with Black Hills 200-grain lead SWCs recoil was very mild, and shot-to-shot recovery was excellent. Stoked with CorBon's hot 200-grain +P JHPs it became harder to control. Practical accuracy, though, was excellent. At realistic self-defense distances it chewed one hole in the target when I did my part. Neither accuracy nor reliability was an issue. The Sheriff Jim Wilson pistol handled whatever ammunition I fired through it. No muss, no fuss.

The Sheriff Jim Wilson pistol handled every load it was fed with no muss, no fuss. At realistic self-defense distances, it chewed one hole in the target.

I ended the shooting session by checking all five loads' flash signatures in low light. One magazine of each load was fired, with the flash size and intensity observed. The load I expected to display the largest flash, CorBon's +P, was in line with the rest. Four of the five loads exhibited a small but noticeable spherical ball of fire with each shot. The Magtech load, however, displayed a noticeably larger and brighter muzzle signature than all the others. Just something to be aware of if you plan on choosing this load for self-protection.

Ed Brown's limited-edition Sheriff Jim Wilson pistol is a handsome and well-made 1911 sure to invoke pride of ownership. It's more accurate than I can hold and eminently reliable. Specced out by one of our most respected pistoleros, it will be of special interest to anyone who has enjoyed Sheriff Jim Wilson's articles down through the years. Here is a no-nonsense upper crust 1911 that will defend your family and impress your friends. Available during the 2007 production year only, this model will be a strictly limited edition. Included with each pistol will be a factory letter signed by both Ed Brown and Sheriff Jim Wilson. The price is $2295. That's not inexpensive, but this Ed Brown 1911 is a fitting tribute to a well-respected lawman and writer who I am lucky to know as a friend.