Originally Posted by 6string

I'm not gonna take sides in the S&W 1911 argument, but I'll mention something I think is important to consider.
For years, beginning in the 1960s, Smith and Wesson made, what many considered to be, amongst the very best match grade 1911 barrels. These were offered exclusively to military pistol team gunsmiths, such as the Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft. Benning. They were strictly gunsmith-fit only barrels, having oversized lugs, barrel hood, etc. They were made mostly in 45 ACP and 38 Special, though the latter may well have been used for the 38 AMU cartridge as well.
This has all been well documented. See the following for lots more info:
9781931464185: US Military Match and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols - AbeBooks - Bill Jenkins: 1931464189

Something to consider before passing judgement on S&W and their ability to build a good 1911...