Got an itchin for one of these 3 inch 1911's . Anyone have one? Impressions?

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Sure you did

I handled one at the gunshop last week. Seems very nice. Really short barrel for a 1911! His LEO price was $835, don't know what they bring otherplaces.

Munster

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GO NAVY!

Since no other owner has responded, I have had the Pro 3inch for three weeks. I waited for it since the 09 ShotShow. It was worth the wait. I have fired approximately 200 rounds through it without any malfunction. The gun is accurate, comparable to my other Smith 1911s. Recoil is more than a full size model but I'm not recoil sensitive and for the purpose for which this is designed, it really won't be noticed.

I studied the Colt Defender ( I was really tempted), the Para Slim Hawg and the Springfield model. I did not consider the Kimber, having had a bad experience with a couple of Kimber's high priced models. I'm glad I remained loyal to the brand.

Mark

Thanks Mark, I too started looking at the Colt, owning a Series 70 and Series 80 Gov't model. Kimber has never been on my radar, they do nothing for me, even though my friend is the top gunsmith there.
I keep coming back to the Smith Pro and also the 1911PD.

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Sure you did

I don't mean to be bringing threads back from the dead but... I would seriously avoid the SW Pro Series sub compact 1911 all together. I am a die hard SW fan, and couldn't wait to get my hands on this gun because I assured myself that SW would have cleared up all the common issues surrounding small 1911's, but to my disappointment I've experienced every issue known to man with mine, and has been sent back to SW twice already. The sights will drift non-stop, no matter how much loctite or whatever it is they used, still haven't figured out why. You will experience every Failure to Feed, Failure to Fire, Failure to eject that you could ever dream up, and I even had the firing pin stick forward, causing the weapon to slam-fire and almost kill me, or someone else nearby. My guess would be, that this weapon was rushed to the market, and SW needs to spend a lot more time developing these sort of weapons, before they cripple their fan base. Prior to this $1,300 mess, I would never dream of buying anything but a Smith, but if the gun is problematic to this degree during practice and range shooting, how are we suppose to rely on them as a concealed carry firearm like it was intended?? What scares me, is that I carried that paperweight during off-duty details and daily concealed carry. . This seems like a good forum, and I hate to talk bad about SW, but I really feel strongly enough about this particular platform to just give you guys the heads up. When it comes back from SW for the umpteenth time, I'll be selling it to buy a Glock, I won't risk my life, or the lives of others over brand loyalty.. that's all I have to say about that

There are Ferrari's bursting into flames, Porsche's with engine problems, Toyotas with various problems. What man makes can have problems. I can tell you of the four S&W 1911s I have, including the 3 inch Pro, I have had no problems. I also was provided with a report from one of the head instructors at GunSite who is singing the praises of the 3 inch Pro.

Sorry you're having problems with yours. I sold two high dollar Kimbers (from their external extractor attempt days) that failed to work and I had NO confidence in them. Go with your gut and do what you must. I have faith in my Smiths and carry the 3 inch regularly. Based on this forum I waited to buy a 380 Bodyguard, till bugs were worked out. It works just fine too.

Mark

Its funny how we can all have such different experiences. The more I shoot my 3" pro the more I like it and the better it runs. Mine has been on my hip everyday since December of 2010. I would buy another one in a heart beat if I could find one. People are liking them so much the price is being driven up.

I like mine

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JR

Im happy you guys are having good experiences with yours! That's what bothered me most about the gun, I really wanted to love it haha When it functioned, it was nothing short of outstanding. I disregarded a friend who owned one and had tons of trouble, because it really was a nice gun. I hope to either replace it with the same gun or move on, but I would really love to replace it. Like you guys have said, I do hear great reviews from others. Maybe second times the charm.

saw a couple used ones for sale on NES.... plus I see the prices of new SW1911''s comoing down... must be making room for those E's..

Martinsville today!!! Boobity, boogity, boogity... let's go racin boyzzzzz.!!

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Jack C

I have one. It's pretty impressive in every aspect that I care about. Accuracy, reliability, carryability, and looks. I love the honking external extractor.

Has any one had any trouble with the S&W 1911 when it is locked and cock and you unlock it ,it won't fire but pull the hammer back and it will fire same shell?

The only way I see that happen is if you didn't get a good grip and the grip safety wasn't depressed enough. In other words, it's depressed enough to release the hammer, but not enough to release the firing pin.

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Jack C

bought mine two months ago, put appx 500 rounds through it without issue - absolutely my every day carry choice

I never did get one, bought this instead.

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Sure you did

I had one for about 8 weeks. Having a lot of issues with the slide hanging up after firing. If I push it a little it slides and is ready to fire. This happens not every shot but enough that its a problem. Shooting various ammo 230gr RN. Ay one have the same issue or can advise before I send back to SW
Thanks
Jim

Mine is pretty nice. The recoil springs wear out fast but other than that its a beast. It's every bit as accurate as my SW1911.

Only put about 300 rnds threw it so far. It came with extra springs not sure if it needs to break in more or it's defective

Here's my Lew Horton Pro Series SC. Rides in an IWB Leather lined Kydex holster that I made for it.

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Check to see if it is locking back prematurely, (usually after the 2nd to last round, but not always). I had that problem with my full size E-series 1911 CT. The nose of the bullet was hitting the lug on the slide stop. Replaced the slide stop with a Colt piece and the problem was solved completely.

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M60 442 642 637 686 686+ 629

I've had mine since May of 2010. I shoot it every month and carry it quite regularly. The only thing I found was that certain hollowpoints don't like to feed in mine. Buy at least two boxes of whatever you plan on carrying and make sure it's reliable. The extra expense is worth it and the practice is too. If I ever see one for under 900 I would probably buy another one. I've only ever seen one around here and they are asking $1100.00.

SWCA #1834

Check the extractor for burrs and movement. Make sure the breech face isnot causing the base of the round to drag. It sounds like the base of the round is not moving fully into place.

Also, if this was a used gun, change the recoil spring.

No experience with the S&W 1911 3", but recently gave up on getting either a S&W M&P 9c or 9mm Shield due to limited availability and issues with the striker fired triggers. So, I found a new STI Spartan III 9mm in their compact - officer model - with a 3.24" barrel and very nice trigger. Awaiting a chance to get to the range for initial tryout and break-in shooting. Stand by. For what it is worth, the demos on YouTube of this model are very encouraging...and the good STI track record is established. That said, my S&W 1911 E series is not only good looking but operates flawlessly and I am a S&W fan. Regards, Ed

Oh, got one of these recently too, Ruger 1911 Commander. Great gun.

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Sure you did

oooouch....

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Jack C

Hey Jack, where ya been?

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Sure you did

Howdy.... been poking around... no where special, just don't post as much. Hang out a lot on NorthEastShooters classified... but I check in here every couple of days... Looks like things are going well. I had to buy another gun safe.... if that tells ya anything... Life has been fast and furious.. not enough hours in the day...

and now, you make me want to buy a Ruger....

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Jack C

That Ruger looks nice ..

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JR

Hard to tell from the pics but is the front strap of the S&W checkered?

Mine has vertical lines machined into the front strap, checkering on the back strap.

I have one and I must say it's GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I know there are a lot of problems associated with subcompact 1911's. The trigger is the best of any factory gun I have ever shot, it has functioned perfect for 10 boxes of mixed ammo so far and it's accuracy is outstanding.
S&W has put a lot of time and thought into this gun, the extractor is over sized and the ejection port has been reworked. The recoil spring is stiff and a flat wire instead of a
round wire spring. Spring rate has been increased. The barrel has only 2 locking lugs instead of 3.
I just can't say enough good things about it. It works, BUY IT.

Had one and really wanted to like it. Accuracy was very impressive, but it would not feed hollow points even after a trip back to the factory. Hated the factory plastic grips and recoil springs last 300 rounds. Decided I had enough with my sub compact 1911 experiment. Now I stick with larger 1911(s)

I know the feeling. I currently own 19 1911 pistols after getting rid of every one of them with a less than 4.25" bbl. They just didn't measure up to the Commander and FS pistols, irrespective of what I paid for them.


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