LTD edition 1911, WOOPS, been carrying it, should I not?

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #1 07-28-2011, 03:16 PM

So I just got off the phone with S&W customer service. I called them with a few random questions, and it randomly popped into my head to ask them if my 1911 really was 'ltd edition' like my gun store claimed, so he runs the serial number and tells me "Yep, it's one of only 231." I had to ask him to repeat that twice, as i was expecting if it was indeed limited, that it'd be more like one of 2000 or 3000. My mind was blown! This pistol was my first ever store-bought NIB handgun (previously owned but clearly never fired or handled it was MINT), I had it paid for ahead of time, and picked it up the day my carry license arrived in the mail. I've carried this pistol just about every day since then, which was early June of last year. I gotta say, for carrying it every day I've taken very good care of it, the only wear that shows is on the slide-stop, which is actually an extended slide-stop that I put in, of course I have the original slide-stop and it's barely used. I clean the gun thoroughly after every shoot, and give it a de-linting about once a week or so even when I don't shoot it. I've put at least 1000 rounds through it, but I doubt i've gone over the 1300 mark (now wishing I documented round count D'OH). Curious, I can't afford to buy a common SW1911 right now, and 1911's my trusted, trained and ingrained pistol system. Am I a complete dunce for carrying and shooting this gun? should I stop shooting it and preserve its value? I love 1911s and especially SW1911s, can't wait to get another, but it'll take me a while to afford it and my only other reliable-enough-to-carry guns are much harder for me to conceal. Here's a photo, I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

Also, for the record, I carry it with the Hogue rubber 1911 grip, so the original grips are in great shape. and Why I chose this gun (my jaw hit the floor when I first laid eyes on it): Beautiful polished stainless, no forward serrations, traditional guide-rod (not full length) and no SW1911 in HUGE letters on the slide

blujax01 · #2 07-28-2011, 04:33 PM

Preserve it for whom? What would you do with it if you didn't carry and shoot it? Stare at it now and then and hope that your children don't trade it for an I-Pad when you're dead and gone?

Fine guns are like fine automobiles. They are here for your pleasure. Do that which pleases you and have no regrets.

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #3 07-28-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blujax01

Preserve it for whom? What would you do with it if you didn't carry and shoot it? Stare at it now and then and hope that your children don't trade it for an I-Pad when you're dead and gone?

Fine guns are like fine automobiles. They are here for your pleasure. Do that which pleases you and have no regrets.

Thank you for reassuring how I feel about it... i don't care how broke i could hypothetically get, If I was living in a cardboard box i STILL wouldn't ever even consider selling this gun

just wanted to make sure I wasn't being sacrilegious. honestly, I went into that gun shop looking for my first NIB gun, I knew I was looking for a SW1911, and this one was absolutely perfect, exactly what I wanted and didn't even think existed. so I guess it was just waiting for me!

Funny you say that too, My two passions are firearms and american cars, I like hotrods in both categories too

I have a '79 lincoln with a 4bbl Holley, dual straights with flowmasters, and a posi rear that smokes most hondas and mitsubishis

blujax01 · #4 07-28-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns

... just wanted to make sure I wasn't being sacrilegious.
Funny you say that too, My two passions are firearms and american cars, I like hotrods in both categories too

Oh you will be accused of sacrilege, no doubt. On both counts! Detroit Iron is the way I roll, too. Rock on!

Fastbolt · #5 07-28-2011, 05:52 PM

Save it or shoot it?

I'm probably the wrong person to ask that sort of question.

I have a nickel Colt WWII Pacific Theater of War Commemorative 1911.

It's been fired and carried. The bright nickel wears off the barrel hood to reveal the copper, BTW,

You don't even want to know about the number of John Wayne Commemorative rifles that are going to be fired when I finally get the time and ammo.

Suit yourself.

I know what I'd do ...

Will Carry · #6 07-28-2011, 06:02 PM

Carry it, shoot it. You only get one turn through this vortex we call life, live it to it's fullest. Stay thirsty my friend.........

wheelman44 · #7 07-28-2011, 06:11 PM

Put a box thru it tonite & grin

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #8 07-28-2011, 06:20 PM

you guys are all great! My sentiments exactly. Fastbolt- I do have a nickel Hawes 'SAA' revolver, so I know how that finish can wear & flake, got a photo of that WW2 .45? I have half a box of 'John Wayne' .45LC. even says 'Duke' on the base of each round, I only have half a box cuz I shot the other half already

Maximumbob54 · #9 07-28-2011, 06:21 PM

I own 5 1911's and still if I saw you at the range with that I would ask if I could shoot it. That is one sweet ride for .45 ACP's...

Big Mike · #10 07-28-2011, 08:51 PM

Carry and shoot the cr@p out of it.

Bob L · #11 07-28-2011, 09:34 PM

I'd shoot the h*ll out of it, Who is going to appreciate it more then you?

Bob L

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #12 07-28-2011, 10:13 PM

Maxbob, who knows maybe some day! I'd gladly play 'you can shoot mine if I can shoot one of yours'

Big Mike- i do and shall continue!!

Bob L- very valid good point there, a few friends come close, but yep no one but me!

Maximumbob54 · #13 07-29-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns

Maxbob, who knows maybe some day! I'd gladly play 'you can shoot mine if I can shoot one of yours'

Big Mike- i do and shall continue!!

Bob L- very valid good point there, a few friends come close, but yep no one but me!

I can let you shoot one of my Colts if it doesn't turn your hand red and burn...

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #14 07-29-2011, 02:38 PM

hmmm, would that be because it's a 10mm? or .45win-mag, or Colt SAA? I like the big bore hand cannons

I just sold my Wildey, wish I didn't have to, but I needed the money, I at least got a 629-2 Mountain Revolver out of the deal, and I love it

Blarg · #15 09-05-2011, 06:18 PM

Man, I wish I had one of those 1911's. Gonna be so tough to find one since only 231 were made.

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #16 09-05-2011, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blarg

Man, I wish I had one of those 1911's. Gonna be so tough to find one since only 231 were made.

Yup! I've been looking for a 2nd one to make a pair of 'em for over a year now, no idea if I'll ever find it or be able to afford it even if I do! I know of one lady in my state who has one, but she'll never give it up!

Maximumbob54 · #17 09-05-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns

hmmm, would that be because it's a 10mm? or .45win-mag, or Colt SAA? I like the big bore hand cannons

I just sold my Wildey, wish I didn't have to, but I needed the money, I at least got a 629-2 Mountain Revolver out of the deal, and I love it

They're all .45 ACP like JMB intended. I just don't know how blue some people's blood is from "toomuchSWsyndrome" sometimes. It's like when I mention Lee and all the blue kool aid drinkers have to start gushing about superior this and fantastical that. Not that I think you:

iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns · #18 09-05-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximumbob54

They're all .45 ACP like JMB intended. I just don't know how blue some people's blood is from "toomuchSWsyndrome" sometimes. It's like when I mention Lee and all the blue kool aid drinkers have to start gushing about superior this and fantastical that. Not that I think you:

Aaaaaaahahahahaha I finally 'get it', I don't believe I have an allergy to Colt's quality products, they make fine and beautiful guns, but as long as I'm mentioning that, I will say that at heart I'm an S&W guy all the way!

Photog · #19 09-05-2011, 08:45 PM

Shoot it! Think about this, technically every S&W pistol produced is a "limited edition". There won't be anymore true (not the new with lock ones) 5 screw M-29, no pre 29, no pre 27, no real registered magnums, no more M10, or pre M10, with forged parts, no lock. Even the much maligned S&W Sigma, was a limited production as it is no longer manufactured.
I have to agree with blujax...who are you going to save them for? I have two daughters, who like to shoot, but they have no interest in collecting. I am the youngest of myself and my brother and I am 55. I shoot every gun I own, with one exception, a DEA Commemerative that was a gift from my Dad. That is part of my retirement fund!
I routinely carry a pre 29, early 1957 production, 5 screw, 6.5" while camping or hiking, in an old Lawerance Holster Co. copy of the Tom Threeperson's rig. (Yes, complete with the original "cokes").
Enjoy it, shoot it, just take care of it.

Maximumbob54 · #20 09-05-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns

Aaaaaaahahahahaha I finally 'get it', I don't believe I have an allergy to Colt's quality products, they make fine and beautiful guns, but as long as I'm mentioning that, I will say that at heart I'm an S&W guy all the way!

It's a deal then. I always bring at least two of them to the range. It just isn't a proper visit without them. Come to think of it, since I can't think of the last time the springs were replaced then it's time to order a few!!!