Hello all,I am new to this forum but belong to a few other,s. Mostly long arms. But lately I have had a hankering to buy a 1911 45 Cal. Semi auto & I spotted the S&W 1911 SC series E. It fits me perfect & I love the way it looks & feels. It is going to be a range pistol maybe 300 rounds through it a year. I would like the people in the know to guide me on reliability,accuracy The +,s & -,s & generally what you think about the pistol. You S&W fan,s please try and be objective.

Now this is where it get,s cloudy.
In my search I came across this piece! I have handled the gun it looks as close to brand new as a 7 year old gun can look. The gun is a S&W 1911 Model 80 45 ACP.
This is the owner,s description of the gun.
Gun is in mint condition with factory papers , box, and ballistics, its never been to a range, shot maybe five times; 50 to 70 rounds if that, two factory clips, two wilson combat clips, factory skeletonized trigger and hammer , factory stainless steel match grade barrel, in the books it says to many upgrades to list, date of shipping 1-12-07, gun remains as new no scratch's or holster wear. Asking $900.00

I could use some help!!!!!
Thanks
Marks Man
Sempre FI

Ok, I'll offer a couple of thoughts.
-If your looking to carry, the SC model has the advantage of lighter weight. Of course that lighter weight comes at the cost of felt recoil. Can't have it both ways. Myself, I've owned a 1911 PD (w SC frame) model and didn't care for it's balance and firing behavior. I like full sized steel 1911s.

- Not sure what a S&W 1911 model 80 is. There was no such thing in the S&W line up as I can recall. I believe the owner is referring to the guns design is similar to a COLT series 80. Without seeing the gun and without knowing what was really an upgrade and what is factory, it's hard to gauge a price. ( Sounds like some liberties were made in it's description though.) I will say it sounds a little high to me though ( and i've bought 7 S&W 1911's in the last 10 years). You can find a nice clean SW1911 on gunbroker in the $650-$800 range if you look .

IMHO, Comparing the two is a little like apples and oranges. The all steel (SS?) will be a more comfortable range gun, while the SC is a better carry. I myself am a fan of the full sized SW1911's ( std, pro and E series).

__________________
Dave

Thanks Dave; I think I have my Colts & S&W 1911 mixed up. The S&W I am referring to is a full size 1911 built in 2007. I have looked at so many 1911,s trying to make the right choice I get confused. The S&W that I mentioned in my post is a very clean like new gun.
So, if I am reading you right a full size 1911 would most likely be a better choice for a range gun. As far as price, I actually thought it was a little high priced myself,like he says in his post he is "asking" 900.00.
Thanks for your input,much appreciated.

Marks Man
Sempre Fi

I have both a full size and an SC. While both shoot great and have been 100% reliable and equally accurate the SC does have more felt recoil...not punishing by any means but more none the less. A full size SS would be the better range gun.

I don't think you will find a better 1911 for the money than S&W. You should be able to do a little better than $900 for used but probably not a ton better. Let us know what you decide.

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Yeh, the SC-E is about 10oz lighter than a full-sized steel 1911, & it does have a big more snap. 300rds a year isn't that much so I don't think that would matter especially if you used 185gr bullets. If you wanted to shoot hotter loads, then a full size steel gun would be better & a little easier to setup. I like the full size but the Sc-E just feels great in my hand, & it looks sharp right from the box. And the 1911-E has white dot sights & the Sc-E has Trijicon night sights, if that matters.
Personally, before I'd spend $900 on a used one, I'd spend an extra $200 & get a new one, but that's just the way I am.

1911 Sc-E & 325NG

1. Full size ss smith. Good range gun, but large
2. 4.25" lightweight smith. As accurate as full size, but very snappy. Good carry gun.
3. 4" all steel STI. As accurate as full size, much more manageable than light weight.
4. 3.5 compact all steel Colt. Not a range gun, and snappy.

The 4" sti is my favorite all around gun. I find the 5" to be too nose heavy.

Try some different guns (rent at range if possible) and find what fits you best.

Thanks guy,s for all the input. Badquaker a beautiful collection & good comparison. I am setting up a meeting with the seller next week. I am going to shoot the pistol to see how it feels. If i can get it a little cheaper & I like the way it handles it is probably going to be a done deal. But I got to say I do like the S&W 1911 SC- E series.
Does smith make anything in a 1911 in an E Series besides the SC Model?
Thanks
Marks Man
Sempre FI

Yes, the full size model, all steel.

I looked at an STI similar to yours this past week at a Caebela's and I was so impressed with it. I think I liked it better than my Gold Cup and it is twice the price. Those texas STI peps know how to make a nice 1911.