which would you choose ? have my eye on the bobtail scandium frame stainless top model on either one .
per. cent. has the hand fitting & an action job among other nice touches.
the e-series has some nice features also, nite sights titanium firing pin etc.
wow! sorry but i can only afford one or the other . tough decision . there are things on both models i like .
does both have the full length guide rod ?

ANYONE who is in the know OR have owned/shot either model or both , please weigh in !
one of these WILL be added to my gun safe in the next month or sooner !
thanks in advance

tagged. just want to see what folks have to say about this.

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djw

I have the E-series. Scary accurate while being 100 percent reliable. Best of luck.

I owned a full size E Series (without rail) and I cannot say enough good things about it. The ONLY bad thing I can talk about was my decision to sell it.....

I ran it for a season in IDPA / USPSA and I put something like 8K rounds through it without a hitch.

I've never played with a performance center 1911 but I am a HUGE fan of the E Series guns.

For what it's worth, I was about to purchase an E-series 1911 until I discovered the relatively small price difference between it and a Performance Center gun. When you're spending that much, what's another $40 to $100? Check the two models on GunBroker and that's the spread you'll find. I just bought my 170343 PC gun for $1,289 and I saw E-series guns for as much as $1,249. Plus, S&W for some reason does not offer an E-series with an adjustable rear sight and since I use my handguns mainly for target shooting, the decision was easy.

Ed

I wouldn't have a 1911 with a full length guide rod or anything but black sights.

The former is a solution to a non existent problem that screws up a proper press - check.

The latter makes a poor sight picture and slows me down.

I've never had a problem with a good old steel Colt firing pin (even after 40,000+ rounds) so titanium doesn't attract me.

Just my opinion, of course.

If you have the money, the PC is the way to go. BUT, you would not be disappointed with the E series. It is more gun than most people can operate at it's potential. The PC guns are just a little better.

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God, country, family.

I can't tell you anything about the PC versions, but I have the bobtail, all black scandium frame version and it has the most comfortable fit in my hand of any of my guns. Easy shooting and easy on the eyes too. Just picked up a lightly fired, he said 25 rounds, SS TA full size version, #108411, for a REALLY great price, because I like stainless steel and wanted a rail. Not as comfortable in the hand as the bobtail, but just as accurate and the extra weight over the scandium feels good. Tough decision you have there.

Oh yeah, never have had a failure of any kind with the bobtail, with about 500 rounds through it and just 50 through the TA as I just got it on Friday.

I have shot both and don't own either. They're both good shooters, and both capable of better groups than I am. If it were my decision, I would factor in whether or not I thought I would ever sell it. If it's going to be a keeper, I may opt for the less-expensive one. If I were to sell it, the Performance Center guns retain more value (and will probably increase in value, better).

One or the other isn't going to make you a better shot. Only practice will. I would offer this tidbit: If it feels better in your hand, and it makes your heart go pitter-patter. buy that one.

I have the all black version of the round butt E series and LOVE it!!! That being said, I have a full sized PC on back order right now.
Either is worth the cash, but I'd probably go for the round butt PC gun. A set of night sights for it are cheap if you decide you need them in the future. Also, from a resale standpoint, the PC gun has more "ooooh, aaaaaahhhh factor so should be easier to flip if you decide to get rid of it. Easiest way to do that is PM me ;-)
Good luck and this is one of those choices where you cannot go wrong IMHO.

they both still have their appeal , but i believe after reading here combined with a little more dwelling on it by me, the pc gun shows up slightly in first.

Both are great guns. The PC may have the shot but the E has the look.

+1 on the looks factor going to the E which also MAY feel slightly better in hand. If you are going to shoot it, carry it, use it--why not the E? I don't think you are going to want to sell either.

lil disagreement here..... for my $ the pc offering may take the crown i definitely like the grips better on the pc one. the cuts in the barrel ? i can live without them but they do look good & kind of put gun into the erotic catagory all in all , they both look pretty darn appealing

I agree with rock n roll kid. I like the looks of the PC guns. With the lightning cuts, these guns really stand out at the range....

unlike r-n-r, I didn't like the orange gagger grips on the PC commander. So I swapped 'em......

If you don't like the grips on your PC roundbutt reminding you of a walmart basketball, follow huntsman22's lead. Those grips look phenominn..phenimi... forget it, AWESOME!!

Did you mean fenimen? Err, Feminum? Feminan? Oh, ferget it.....

Hey guys, first post here. New owner of an all black SC. Any idea if the PC black barrel would drop into the regular SC? Or if one is even available? Just for aesthetics.

1911PC Round Butt-30.jpgS&W 1911Sc - 30.jpg
I've had the 1911Sc, not the "E" series, for 9 years and like it a lot. Light weight but not at all painful with standard pressure ammo, certainly more accurate than I'll ever be able to shoot it off hand. I don't have an accurate round count but estimate about 4,000 and have had no problems. I am long past worrying about hostile environments but, if I was, I'd be completely comfortable with it.
I recently bought the 1911PC Round Butt. Also like it a lot. So far only 200 rounds through it with no problems. I really like the scolloped slide serrations, and all the controls are easily worked by either hand. I'm not always fond of ambi safties because they stick out too far for me. They are sufficiently low-profile on the PCRB that it isn't a problem in my holsters.
I don't care one way or the other about the lightening cuts in the slide. They do add visual interest, I think. Funny, though, I read on other forums that many people apparently believe they are ports and the debates rage about "yea" or "nay" on ports. Idiots, one and all. The reports I have read on the gun say the trigger is supposed to be about 3 to 4.5-lbs. I don't have a gauge, but my calibrated finger says it is heavier, which is fine with me.
I don't know what to think of the Briley spherical bushing. Works fine, but reports say to be sure it stays well lubricated. If so, I would not consider this a gun for hostile environments. But, as I said, I am WAAAY past worrying about that. For CCW and just fun at the range, it's tops.
It's as easy to carry as the Sc, but I do notice the difference in how the grip butt feels against my palm. Not bad, mind you, but I notice. I'll need to shoot it a bit more to overcome that.

The E Series needs to lose the 4006 sights and get real 1911 sights. Originally, S&W used those unfortunate sights because they already had them. Since they no longer make the 4006 as a regular production item, it seems a nice time to change.

S&W, please re-set your CMC machines to mill a standard type of cut for the front and rear sight, supply Novak's real 1911 sights, and that would allow plenty of after market options for those who felt the need.

I just shot my new PC 1911 last week. It's great, tighter than my 945 I bought new 12 years ago. The action is smoooooth. Grouping is the best I've ever shot. I can't speak about the E series, but for a little more money why not go for the top dog?

I have the 1911PC . It is a very accurate gun. I now have over 500 rounds thru it no hang ups. If you buy any gun ($1500.00) check it over good for defects. Their are a few post on QC with some of PC guns. Mine did not show marks on the slide from the dust cover until after firing 100 rounds. The black barrel I don't like after shooting it the finish comes off at the port, I polished it and the mags the 8th round jumps out of the mags. Any gun you buy any brand you should take the slide off if you can to see the workmanship that's if you care about that. If not just go out and shoot it...:-).Don't get mad at me if you own only S&W's I am just telling what I have found. I own SIg's, S&W's ,H&K's, KAHR's and many other brands.

And the reason why pray tell????

When faced with the same question I opted for the standard SC E-series. I made this choice because I intended it to be carried. Determining factors included:

1. Performance Center has lighter 3.5lb trigger, which is light (in my opinion) for carry.
2. PC Does not have night sights (in the end I want to change my sights anyway to something like Heine straight 8)
3. I read that the Briley Bushing could be fickle when subjected to holster use and the dirt/lint it attracts.
4. I could not stand the sight of those PC G-10 grips.
5. Being my first 1911, I figured I could start with a "basic model"

Looking back, I probably would have been fine with the PC, and would have changed the sights, and maybe, maybe had a smith tune the trigger a little heavier.

Since making my first post to this thread, I wanted to purchase a 1911 for a potential carry piece and went with the E-series Sc version instead of a mate to my 5" PC gun.



My primary reason for not buying another PC gun was the sights - the E-series comes with good night sights, a possible advantage on a carry gun. My secondary reason was the PC gun's outer space grips.

Ed

It really depends on the price difference between the two.

As any experienced gun buyer knows, MSRP is one thing, actual trading value is another.

On paper the PC isn't much more $. But what does it work out to in the real world? One of the big Kentucky gun online gun shops has E-series going for substantially less than the PC gun. That would sway my decision at time of purchase. But if it was only $50-$150 difference, yeah I'm going PC.


PC also has a lot of name recognition. So it will likely retain the value well.


Ultimately, buy the one that fits your needs and tastes the best. 1911's are highly personal decisions. Go with what you want, not what we think. There are no bad choices when comparing the E-series, pro series, or the PC line.

Personally, I'd go e-series or pro series 9. The lightening cuts kind of turn me off.

full length guide rods were a 70's fad that sold only guide rods.. and lots of 'em. first thing i do with ANY 1911 is yank that junk out. i have a gunsite 1911 from smith that i would put up against any out of the box 1911. oh yeah, i do own lots of others but this one has run by my best est. 15,000 or more flawless rounds. get you one of these smiths. the pureists will poo poo the external extractor, but who cares if it works. again, get you one of 'em!

Been reading a lot the past few days. This is the newest thread on this forum I've found on the topic so why not resurrect it.

I found both these guns in stock locally. They are within $100ish of each other and both beautiful to handle and gawk at Everything I've read say they are both worthy additions to any safe. I'm pretty sure I'm going to head over either late tomorrow or Thursday to bring one of them home in exchange for some Christmas "redo"

Right now I'm leaning towards the PC version but looking to see if there are any updated "reviews/opinions" from the sage folks around here!

Product: Model SW1911
Product: Model SW1911Sc<br>E-Series

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

Can't say enough good things about my SC. I think the PC guns are great when I handled them but I got my SC for under a grand. You can always swap out grips. I put Mammoth tusks on mine

I see the Sc guns as potential carry pieces as opposed to target guns. Accordingly, I think the Frijicon night sights on the E-Series are a better match to the gun. Any possible accuracy improvement the PC gun might bring to the table is hard to realize from a shorter-barreled gun with sights that cannot be adjusted for elevation.

I've had mine close to two years and only shot it once for a few magazines of shells to make sure it shoots where it looks (it does). I have the 5" PC 1911 and a DK edition PC 1911 in .38 Super that I use to punch paper.

Given all that, I guess it boils down to whether or not the slotted slide trips your trigger.

Ed

Yep,those orange grips were a bit much ....

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JR

Hi Ranger98,
Could you tell me where you got the grips to replace the G10 basketball grips. They're also a little too aggressive for me. Thanks

rcbz71,the grips are a set of the S&W rosewood grips that I cut the lower corner from in order to match the curve of the frame.

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JR

Will the E-Series grips fit the PC?

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

I went to pick up the Performance Center 1911 and came home empty handed. When handed the gun I noticed there was significant amount of smudging on the barrel. I took a rag (with permission) and with the slide back I wrapped the front of the barrel and twisted back and forth. What I ended up with was a very black rag and a dulled exposed stainless steel barrel. The black had all come off on the rag. The exposed portion by the ejection port was heavily marred as well and when rubbed with the rag the black came off. The guy said it happens to all of them.

I remembered the picture Ranger98 posted below and those from the Smith site and didn't recall anything but a black barrel. Also, there was a noticeable scratch on the frame from the slide lock.

When I got home, I called S&W. I forget what he called the coating used but he did say that it would "easily" wear off given the non-porous nature of stainless steel. He agreed it didn't sound right but suggested having someone polish the barrel to an "almost chrome" sheen might be a good solution. He wasn't being a smart a... just making conversation.

I plan to look at a couple others but I'm a bit taken back that this "problem" takes from the aesthetic of the gun.

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

The PC 1911 of today is really nothing more than the production model with some different machining added. That's why the price is similar.

The Performance Center used to be a custom shop in which guns were built and fitted with much more hand labor. They were a good deal more expensive, but it was a true high end 1911.

I'm not sure why S&W still uses the PC name, but I guess its a good selling point. Its no more than a slight change in the production line today.

I love my old PC1911.

I find that coating coming off that easily odd as I have cleaned the exterior of my PC1911's barrel with bore solvent and the coating hasn't come off. I also didn't care for the barrel hood being scuffed so I removed the coating from that area with emery cloth. It took some rubbing even with that so I really doubt yours is "normal." I think the bright bare stainless looks better.



Polishing off that coating left the caliber designation on the hood black, which looks good in my opinion.



You can still see where the hood is being scuffed but it looks better than scuffed black.

Ed

I have the SW1911PC commander size in .45. The pumpkin grips left for a set of VZ 320 Tiger Stripes. I'll use the orange ones during Halloween. I purchased this Smith because my other 45 (Dan Wesson Classic CBOB) just became too heavy for me to carry any longer. Gotta tell you the DW is a terrific pistol.
The SW1911PC has everything I would want in a carry gun except it does not have night sights. I rectified that by sending it to Heinie and having the Straight Eight set put on it. Three day turnaround. Very accurate and absolutely no problems having run 300 rounds of WB 230 gr ball ammo. It is a comfortable shooting pistol. I am very glad I purchased it. The lightning cuts do not bother me a bit. They claim that they lighten pistol and that recoil is not so hard. I did not find recoil to be an issue. I would recommend the pistol as a carry gun, eight in the magazine and one in the chamber. Great carry. Speer Gold Dot 185 gr and Hornaday 185gr Critical Defense. Just wipe the drool off your chin and do it and soon you too will be foundling it. Add a Andrews McDaniel ll holster and you will have a very comfortable carry rig.

Thanks Ranger98. Do you remember where you got them from. I called customer service and tried to purchase a set for the E Series bobtailed pistol, but they told me they weren't available. I asked what if I damaged mine, and needed replacements. got a moment of silence and then a "I'm not sure". I don't mind a little woodworking mods to end up with the results that you achieved, so any info. would be appreciated.

I've spoken with Esmerelda (of Esmerelda Grips) about making grips for mine and she said it was no trouble for her to cut any of her 1911 grips to that profile. She makes beautiful grips from exotic woods and her work is impeccable at a fair price.

Ed

I modified a pair of S&W 1911 rosewood grips from Midway.$39.99/Midway Product # 190425.If you order the standard ones from S&W ($42) they do not have the cut for the ambi safety.

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JR

Here is what I ended up putting on my 1911SC. I had them made by RMH Knives.

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As regards the bobtail design: I recently watched a Youtube video by the well-known Youtube member who calls himself Hickok45. He did a review of a Ruger Commander, and compared it to a custom bobtailed gun from a well known custom gunmaker. One comment he made was the bobtail was easier to conceal, but the standard grip profile felt much better in his hand.
Bear in mind that a titanium firing pin is easily purchased on the aftermarket and installed, so it should not be a significant decision point.

I enjoy watching Hickok45's videos. Very informative.

I find my bobtailed guns as comfortable to shoot as my standard gripped 45's However, I have smaller hands. Bets thing is to find someone with both configurations and run a few hundred rounds through each of them.

Figured I'd put a photo of my SC with the Mammoth tusk grips so here it goes.

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Those are cool looking!

I'm really happy with how they turned out