Cossack,

That was quite a mouthful. Not sure what the question was in there...

I've owned and shot the original Billboard 1911SC, the later Small Print 1911SC, the later 1911PD, and both versions (all-black and bi-tone) of the E Series 1911SC. So I have some experience with them.

The original series of three guns have the swartz-style firing pin safety which is acutated through the grip-safety. This design has been somewhat controversial over the years, because the release of the firing pin safety is based on timing of the grip safety. Through normal wear, it is possible that the timing would go off, wherein the grip safety releases the sear and hammer prior to the firing pin safety being released. The end result is a misfire. Not so hot on a defensive pistol.

On one of the three original series pistols I owned, the timing went bad after less than 500 rounds. I returned it to S&W and it ran fine for another 1500 rounds until I sold it. The other two guns ran fine with no issues.

The guns themselves were reasonably accurate, quite durable, easy to carry, compact and accepted all standard 1911 parts. I sold them to buy other guns (like we all do). I see they are no longer offered.

The E-Series guns have many features that are hot right now including the bobtail style frame. The tritium sights are an excellent design with serrated rear sight face. They do NOT use the schwartz-style firing safety, or indeed any FP safety at all... they use a lightweight titanium firing pin which serves the purpose of a drop safety. The front strap of the grip frame is undercut and well-checkered.

Other features of the E-Series guns I didn't care for. The trigger is a unique dimension, made for the unique dimensions inside the frame, and standard 1911 triggers cannot be fitted... you are stuck with the long trigger than comes with it. Both guns shot significantly low, and others have noted the same tendency. The fishscale serrations look is an acquired taste that is slow to acquire. Despite being lightweight and having a bobtail, the guns are rather bulky for a concealed carry pistol, being fitted with fat wood grips and wing-like ambi thumb safety, tall sights, extended mag release, and big beavertail grip safety. Also, they were not particularly accurate for the money spent. The recoil spring is a guide rod system, which I also don't care for. I sold them for those reasons.

The E-Series 1911 TA is a very accurate pistol. I had both versions but sold them because the lack of trigger interchangeablity was annoying. I don't like long triggers. Also, the guns were not set up as I prefer a 1911 and so rather than spend more $$$ getting them how I wanted, I got rid of them.

IMHO, given the MSRP on the E-Series 1911SC guns, you are better off either spending a couple hundred extra for a Dan Wesson Guardian (in the case of the E Series), or a couple hundred less on a Ruger LW Commander (in the case of the original 1911PD). Yes I have both of these guns and they are excellent.