In April I purchased 2 new S&W 1911s. One was a new E Series SW1911SC. The SC turned out to be a beautiful gun. The slide to barrel, barrel to bushing and slide to frame fit are really good. Overal fit and finish are close to custom shop quality. Trigger pull was pretty good also - about perfect for an every day carry gun. It turns out I had a issue with the gun at first and it had to make a trip back home for some R&R. The problem was with the ejector and is now fixed.

The second gun was an SW1911ES. I've been so involved with the SC that this one is still NIB. It turns out that the SC with the bob-tailed butt hides better for me than the ES, even though the ES has the shorter, Officer's Model grip frame. I can't decide whether to use the ES or sell or trade it for something else while it's still new. Do any of you have any experience with the ES? What is your opinion?

If I was really happy with the SC, I would trade the ES on another SC, if I could make a good enough deal. I like having a replacement of anything I am really fond of, operating on the assumption that the model (whatever it is - gun, coat, hat, shoes, pen, pocketknife, you name it) will soon be discontinued.

Absolutely good advice. As soon as you find something that you really like, they will either stop making it or improve it.

Just like my wifes shoes!

Keep in mind that if you try to trade it you will take a real beating.

The gun is not new anymore. It is pre owned.

Bob

Now there's an idea I hadn't thought of! The one I have is all black - maybe I need a two-tone one.

You're probably right - even though it's still in the box and never fired or carried.

I disagree- at least in regards to selling it. I agree with Bob that you will take a beating on a trade though, in most cases. But as for selling it outright, this is not like a car that immediately depreciates 30%, and you did say it was unfired and NIB. Plus, you already have a keeper that you love, so you can take your time selling the second one.

Since there does not appear to be any rebates it wouldn't make any difference to many buyers to either get it from you or a dealer. And many of the S&W 1911's are scarce where I'm from, so it might be attractive to some buyers to be able to get one quickly.

I'm not familar with the ES model and don't see it on the current S&W website. There is one listed on GunBroker- Buy now price is $1269, starting price is $959, no reserve. There are no bids with 10 hours to go.

I think you're wise to solicit input on the ES before selling/trading. It might turn out that it's a great shooter for the range or something, or highly desirable for another reason. Again, I don't have any experience with the ES.

If you decide to sell/trade, I'd try to list it in the classified section of this site and include some good photos and see if you get any bites. I think you'd have a lot better luck selling than trading with a dealer.

Armslist is a good classifieds site for local sales if you haven't tried that.

The bob-tailed SC is my favorite new pistol and I'm saving up for one now (so is my son!). Great choice there!

Thanks for the info! The SC is definitely my favorite right now. I had a little problem with it, but I bought an early serial numbered one, and it's not unusual to have a glitch or two in a new model. I'm not usually this indecisive, but the Ruger SR1911 is pretty high on my want list and I've spent a lot of money on 1911s this year. It's not like I have a shortage of 1911s - I have:

1. Taurus PT1911 .45 auto
2. Springfield RO .45 auto
3. S&W 1911 SC .45 auto
4. S&W 1911 ES .45 auto
5. ATI GI Commander .45 auto
6. Para USA OPS .45 auto
7. Dan Wesson PM7 .40 S&W
8. Springfield EMP .40 S&W
9. Taurus PT1911 .38 Super
10. Springfield Loaded Target 9mm
11. Taurus PT1911 9mm
12. Kimber Ultra Carry II 9mm
13. GSG 1911 .22 LR
14. Sig P238

My biggest problem is finding the time to reload enough ammo so I can shoot them all!

Nice collection! I really like those Kimber Ultra Carry II's=- have you liked yours?

You are missing 2 others that are on my list but it looks like you are adding one of them soon- the Ruger.

The other one I want is the new Ithaca 1911

Thanks! I do like the Kimber. It was slightly used when I bought it. It happily feeds everything I throw at it and it is in my CCW rotation. It's the lightest 1911 I own and it makes a nice carry gun. I don't like the black rubber grips, but that's a minor thing. I'd like to put on a pair of slim checkered wood grips. The rubber grips are a bit fat and tacky and my shirt tends to get caught on them.

I've heard of the the Ithaca, but haven't seen one. Guess I'll have to snoop around on the forums and try to see what one looks like.

check here:

The Ithaca 1911

The factory that makes them is here in Ohio (Upper Sandusky). Super modern equipment, dedicated and skilled craftsmen and women, and a super management team.

They've done some nice work on an older Ithaca pump of mine. I was able hold and inspect a few 1911 early production models. I thought they were as nice as some custom guns costing twice as much.

Now you've done it! You just forced me to add yet another 1911 to my wish list. Seriously, that is a really nice looking 1911. For my purposes, the model with the Novak adjustable sight would be perfect. I suppose that, like the Ruger SR1911, these are rare as hens teeth.

I have and carry the 1911ES. I love it. Cant compare to the E series though. I can compare it to a Kimber Pro Carry SLE I have. The ES is much better for EDC since it has the shorter grip. It is very accurate and reliable. When I first got mine, i went straight to the range. Fired 250rds. Flawless shooting. At 7 yards, was putting everything in a quarter size hole. It is a great gun!!

Call Dave Dlubak (owner, CEO) or Zak Amert sometime! they are great guys and I'm sure they could help you out.

Zak helped me select a new stock for my 40+ year old M37 20 gauge pump that I had previously had re-blued and restored metal wise. (my Dad gave it to me when I was about 10 or 12). We picked out a nice butt stock that was about 70% finished. Zak added a Pachmayr pad, expertly finished the stock to match the for-end stock, and fitted it precisely to the gun with just the right amount of wood proud to metal. I could not have been happier with the work and the overall interactions with those guys, Fortunately for me their factory is about 1 1/2 from my home. It's about half way between Cleveland and Toledo, south of Lake Erie about 45 minutes.

Here's a recent testimonial from their web site:

May 31, 2011

Just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with my new 1911. Brought it home a week ago and never got the chance to fire it till yesterday.

This is a very well crafted pistol. I shot at the end of a big chunk of white ash aiming at the very center at about 21 feet using two hand hold. First shot was off a little but still at 4 inches from center. That was to be expected, new piece to me and all.

The next 5 shots made only 3 holes dead center at aim point and I covered the three holes with a silver dollar. I am a craftsman in my field. Not much impresses me any more but your team of craftsmen impress me with their quality of perfection.

Thank you for a very fine specimen of good ole American pride in workmanship.

Rick

Thanks again for the info duckhunter! Their 1911 sounds like a winner. I always liked Ithaca shotguns. I had one once and traded it in a weak moment. I liked not having an ejection port in the side of the receiver. I tried to find another a couple years ago and gave up and bought a Browning BPS. It's a nice gun, but I miss my Ithaca.

Sounds like you're very happy with yours. That's good to know.

Now that my SC is repaired, it shoots pretty well. These sights are dead on. This is 100 rounds from 7 yards.

Here are some pics of the little ES.