S&W 1911 Pro in 9mm

stev32k

stev32k

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I'm considering buying one of these and wonder if anyone has any experience that particular handgun. It's kinda pricy so I'd like to get some feedback before I write the check.

I really got spoiled by the trigger and accuracy of a Les Baer 1911 and would like to have a 9mm with about the same characteristics. I'm particularly interested in a light smooth trigger with little or no pre-travel or over travel.
 
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Bought one and really like it. Not crazy about the sights, but I can live with it. I really like the 1911 frame and the 9mm is a great shooter. I have a Sig1911-22, 9mm Pro Series and an SR1911 45. Can't comment on the trigger pull except that it feels great to me.
 
My gun now has a "decent" trigger. In my experience it was unusual for a factory 1911 in that it actually got considerably better fairly quickly as it was used - and with a 19# mainspring.

If you are concerned with accuracy, I recommend you buy a Les Baer Premier II 9mm, or something similar. My S&W is a decent shooter but no way near in the same league with my Les Baer .45.

Mine is just one gun and many have been produced but my guess is that overall the model is not in the same league as your Les Baer.
 
honestly mine cost me more then my sw1911 performance center i just bought.

the 9mm pro is a nice shooter though.
 
M29since14 said:
My gun now has a "decent" trigger. In my experience it was unusual for a factory 1911 in that it actually got considerably better fairly quickly as it was used - and with a 19# mainspring.

If you are concerned with accuracy, I recommend you buy a Les Baer Premier II 9mm, or something similar. My S&W is a decent shooter but no way near in the same league with my Les Baer .45.

Mine is just one gun and many have been produced but my guess is that overall the model is not in the same league as your Les Baer.
Click to expand...

I would love to have a Les Baer in 9mm, but I don't believe they make one. At least I cannot find a 9mm listed on the Les Baer site. Besides .45 the only caliber I see listed is 400 cor bon and .38 super. The only 1911s in 9mm I have found is S&W, Rock Island, and STI.

I'm disappointed to hear the comments. I had hoped it was a better gun.

Edit: I just found a Kimber Gold Match 1911 9mm. How would that compare to a Les Baer?
 
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I believe Baer may make a run of Premier IIs in 9mm now and then, but they don't talk much about it. I wanted one and waited for a while, then a used .38 Super came along. I bought the Super and had a pistolsmith fit a Kart 9mm barrel. I use the gun with both barrels - a nice set up for me because I like .38 Supers anyway.

The "Big John" fellow in Idaho may be able to help you run down a Baer in 9mm, or .38 Super. (It is not a big project to fit the second barrel. Any good 1911 smith can do it.)

On the S&W, you can do basically the same thing. I think my gun has a poorly fitted barrel, or maybe just a bad barrel period - I don't know. I have considered sending it back to S&W and asking them to check it but I am not sure I would get anywhere, so I may just go ahead and have a better barrel installed to fix the problem. As I mentioned earlier, you might get a 9mm Pro that shoots like a house on fire. Unfortunately for me, mine will throw a wild shot in about 30 to 60% of its groups, depending on the ammunition used. It's really annoying to me. I hoped the gun might "settle down" as it was used and get away from the flyer problem. The trigger got quite a bit better - the flyer problem did not. :(
 
"It's really annoying to me. I hoped the gun might "settle down" as it was used and get away from the flyer problem. The trigger got quite a bit better - the flyer problem did not."

My Pro Series 9mm doesn't have this problem but my SR9 does. It's all over the place. I hate it!
 
I have the SW 9MM 1911 and LOVE it. Goes to the range with me almost all the time (I like shooting it that much). I really like the sights, and while the trigger is a little heavier than I like, It's fine, and I'm waiting to see if it lightens up a bit as more and more rounds go downrange. If not, may do some work on the trigger...or maybe not. Isn't bad at all....

Been doing a lot of work finding the right reload. All the rounds go bang and hit the target, some groups are tighter than others, but been playing w/ different powders, bullet weights and designs, etc. Think I have found what combination works for my gun (they are all different). Center of the target every time if I do my part.

This is a quality, quality gun. I have four magazines, and have not had a single FTF, FTE or hiccup yet. I seriously can not find anything I would change with this gun. Been one of most satisfying purchases ever. I'm a happy man
 
Thanks for all the replys. I'm beginning to think I need to by a good 1911 and have a hand fitted barrel, bushing, and slide installed. I found these guys Home Page and may give them a try.
 
If you are expecting the gun to perform like your Les Baer .45, either buy a Baer or go the route you mention (a custom gun), but really, the S&W is a decent gun - just not in the class of your Baer.

It might be cost efficient to buy the S&W and see how it works out. If necessary, you can fit the target barrel later. You might be OK with the one you receive. If not the cost of the gun, barrel, and fitting would probably be less than a low-end custom gun or a Baer Premier II.

One thing about hiring people to build a 9mm 1911 is that there are a few tricks and traps. It's best to use someone who has a little experience with the job.
 
I've heard nothing but good reports about the 1911 Pro 9mm. Found one the other day at the LGS and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I have no concerns about the quality as I have other S&W guns. No issues and they back them up.
 
Just got back from the range after putting 100 rounds thru my new Pro 9mm. The fit and finish of the gun is excellent. Trigger was the best I've experienced, I think it's slightly better than my Kimber target. It performed flawlessly with mixed, cheap ammo - no feeding or ejecting issues of any kind.
The thing I will go back to the range to work on is the accuracy. Neither my 23 yr. old son who is an expert level in IDPA, or I could get it to zero in with consistent groups. Shot low to the left mostly. Again we used two different types of cheap ammo so maybe that had something to do with it; however I shot my CZ75 with the same mix and it almost shoots itself...holes thru holes at 17 yds.
In the end I'm not concerned. I'll work with the gun more this week and if I'm not happy I'll contact S&W. Over all it's a beautiful quality made firearm.
 
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John had one of these a few years ago.

DSCN0906copy.jpg


DSCN0907copy.jpg


This is a great shooter.

Just got the STI Ranger II a few months ago. It is very nice as well.
 
stev32k said:
Edit: I just found a Kimber Gold Match 1911 9mm. How would that compare to a Les Baer?
Click to expand...

My guess is that the Kimber and S&W are of similar quality and that the Baer would likely outshoot both, but you know how much good guesses are when it comes to accuracy of individual pistols. That said, if I were spending the money I know what I would do.
 
The thing I will go back to the range to work on is the accuracy. Neither my 23 yr. old son who is an expert level in IDPA, or I could get it to zero in with consistent groups. Shot low to the left mostly. Again we used two different types of cheap ammo so maybe that had something to do with it; however I shot my CZ75 with the same mix and it almost shoots itself...holes thru holes at 17 yds.
Click to expand...

shakey1 said:
Just got back from the range....gun runs perfectly...accuracy is not an issue...for me maybe but not for the gun!
Click to expand...

I am seriously considering the SW1911 myself, but I'm confused between your two posts. Has the accuracy suddenly improved?

What range and what sized groups?
 
I don't own a custom 1911 so I can't help with that comparison, but I liked my first Pro 1911 9mm enough to buy a second one. The factor grips are too fat and the sights are nothing special, so each has a set of VZ grips and fiber optic front & rear from Novak. The guns are reliable and accurate enough for my IDPA shooting.
 
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