SW1911 vs SW1911PD

Metalheadisme · Sep 11, 2008

Hi everyone,

I've been considering either the SW1911 or scandium SW1911PD. I have a 4" 325PD revolver that I love so but I was wondering if the lightweight scandium makes as much of a difference in the 1911, and if there are any problems with it (a lot of shooting on my 325PD can loosen a few things).

I was also considering some other 1911 brands such as Kimber and SA, but I have read nothing but good things about Smith's offerings and like the idea of buying an American made 1911.

Metalheadisme · Sep 11, 2008

Hi everyone,

I've been considering either the SW1911 or scandium SW1911PD. I have a 4" 325PD revolver that I love so but I was wondering if the lightweight scandium makes as much of a difference in the 1911, and if there are any problems with it (a lot of shooting on my 325PD can loosen a few things).

I was also considering some other 1911 brands such as Kimber and SA, but I have read nothing but good things about Smith's offerings and like the idea of buying an American made 1911.

torrejon224 · Sep 11, 2008

The PD is approx 1/2 pound lighter and trust me that makes a big difference if it's going to be a carry weapon. For a range only weapon I'd go with the heavier gun as recoil will be easier to handle. Otherwise there the same weapon and S&W makes a great 1911. Stay away from Kimber, they are a good 1911 but their customer service absolutely sucks!. Other than S&W I'd consider Springfield. SA's are made in America with the exception of the frames which are made in Brazil.

Cartouche · Sep 11, 2008

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hi everyone,

I've been considering either the SW1911 or scandium SW1911PD. I have a 4" 325PD revolver that I love so but I was wondering if the lightweight scandium makes as much of a difference in the 1911, and if there are any problems with it (a lot of shooting on my 325PD can loosen a few things).

I was also considering some other 1911 brands such as Kimber and SA, but I have read nothing but good things about Smith's offerings and like the idea of buying an American made 1911.

SW1911, large frame, carbon steel, slide & frame 40.1oz.
SW1911PD large frame, scandium frame, ss slide,33.4oz.
I have the SW1911PD medium frame/commander size, scandium frame, carbon steel, slide, 30.0oz. Hopes this helps. Oh, great gun, no problems at all.

gmchenry · Sep 11, 2008

The scandium frame is tough. I've put a lot of rounds through my 2004 'billboard' SC and the only real wear on the rails is to the black painted on finish. For CCW, the lighter gun makes a difference.

Now if S&W will ever make an Officer's sized scandium frame with a stainless Commander upper...I'd buy two yesterday. Until then, I'll keep carrying my Glock 36.

Metalheadisme · Sep 11, 2008

Hmmm, thanks for the info guys.... I really wish I could fondle them to appreciate the difference, but I don't know anyplace here that stocks them near Atlanta.

This would be my first 1911, so I was thinking I would go all steel, but the lighter option in the PD is extremely tempting. Is the recoil very different between the two or is it quite similar? This gun would be for range use, and eventual carry (once I am satisfied with my proficiency with it) switching with my 325pd (which is an easy carry at 28oz.).

Hah, I really do like the idea of a lighter 1911, but I kind of feel like a scandium hoarder also going for the sw1911pd to join my 325pd.

tlen · Sep 11, 2008

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys.... I really wish I could fondle them to appreciate the difference, but I don't know anyplace here that stocks them near Atlanta.

What about BULLS EYE MARKSMAN GUN CLUB ?
You can always buy a range gun like the #108284 then pick up a lighter weight #108283 [SW1911PD] later.

Metalheadisme · Sep 11, 2008

Originally posted by tlen:

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys.... I really wish I could fondle them to appreciate the difference, but I don't know anyplace here that stocks them near Atlanta.

Click to expand...

What about BULLS EYE MARKSMAN GUN CLUB ?
You can always buy a range gun like the #108284 then pick up a lighter weight #108283 [SW1911PD] later.

they are about 45mins away from me, but I'll see if I have a chance to check em out this weekend. thanks for the heads up.

skeezix · Sep 11, 2008

Is the recoil very different between the two or is it quite similar?

Here are my observations. I am fairly recoil-tolerant, so others' opinions might be of more value to you.

I don't notice that much difference in recoil between the commander Sc gun and the full size all steel gun. There's a 3/4" less of steel slide going backward and stopping suddenly. Even though the frame is lighter, it's the slide that produces the rearward recoil that is felt in the palm of the hand.

To me, muzzle flip seems less pronounced with the commander length guns than the full size. Again, less length going up.

If you're going to eventually carry the gun, you might as well get the commander length now and get proficient it.

Metalheadisme · Sep 11, 2008

Originally posted by skeezix:

Is the recoil very different between the two or is it quite similar?

Click to expand...

Here are my observations. I am fairly recoil-tolerant, so others' opinions might be of more value to you.

I don't notice that much difference in recoil between the commander Sc gun and the full size all steel gun. There's a 3/4" less of steel slide going backward and stopping suddenly. Even though the frame is lighter, it's the slide that produces the rearward recoil that is felt in the palm of the hand.

To me, muzzle flip seems less pronounced with the commander length guns than the full size. Again, less length going up.

If you're going to eventually carry the gun, you might as well get the commander length now and get proficient it.

Thank you for your observations.

I might end up with both eventually.... I guess I'll just have to try and find a place with them and see which feels better so I know which to start with.

Baldy · Sep 11, 2008

I have a stainless steel government at 41oz. Great pistol. I carry the commander size sc at 28oz also a great pistol. You can beat a S&W 1911 in my book.

SS Government

PD Scandium Commander

bigt5150 · Sep 11, 2008

I have a S&W 1911 all stainless steel and a Kimber Raptor. Both are great guns. You can't go wrong either way. I must admit the Kimber does have a slight edge in accuracy but is also higher priced.

Nosrac · Sep 12, 2008

Originally posted by torrejon224:
The PD is approx 1/2 pound lighter and trust me that makes a big difference if it's going to be a carry weapon. For a range only weapon I'd go with the heavier gun as recoil will be easier to handle. Otherwise there the same weapon and S&W makes a great 1911. Other than S&W consider Springfield. SA's are made in America with the exception of the frames which are made in Brazil.

I agree. I'm not a big guy and I much prefer to carry the SW PD's in either 5" or commander size (I don't notice much difference between them in carrying). My SA TRP is a tack driver and I use it primarily at the range. It is significantly heavier and I wouldn't carry it for very long and expect to be comfortable.

I've shot the snot out of my 5" PD and she is still a great shooter.

I notice an extremely minor difference in recoil but I'm not recoil sensitive.

Cartouche · Sep 12, 2008

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys.... I really wish I could fondle them to appreciate the difference, but I don't know anyplace here that stocks them near Atlanta.

This would be my first 1911, so I was thinking I would go all steel, but the lighter option in the PD is extremely tempting. Is the recoil very different between the two or is it quite similar? This gun would be for range use, and eventual carry (once I am satisfied with my proficiency with it) switching with my 325pd (which is an easy carry at 28oz.).

Hah, I really do like the idea of a lighter 1911, but I kind of feel like a scandium hoarder also going for the sw1911pd to join my 325pd.

Showing my ignorance here, I did not know the 325 .45, was avail in 4" bbl. Cool. But if you are going from a Scandium 4" .45acp revolver, to a 1911PD, even in a commander size,in scandium, I dare say you won't even blink in the diffrence of recoil, if there is any at all. Go with the 1911PD commander 4.25"bbl and never look back. Besides your 325 is lonely.
Is yours a Thunder Ranch 325? I see it is in a 4". Found my S&W catalog. Nice piece. Found a pic of yours in the 07 catalog. It's not pictured in the 08 cat.

KyJim · Sep 12, 2008

I agree with Cartouche. If you shoot a .45 in a 28 oz revolver, recoil in a 30 oz 1911 shouldn't be a problem. Most people think felt recoil is less in a 1911.

I don't own a SW 1911 but have have some from other manufacturers (shhhh). The one I carry most has an alloy frame because you can definitely tell the difference after a couple of hours.

shawn mccarver · Sep 12, 2008

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hi everyone,

I've been considering either the SW1911 or scandium SW1911PD. I have a 4" 325PD revolver that I love so but I was wondering if the lightweight scandium makes as much of a difference in the 1911, and if there are any problems with it (a lot of shooting on my 325PD can loosen a few things).

I was also considering some other 1911 brands such as Kimber and SA, but I have read nothing but good things about Smith's offerings and like the idea of buying an American made 1911.

If you have never owned a 1911, I suggest you get the 5 inch one first. After that, if you are comfortable with the 1911 platform, then get the Commander (PD is the S&W designation) for carry. Just my thoughts.

The recoil of the 1911 is not nearly as bad as some make it out to be. My daughter was quite handy with a 1911 by the time she was 12. You can shoot one easily with only thumb and forefinger and none of the other fingers wrapped around the pistol. With proper placement of the hands and a proper isometric tension in the arms, recoil is all but non-existent. You will not regret either choice.

Metalheadisme · Sep 13, 2008

Originally posted by Cartouche:

Originally posted by Metalheadisme:
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys.... I really wish I could fondle them to appreciate the difference, but I don't know anyplace here that stocks them near Atlanta.

This would be my first 1911, so I was thinking I would go all steel, but the lighter option in the PD is extremely tempting. Is the recoil very different between the two or is it quite similar? This gun would be for range use, and eventual carry (once I am satisfied with my proficiency with it) switching with my 325pd (which is an easy carry at 28oz.).

Hah, I really do like the idea of a lighter 1911, but I kind of feel like a scandium hoarder also going for the sw1911pd to join my 325pd.

Click to expand...

Showing my ignorance here, I did not know the 325 .45, was avail in 4" bbl. Cool. But if you are going from a Scandium 4" .45acp revolver, to a 1911PD, even in a commander size,in scandium, I dare say you won't even blink in the diffrence of recoil, if there is any at all. Go with the 1911PD commander 4.25"bbl and never look back. Besides your 325 is lonely.
Is yours a Thunder Ranch 325? I see it is in a 4". Found my S&W catalog. Nice piece. Found a pic of yours in the 07 catalog. It's not pictured in the 08 cat.

Yeah, when I was looking for my first firearm to be a 45 acp in semiauto, the guy pointed out the revolver. I held it and that was that- I knew that was the one for me, hah. Then I found it it was discontinued, which explains why finding info on it was so hard (like finding a holster).

They said they couldn't understand why the gun never sold, as the snub length 45 revolvers were doing great. I definitely got some comments from people working there that they were wanting to pick that puppy up, hah. Recoil is more pronounced with it being so light and being a revolver, but throw on some pachmeyr decelerator grips or the X-frame hogues and it is a non-issue.

Thanks for the input and suggestions everyone.... I think what I'm going to do is start off is a 5" full size steel 1911 and later get the 4.25" scandium commander for carry. My main reason being that I think a 5" steel 1911 will suit me well at the range, and also allow my girlfriend to more easily shoot it with me (she shoots the 325, but can only put through so many moon clips before it becomes painful).

I found one place that stocks the smiths around here, which was nice to hold them, but I was not happy with the condition of their "new" guns which looked and felt like they were used. I guess I'll do some price hunting and see if my favorite range (which also has the best prices around) can order one for me.

Thanks again everyone.

DeanD · Sep 16, 2008

I have several 1911's. Dan Wesson, S&W, Springfield Armory, and a custom built on a Norinco. My Scandium Commander is nice and light but I don't notice any real recoil, shoots comfortable and smooth.

Armed Infidel · Sep 18, 2008

My 1911PD has been great. I love it for carry and it shoots better than I can.

I liked my 1911PD so much, I bought a 1911SC to keep it company!

oghl888 · Sep 20, 2008

I have both the 40 oz full size, and the 28 oz PD commander size. the recoil is noticeably sharper with the PD due to less weight and shorter barrel (I am not a light weight at 190 lbs).

Recommendations: full size steel frame if it's a range gun. Steel is stronger even though the scandium alloy is pretty strong. Go with the PD only if you are going to be carrying it.

SW1911 vs SW1911PD

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