1911 DK Model

[dougthug]

First post, long time reader here to this great site.
I'm looking to purchase the DK model as its on sale in my local store and really don't know much about this model but have certainly read plenty about it and to be honest its not all good.
So I was looking to hear from those who own one, could you tell me please the pros & cons of this particular model and is it worth the extra money in comparison to a base model...the one I'm looking at is the 45 ACP & NOT the 38 super.
Thanks for any advice you can share with me and thanks for a great site.

 

[socal s&w]

First off, welcome to the Forum dougthug!

I currently own the exact item that you are referring to.

It is a pleasure to shoot and very accurate, I have actually yet to find a gun that is not accurate though.

Functions well and has no problems.

I load down my 45's and had to install a lighter recoil spring, but other than that, it's been trouble free.

As to if it's worth the extra cash, well only you can decide that. I think it is, but that's just me. It's what I wanted and that's what I got. I did have a choice of two from two different outlets, asked the first if they would price match, they would not, so I went to the other outlet and bought it there....close to $1050, plus tax, etc.

I also really like the two-tone look.

Oh, and I got a few extra McCormick Star magazines for it that run well too.

 

[dougthug]

Thanks for your response...could you explain why the change in recoil spring? Does this help absorb the recoil shock?

 

[tbury]

Thanks for your response...could you explain why the change in recoil spring? Does this help absorb the recoil shock?

Less powerful loads require a lighter recoil spring to function the action.

 

[dougthug]

So if I have read that most would suggest 230 gr. to fire is this a powerful load or would I want to use something different?

 

[novalty]

230gr just refers to the size of the lead. 45acp comes in 3 common lead sizes:185, 200, & 230. Other sizes are available especially when it comes to reloading. The previous references to loading down are in regards to the amount of powder used in the casing to propel the lead. The recoil spring in the gun brings the slide back and helps with recoil. You use a stronger spring if you are using more powder with increased recoil stiffer springs help keep the slide controlled better. If you load with less powder you might find a stiff spring will not allow the slide to come back far enough to eject the round effectively.

 

[socal s&w]

A good explanation, but add a few words to make more sense to the non-reloader....

230gr just refers to the size of the lead (Bullet). 45acp comes in 3 common lead (Bullet) sizes:185, 200, & 230. Other sizes are available especially when it comes to reloading. The previous references to loading down are in regards to the amount of powder used in the casing to propel the lead. The recoil spring in the gun brings the slide back (and helps a little with recoil). You use a stronger (or stock) spring if you are using more powder (or factory loads) with increased recoil stiffer springs help keep the slide controlled better (and will not allow the 'innards' to get beat-up). If you load with less powder you might find a stiff spring will not allow the slide to come back far enough to eject the round effectively (because the reloaded round has less recoil/power to push the heavier spring into action). Most times you do not need a reduced spring if you plan on shooting only factory ammunition. Since I reload, that was an option that I chose to use for shooting at paper targets that don't require a full-house factory round. Since you do not reload, you will be fine with the stock springs and don't need to worry about it.

 

[dougthug]

OK Good Stuff. So to target practice I should use the less size like 185 and maybe to CCW I should use 230 for more stopping power?

 

[novalty]

Doesn't matter either way, you will find 230gr FMJ as the most common bullet on the shelf. Wally World usually carries Winchester White Box, often referred to online as WWB, and Remington UMC. These are considered "plinking" practice rounds. I don't believe I have ever seen 185gr or 200gr at Wally World.

 

[dougthug]

OK Thanks.

 

[dougthug]

Any more owner here with opinions please...?

 

[rbert0005]

What is it you want to hear?

It's a Smith 1911 with a few more bells and whistles than the regular ones.

There is no reason to believe that it wont be a great shooter.

Bob

 

[kilroy2721]

While I do not have the DK model I do have one of their other Performance Center 1911's. Other than a lighter recoil spring, I am going to put a small red fiber optic front sight on the gun.

S&W is the only 1911 I truly feel comfortable in owning.