1911 E Series (Enhanced)

[shawn mccarver]

I suppose everyone is aware already, but S&W is introducing a new series within the 1911 family to be known as the E Series, which I am told stands for "Enhanced."

There will be 5 inch full size in glass bead stainless, 5 inch full size with Picatinny Rail in both glass bead stainless and melonite finished stainless and Commander length models with the Ed Brown Bobtail mainspring housing. There may be others, but those are the ones that come to mind.

The will have different extractors, different grasping serrations on the slide, different grips, serrations of some type on the tops of the slides to reduce glare, titanium firing pins and an enhanced ejection port.

I am sure more information will be released soon, but the SKU numbers I know about are:

108483 45 ESER 4.25 MEL
108485 45 ESER 4.25 SC 2TN
108482 45 ESER 5 8R SS
108495 45 ESER 5 CT 8R SS
108409 45 ESER 5 RAIL MEL
108411 45 ESER 5 RAIL 2TN

The descriptions are sort of vague, and I do not know any more details other than the rather cryptic descriptions above. I do know that SC means scandium and that CT means Crimson Trace. MEL means melonite.

 

[badguybuster]

Great. Looking forward to seeing them. I dont know why but I dont like the rail with the shortened frame. I prefer the full version, like on the Springfield Operators. Its heavier but asthetically more pleasing to me.

 

[presspics]

Sounds cool! Can't wait to see them!

 

[Fastbolt]

Interesting. Thanks Shawn.

I'm considering picking up another SW1911 next year, after I add a M&P 45c to my working collection, and one of the Enhanced models might be a choice to consider. Maybe a 2-tone offering.

Of course, I'm also considering picking up a Performance Center SW1911, too.

 

[stevieboy]

When you say "different" extractors does that mean internal? Smith obviously bucks the trend with the external extractors on their present 1911 models. But, they work extremely well and I have never heard of extractor problems with the Smith 1911.

The problem I'd have buying an "E" 1911 is that my current Smith 1911 shoots so well that I couldn't imagine substituting another for it or even having another one along side of it! I've owned the gun for two years and it is, in my opinion, as perfectly engineered handgun as I've ever held and fired.

 

[Fastbolt]

I'm kind of curious about the extractor myself.

I've been told that S&W has been looking at making a revision to the standard extractor they use in the SW1911's (from a 3rd gen .40), but they're always making subtle revisions and improvements to their various guns. No surprise there. Maybe we'll see the results in this new series, or maybe it's the oversize one from the PC's .45's.

The Performance Center went to an oversize extractor quite a while ago (which might be the regular 3rd gen .45 extractor, but I haven't looked at one in a while) and the new subcompact Pro Series SW1911 3" uses it, as I recall. Makes sense in such a small fast-cycling .45 with a lightweight slide and a short slide run.

 

[novalty]

The "E" Series appears to be a reality. I was searching the sku's and found pictures of most over at BudsGunShop.com. They all appear to have the Performance Center slide serrations, and I see that 108485 is bobtailed. They all have a new grip design with "E" in a diamond in the center. Most seem to have tritium night-sights. MEL, does seem to correspond to Melonite, as the finish is listed as "Black." The 108485 appears to be Scandium and is 2TN two-tone (melonite scandium frame with satin stainless slide.) As far as ejector updates, they only show a picture of the left side of gun, and I don't see any description or story line on the "E" series.

 

[SHAMUSPI]

It seems odd to me that they are listed at Bud's, but not on Smith's own site.

 

[novalty]

It seems odd to me that they are listed at Bud's, but not on Smith's own site.

Has me baffled as well, one would think they would try to advertise something besides the Bodyguard, and M&P.

 

[18DAI]

They make more profit off the Bodyguards and M&P's.

Is SKU 108483 Melonite 4.25 bob tailed too? Regards 18DAI.

 

[novalty]

They make more profit off the Bodyguards and M&P's.

Is SKU 108483 Melonite 4.25 bob tailed too? Regards 18DAI.

There is no picture over at Bud's but it does state: "Grips: Laminate Wood/Rounded Butt" Which is the same description for the 108485.

 

[18DAI]

Thanks novalty! Regards 18DAI.

 

[madscientist1100]

I believe the "bobtail" version you are referring to on the new compact models is not actually a "bobtail" MSH. If you look at the picture it is much more rounded. The bobtail that I have is flatter and doesn't look the same.

 

[Fastbolt]

I came across a posting somewhere else where someone stated they had received further info from someone at S&W. The employee name they mentioned is someone I know and have dealt with for many years, so I have no reason to doubt the poster's comments. (Duh, found it right above this thread topic. ) Thanks to the poster who took the time to inquire into it. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/170708-enhanced-1911s.html

The thing that caught my attention is that the fellow at S&W confirmed to the poster that the extractor in the Enhanced model line is that used in the PC guns, meaning the "over-size" extractor. Nice.

Now, if they'll just add a TFP (titanium firing pin) model to the Enhanced stable ... since it would lack the firing pin safety ... they'll have cobbled together a new SW1911 that might tempt me to buy it instead of ordering the PC 1911 I was considering (or the 945).

I might have to order one of the new Enhanced models (I've been considering another Commander) after I order a M&P 45c.

 

[Herb Belin]

E series

All of the E series Pistols have TFP's. The Round Butt Main Spring Housing is a S&W design and not the same as the Ed Brown or Kimber. The 108483 is the same pistol as the 108485 except for the finish. All E Pistols have the Oversized Extractor.


Herb

 

[Fastbolt]

All of the E series Pistols have TFP's. The Round Butt Main Spring Housing is a S&W design and not the same as the Ed Brown or Kimber. The 108483 is the same pistol as the 108485 except for the finish. All E Pistols have the Oversized Extractor.


Herb

Thank you, Herb!

 

[SHAMUSPI]

All of the E series Pistols have TFP's. The Round Butt Main Spring Housing is a S&W design and not the same as the Ed Brown or Kimber. The 108483 is the same pistol as the 108485 except for the finish. All E Pistols have the Oversized Extractor.


Herb

X2 Jeff at S&W confirmed the TFP in all E-Series for me today. No more "Swartz."

 

[novalty]

Wow from all these "enhancements" sounds to me like S&W got pretty darn serious for the centennial. Can't wait to see one in person.

 

[awmp]

I'm ready to see one in person.

 

[xsquid]

I'm really anxious about these new 1911's. I think Smith going away from the fps (actuated the same as the swartz) is a great idea. I'm willing to bet they will sell more than they ever have now, I see a couple I would like to have.