1911 "E" series info please!!!

[Bigeclipse]

All,
I was in the gun shop yesterday to start looking for my first 1911. I held quite a few different brands. A few PARAs, a couple sigs, one springfield, a rugar sr1911 and then I saw a S &W e series. I heard many great things about the PARAs and rugar but was dissappointed. They all had slightly wobbly slides. The sigs and the S&W were both very tight and seemed well made. The sig's grip safety poked my Palm quite a bit but the sales men there said those are easily replaceable. The Smith e series fit like a glove and seems nicely made. But then I started reading reviews which there arent many at all. It appears they have some issues with the ejector retaining pins but those reviews were from a few years ago and I'm not sure if that has been remedied? What is all your opinions? I LOVE the look of the fish scales on the smiths. I dont shoot competition. This will be a range gun and maybe a nightstand gun. I definitely want a full size 5 inch model. Thanks everyone.

 

[t-bird]

I've had my E for three years and it's the best 1911 that I've ever owned. I've got two Gold Cups that I bought new and the E is just as good. Life is short buy the E and you will be very pleased.

 

[DanP7]

The E Series is substantially better made than the other guns listed.


Would avoid para all together.


Don't worry about the external extractor. It's a superior design. 1911 owners tend to be "purists" and mock the improvement and deviation from the original design. A few other manufacturers tried external extractors in the past, but S&W got it right. The issue with the pins was fixed a long time ago. If it reoccurs for whatever reason, it's an easy fix.

 

[Bigeclipse]

The E Series is substantially better made than the other guns listed.


Would avoid para all together.


Don't worry about the external extractor. It's a superior design. 1911 owners tend to be "purists" and mock the improvement and deviation from the original design. A few other manufacturers tried external extractors in the past, but S&W got it right. The issue with the pins was fixed a long time ago. If it reoccurs for whatever reason, it's an easy fix.

Thanks guys. That is what I figured. Now the next question is they had one that was 1200 bucks. It is stainless with the front rail and I believe it had night sights. On gunbroker they sell a model that appears to be the step down from this at about 800 bucks. Is there other differences between these two other than the sights and rail? 400 dollar difference seems quite steep. I think I'd rather order the more plain one for cheaper but then I take the risk that it is not as tight fitting as the one in the store.

 

[DanP7]

Thanks guys. That is what I figured. Now the next question is they had one that was 1200 bucks. It is stainless with the front rail and I believe it had night sights. On gunbroker they sell a model that appears to be the step down from this at about 800 bucks. Is there other differences between these two other than the sights and rail? 400 dollar difference seems quite steep. I think I'd rather order the more plain one for cheaper but then I take the risk that it is not as tight fitting as the one in the store.

Correct on the sights and rail being the difference. If your intent is home defense, I like both of those features, but arguments can be made against using weapon mounted lights and night sights as well.

The tightness of a 1911 can vary greatly from one individual gun to another. However, S&W are fairly consistent. I'd expect it to be equally tight. That being said, "tight" doesn't always men better or more accurate. But it is nice to have.

 

[Harkrader]

I have the S&W PC1911RB.
It is a fine gun. I considered the rounding of the butt to be a gimmick, but find it does protect my palm from the beating I get from square butts with sharp checkering that haven't been abbreviated.

Slide wobble:
Unless you are going to compete in slow-fire bullseye shooting, a little wobble will make no difference.

Four of us took these guns to the range to compare:
PC1911RB
Springfield Champion Operator Light Weight.
Sig Scorpion Carry
Springfield Loaded Operator
S&W 1911Sc - pre E-series
I've posted pics of some of the targets elsewhere in the S&W forums.

Comparing older 1911s to them, a couple well-used Colts and a new Remington R1 had slides that wiggled a bit. The Colts were the worst.

At distances out to 25 yards the groups differed more by shooter than by make and model. Also, my handloads, ahem, were just a leeedle less accurate.

We could bounce golf balls equally well with any of them out to about 60 feet, so I think that addresses any accuracy issues.
Oh, and we could shoot bottle caps off a 4X4 at 45 feet with any of them.

In the subjective view of just how they felt to us, we all agreed the Light Weight Operator was the best. It "felt" the best.

I had the RB out just over a week ago to shoot Rastoff's Challenge. You can find my post with pictures of the target in the Concealed Carry and Self Defense forum. You'll see a couple fliers. That was all me, apparently an effect of shooting from middle distances when bracketing them by closer and further one. I'll just say I was sloppy.

Over a long career when I carried 1911s made exclusively by Colt (among other guns of other brands), None could be singled out as inaccurate due to a wobble in the slide. Barrels and barrel bushing were the usual culprits.

My 1.5-cents: get the one that feels best to you. Ruger, Sig, Para, S&W, Remington, they all make excellent guns. Every once in a while a lemon gets through the best QC, but all the manufacturers will make it right, often even if you are not the original owner. It's why almost everyone recommends a break-in and familiarity period.

 

[shawn mccarver]

If you want a range plinker, just get a Rock Island 1911.

If you want a good 1911, get a current Colt. They are exceedingly well made these days, and you will always get your money back.

If you don't want a Colt, there are several good 1911s out there: they are Ruger, S&W, Springfield, etc.

 

[Bigeclipse]

If you want a range plinker, just get a Rock Island 1911.

If you want a good 1911, get a current Colt. They are exceedingly well made these days, and you will always get your money back.

If you don't want a Colt, there are several good 1911s out there: they are Ruger, S&W, Springfield, etc.

Honestly...what drew me to the smith was how nice it looks with those scale serations and wood grips. It just stood out so much. Then I loved the grip serations as well as the fit and finish. Just superb! I just don't like the look of the rock islands.

 

[DanP7]

Honestly...what drew me to the smith was how nice it looks with those scale serations and wood grips. It just stood out so much. Then I loved the grip serations as well as the fit and finish. Just superb! I just don't like the look of the rock islands.

1911's are highly personal decisions. More so than most other guns, or any other gun.

Get the 1911 that "speaks" to you.

If you want a rational handgun purchase, get a Glock. I have both!

 

[shouldazagged]

1911's are highly personal decisions. More so than most other guns, or any other gun.

Get the 1911 that "speaks" to you.

If you want a rational handgun purchase, get a Glock. I have both!

Or a .45 ACP revolver and moon clips.

If I had the bucks I'd get a Rock Island 1911. I hear nothing but good reviews saying they are outstanding for the money. But if they don't sing to you, they don't. Get what gives you the glow.

 

[Bigeclipse]

1911's are highly personal decisions. More so than most other guns, or any other gun.

Get the 1911 that "speaks" to you.

If you want a rational handgun purchase, get a Glock. I have both!

I actually have a few handguns already...just looking to get my first 1911 and loved the look and feel of the smith e series. The performance center is even better but I can't justify 1500 haha.

 

[flyrobb]

Honestly...what drew me to the smith was how nice it looks with those scale serations and wood grips. It just stood out so much. Then I loved the grip serations as well as the fit and finish. Just superb! I just don't like the look of the rock islands.

I've had mine (#108482) for a year and a half now and it has been a great gun. Got it for $729+, which I thought was a good deal. No night sights or rail though. I'm with you on the fish scales and grips, that's what sold me over others. Some don't like em, some of us do.

Sounds like you already have yourself convinced and now you have some confirmations. Better go get it! Looks ain't everything, but it's a bonus on top of a good gun!

 

[DanP7]

I actually have a few handguns already...just looking to get my first 1911 and loved the look and feel of the smith e series. The performance center is even better but I can't justify 1500 haha.

Sounds like the E series is what you need then!

 

[DanP7]

Or a .45 ACP revolver and moon clips.

If I had the bucks I'd get a Rock Island 1911. I hear nothing but good reviews saying they are outstanding for the money. But if they don't sing to you, they don't. Get what gives you the glow.

Ooooh... 625 good idea

 

[78Staff]

Thanks guys. That is what I figured. Now the next question is they had one that was 1200 bucks. It is stainless with the front rail and I believe it had night sights. On gunbroker they sell a model that appears to be the step down from this at about 800 bucks. Is there other differences between these two other than the sights and rail? 400 dollar difference seems quite steep. I think I'd rather order the more plain one for cheaper but then I take the risk that it is not as tight fitting as the one in the store.

Rail and Sights as already mentioned, but also the TA comes with an ambi safety also.

I have the TA. It is a fine gun. I looked at several companies and decided on the S&W. To be honest, I wanted the standard model E-Series, but could never find one in stock at the time, so went with the TA and have no regrets, other than sometimes holsters are hard to find. I will say, you should be able to find a TA for quite a bit less than your stated price, however.

 

[Smoke52]

Both the TA version, SS, and the scandium Commander are in my stable. Both are E series, beautiful to look at and to shoot. The SS TA is my favorite as stainless steel is my preferred finish. Neither one has had any type of hiccup in about a year of shooting. Accuracy is great with each one, but find that the longer barrel and extra weight of the TA works better for me, hence use it more: Think Bowling Pins! Although the Commander is, to my eye, a better looking gun, it is being considered being sold to help pay for a new trap gun. The TA is not going anywhere.

Buy an E Series, you will love it. Then get yourself a 625. These Smiths are addicting!

 

[Bigeclipse]

Rail and Sights as already mentioned, but also the TA comes with an ambi safety also.

I have the TA. It is a fine gun. I looked at several companies and decided on the S&W. To be honest, I wanted the standard model E-Series, but could never find one in stock at the time, so went with the TA and have no regrets, other than sometimes holsters are hard to find. I will say, you should be able to find a TA for quite a bit less than your stated price, however.

Unfortunately here in my area of NY we always get ripped off and to top it off none of the gun shops will act as an ffl if you want to order something they carry in the stores even if it's 300 dollars cheaper online.

 

[chadster01]

1911's are highly personal decisions. More so than most other guns, or any other gun.

Get the 1911 that "speaks" to you.

If you want a rational handgun purchase, get a Glock. I have both!

I just had this 1911PD "speak to me" last week. it was made in 2007 but is looking awfully nice... think it was a "safe sitter"... And as far as Glock goes... I have one also Don't tell anyone

 

[chadster01]

Rail and Sights as already mentioned, but also the TA comes with an ambi safety also.

I have the TA. It is a fine gun. I looked at several companies and decided on the S&W. To be honest, I wanted the standard model E-Series, but could never find one in stock at the time, so went with the TA and have no regrets, other than sometimes holsters are hard to find. I will say, you should be able to find a TA for quite a bit less than your stated price, however.

I have 1911PD.... Shes purdy all right... paid $800

 

[TDC]

For those who may not know what the basic S&W "E" Series looks like....