1911 Help

[Americanpatriot]

I'm considering a few different options for a 1911.I'm considering Smith & Wesson.I can't seem to find any information on a compact or commander size 1911 in stainless steel.Does S & W make this model or only full size? Also,are there "mim" componants, if so what parts? I've been considering Colt,Dan Wesson,Sig, as well.

 

[Americanpatriot]

I'm considering a few different options for a 1911.I'm considering Smith & Wesson.I can't seem to find any information on a compact or commander size 1911 in stainless steel.Does S & W make this model or only full size? Also,are there "mim" componants, if so what parts? I've been considering Colt,Dan Wesson,Sig, as well.

 

[DeanD]

You might want to consider the S&W Scandium Commander. Alloy frame but it is a lot lighter to carry and still shoots smoothly. The steel parts such as the slide are actually stainless steel and finished with a matte black.

There are some MIM components such as the hammer which looks like a Chip McCormick on mine. There are MIM parts on nearly all 1911's today.

I also have Dan Wesson 1911's, one in .45 acp and one in 10mm as well as a Springfield Armory and a custom Norinco. I have also owned Colts in the past. The Dan Wesson and Springfield Armory are well made and of excellent quality but if I was to buy a new 1911 tomorrow I would buy a S&W. I think the machining, fit and finish are excellent. The Dan Wesson slide is a bit blocky. Few manufacturers deburr the sharp edges but S&W does.

Colt 1911's made in the modern era are not at on par with a Dan Wesson, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Rock River Arms, S&W and a host of others. I would put Colt at the bottom.

 

[gamms]

I have a S&W 1911sc stainless. It has a 4" barrel and is by far my favorite gun. I also recently purchased a Kimber Eclipse Ultra II with a 3" barrel. It is a tack driver. If you are looking for small, the Kimber is a good choice. I believe that Springfield makes a 3" as well. If you are looking for light weight but full size, the S&W Scandium is the way to go.

gamms

 

[gmchenry]

MIM parts are not a problem. It all depends on who is making the MIM parts. I've never had a S&W MIM part fail, but don't even get me started on Para-Ordnance MIM parts.

 

[29Wheelgunner]

I would look at a Colt XSE Commander.
It has a stainless frame and slide. I have one and love it!
You can also get it in a lightweight model.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by DeanD:
You might want to consider the S&W Scandium Commander. Alloy frame but it is a lot lighter to carry and still shoots smoothly. The steel parts such as the slide are actually stainless steel and finished with a matte black.

There are some MIM components such as the hammer which looks like a Chip McCormick on mine. There are MIM parts on nearly all 1911's today.

I also have Dan Wesson 1911's, one in .45 acp and one in 10mm as well as a Springfield Armory and a custom Norinco. I have also owned Colts in the past. The Dan Wesson and Springfield Armory are well made and of excellent quality but if I was to buy a new 1911 tomorrow I would buy a S&W. I think the machining, fit and finish are excellent. The Dan Wesson slide is a bit blocky. Few manufacturers deburr the sharp edges but S&W does.

Colt 1911's made in the modern era are not at on par with a Dan Wesson, Springfield Armory, Kimber, Rock River Arms, S&W and a host of others. I would put Colt at the bottom.

About slides - the blue slides are NOT stainless except for the 1911 scandium with the rails, and it has a stainless slide, and it is finished in Melonite. The other pistols have carbon slides, such as the 1911 PD, Gunsite, and the full size blue 1911s with fixed and adjustable sights.