Considering my first 1911...

[Adk.IBO]

I really like the S&W 1911SC E series, so much so I am considering a layaway deal. My question: do these guns vary from gun to gun enough to worry or is consistency good enough to buy NIB from only pictures online? This would be my first 1911 and my second semi auto (did not have it long and shot it less) so my experience is limited and probably wouldn't know from first sighting if something was good or bad unless it was blatantly obvious. Would there be things in particular to look for at the time of pickup? I want to buy new to have S&W's lifetime warranty without question, and S&W to be able to utilize this tremendous forum for Q&A's. Self defense and CCW are main uses. Thanks in advance.

Stay safe, John

 

[Fishinfool]

Not a lot of experience with the S&W 1911's specifically, but in general - The slide should operate smoothly. It mat be stiff on a new gun, but there should be no rough spots as you operate it.

1911 accuracy is largely dependent on the barrels locking lug / link and muzzle bushing fit. You should be able to push down on the barrel hood (ejection port) with the gun in battery, and have very little, or no movement. Bushing fit should have no play as well. These two areas are more critical to accuracy than whether a slide is a little loose or not.

Trigger should be crisp, with no take up, roughness, and minimal over travel.

Larry

 

[t-bird]

Go ahead and put your new E on layaway. The E is a lot of 1911 for the money and would make you a great first 1911. I've had mine for three years now and with over 3 thousand rds it's been flawless while being scary accurate. Best of luck and hope it works out for you.

 

[wheelman44]

Love mine zero problems more accurate than I am

 

[byrontenney]

I bought one and I'm happy with it. Almost to pretty to shoot.

 

[Bartman3562]

Bigger concern should be if a 1911 (single action) is the best gun for experience level. Great gun, just not always best beginners pistol. Just get some lessons and learn proper use and you will be good to go.

 

[Adk.IBO]

Thanks for all the good words. I've been around guns my whole life. Bought my first S&W revolver 21 years ago and during the past year took self defense lessons and have shot multiple semi autos so my decision to go with a 1911 is not a whim, good advice though.

Stay safe, John

 

[turbo38gn]

Great guns, the S&W 1911's, you'll not find many that can complain about them. I own several, like maybe 5 or 6... never a problem..

 

[STCM(SW)]

I've had Colt's, Remington, Springfield & Taurus 1911's, only have a Kimber Pro carry II now.


Best out of the ones I have had so far...
Then again I don't see me trying many of the ones made now.

 

[Rpg]

Your first 1911 should be a Colt.

Although the knockoff 1911's generally work OK, they don't hold value as well as a Colt.

 

[pew222]

My vote is for the Ruger sr1911, either size. Best bang for the buck in 1911s right now.

 

[6518John]

Thanks for all the good words. I've been around guns my whole life. Bought my first S&W revolver 21 years ago and during the past year took self defense lessons and have shot multiple semi autos so my decision to go with a 1911 is not a whim, good advice though.

Stay safe, John

John--ditto with me on what you say above, although my first S&W was 40 years ago. Believe it or not, I have never had a 1911 either. Got a Springfield TRP and it is quickly becoming my favorite gun (along with an older Performance Center 629 Light Hunter).

What is so amazing about 1911 is I had no idea how versatile the cartridge is. There are loadings from target (nearly .22 like in that big heavy gun) all the way to +P+ that are magnum like in ballistics. I am not a reloader, but can only imagine what those folks can whip up in versatility.

You need to make a pilgrimage to the John M. Browning Museum in Utah after you get one and see the original used in the government trials. My ten year old still talks about the museum a year later. Seeing his workshop, old lathe (that came west in a covered wagon) and all his creations is absolutely amazing. I have shown non-gun, anti-gun friends the pictures and even they were amazed, especially by the work shop.

 

[rasmith3530]

I previously owned an original Colt, a Mark IV, Series 70, back in the late 1970s. I today regret having parted with it in the early '90s, at the "request" of a spouse. I had performed a number of upgrades and such to it, and it was like an extension of my arm/hand.

Today, I would like to once again own a 1911 variant, and the Smith & Wesson model is one which I would consider. I'm not concerned so much with resale, but I am concerned whether it will fit standard 1911 replacement parts, like the Millet sights that were on my original, or the Bar-Sto barrel I had fitted.

Of course, one of my alternative options could be to build from scratch, as I did years ago with an AR-15.

 

[ma deuce]

My SW1911E has the best out-of-the box trigger of any 1911 I've ever had, good accuracy and first-class workmanship. Colts are fine, but it's hard to get more gun for your buck than from the S&W.

 

[Cpo1944]

DONT DO IT!!! 1911`s are addictive One will lead to another and another.
I`d sure hate to see you go down that path to finicial ruin.

 

[Adk.IBO]

I figured I better e-mail Kangaroo Carry today to find out if the S&W 1911SC E series would work in my Standard II holster from them and I got a quick response. Unfortunately it's a no go. The Kangaroo Carry works so good for me that I won't be buying the S&W. So I will get a 3" Kimber Super Carry Ultra HD instead. I do want a 1911 and I want to be able to use my KC holster so that narrows things down considerably. Sorry folks, I'll still have my 640. I can't justify a range only gun as much as I like the 1911SC. I hope the Kimber functions as good as I need it to. Seems nobody, or very few have issues with the 1911SC. Kimber Ultra bad reports are more frequent but they seem to get resolved. Other 3" 1911 suggestions are welcome.

Stay safe, John

 

[marinevet]

I am a big fan of the 1911 platform……but I don't own a S&W 1911…….I do have one of these……and I lke it a lot. Ed Brown Executive Elite, stainless steel, with a "hard hat" finish……real ivory grips….

Semper Fi!

 

[Bartman3562]

I figured I better e-mail Kangaroo Carry today to find out if the S&W 1911SC E series would work in my Standard II holster from them and I got a quick response. Unfortunately it's a no go. The Kangaroo Carry works so good for me that I won't be buying the S&W. So I will get a 3" Kimber Super Carry Ultra HD instead. I do want a 1911 and I want to be able to use my KC holster so that narrows things down considerably. Sorry folks, I'll still have my 640. I can't justify a range only gun as much as I like the 1911SC. I hope the Kimber functions as good as I need it to. Seems nobody, or very few have issues with the 1911SC. Kimber Ultra bad reports are more frequent but they seem to get resolved. Other 3" 1911 suggestions are welcome.

Stay safe, John

Sig ultra. Great compact

 

[Adk.IBO]

Sig ultra. Great compact

Great suggestion, thanks! Now to find one nearby to put in my hand to see how it feels.

Stay safe, John

 

[rog8732]

I fear you may find more dis-functions with the Kimber, than with the Smith, and it has nothing to do with the brand.

I hope not, and I do not have first hand knowledge of the model you mention, but few three inch 1911s will run as correctly as a five inch,
without some tinkering.

The little 1911s are a joy to carry and conceal, but, I would shoot a lot of consistent, trouble-free rounds for assurance.... Of course, in thinking about it, we should all do that with anything we carry for defense.