Help me choose which S&W 1911

[586nickel]

I’ve decided that I want a 1911 – no good gun collection should be without one!

After researching it a bit, I’ve decided S&W is likely the way I will go. Reviews of Kimbers seem to be a bit more miss than hit. I don’t like the short thumb safety on the new Remington. The new Ruger felt a bit chunkier in my hand than the others I have handled. With both of those, I’m not comfortable buying a really new model – like to let the kinks get worked out. Read good things about STI and Springfield so they are not off the table yet. I’m uncomfortable spending big bucks for the high end 1911’s for my first 1911. As of right now, I like the looks of the S&W’s, from what I have read they are extremely reliable, accurate, and I like the S&W customer service just in case something happens. So…

My thoughts/requirements
- I’m willing to spend up to $1,500, but prefer to stay around $1,000. I would like to buy one that has some of the bells, whistles and “enhancements” already incorporated in to it. I don’t have time or patience to mess around getting that kind of stuff done.
- It needs to be reliable.
- It needs to be accurate. Likely it will be more accurate than I am!
- Customer service is important. I don’t need any more hassle in my life.
- I plan on using it for target and plinking -- I do not plan on carrying it.
- Full size frame, 5” barrel
- Prefer stainless frame and slide
- I *think* I would prefer an adjustable rear target sight
- Still on fence about whether to go with standard .45ACP or try something in a 9mm, only b/c the 9mm ammo is significantly cheaper than .45ACP. (I already have 3 3rd gen 9mm’s – 5903TSW, 5906, 3914 but don’t own a .45ACP.)

I’ve got it narrowed down to the following. My top three contenders are noted. (I realize actual prices are lower than MSRP.)

In 45ACP

178011 Pro Series MSRP: $1,379. Has fiber optic front and rear, both look to be dovetail. They label rear sight as adjustable but am assuming that means drift adjustable. Stainless w/ Melonite finish. (#2 contender)

108482 E-Series MSRP $919. White dot front and rear sights.

108287 SW1911DK Champion Series, Doug Koenig model, MSRP: $1,309. Adjustable rear TARGET sight. Carbon steel slide, stainless frame. Various “goodies” like a speed hammer and speed trigger. (#3 contender)

108284 MSRP $1,129. Adjustable rear target sight.

In 9mm

178017 Pro Series, MSRP $1,489, white dot sights

178047 Pro Series, MSRP: $1,519, adjustable rear target sight (#1 contender)

Does anyone have any experience with any of these models?

Any thoughts or advice in general on this decision?

Thanks in advance.

 

[epj]

Look at STI Trojan in either 9mm or .45. You should be able to get one right around $1K. Only drawback is blued finish, but for a range gun that shouldn't be that big a problem.

 

[jack the toad]

I think a S&W is an excellent choice and I want one just to try an external extractor model.
I also think there are so many good gov. models in your spec and price range, I wouldn't know where to start.
Imo, starting on low end, I'm thinking Rock Island Tactical model. There are quite a few other entry level models but the RI is all I've seen that I'd consider at this time.
I'd also like to check the new Ruger when available.
Next would be Springfield Armory Range Officer up through the TRP for Springers. I'd include lower end STI's in there someplace.
Of course I wouldn't overlook Colt simply for the name on it if nothing else. I do think Colts are good but other lesser known guns are just as good but don't say Colt. I've been considering a new Gold Cup with the 100 year annivesary roll mark. The replica military/ GI models don't interest me. An original military would as a collector but not carry piece.
I may get flamed and I'm sure they're good but Para Ordnance and Kimbers don't interest me for some reason, as well as the Remington and Sig gov. models.
The upper end stuff; Wilson, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, Les Baur, etc, etc. aren't really in my price range for an EDC 45.

 

[russp1]

I'll be following the posts here. I'm also looking at the SW1911E #108482 and am interested in everyone's opinion compared to the other SW1911s.

 

[novalty]

I have the Target model 108284. Love it so far.

 

[586nickel]

bump to top -- thanks

 

[OKFC05]

In 45ACP

178011 Pro Series MSRP: $1,379. Has fiber optic front and rear, both look to be dovetail. They label rear sight as adjustable but am assuming that means drift adjustable.

You are assuming wrong. Rear sight is Novak-type low profile fully adjustable.
Gun shoots great in USPSA/ Single Stack.

 

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

I think you are right on track with the S&W's and not sure why other's are trying to steer you to STI, Rock Islands, etc.

From the ones I've handled and shot it's kind of a toss-up between the Pro series and the new E series.

I really like the e series scandium models, and think the Doug Koenig model is superb as well.

 

[mg357]

im not sure of the specific model name but my favorite s&w model 1911 has a matte finish and black grips and is listed on page 33 letter A of the 2011 s&w product catalog.

 

[REDTAIL]

I have the model # 108285 1911 & its a great gun for sd & other shooting uses.

 

[iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns]

Definitely go with the S&W. You won't regret it! As far as caliber is concerned, if you don't yet own a .45acp, and you want a 1911, and this is to be a recreational gun, go with the .45!! you won't regret that either, it's worth the extra ammo-cost.

 

[586nickel]

bump to the top again.

I'm considering the Remington 1911 R1 Enhance version. Seen some very good reviews and some where this version outperformed a lot of others as far as accuracy and reliability.

Would appreciate any thoughts you guys might have.

Also, just to rant a bit, I can't believe it is so hard to find a gun store that carries any of these gun. Before putting down my hard earned $ I want to handle these things, but that sure doesn't seem to be in the cards. Any idea what gives?

 

[novalty]

586nickle, no disrespect to the Remington R1, but I'd look at the Ruger 1911 instead. The Remington R1 Enhanced appears to be around $750 to $800 on GB. There is a LNIB Ruger 1911 on GB now for $765 shipped.

 

[mikaelo]

I have a Cheapie as far as 1911's are concerned, a RIA, parkerized full size tactical (RIA speak for having slotted, novak style non fixed sights, beaver tail and skeletonized hammer and trigger). It's really tight with no rattle and shoots excellent. Picked it up new for $449. It's available in nickel finish as well (I believe in either polish or matt finish). The only thing I have done to it, is changing the grips to Pears rubber grips instead of the smooth wood grips it came with.

Only had it a few weeks and only have about 800 rounds through it( mostly wm tulamo steel cassed) and have yet to have any failure other than I tend to not insert the magazine completely (only have the one shipped with the gun) as the locking feel is a little different from my M&Ps.

Otherwise if you are looking for an inexpensive entry to 1911s in a range gun, it's a solid gun at a price it wount feel to bad if you not bring it to the range each visit(though I always have if I have .45 in the house as I love the way the trigger feels ).

 

[xx78]

I only have one of the Smiths that you mentioned and it's the 9mm pro. It's a very nice pistol just wish it was a tad more accurate. I have several Colt pistols and find them to be well made and accurate. I also have a Springfield Armory TRP and would recommend this pistol as well. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Vern]

178047 Pro Series, MSRP: $1,519, adjustable rear target sight (#1 contender)

Does anyone have any experience with any of these models?

Any thoughts or advice in general on this decision?

Thanks in advance.

I have no experience with any of these guns, but had many of the same thoughts and questions you did. I wanted an 1911. I had a Hi Power and a Sig, so I wanted to stay with 9mm. The beauty of staying in 9mm is two fold, it matches my other guns and it is much cheaper to shoot.

I also looked at some S&W models and liked them a lot. I see advantages to the external extractor. I think S&W did a good job on theirs. The photos of their target sight reminds me of their revolver sights which I like. The thumb safety on one of two of the Smith models I tried was a little sloppy. Watch out for that. It should click on and off sharply.

I ended up getting a Dan Wesson, but I think I could have been happy with a Smith & Wesson. It was just that one was there and the other wasn't. My two cents.

Vern

 

[Arik]

I like the Smiths but the external extractor worries me. Historically speaking they haven't had a good rep.

 

[novalty]

I like the Smiths but the external extractor worries me. Historically speaking they haven't had a good rep.

In Kimbers...S&W has a little more experience with external extractors, and I have yet to experience an extracting issue with any S&W I have fired.

 

[lhump1961]

I have had the 108295 for several years. It is 100%. I recently bought the 4.25" bobtail two tone and after 2 trips to the range it is also 100%. If you like the way Smith makes them there is no reason not to buy one. Your opinion is the only one that matters when it is your gun.

 

[lhump1961]

In Kimbers...S&W has a little more experience with external extractors, and I have yet to experience an extracting issue with any S&W I have fired.

I agree that Smith has good external extractors. No issues with my 1911's or my 3rd gens.