Help with 1911 e-series

[Gunsguna]

I'm in search of my first 1911 (and i'm sure it won't be my last). I believe I have narrowed it down to 3 models: 1) Smith and Wesson e-series SS ($845); 2) Ruger SS model ($700) or Talo Edition rail gun in nitride ($750); 3) Sig Nightmare ($999). All with 5" barrel.

I really like the s&w e-series over the others, but I wouldn't have an issue with owning any of them--each have their negative and positives.

My vision isn't what is used to be, not that it has ever been that great. I wear corrective lenses, plus I am partially colored blind. So, the sights that come with the gun and the available aftermarket sights are really important to me... not that they aren't important to everyone.

Apparently, s&w has a non-stardard "novak" style cut that limits the offerings available to me with aftermarket sights. I really luv the Truglo TFX sights, but they won't be available if I decide to go with the s&w... they are available with both the Ruger and Sig. I would love to hear any suggestions for aftermarket sights for the s&w.

I would also like to hear from anyone who happens to own one of these pistols about things I need to consider with s&w.

thanks,

 

[AveragEd]

I have the two-tone E-Series 1911Sc which comes with Trijicon night sights. I find them very easy to acquire. My gun shot right at the point of aim as it came out of the box with both Federal 185-grain hollow-point factory loads as well as my handloads using a Missouri Bullets cast 185-grain semi-wadcutter or Precision Delta cast hollow-point.

But if target shooting is one of your primary intended purposes, then the old standard of a black Patridge front sight and black adjustable rear sight like those on the PC 1911 in the photo would be best and I wouldn't think that color blindness would matter with them.

Ed

 

[Gunsguna]

I have the two-tone E-Series 1911Sc which comes with Trijicon night sights. I find them very easy to acquire. My gun shot right at the point of aim as it came out of the box with both Federal 185-grain hollow-point factory loads as well as my handloads using a cast Missouri Bullets 185-grain hollow-point.

But if target shooting is one of your primary intended purposes, then the old standard of a black Patridge front sight and black adjustable rear sight like those on the PC 1911 in the photo would be best and I wouldn't think that color blindness would matter with them.

Ed

The e-series SS doesn't come with the trijicon sights. They come with the white sights.

I am partially colored blind. I see colors but they blend into each other and it's hard to differ between dark colors. I see bright green and yellow very well. This 1911 will be considered for home defense, as well as target and local gun club shooting events.

I am interest in your experience with the gun(s) and what you added/changed out.

thanks,

 

[M29since14]

The white dot sights on my standard model E series gun are pretty good for my vision, which is certainly nothing to brag about. If you need night sights, I'm pretty sure S&W could install them since they provide them on several of their models.

I've changed nothing on my gun except the fish-scale stocks, which I dislike just because I find the gimmicky appearance annoying. If you are a 1911 trigger fanatic you will no doubt need a trigger job, but other than that the gun should be just fine as it comes out of the box.

 

[AveragEd]

On the E-Series gun, I have only replaced the slide stop release with an extended one from Wilson Combat as I have arthritis and standard short releases are a little painful for me to use.

That photo isn't the best but it's the only one I have that shows the extended release on that gun.

I'm also going to replace the stocks. I have a custom stockmaker making a set from highly figured walnut using the factory ones as templates.

I've owned 1911s from Taurus (two but don't recommend them), Kimber (three) and S&W (three). Of those brands, I like S&Ws best. Their external extractors, which some people think are not attractive, throw the empty casings in a consistent manner, something that is helpful for us handloaders who like to capture their brass in a catch net.

Internal extractors can be "tuned" (read: bent) to do that but they have to be retensioned now and then or they lose that setting. The guns also offer good fit and finish and accuracy that is at least acceptable if not very good for most users.

My three S&Ws, two of which are Performance Center models, are for me about as perfect as a gun can be.

Ed

 

[Gunsguna]

I've spent about 30+ hours researching different 1911's. That seems to be common to replace the slide release with a WC. As far as the grips go, i'll probably replace them with some VZ grips. I'm not a purist when it comes to 1911's, so the external extractor doesn't bother me. The s&w e-series is still at the top of my list; I just need to find out more information about what sights I can use for the gun that will be acceptable to me. I went to Novak.com and it looks like they can set me up with some nice sights. I'm not going to buy until the Holidays... i'm hoping some sales will come about. Besides, I just got my m&p 9L Performance Center about a month ago... which I love.

Ed, thanks again for taking the time to help.

p.s. I'm really hoping someone comes along that has actually changed out their sights on a 1911 e-series, so they can enlighten me with their experience.

 

[lefty_jake]

I can't answer your questions about the sights on the E-series 1911s. But I can offer a general positive recommendation on the E-series guns. I am a range officer at my club and I see a lot of pistols in use. For overall build quality, I think the base model E-series 1911 is highly competitive in its price range. I also think it is a better overall value than most 1911s that cost less.

There are some specific design features that make the E-series the best of the S&W 1911s in my opinion. First, the E-series guns have a wider external extractor. I believe this extractor is only used on the E-series and the performance center guns. Second, the E-series guns have series 70 style safeties. That means they do not have the firing pin block safety that is used on other S&W 1911's. Some people like the firing pin block safety, but in my opinion it adds extra complication without adding advantages.

Part of my opinion about the E-series extractor is based on the 1911 extractor test described on the modernserviceweapons blog. In that article, they conclude that the E-series extractor is one of the best external extractors on a 1911. Note that I also like 1911s with internal extractors. But in the $850 range I think the E-series is a strong competitor.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Gunsguna]

I can't answer your questions about the sights on the E-series 1911s. But I can offer a general positive recommendation on the E-series guns. I am a range officer at my club and I see a lot of pistols in use. For overall build quality, I think the base model E-series 1911 is highly competitive in its price range. I also think it is a better overall value than most 1911s that cost less.

There are some specific design features that make the E-series the best of the S&W 1911s in my opinion. First, the E-series guns have a wider external extractor. I believe this extractor is only used on the E-series and the performance center guns. Second, the E-series guns have series 70 style safeties. That means they do not have the firing pin block safety that is used on other S&W 1911's. Some people like the firing pin block safety, but in my opinion it adds extra complication without adding advantages.

Part of my opinion about the E-series extractor is based on the 1911 extractor test described on the modernserviceweapons blog. In that article, they conclude that the E-series extractor is one of the best external extractors on a 1911. Note that I also like 1911s with internal extractors. But in the $850 range I think the E-series is a strong competitor.

Good luck with your choice.

lefty, thanks for confirming everything that I have learned about this gun. I am in total agreement with you. For the price of this gun, it just can't be beat. I do like that fact of it not having the firing pin block... less things to go wrong. If I were buying today, it would be this gun... regardless of the sights... i'm sure I will find a workable solution.

 

[bfortson]

What is the difference between the E series and the Pro Series S&W 1911?

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I'm not going to buy until the Holidays... i'm hoping some sales will come about.

Well, not trying to start a sales rush, but depending on how the election goes in Nov. there may not be much (any?) availability by the Holidays, let alone one's on sale.

I wouldn't wait on something I really wanted, I haven't.

.

+1 on the Sc-E

(The old 3rd Gen's had large external extractors too.)

.

.

 

[AveragEd]

Unfortunately, I have to strongly second what BlueDot 37 said regarding the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Buy 'em while you still can and before legislation or an out of balance supply and demand makes it more costly, difficult or impossible.

And I might have a sight package for you. LA Police Gear sells Trijicon HD Night Sights and the photo on page 90 of their current catalog shows them on a 1911 with an external extractor. I know that doesn't automatically make the gun an S&W but maybe??? They show a set for 1911s with a Novak dovetail at Trijicon HD Night Sights for $148.

Ed

 

[Celtics]

I have the two-tone E-Series 1911Sc which comes with Trijicon night sights. I find them very easy to acquire. My gun shot right at the point of aim as it came out of the box with both Federal 185-grain hollow-point factory loads as well as my handloads using a Missouri Bullets cast 185-grain semi-wadcutter or Precision Delta cast hollow-point.

But if target shooting is one of your primary intended purposes, then the old standard of a black Patridge front sight and black adjustable rear sight like those on the PC 1911 in the photo would be best and I wouldn't think that color blindness would matter with them.

Ed

I am new to the Forum and Just purchased the Performance Center 4.25 barrel. I am looking for a hostler but am having a hard time on line located one. Do you know what model weapon would be comparable to this weapon in size. I am looking for a in the pants holster and one for carry purposes as I am a Detective. Currently I carry the Blackhawk Serpa style holster for plain cloths Duty and love it. This is my first 1911.

 

[AveragEd]

I carry that E-Series 1911Sc in a Miami Classic II shoulder holster but for a belt holster, I suggest you contact the folks at Lobo Gun Leather. They will be able to give you great advice and make a top-quality holster for you. I'm waiting for a Model 1 Dual Carry for my 2-1/2" Model 66. In fact, one of them might be a great option for you.

lobo gun leather - MODEL 1 DUAL CARRY

As the website shows, they make them for 1911s too.

Ed