How does the 1911 style differ from other SW semi's

[alphabrace]

In a few words how does the SW1911 differ from the other Smith Semiauto 45's like the 4563's etc. Is it grip style, angle of grip, mag cap, action type? I'm thinking of getting a 1911 but I see a lot of folks like the other styles. Thanks in adavance!

 

[alphabrace]

In a few words how does the SW1911 differ from the other Smith Semiauto 45's like the 4563's etc. Is it grip style, angle of grip, mag cap, action type? I'm thinking of getting a 1911 but I see a lot of folks like the other styles. Thanks in adavance!

 

[Pisgah]

Originally posted by alphabrace:
Is it grip style, angle of grip, mag cap, action type?

Yes. It is different from every other S&W centerfire semiauto in almost every particular except the basic method of operation in which barrel and slide are locked together in recoil until the barrel drops out of engagement with the slide as the slide continues to the rear.

 

[KurtC]

It would be easier to ask what things are similar.

1. The additional locking lug on the barrel.
2. Smith uses an external extractor on both.

 

[Shorty4T]

Hi Alphabrace,
As stated above there are less likenesses than there are differences. However what I think you are looking for is this:

The 1911 whether made by S&W or any other manufacturer is basically the same. They are Single Action only pistols, that is to say the the hammer must be cocked before the pistol can be fired. They also have multiple safety levers that must be disengaged before it can fire. The first is a grip safety that is released when you grasp the pistol. The second is a manual lever on the side of the pistol near the rear of the slide. This safety is a toggle safety that is either on or off. You may have heard the term Cocked and Locked, this is carrying a 1911 style gun with the hammer cocked and the safety at the rear of the slide engaged.

The other pistols manufactured by S&W are different types of actions, the ones that come to mind are the Traditional Double Action (TDA) where the first round is fired Double Action, that is long heavy trigger pull much like a revolver. Subsequent shots will be fired Single Action, that again is with the hammer cocked and short light trigger pull. Pistols such as this are the 457 & 4506 that you see mentioned on the forum. These pistols are made in a number of different barrel lengths and size. These pistols have what is referred to as a Safety/Decocker. When the safety is engaged it safely drops the hammer on a live round. This type of pistol can NOT be carried "Cocked & Locked". It must be carried with the hammer down to be safe.

Other variants of the S&W pistol are like the 457 & 4506 except they may be Double Action only (DAO). This is just like a revolver where each pull of the trigger is the same long heavy trigger pull. These pistols traditionally don't have safeties since once you rack the slide the hammer falls safely on a live round.

Basically the difference is the mechanism of how the pistol functions. Please take time to learn the safety features of any pistol before you attempt to shoot them.

Hope this helps, Cheers,
Sam

 

[Chris K]

Shorty nailed it----I doubt you will find a more concise explanation.

I would only add that the 1911 style pistols are among the most copied in the world, at one time or another just about every major handgun manufacturer has produced a clone of the original. Many people would argue that it is the finest combat handgun design in the world....but one that requires extensive training and practice due to the mode of carry (i.e. cocked and locked, with the hammer pulled back on a live round, thumb safety on).

The other comment I would make is that if you want to learn about semi-autos, these days you need to include a third type of action---namely the striker fired pistols (and lots of them have polymer frames) that have become so popular since Glock arrived on the scene about 20 years ago. I am NOT a Glock fan, but other pistols of this design would include the highly successful Springfield XD pistols, and of course the destined for success line of Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, to name just a few. The M&P .45 is my pick---we are going to see a lot of law enforcement agencies going back to S&W for the M&P line.

 

[alphabrace]

Thanks for the good explainations!
I guess my Smith M&P with a round in the chamber and a mag inserted would be considered Cocked and Not Locked since I do not have a manual safey on the model I have. When I do carry i prefer to leave the chamber empty and rack the slide as needed when i pull the gun out. Some of the newer models do have a manual safety. The 1911 style has been intreging to me probably because it is so popular. Thanks!

 

[Shorty4T]

Alphabrace,
As Chris mentioned I didn't mention the striker fire pistols. These would be the various M&Ps like yours. These guns are safe to carry with a round in the chamber, the safety is actually on the trigger itself. Some versions of the M&P do have a manual safety on the rear of the slide similar to the 1911. However even without the safety on the slide the only thing that will fire the weapon is pulling the trigger, much like a revolver. These guns do have a short light single action trigger pull similar to the 1911.

Cheers,
Sam

 

[mwbgtb]

*AllStatesRelevance1

 

[heekma]

Hello,

I may get flamed to hades and back-but here's my take:

When you buy a 1911 of any kind, from any manufacturer, and it works without a hitch out of the gate, it's a wonderful thing. If it doesn't, it's not.

The 3rd Gens work and work and work-and then work some more.

I'll take a 3rd Gen Smith over any 1911-generally speaking-any day, and this is coming from a guy who really likes a good 1911-and loathes a bad one.

That's the biggest difference for me.

Best,

Heekma

 

[Tbojo]

My 4506 is a tank, shoots anything I feed it without a hitch. Not the greatest trigger but I am used to it and I can hit what I am shooting at. My S&W E-series is one eye pleasing pistol. It feels like pistol should in my hand with a wonderful trigger. I can hold half dollar size groups offhand at 10 yards. It functions almost all of the time without a problem, but like most 1911's it has its preference in ammo and magazines. If I want to shoot paper targets or compete in shooting events I will take my 1911 and day - if I need to stake my life on my weapon, the 4506 will be in my hand!

 

[GKC]

the destined for success line of Smith & Wesson M&P pistols

"Destined" ? I'd say they are already there! I love my M&Ps...