How good is the SW1911?

[Barefootdog]

Wanted to get another 1911.

Found a used SW1911 in stainless w/1/2 rail in apparently good condition. It's probably the model 108303. It is not the newer "E" model.

Was leaning towards an SA Operator but this used SW1911 caught my eye.

Are these SW 1911's reliable accurate guns?

Replys for personal experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.
BG

 

[st regis]

I carry the scandium frame, full size, no rail 1911pd at work. Feeds everything, no issues at all. I love it. Issued ammo is the Federal non +P HST 230 gr. I have not had any FTF nor any issues at all. This is the pre E-series model.

 

[M29since14]

The ones I have been around have functioned as expected and been "duty gun" accurate or better. I would not hesitate to buy it - especially if the price is right.

 

[BigDaddy7972]

Ditto what St. Regis said

 

[Barefootdog]

Just heard back from S&W..5/15/2009 date of manufacture.
We'll see...

 

[austintexas]

Out of the several different 1911s I own, I like the Smith the best. Mine is very reliable with anything I try and shoot in it. That said, as accurate as it is, my 745, 845, and my 945 outshoot it.

SWCA 892

 

[sig.natures]

I have a number of 1911s from medium end to higher than I will let my wife know I spent. My Colt Special Combat Government as been replaced by an E series 1911sc Commander length in terms of fun though not in competition accuracy. The SCG is the highest end custom shop gun that Colt has produced. My personal opinion is that S&W 1911s are as good as the medium price range handguns of any manufacturer. The E series is a step up in 1911 manufacture easily in the Kimber quality range. I did have an issue with a performance center 1911 with a barrel bushing that was way too tight but they made it good. In my opinion you will get as much from a standard grass S&W 1911 as you will any other standard grade 1911 and better than most - like Springfield Operators, etc.

 

[lhump1961]

Mine have been 100%...

 

[t-bird]

Life is short buy the gun. I have three and all are great 1911's for the money.

 

[smitty_bs]

Utterly reliable and accurate. Mine is a more basic one, blued steel, fixed Novak's, traditional guide rod, wood grips, and no forward serrations. I love it.

 

[Barefootdog]

Thanks for the replys...

Have my eye on a couple...will post pics if I can get the prices I want.

 

[Badquaker]

I have two, a full size stainless, and a lightweight commander length.

The full size has been reliable 100%.

The lightweight had a significant defect in the rifling. It would shoot, but accuracy was poor. S&W fixed it under warranty, but they "lost it" for a while. It got back to me eventually. It shoots very well now.

Some people feel the external extractor is the work of the devil, but I have yet to have an issue.

 

[Vividia]

The external extractor bothers me not. S&W has had over a half century to perfect it, and I think they have. The E Series is simply terrific IMO.

 

[t-bird]

There has been many attemps to improve the 1911 from its original design. And I think that smith and wesson with the external extractor has come alot closer than most. The only disadvantage of the external extractor to me would be if it broke and had to be replaced compared to the internal extractor that can be replaced in seconds. I really love my new e-series more than my gold- cup of twenty years.

 

[sig.natures]

Innie vs outie

The external extractor on the Smith is one of the things that I like most. An internal extractor with a slightly off grind is like a hidden gremlin that causes all kinds of mischief undetected until you send it back or find a competent gunsmith who replaces it "in case".

That will never happen with the external extractor. It either works or it is evident that it isn't. And it looks pretty cool too!

When John Moses Browning redesigned his next hit semi, the 1935 or what is now called the Hi-Power, where did he put the extractor? While some of his changes were patent driven it is often said that the HP was his new and improved 1911.

Personally, I find the locking system of the 945 et al superior to either... But that is a different thread. My vote - an outie is a more reliable system.

 

[jwk]

Sig.Natures - Look at an early Browning HP. The extractor is on the interior just like a 1911. It is only later model pistols with external extractors.

 

[Barefootdog]

External extractor or no....

I can't find a SW 1911 in any of the LGD.

SA are pretty much AWOL too....

 

[Ironhand]

I traded for this one last week, a first-year SW1911. I added the grips(possibly Ahrends or Herrett's, but most likely copies), ambi safety, and new grip screws and bushings.

 

[loc n load]

Smith 1911's

I recently bought a scandium full sized pd and must say that I am quite impressed with it....I have been shooting 1911's since 71 and have trained, competed and carried them since that time......I own a bunch of Colt's & have shot abt every other brand on the market........and although I have only ran abt 500 rds thru the Smith, I am very impressed with the workmanship, functioning and accuracy.....I have ran a series of handloads thru mine from 190 SWC which are stubby little buggers, to the 230 gr JHP's. They all fed w/o issue...I don't get too "wrapped up" abt the extractor as I have carried several pistols as duty weapons that had that feature - total non issue to me.......I would highly recommend one.

 

[GLV]

My SW1911SC

Has been 100% even with light 200gr SWC lead, with 4.2 gr Bullseye. Excellent accuracy--as good as this old guy can shoot. My Baer may shoot a half inch tighter at 15 yards with the same ammo.

I will be looking for a full sized S&W.