I thinking about buying a 1911

[loutent]

I have a SA loaded (PX9151LP) and the new Ruger (just for a few months) - don't have a SW 1911 yet. The Ruger is a great 1911 for the money - I had a few FTF the first 50 rounds but after a good fieldstrip and cleaning, it has been flawless - all stainless for that price - you can't go wrong. That said, the SA is a better pistol - just the fit and finish and accuracy right out of the box - it is a beautiful 1911 - but about $250 more than the Ruger (which still isn't bad.) If you can swing a loaded SA, that's what I'd get - it could be your only 1911 and you'd be very happy

Here's a picture of each of mine:

 

[GKC]

I have both the SW1911 (108282) and the Ruger SR1911...I voted that I like the SR1911 but it is very close, IMO. The reason I chose the SR1911 over the SW1911 is (in a very small part, miniscule really) that the SW1911 has an external extractor, and because (mainly) the SR1911 has no FPS at all, while the S&W does...however, it is linked to the grip safety, rather than the trigger, like Series 80 Colts do...so, even that isn't really an issue. The trigger on my S&W is the best of any 1911 I have ever felt...so that is a point in its favor. The plunger tube on the SR1911 is integral to the frame (cast) rather than staked like most 1911s, so that is a point for the SR1911. Both are made in the USA, by companies with high standards for QC and CS.

SO, in the end result, I am hard pressed to pick one over the other...but because the poll only let me make one choice, I picked the SR1911 because of its very tiny edge (internal extractor, no FPS, and integral plunger tube.) Either one will do very well for you.

 

[oldman45]

I have both the SW1911 (108282) and the Ruger SR1911...I voted that I like the SR1911 but it is very close, IMO. The reason I chose the SR1911 over the SW1911 is (in a very small part, miniscule really) that the SW1911 has an external extractor, and because (mainly) the SR1911 has no FPS at all, while the S&W does...however, it is linked to the grip safety, rather than the trigger, like Series 80 Colts do...so, even that isn't really an issue. The trigger on my S&W is the best of any 1911 I have ever felt...so that is a point in its favor. The plunger tube on the SR1911 is integral to the frame (cast) rather than staked like most 1911s, so that is a point for the SR1911. Both are made in the USA, by companies with high standards for QC and CS.

SO, in the end result, I am hard pressed to pick one over the other...but because the poll only let me make one choice, I picked the SR1911 because of its very tiny edge (internal extractor, no FPS, and integral plunger tube.) Either one will do very well for you.

If I may ask. Have you ever had any trouble with the external extractor? If not, why the objection to it other than other people resists change, even when it is an improvement.

Also, you are correct. Both companies are USA owned and employing American workers. That says a lot for those companies.

 

[ColColt]

I'm an advocate of the external extractor and so voted for (and have this model) the SW1911. The old 4506 was the first model I had with an external extractor and after 20 years I haven't had to replace or tweak it to get the tension just right-can't say that about internal extractors.

 

[dondavis3]

Well my son bought him a S&W SW1911 in .45 cal.

It is a beautiful gun IMHO