My first 1911 :)

[thoger]

Just pulled the trigger on this:

I'll have to wait a while to take delivery - in the mean time, can you kind gents help me identify the SKU/approximate year of manufacture etc?

I see that the current models have different slide cuts, and according to the previous owner, the gun is about 6 yrs old.

 

[Sevens]

I believe that is SKU 108282 -- is there no end label on that box?

If it is indeed the 108282, you got a darn good pistol there. It does have the Swartz-style firing pin lock that is actuated by the grip safety to be VERY aware after field stripping, when you to re-assemble, use care to NOT push in the grip safety while holding the frame and guiding the slide back in to place as the grip safety raises the lever which then unlocks the firing pin. This system is not at all noticeable when the pistol is assembled and running but it can complicate reassembly if you are brand new to the Swartz system.

Fantastic S&W pistol there!

 

[ontargetagain]

Ohhhhh that is a nice one! Target rear sight, front grip stippling and nice contrast of metals and wood!
One like this caught my eye just the other day..............just didn't have the funds to take it home though.
Congrats on your find and purchase!
Karl

 

[824tsv]

The production date should be on the box end label. It will look something like 041316 (April 13, 2016) as on my SW1911PC box label. There could maybe be the fired case envelope with the test fire date.

 

[lhump1961]

You will be happy. I have similar 1911 and it has always been 100%.

 

[OldChief]

All I have to say is that you sure picked a good pistol for your first 1911.
I know you'll enjoy shooting it.

 

[msjdgman]

I would venture that the model is 108284. It has the target sights and wood grips. I have one that looks about as identical as you can get. It's the sweetest shooter that I have.

 

[thoger]

Thanks all, for your help and supportive comments
It will be a while before I can take delivery, but I'm really looking forward to this.
The seller claims it has exactly 50 rounds through it, we'll see

 

[TAROMAN]

Definitely a 108284.
That's what mine looked like before something happened to it:

 

[WisconsinKen]

S&W has made some of the most underrated 1911s IMHO. They are solid, reliable, accurate and just plain fun to shoot.

I have had many over the years and I had one exactly like this a couple of years ago. GREAT shooter.

Now for S&W 1911s, I'm down to my twins (Billboards) and my DC (1911SC). However, I am sure more S&W 1911s will make their way into my life in the future.

 

[garryj]

Definitely a 108284

It is indeed a 108284. I have this model and it is the best handgun shooter I have. It is no longer listed on the Smith and Wesson website, but some gun stores still have them in stock. These are pre-E series. Their only designation that I know of is SW1911.

Garry

 

[Bakebfr480]

Good choice.........not a true 1911 though as it has an external extractor.

 

[JH1951]

Very nice choice! The 1911 rates very high on my list. I often carry a compact version.
The external vs. internal extractor is of no concern to me. External is claimed to be an improvement, and arguments can be made that it is.

 

[Bakebfr480]

Very nice choice! The 1911 rates very high on my list. I often carry a compact version.
The external vs. internal extractor is of no concern to me. External is claimed to be an improvement, and arguments can be made that it is.

Whatever.........it still isn't a TRUE 1911 because of that. I own a twin to this gun also! Just stating the facts.

 

[thoger]

It is indeed a 108284. I have this model and it is the best handgun shooter I have. It is no longer listed on the Smith and Wesson website, but some gun stores still have them in stock. These are pre-E series. Their only designation that I know of is SW1911.

Garry

That looks identical, just what I was looking for As a lefty I'm happy about the ambi safety, and look forward to getting it broken in
I plan to try IPSC Classic Major with this, I won't win over the 9mms, but I'll change magazines more often

 

[TAROMAN]

Good choice.........not a true 1911 though as it has an external extractor.

Unlike the beloved true 1911 it doesn't eject brass into the shooter's face, either.

 

[rog8732]

Since this is designated "SW1911", S&W certainly doesn't have to adhere to the true "1911" design features, including the internal extractor.
Actually, no company has made a "1911" since late 1924, and in fact no "1911A1" either since 1945.

All 1911 style pistols after 1945 made by Colt's have been roll-marked Government Model. All other manufacturers can call them what they please.
Since we may be kinda "picking the nit" now, the fine looking SW1911 pictured has at least 10 left-side "visuals" that are not "1911", strictly speaking.

The Doug Koenig SW1911 I have is a fine pistol with few rivals in craftsmanship, and it does shoot great, which of course is the purpose.

You got a fine looking shooting machine O P, that's all that counts.

 

[Bakebfr480]

Unlike the beloved true 1911 it doesn't eject brass into the shooter's face, either.

None of mine do and I'm a lefty! You must be doing something wrong!

 

[cemeteryman]

Unlike the beloved true 1911 it doesn't eject brass into the shooter's face, either.

Thinking that his isn't going to leave him with that authentic hammer bite too much, either. Got a few 1911s, Colt and Union Switch&Signal, with the wide spur hammers and the short grip safeties that bite the bejesus out of me.