I just bought a new S&W 1911 (model: SKU: 108299). I've owned/still own a number of other S&W hanguns, everything from a 7" Model 41 target 22lr, a few 9mm and 40 S&W pistols, to several small, medium and large frame revolvers in 38spl/357mg and 44 magnum. I've also had Sigs, Glocks and Berettas, but I really like my S&W's.
About 15 years ago I owned a 1911 pistol, a basic Springfield Armory GI model that I spent a lot of time and money "fixing up" (the good folks at Wilson Combat grew very tired answering my dumb questions every time I ordered a new part for the thing). I eventually sold it, never being completely satisfied with the end result of my work and the reliability of the gun, but I still missed messing around with it. Over the years I have looked at a number of other 1911's, from some very expensive models to a few cheaper imported versions. I realize since that time many other manufacturers have entered the 1911 market, but I have not had any first-hand experience with these newer pistols.
After my experience with the basic Springfield I knew what I wanted if I were to buy another 1911. I wanted a full-size 1911 with a 5" barrel, not one of the chopped-down or shortened carry models. I wanted a traditional bright blue steel slide and heavy frame, with decent adjustable target sights, an extended ambidextrous safety, full beavertail with a raised lower "safety" area, a skeletonized hammer, perforated adjustable trigger, and so on....all the things that were not that readily available 15 or 20 years ago on 1911's unless one spent a ton of money on a customized pistol from a boutique gunsmith. I've priced these features on new 1911's over the years, but I did not want to spend that much money on a Les Baer, Wilson Combat or other top name pistol.
So...I was in a gun store that was going out of business yesterday and needed to move all inventory before the end of the year; they were selling everything at 30% off their already lowered prices. I noticed this (significantly-reduced) brand new S&W 1911 (SKU: 108299) at what seemed like a great price: $669 after the discount, plus tax. I spent some time inspecting it and handling the gun. I was impressed...it had everything I had always wanted in a 1911 at a good price, so I bought it.
Now that I own it I have a few questions:
Is this a good price for this particular model? I remember paying nearly $500 for the old SA years ago, and spending more than on aftermarket stuff after the fact, and still not being satisfied. I find it hard to believe that the new, full-featured 1911's from Kimber, Sig, S&W, and other makers can be sold at these prices.
In the old days the Wilson Combat 7-round magazines were the way to go for reliability...are they still the best choice, or do the S&W 8-round factory mags work well?
Is the external extractor a significant improvement over the traditional 1911 internal extractor? This was one area where I had issues on my old SA. Is that why so many manufacturers now making 1911's have switched to this design?
I'm interested in decent accuracy; I intend to use this pistol at the range for fun and competition, not for SD. Is the S&W stock barrel/bushing good enough, or is it still the case that "basic" 1911's need aftermarket parts in this area to achieve top accuracy?
How about the standard guide rod and different weight springs...another area that required a lot of attention on my old SA...will the S&W benefit from aftermarket changes here? And are there other areas that would benefit from a little attention as well?
Thanks and sorry about all the questions. I've been reading a lot on this site about all things S&W and I appreciate your expertise. I'll follow up with an initial range report in the new year after I get a chance to go to the range with my new S&W 1911.
About 15 years ago I owned a 1911 pistol, a basic Springfield Armory GI model that I spent a lot of time and money "fixing up" (the good folks at Wilson Combat grew very tired answering my dumb questions every time I ordered a new part for the thing). I eventually sold it, never being completely satisfied with the end result of my work and the reliability of the gun, but I still missed messing around with it. Over the years I have looked at a number of other 1911's, from some very expensive models to a few cheaper imported versions. I realize since that time many other manufacturers have entered the 1911 market, but I have not had any first-hand experience with these newer pistols.
After my experience with the basic Springfield I knew what I wanted if I were to buy another 1911. I wanted a full-size 1911 with a 5" barrel, not one of the chopped-down or shortened carry models. I wanted a traditional bright blue steel slide and heavy frame, with decent adjustable target sights, an extended ambidextrous safety, full beavertail with a raised lower "safety" area, a skeletonized hammer, perforated adjustable trigger, and so on....all the things that were not that readily available 15 or 20 years ago on 1911's unless one spent a ton of money on a customized pistol from a boutique gunsmith. I've priced these features on new 1911's over the years, but I did not want to spend that much money on a Les Baer, Wilson Combat or other top name pistol.
So...I was in a gun store that was going out of business yesterday and needed to move all inventory before the end of the year; they were selling everything at 30% off their already lowered prices. I noticed this (significantly-reduced) brand new S&W 1911 (SKU: 108299) at what seemed like a great price: $669 after the discount, plus tax. I spent some time inspecting it and handling the gun. I was impressed...it had everything I had always wanted in a 1911 at a good price, so I bought it.
Now that I own it I have a few questions:
Is this a good price for this particular model? I remember paying nearly $500 for the old SA years ago, and spending more than on aftermarket stuff after the fact, and still not being satisfied. I find it hard to believe that the new, full-featured 1911's from Kimber, Sig, S&W, and other makers can be sold at these prices.
In the old days the Wilson Combat 7-round magazines were the way to go for reliability...are they still the best choice, or do the S&W 8-round factory mags work well?
Is the external extractor a significant improvement over the traditional 1911 internal extractor? This was one area where I had issues on my old SA. Is that why so many manufacturers now making 1911's have switched to this design?
I'm interested in decent accuracy; I intend to use this pistol at the range for fun and competition, not for SD. Is the S&W stock barrel/bushing good enough, or is it still the case that "basic" 1911's need aftermarket parts in this area to achieve top accuracy?
How about the standard guide rod and different weight springs...another area that required a lot of attention on my old SA...will the S&W benefit from aftermarket changes here? And are there other areas that would benefit from a little attention as well?
Thanks and sorry about all the questions. I've been reading a lot on this site about all things S&W and I appreciate your expertise. I'll follow up with an initial range report in the new year after I get a chance to go to the range with my new S&W 1911.
