New (to me) S&W 1911

[Deaj]

I have wanted a S&W 1911 for 10 years and I've been without a 1911 for 25 years. A local gun store recently took in a first gen S&W1911 and had it priced at $799. From what I have been able to find this appears to have been a fair price. I sat on the idea of buying it for a week before acting on it. My son and I went to purchase it today. Field stripping it showed little signs of use and it appears to be completely stock. Test firing the pistol (50 rounds) showed it to be in good working order. This is the nicest to 1911 I've had the pleasure to shoot with (this includes a couple customs from respected gunsmiths/builders, Kimbers, Colts, Springfields, and a Wilson Combat). The trigger feels like 5 lbs and it breaks like the proverbial glass rod - very crisp, no creep, consistent. It's quite accurate if today's shooting is any indicator.

The only potential issue is that this pistol has a serial number late in the JRD4000-JRD4800 serial number range for which there is a recall (firing pin block plunger related). I'll call Monday to find out if this pistol was ever returned to have this issue addressed. If not I'll send it out to S&W next week to have the recall work completed.

Here are a couple pics:

 

[lhump1961]

Very nice! You will be quite happy with that gun if mine is any indicator.

If it has a recall on it Smith will take good care if it. Enjoy!

 

[t-bird]

Great score Deaj, that is one of the early guns that were suppose to have been built by the PC dept. I got my first Smith 1911 in 06 and the billboard guns had been out for a few years. There was alot of complaints to S&W about the large writing on the gun and was called the Billboard 1911's. I know a few guys that have them and say they are the best 1911's ever built. Best of luck and enjoy your new toy.

 

[Deaj]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to another range visit with my son early this coming week. Now to find ammo.... (don't really want to use up what I have in the locker just yet)

 

[Deaj]

My son and I went to the range today and put 100 rounds downrange with the SW1911 - some FMJ, some HP. It chambered, fired, and extracted all flawlessly. Also proving to be very accurate.

I called S&W customer service today to inquire about the recall status of my SW1911. They confirmed that the recall service was completed on this pistol in 2003. Since I already had them on the phone I asked for some further information about the 1st gen SW1911. These were indeed assembled and tuned by the performance center. My purchase price seems a better deal than I'd originally thought, and the pistols apparent craftsmanship & performance (thus far certainly make this purchase seem like a bargain). Color me happy!

I ordered a complete Wolff spring kit for the SW1911 and for my 4506 (mag springs for the 4506 as well). I also ordered another Wilson Combat 8 round magazine and a replacement mag spring for the older of the two WC mags I already own.

While I was at it I ordered some other spare parts for my AR15's and M&P9's - things I've been meaning to do for the past year or so. Glad to have this done!

I really enjoyed getting back out to the range today. Mostly though I'm happy to have spent the afternoon with my son. Great day today!

 

[t-bird]

Thanks for the info Deaj. Sounds like you have a keeper, best of luck.