PC 1911 issues

[Longone]

I would like to hear from the folks that have had issues with a 1911 PC handgun either 5" or the alloy frame 4.25" version. I own a PC 5" that has been terrific and would like to get the round butt version but I continue reading about some feeding and plunger tube failures. I'd like to know what the real (or as close as we can guess) what the failure rate is.


Thanks, Longone

 

[BruceM]

I don't know of any feeding issues but fastening the plunger tube mostly on the scandium frames seems to be an issue for Smith and Wesson. They seem to have solved the problem with the "mushy" thumb safeties. How do you attach a valid "failure rate" to anything like this outside of Smith's Customer Service dept.?

Bruce

 

[AveragEd]

I agree that it is hard to attach a percentage of failure to a gun without some inside information from the manufacturer. I can't recall a gun owner posting here that his plunger tube didn't loosen, for example, so all you will hear about are the problems.

I have a 5" PC gun and an E-Series Sc gun with the rounded butt as well as an older PC1911 DK in .38 Super and none has exhibited any problems aside from an extraction concern with the Super that was solved with a different recoil spring.

Ed

 

[Longone]

OK, perhaps it would not be possible to get an accurate number of failures so maybe the question should be how many out there have not had an issue with the plunger tube on the alloy frame's? And we're taking about guns that have at least 500 rounds through them.

Longone

 

[AveragEd]

Your last question reminds me of my working days as a automobile dealership service director. I occasionally would hear a technician grumbling about product quality while waiting for parts at our shop parts counter. I would walk him outside and after chatting about anything for a few minutes, I would point to the busy highway in front of the dealership and ask him if he noticed how many of our brands of vehicles had driven by without coming in with a problem during our time out there. He would then smile, remembering that when all you see are the ones with problems, it's easy to form a low opinion of the product.

It's a fact that people who are dissatisfied or encounter a problem with a product are 10 times more likely to tell others about that experience than someone who has had a satisfactory ownership experience. The Internet and social media have only served to worsen that situation.

How many people own the type of S&W 1911 you asked about? Thousands, probably. How many have posted here about their plunger tube loosening? I can recall about six but to my recollection no one has mentioned that theirs has not loosened.

Well, except for me.

Ed

 

[g27racing]

I had a PC scandium gun that I purchased new in late 2013. Sold it in late 2014. It had over 1000rds thru it but under 2k. The only issue I had with the gun is the mag release broke. Shooting it one day and the mad literally fell out and hit the ground.

 

[mercury37]

I have the SW1911PC 4.25 commander size with 250 rounds of Winchester 230 gr. WB through it. I did have a problem with the safety before I shot any rounds through it which S&W fixed, no out of pocket expense. I have had no issues with it after repair.
The one thing I don't care for is that it has no night sights which I new prior to purchase. Novak says they can install those and turn around within a week which I'm fairly sure I will do soon. I bought this pistol because it is fairly light and easier on my back. My Dan Wesson Classic CBOB and Sig Sauer C3 are a little heavier and less comfortable on my back.

 

[Longone]

Ed, Did you buy your PC knowing there was a potential problem with the PT? About how many rounds do you have through yours?

Longone