Question about the Sub Compact 1911 Pro Series
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Officer Grip
Yes, the Pro Series compact is an officer size grip and holds 6+1. Outstanding gun and easy to carry.
Yes, the Pro Series compact is an officer size grip and holds 6+1. Outstanding gun and easy to carry.
If you are asking about model 178020, it is a 7 + 1 in .45 ACP.
Product: Model SW1911
I have one, and it's a great "little" pistol!
Product: Model SW1911
I have one, and it's a great "little" pistol!
Ranger98
US Veteran
george minze
Member
Good Question ????
I asked this same question some time back. I got hardly any answers, as I guess they were too new. I have been looking at one for some time now. I love the way it feels, trigger seems pretty good for out of the box. Ergonomically I thing it is perfect in feel and grip and over all looks. On problem I see on the finish is that it is subject to display case wear. The top of sights seem to have finish slightly worn, and the pistol has some other (not large) areas that are getting shiny just from display????this is a new pistol. (finish has a good look) but will it last??? This model has a hammer safety that seems un-needed but most 1911 seem to be in the same boat. Another lawyer's concession I guess??? Over all it is the best feeling of all the 3" 1911 style pistols I have seen. at 0ne grand it should be. In my opinion the grips are neat I can't really tell if they are natural of synthetic. the feel is great. I would love to hear some details and experiences myself. Compared to Kimber 3" and the heavier Springfield 3" mil spec. , that has no bells a whistles. One grand is a hefty price but worth it if the pistol is otherwise a good RELIABLE carry piece. The external extractor is no problem for me, but some traditional 1911 types might not like it...Information please...As the one I'm looking at has not been fired there is no test results, period, understandingly....Thanks
I asked this same question some time back. I got hardly any answers, as I guess they were too new. I have been looking at one for some time now. I love the way it feels, trigger seems pretty good for out of the box. Ergonomically I thing it is perfect in feel and grip and over all looks. On problem I see on the finish is that it is subject to display case wear. The top of sights seem to have finish slightly worn, and the pistol has some other (not large) areas that are getting shiny just from display????this is a new pistol. (finish has a good look) but will it last??? This model has a hammer safety that seems un-needed but most 1911 seem to be in the same boat. Another lawyer's concession I guess??? Over all it is the best feeling of all the 3" 1911 style pistols I have seen. at 0ne grand it should be. In my opinion the grips are neat I can't really tell if they are natural of synthetic. the feel is great. I would love to hear some details and experiences myself. Compared to Kimber 3" and the heavier Springfield 3" mil spec. , that has no bells a whistles. One grand is a hefty price but worth it if the pistol is otherwise a good RELIABLE carry piece. The external extractor is no problem for me, but some traditional 1911 types might not like it...Information please...As the one I'm looking at has not been fired there is no test results, period, understandingly....Thanks
George:
Seeing the Jefferson City address, if you get one you may mess with my claim of having the only one in Missouri. I ordered mine after its intro at the SHOT show in 09, complained to S&W at the show in 2010 and finally got it early this summer. It joins three other S&W 1911s and like those, it has worked perfectly.
The matte finish does show some handling but it usually disappears with a wipe of gun oil. The weight and size makes it great for summer concealment when attire makes it better to have a smaller gun but with the 3 inch, you haven't compromised on caliber.
S&W shipped mine with two additional recoil springs. There wasn't any real info as to what the life cycle of the springs are and when replacement should occur. The gun shoots well. It meets my standard which is it must be more accurate than me, that way I know I am the problem and not the gun!
With the size and weight I can tell you shooting +P ammo does sting but that's a range issue. If called upon for a real world situation, I'm sure it won't be noticable.
If I can address more specific questions, let me know.
Seeing the Jefferson City address, if you get one you may mess with my claim of having the only one in Missouri. I ordered mine after its intro at the SHOT show in 09, complained to S&W at the show in 2010 and finally got it early this summer. It joins three other S&W 1911s and like those, it has worked perfectly.
The matte finish does show some handling but it usually disappears with a wipe of gun oil. The weight and size makes it great for summer concealment when attire makes it better to have a smaller gun but with the 3 inch, you haven't compromised on caliber.
S&W shipped mine with two additional recoil springs. There wasn't any real info as to what the life cycle of the springs are and when replacement should occur. The gun shoots well. It meets my standard which is it must be more accurate than me, that way I know I am the problem and not the gun!
With the size and weight I can tell you shooting +P ammo does sting but that's a range issue. If called upon for a real world situation, I'm sure it won't be noticable.
If I can address more specific questions, let me know.
Ranger98
US Veteran
Hi George,
I'll try to address some of your issues.
First,I have had no problem with the finish,how ever I do not carry mine on a daily basis so it is not exposed to constant wear.
I had two issues with mine concerning the firing pin safety and a feeding problem concerning Hollow point ammunition.In the case of the firing pin safety,I experienced a few cases of the pistol failing to fire when the hammer fell while shooting.This was caused by a mechanical problem involving the grip safety which is linked to the firing pin safety.I sent the pistol back to S&W and both problems were corrected.
I have had no problems with the extractor.
I replaced the factory synthetic grips with some custom wooden ones as a matter of choice however the factory originals were quiet adequate during range sessions with this pistol.
I found the pistol to be very accurate while shooting.In my opinion,this is another fine weapon from S&W.
I'll try to address some of your issues.
First,I have had no problem with the finish,how ever I do not carry mine on a daily basis so it is not exposed to constant wear.
I had two issues with mine concerning the firing pin safety and a feeding problem concerning Hollow point ammunition.In the case of the firing pin safety,I experienced a few cases of the pistol failing to fire when the hammer fell while shooting.This was caused by a mechanical problem involving the grip safety which is linked to the firing pin safety.I sent the pistol back to S&W and both problems were corrected.
I have had no problems with the extractor.
I replaced the factory synthetic grips with some custom wooden ones as a matter of choice however the factory originals were quiet adequate during range sessions with this pistol.
I found the pistol to be very accurate while shooting.In my opinion,this is another fine weapon from S&W.
george minze
Member
rundel: Thanks for the info. I really do like the looks and feel. Reliability is the key. Looks are great. What do you carry in it and what is your opinion of the best ammo. I have been shooting for over 40 years, way-back to NRA bulls eye matches so I have shot some of the best accurate target models..Giles, Shocky. etc. However targets don't shoot back. I carried one on duty (Colt commander for years in Plain Clothes until some bureaucrat made a regulation about condition. 1 (Reno, Holder period) Long retired I don't need this pistol, but when has need had anything to do with guns. Any advise would be appreciated. I have heard all the don't about 3" 1911's but damn they still make them. Could be the recoil springs take a beating due to restricted travel???? I'm ready to jump but the finish wear on top of Novak type sights , and the edges of the grip safety bothers me a little as this gun has not been out of the store..thanks again for replying....George
george minze
Member
Ranger 98: thanks for the info from you and Rundel. I guess the shortage of the model has made shooting experience a short list. the firing pin safety is one of those things that drive purist crazy. I guess it is a real question. I like you have a lot of faith in SW when you have a problem. I mistakenly called it a hammer safety in my post. I have a Colt commander elite that was completely jeweled inside and upgraded springs etc by Actions by T, it has the firing pin safety also, and I have had no problem with it, in fact it is so smooth with out being dangerous it is really fun to shoot and I wouldn't be leery to carry in condition one...Thanks again,,,,George Ps; at my age you would think I would be over this darn gun stuff,,,Retirement sucks....
Ranger98
US Veteran
It's been my observation that "This darn gun stuff" is a hard thing to get away from ..no mater what your age ..
george minze
Member
Amen to that....Stay Safe down yonder. Hows that traffic???
Ranger98
US Veteran
Traffic is terrific as always !
To respond to George's question, prior to receiving the 3 inch, I routinely carried the 1911 PD commander size. It was carried in a custom holster strong side or an inside the pant holster. Fortunately, the 3 inch fits the above holsters so no need for the redundency of replacements or additions. I have an occupation that necessitates being armed but have no constraints on what I carry. Cocked and Locked is fine.
As for the 3 inch functioning, a recent article by a head instructor from GunSite repudiates Cooper's theory of never carrying a 3 inch model. This instructor found the Pro to be absolutely reliable.
As for ammo, I have shot both Extreme Shock and Corbon +p through all my SW 1911s without any problem.
As for the 3 inch functioning, a recent article by a head instructor from GunSite repudiates Cooper's theory of never carrying a 3 inch model. This instructor found the Pro to be absolutely reliable.
As for ammo, I have shot both Extreme Shock and Corbon +p through all my SW 1911s without any problem.
george minze
Member
Thanks I guess to all that responded.
Well I'm going to do it again, buy a gun I don't need. since their inception I have had a yearning for that little pistol. something so ergonomically pleasing in its looks. I have been shooting SW since the mid 60's, as a rookie cop that is what you carried model 10's with a few colts thrown in due to shortages now and then of Smiths. Of course those were the good old STEEL revolvers. Later when shooting NRA bulls-eve I was introduced to auto's. Friendship with a Illinois State Policeman, and assignment to a plainclothes unit led me to the 39-2 that with some twinking shot great, and reminded me of my SW 52 target pistol. Seems Smith has lost some of the LE business and sometimes I think their quality has been less than in the old days. But I still feel SW has been what we all depended on for years. One saved my life years ago..So I'll go and buy the Pro Series and I can always blame all you guys. My wife of 50+ years will just shake her head, and give me that look that women can give. I am sure most here know THAT look...Again thanks for your comments,,,I really appreciate your experiences with this little jewel. Bank account shrinks today.....George ,,,Ps it is your fault!!!
Well I'm going to do it again, buy a gun I don't need. since their inception I have had a yearning for that little pistol. something so ergonomically pleasing in its looks. I have been shooting SW since the mid 60's, as a rookie cop that is what you carried model 10's with a few colts thrown in due to shortages now and then of Smiths. Of course those were the good old STEEL revolvers. Later when shooting NRA bulls-eve I was introduced to auto's. Friendship with a Illinois State Policeman, and assignment to a plainclothes unit led me to the 39-2 that with some twinking shot great, and reminded me of my SW 52 target pistol. Seems Smith has lost some of the LE business and sometimes I think their quality has been less than in the old days. But I still feel SW has been what we all depended on for years. One saved my life years ago..So I'll go and buy the Pro Series and I can always blame all you guys. My wife of 50+ years will just shake her head, and give me that look that women can give. I am sure most here know THAT look...Again thanks for your comments,,,I really appreciate your experiences with this little jewel. Bank account shrinks today.....George ,,,Ps it is your fault!!!
If we all bought just the guns we needed, we'd each only have one...for who really needs more than one? For that matter, how many of us have ever needed one at all? I guess it depends on defining need...if you equate need with food or air or water, that is one thing. If you equate need as satisfying that innate desire to have more guns, that's a whole other thing!
george minze
Member
Somebody had to make sense, spoiled sport.........
geddylee10002000
Member
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George,
I also own one. I live in CoMO. 30 minutes north of you. Received mine late summer. I sure like it. It digested everything I threw at it including hand loaded 185 gr & 200 gr. SWC. I got mine from Bud's gun shop via the internet. If you are a retired LEO or friends with a LEO I believe you can get it for around 800 or so. No sales tax. Go to Bud's police supply and check it out. I have a place here in CoMO that charges $25 to receive it.
Rundel, that will make 3 folks here in MO that have one! Hehe.....
I am looking to check out Ammo Alley a little north of Jeff sometime soon!
I also own one. I live in CoMO. 30 minutes north of you. Received mine late summer. I sure like it. It digested everything I threw at it including hand loaded 185 gr & 200 gr. SWC. I got mine from Bud's gun shop via the internet. If you are a retired LEO or friends with a LEO I believe you can get it for around 800 or so. No sales tax. Go to Bud's police supply and check it out. I have a place here in CoMO that charges $25 to receive it.
Rundel, that will make 3 folks here in MO that have one! Hehe.....
I am looking to check out Ammo Alley a little north of Jeff sometime soon!
george minze
Member
Ammo Alley has a nice range. I think lighting at 20 yards could be a little better but still nice, limited gun s, but quite a few accessories or at least they did. Haven't been there during summer. Where is buds I have heard about it buy never been there. I'm a old trader with Dale Pucket a friend of years. I miss him RIP. He did carry some unusual pieces, and HIGH Dollar stuff you don't see every where.. He was the last person to carry NEW HK P7 while they still made them...The Mercedes of hand guns...Sold my P7 and have been sorry ever since...as with many sold guns..Stay safe we hear that there have been some street crime sort of un-ordinary for Central Mo.....Things Change
Last edited:
geddylee10002000
Member
- Joined
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George,
Bud's gun shop
Smith & Wesson 7 + 1 Round Matte Black 45 ACP/3" Barrel/Adju $919.00 SHIPS FREE
Bud's Police Supply
Smith & Wesson 7 + 1 Round Matte Black 45 ACP/3" Barrel/Adju $919.00 SHIPS FREE
I see that the Police supply is out of the Pro 3". I tried initially to find a LEO or anyone that could qualify for the discount but failed at that. You have to sign up with a account at either place. (I have a account at both). Here is the discount list for the Police supply. Discount Guns for Law Enforcement by Buds Gun Shop (budsgunshop.com)
My satisfaction with my purchase through Bud's guns was excellent. What I did was as mentioned before is sign up with a account. Shop till you drop. Place the order. I sent a certified bank check to them for the 3% discount. And then picked up the gun at the designated FFL transfer place which happened to be Family Pawn here in CoMO. They charged $25 for the transfer fee. There was another place here in CoMO (Grandpa's guns) that was on Bud's gun shop preferred list that wanted $50 to do the transfer.
At the time when I was shopping I couldn't decide between the Pro 3" or a PD or a Gunsight. I was up at Graf's in Mexico and found a Gunsight. Bud's ran out of the Gunsight so after 2 trips and a bit of haggling I bought the Gunsight for $50 over what Bud's wanted but I had to pay sales tax on that. I like them both.
Yeah, it seems that central MO is being taken over by thugs lately. My 3" Pro goes with me a lot! Before that it was my 686+ 3".
Bud's gun shop
Smith & Wesson 7 + 1 Round Matte Black 45 ACP/3" Barrel/Adju $919.00 SHIPS FREE
Bud's Police Supply
Smith & Wesson 7 + 1 Round Matte Black 45 ACP/3" Barrel/Adju $919.00 SHIPS FREE
I see that the Police supply is out of the Pro 3". I tried initially to find a LEO or anyone that could qualify for the discount but failed at that. You have to sign up with a account at either place. (I have a account at both). Here is the discount list for the Police supply. Discount Guns for Law Enforcement by Buds Gun Shop (budsgunshop.com)
My satisfaction with my purchase through Bud's guns was excellent. What I did was as mentioned before is sign up with a account. Shop till you drop. Place the order. I sent a certified bank check to them for the 3% discount. And then picked up the gun at the designated FFL transfer place which happened to be Family Pawn here in CoMO. They charged $25 for the transfer fee. There was another place here in CoMO (Grandpa's guns) that was on Bud's gun shop preferred list that wanted $50 to do the transfer.
At the time when I was shopping I couldn't decide between the Pro 3" or a PD or a Gunsight. I was up at Graf's in Mexico and found a Gunsight. Bud's ran out of the Gunsight so after 2 trips and a bit of haggling I bought the Gunsight for $50 over what Bud's wanted but I had to pay sales tax on that. I like them both.
Yeah, it seems that central MO is being taken over by thugs lately. My 3" Pro goes with me a lot! Before that it was my 686+ 3".
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