S&W 1911

[Lopez]

What can you guys tell me about the Smith 1911's? Are they reliable out of the box? Is the external extractor a big drawback or have they really gotten it right as far functionality?

I ask because I was in the local shop today and there was a like new smith 1911 with target (adjustable) sights, ambi safety, nice rosewood grips, and nice blued finish with a price tag of $710. Would this be a good buy? I have no idea what the used pricing is on these 1911s. I dont know if there is any wiggle room in the price since its a consigment but I really liked the pistol. It was nice and tight: the fit and finish was impressive for a pistol priced at $710.

 

[Lopez]

I believe this was the pistol that I saw: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57754_757752_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[markd]

I have one in stainless. I have never had a problem. I'm very happy with mine. I don't think that is a bad price.

 

[jazzman452]

I am looking at one in stainless at my local gun store. I can't remember if it has target sights or not but it is priced at 787.00. Used but in real nice shape. Sounds like a good price for the one you are looking at,

Jim

 

[junker]

I picked up this slightly used 1911SC this summer. It's my 1st 1911.....I love it!! It came with 2 mags and no box for 700. Only have put 64 rounds thru it, but all have been without a hiccup. Think I'll get her out this week-end.....

 

[rock doc]

Lopez - I have the stainless steel version (108284) and I am extremely pleased with it, right out of the box. The external extractor is not a problem. S&W perfected the exterrnal extractor decades ago. Those who say the external extractor is a problem, do not know what they are talking about. Many buy a 1911 and spend a small fortune "improving" it. Not so with the S&W 1911s. The price tag of $710 is reasonable, if it is, as you say 'like new'. I paid around $850 for mine a few years ago.

 

[Fkimble]

The link you posted is a stainless gun with a Melonite finish, not blued.

 

[GKC]

I have three S&W 1911s: a 5" stainless, a 4.25" Compact ES, and a 3" Pro. I have had other 1911s, made by Colt, SIG, Kimber, Magnum Research, Springfield, and Taurus, but these are the only three I have now, because they are great guns.

I know the purists don't think a 1911 should have an external extractor, and Kimber couldn't make theirs run right, but S&Ws do. In fact, when you think about it, how many semis (non-1911) have internal extractors?

 

[ColColt]

I've had my fair share of 1911's over the years and the one problem I've always seen, not only with mine, but with others, is the internal extractor and/or the gap between the barrel and the feed ramp. If the extractor's not tweaked just right, you've got feeding problems. The tension goes awry with an internal extractor, it seems, more often than with the external variety.

That's just been my observation and experience and in no way means all are like this-just what I've contended with. Every 3rd Gen S&W I've had has never given me an extractor problem and I have one that's 20 years old(4506). I doubt a Colt or SA would be that trouble free that far down the road. Personally, I'd go with the S&W 1911 over any and all others...external extractor and one piece barrel/feed ramp.

 

[jpdopes]

The link you posted is a stainless gun with a Melonite finish, not blued.

They stopped making that model in blued carbon steel, unfortunately. It's now a stainless frame and slide with a melonite finish. I personally prefer the blued steel and I am currently looking for a used one.

 

[keen one]

I've had a S&W1911 since they rolled their's out. The only thing I elected to do was get the trigger tuned to a 3 lb pull. The external extractor is icing! never a problem and no voodo to adjust it!

 

[cden1]

I like mine but I will say that the external extractor popped off within the first 100 rounds. No more problems yet and I've fired another few hundred rounds.

 

[Ace-3]

I have three of them with a total of 30,000 rds plus, they are great guns.

 

[LAZY EYED SNIPER]

I have a S&W 1911 with a couple years and 2500+ rounds in so far with no issues. No FTFs, FTEs, or any other Fs for that matter...