S&W 1911

[Helderberg]

If you were to list the S&W 1911 models according to useable accuracy, quality, and price what would be your top choice. I am thinking of adding or trading my M&P45 for a S&W 1911 model. I do not need the full blown model but would like to have as much bang for my buck, no pun intended.
Thanks, Frank.

 

[Dragon88]

Sorry to be out in left field, but I'm going to recommend...a Springfield. "Best bang for the buck" perfectly describes the Springfield 1911s. I would recommend a Loaded model, though the Mil-Spec is also good if you want a basic no frills gun.

Just today I saw someone trading off a S&W1911 at my local store at a loss for a different gun. I think they are pretty good guns, but to me there are betters options out there.

 

[mkygod]

I would check out the Ruger SR1911. That's the 1911 i would get if it were legal to buy in my state (CA). at well under 700, i dont think u can get a better 1911.

A new Springfield loaded 1911 is close to a grand.

As for the S&W 1911, i haven't heard a thing bad about them aside from comments of some people who don't like having external extractors.

 

[Helderberg]

That is good to know, what do you think of the Remmington R-1?
I was handling one the other day and although the trigger is not the best I have tested it seemed to be a good basic piece.
Thanks for your input, Frank.

 

[45caldan]

That is good to know, what do you think of the Remmington R-1?
I was handling one the other day and although the trigger is not the best I have tested it seemed to be a good basic piece.
Thanks for your input, Frank.

I would pass. I am old school and do not care for 1911s with FPS. That may be why the trigger seemed crappy to you.
The Remington uses a series 80 type FPS, so at least it is better than the Swartz type (IMO) but I also would go with a Springfield Mil-Spec for a "bang for the buck" 1911.

 

[sna0403]

Look at the Rock Island Armory Tactical 1911. Their customer service is incredible and I have found them to be the "best" bang for the buck.

 

[rpxr400]

Look at the Rock Island Armory Tactical 1911. Their customer service is incredible and I have found them to be the "best" bang for the buck.

I agree. I have a High Standard Crusader (officer's model). Great little gun. Never had a problem with it, but a little weighty. I also have a Kimber Series I Stainless - tack driver!

I'm actually considering selling my Kimber to get an S&W M&P 9c or 45c. It just sits in the safe. PM me if you think you might have an interest. Moderators, if this is a violation. I apologize.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I have the one with ambi safety, adjustible sights SKU#108284. I happen to LIKE the Swartz-I really can't see how it can fail.
But then again , I am not an "operator".

 

[turbo38gn]

If you were to list the S&W 1911 models according to useable accuracy, quality, and price what would be your top choice. I am thinking of adding or trading my M&P45 for a S&W 1911 model. I do not need the full blown model but would like to have as much bang for my buck, no pun intended.
Thanks, Frank.

Not knowing what you want to use it for, makes it kind of hard to make a recommendation. I'd keep the M&P45 for sure, add the SW1911. I think the M&P45 is one of the finest of it's class guns made. As for the 1911, I thoroughly enjoy my SW1911's. You can get the SS 5" model for under $1000 I think and not need to do anything but shoot it. If CCW is part of the picture, the 4" Scandium framed model are greAT. What's really funny is all the people that have nothing bad to say about the SW yet recommend some other brand... I don't get it.. especially when the OP is looking for a SW..

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

My wife has a Springfield and it is pretty nice, but has some sharp edges on the thumb safety that I don't like. I've also been seeing a lot of them in the dealers' cases that seem to be poorly fitted lately (extractors sticking out the backs of the slides, backs of slides not lining up with back of frame... probably mostly cosmetic) and most of them seem to have very stiff thumb safeties, so if you go Springfield just look it over well before buying.
As far as a bang-for-the-buck 1911 today, if I were in the market for a new 1911, I would be seriously looking at the Ruger. I have also read tons of positive things about the Rock Island Armory guns, but have only ever seen one in the used case at my local dealer's (which I take as a good sign, meaning that people like them and keep them).
JMO, and YMMV.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I have a Para Ord Super Hawg that is nicely made and mine is a hi-cap. You might want to look at those that are suggested before you buy.

 

[kilroy2721]

I just purchased one of the S&W Performance Center 1911's. I have been trying to get ahold of one for the last 9 months and just now got it. I have shot several other S&W 1911's and all of them have performed great.

Some people will tell you that they are not worth it because they have the external extractors. Well several other manufacturers have also tried using external extractors...Kimber was one and never really could make it work, Sig now also has them on their's, but I have no first hand experience on how they work. If you search through this forum for 1911's you will find a LOT of people that are satisified with the S&W 1911.

 

[tlen]

+1 #108284.

 

[lhump1961]

I have a 108295 and love it! It has never failed in any way and everyone I have ever let shoot it also love it.

If it matters to you Smith and Wesson is an American made gun. Some makers buy parts out of country and assemble here.

 

[oldman45]

I have learned that people will suggest what they own since their experience is with that gun. Nothing wrong with doing that but it is often an unfair suggestion due to not knowing about the other guns.

I have been fortunate in being able to own several brands of 1911 guns, as do many others here. My favorite, even above my customs, is the S&W 1911. Anytime I find one at a decent price, I buy it. Ruger is still a relative newcomer to the 1911 line and they have not refined it as yet. Springfield makes a nice 1911 but it is not the quality of a recent S&W 1911.

My suggestion based on comparison between brands is go with the S&W. You can buy a better gun but it will cost you a lot more that a S&W and you will not be able to tell much difference.

 

[cgotravel]

1911 E Series--Just Purchased

I'll give my $0.02 since I've done hours of research both on the web and in local gun shops and it may help save you some time. I've always wanted a 1911(specifically an American made one) and just purchased an E Series (#108482 5" Stainless model) last weekend because it looked absolutely magnificent, but also because you get a lot of features for the money. I looked at many brands, but for $750 I got lots of features normally found in more expensive 1911s. $750 is the beginning price for a bare-bones Kimber model. I haven't been to the range yet, but all the reviews that I have read (many) speak very positively about these new pistols. Hardest part was finding a dealer who actually had them to see in person. Good luck!

 

[bkp3gen]

I have #108283 (4 1/4" Commander 1911PD), #108284 (5" stainless) and #108285 (5" blue) and all are flawless. I also have a Colt and Springfield but shoot the S&W's the most. All have been flawless shooters and no problems with any of them. The Smith's have the best triggers though.

 

[SgtSam]

I've owned a number of 1911s in the past, Colt's, Springfield's, and Heinz-57 mutts.

I currently own two, a S&W Pro Series 9mm, and a Remington R-1. Both are very fine examples of the genre.

The S&W is probably one of the finest 1911s I've ever owned or shot, including the two 1911 National Match Gold Cups I used when I was shooting competition in the military. I've never had the first malfunction with it, while it won't drive tacks, it will shoot under 2" groups at 25yds in my hands. That's more than adequate for any "real world" usage that I might have, and certainly adequate for punching holes in paper or other fun targets.

The R-1 is an absolute ball to shoot. Again, after the first 50 or so rounds through it, it's never failed to operate as advertised and designed. The trigger was not the best, but my local gunsmith cleaned it up for me and it's real nice now. I also had some night sights installed as I keep this one on my night stand when sleeping. Any one that knocks this gun is simply showing personal bias. While that's OK, it sure doesn't help others to make real informed decisions. I'll keep my R-1, thank you!