S&W 1911s?

[rman]

I don't visit this forum regularly, but when I do, I never see any posts about S&W 1911s. What's the deal? I have a 1911 ES and a Series E 1911 SC. Both of these are great little guns - light, accurate, reliable and nice to look at. Am I looking in the wrong place, or is there just not much interest in them on this forum?

 

[18DAI]

I'm not sure what the answer to your question is.

Speaking for myself, having been trained on 1911's initially and having carried one (not by choice) for a few years, I have little use for them and little to no interest in them.

They are too expensive and aggravating for what they are, to me. High priced, in need of "tinkering" to insure reliability, maintenance intensive, particular about ammunition and what magazines are used.

I think you will find most here prefer other 45 handguns, for the reliability primarily. I'd like to see less focus on 1911's by S&W and a little attention paid to TDA metal framed semi auto's. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

 

[icemn]

Not much on the forum. Not sure why but I'm guessing there are a lot fewer 1911 owners than other platforms. Could be too that owners have less issues with them. Personally, I have no complaints or issues with my stock S&W 1911. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I had a need and of course the $. My 1911 shoots great and you can't beat the feel of steel-

 

[OFT II]

I bought an early one with the billboard on the slide. It has never gave any problems and I rate it up there with my Colt.

 

[mosquito]

They are too expensive and aggravating for what they are, to me. High priced, in need of "tinkering" to insure reliability, maintenance intensive, particular about ammunition and what magazines are used.

I think you will find most here prefer other 45 handguns, for the reliability primarily. I'd like to see less focus on 1911's by S&W and a little attention paid to TDA metal framed semi auto's. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

I find the opposite true! I have many Firearms and the 1911 Platform is my favorite. I have an Ed Brown, Colts and others BUT, my 2 favorite and best shooting ones are: My S&W E-Series in .45 ACP and my S&W Pro Series 1911 in .9mm! They eat anything I put in them.

G

 

[ma deuce]

I'm not sure what the answer to your question is.

Speaking for myself, having been trained on 1911's initially and having carried one (not by choice) for a few years, I have little use for them and little to no interest in them.

They are too expensive and aggravating for what they are, to me. High priced, in need of "tinkering" to insure reliability, maintenance intensive, particular about ammunition and what magazines are used.

I think you will find most here prefer other 45 handguns, for the reliability primarily. I'd like to see less focus on 1911's by S&W and a little attention paid to TDA metal framed semi auto's. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

I hear you. 1911 reliability is an endless topic of discussion. I adhere to the school of thought that the original JMB GI design was near-perfect for its intended purpose - pumping out big honkin' ball ammunition with acceptable battlefield accuracy. Try to get pinpoint target accuracy and or make it work with other ammo, and you open a can of worms that requires careful fitting and costs a lot.

Having said that, I've had a base model E-Series for a couple of months and close to a thousand rounds, including a couple hundred mixed JHPs, and so far it's got the best out-of-the-box reliability of any 1911 I've ever had, and I've had at least a dozen. Zero feeding or ejection problems, no break-in period required, unlike what the apologists for some other brands say. Definitely my favorite 1911 for the price, and I don't think you'd get much more for twice the price. Fit and finish are excellent.

I've been shooting 1911s since I was a kid (40+years ago), and it's what I'm comfortable with. I'm not into plastic guns, but I'm not going to argue that some of them are very, very good, and probably a better choice for a lot of people. And if I could get a carry permit, which isn't bloody likely given I'm a Maryland resident, I'd probably choose a SIG P220 Compact over a 1911, because I don't trust 1911s with barrels less than 4". But for most of my shooting, give me a 1911. It just feels like home.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I'm not sure what the answer to your question is.

Speaking for myself, having been trained on 1911's initially and having carried one (not by choice) for a few years, I have little use for them and little to no interest in them.

They are too expensive and aggravating for what they are, to me. High priced, in need of "tinkering" to insure reliability, maintenance intensive, particular about ammunition and what magazines are used.

I think you will find most here prefer other 45 handguns, for the reliability primarily. I'd like to see less focus on 1911's by S&W and a little attention paid to TDA metal framed semi auto's. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI

You wouldn't dare say that if Jeff Cooper was still alive pilgrim!

PS-I own one. Just because. If I need to grab a bulletproof go to gun for survival in the swamps post zombie and all that, I'm grabbing my 681 though.

 

[kcode]

Someday I would like to get a S&W 1911E, but the thoughts of paying almost MSRP for used condition is out of my range. I don't see my 401K or Pension growing to a point I could afford one. I have 4 third gens in .45 but none will hold water to my other 1911's, ready for a sacrilegious photo......

 

[ma deuce]

kcode, Springfield Loadeds are sweet guns, too, for the money. I've got a Loaded Stainless Champion just like yours, and I love it. But I like the E-Series better. The Springer was a little choosey about ammo until I had it worked on. Now it runs like a top, though.

 

[morgan3054]

Yes I order one in March and no I may not get it until Sept. A buddy of mine took the first one I ordered because I had 2 colts already. He was without a 45 I felt sorry for him.

 

[Smithaddict]

Smith has been making revolvers for well over a hundred years while they have only made 1911s for a few years. Because there are many more revolver owners than semiauto owners, I think that is why the forum is dominated that group. The old revolvers can be somewhat to very collectible and that creates a lot of bench racing and discussion. In comparison, how many S&W made 1911s are really all that collectible?

 

[Rundel]

I answered yes, even though that it is not entirely true, I don't own "a" SW1911, I own four. Small (3 inch) medium (4.25) and two large (Pro and Tactical Rail Alloy).

Maybe you don't hear about them alot on this forum because they work. Mine have been flawless. I got them after trying another brand, that attempted an external extractor and failed to be reliable.

I can carry what I like and I choose the 1911 configuration due to training, experience and having the best trigger found on a semi-auto pistol. I have a M&P 9C and a Bodyguard 380 and each have their purpose but given a choice, its a 1911.

 

[Twoboxer]

Probably because the bulk of the marketing hype and internet buzz necessarily focuses on the latest and greatest . . . and the forums get clogged with those pros and cons.

New to handguns this year, my first purchase was an M&P9 FS for home defense . . . because it was a "nine", cheap/available ammo, high capacity, relatively light weight, and it fit my hand better than others I rented/fired. Then came the SR22 for my wife, and an LCP when I realized that was the biggest handgun I would carry.

After the basic needs were satisfied I researched and went looking for a "vanity gun" . . . something I thought looked great and spoke to me.

Little did I know that this S&W 1911E would become my favorite and most accurate shooter:

 

[SW_shooter]

speaking only for myself, I haven't acquired a 1911 .45........ yet. I have a friend who told me he wanted a 1911 from a company whos name rhymes with 'timber'. I fell in love with the picture and put it on my list too. Now, I am a S&W fanatic and will be adding a S&W 1911 to the family.....some day.

Not sure why there aren't more discussions about 1911s but when I am ready to add one to the family I will be either reading or asking questions on this forum.

 

[ladder13]

I don't visit this forum regularly, but when I do, I never see any posts about S&W 1911s. What's the deal? I have a 1911 ES and a Series E 1911 SC. Both of these are great little guns - light, accurate, reliable and nice to look at. Am I looking in the wrong place, or is there just not much interest in them on this forum?

I have a 1911PD, about the most reliable auto I ever owned, including my Colts, a Sig P226, 6906, 3913, and a Kimber Ultra CDP. Will be picking up this E Series next week, lightweight, factory bobbed, night sights and good lookin'

 

[lhump1961]

I have a 1911PD, about the most reliable auto I ever owned, including my Colts, a Sig P226, 6906, 3913, and a Kimber Ultra CDP. Will be picking up this E Series next week, lightweight, factory bobbed, night sights and good lookin'

I have that 4.25" along with a 5". Although it is a little snappier due to the reduced weight it gives up nothing in accuracy and reliability...and it does look good!

 

[JoeHatley]

I've got one of the originals from 2003 and one of the very latest from last March. Not much to post about, just good guns that I shoot all the time.

 

[arroyoshark]

I have always been a revolver guy, but late in life I started shooting 1911's and found them to be very enjoyable, tho not a replacement for my revolvers.

I had a S&W SC 1911 Lipseys spcl for a year or so. It was very reliable and accurate in my hands. I traded it for a Colt series 70, just 'cause I wanted a Colt. I also run a couple of S&W 1911 Pro Series full size .45's, essentially gussied up standard S&W 1911's, which are way more reliable/less ammo fussy than the Colt. One I have left stock w the fiber optic sights and it shoots remarkable well. The other I traded for, and it had an unacceptable trigger pull, about 2# more than advertised spec. I made a project out of it, installing Wilson Combat ignition parts, arched mainspring housing and replaced the fiber optic sights w mepro-light night sights. It is just as accurate and reliable as the stock Pro-Series now. They are much fun and I can frequently dance a soda can out as far as 50 yds.

 

[Jlduke]

I think that most people buy based on hype. Anytime I read or hear a discussion about 1911's it's always about Kimber, Colt or Springfield as if they are the only three manufacturers of 1911's.
I don't think the S&W 1911's are really getting the attention they deserve because too many people buy guns like shiny Kimbers so they can have something to show off at the range or because they think a higher price equates higher quality.
I love my Smith 1911 Pro and would like to see them get more popular .

 

[iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns]

I don't think the S&W 1911's are really getting the attention they deserve because too many people buy guns like shiny Kimbers so they can have something to show off at the range or because they think a higher price equates higher quality.

funny, I'm a 1911 guy, and having seen 'em all, on average I don't think Kimbers are nearly as "show-off-able" as S&W 1911s. 9 outta 10 times I think the S&Ws are far more magnificent looking. For instance, when I see a Kimber I think 'Kydex holster', when I see a Smith I think 'Leather Holster'.
-I don't own any Kydex holsters -

The old revolvers can be somewhat to very collectible and that creates a lot of bench racing and discussion. In comparison, how many S&W made 1911s are really all that collectible?

I think my S&W is a collectible! (I also think that the blued no forward serrations model could be collectible too)
I've wanted a 1911 since I was quite young, and when I obtained my license-to-carry, I bought a S&W 1911 to celebrate. I knew I wanted a S&W 1911, the question was 'which one?' So I shopped around a bit, and when I walked into my favorite LGS, my eyes hit one in particular, and I KNEW that moment, that it was 'The One'.

It's a ltd edition, of 231 total, polished stainless (to me it's gorgeous) with no forward serrations, and the GI-style plug and rod instead of full-length rod, which is preferable to me. It came wearing the grips seen in the photos. It is my MOST trusted semi-auto. Someone mentioned that many people believe that a 1911 needs tinkering to run reliably. Well with mine no 'tinkering' was necessary at all. I'm just over 3000 rounds with absolutely zero cycling-failures or problems of any kind. I can't even say that about my 5906, which is an amazingly reliable pistol. Only things I've done to it are replacing the slide-stop with one that is forged steel, and I replaced the recoil spring, but just due to round count, not because it actually needed it. It is also wonderfully accurate for a pistol. I am beyond satisfied with it, and won't part with it until I am too frail to lift it.

Oh yeah, here are a few photos of it

 

[smitty_bs]

I like to keep it simple. No forward serrations, fixed Novaks, GI guide rod, blued steel and wood grips. Utterly reliable.

 

[iLikeOldGunsIlikeNewGuns]

Smitty, THAT is exactly the model I mentioned in my post (just before yours) that I also feel will be collectible. I love that particular S&W 1911, I think it's the best looking one besides the one I own, and it will very-likely be the next S&W 1911 I purchase, hopefully much sooner than later! Nice gun!

 

[smitty_bs]

Thanks Ilike. I saw that in your post. I get a LOT of complements at the range with that pistol. Most don't realize it is an S&W at first. Accurate too!

 

[turbo38gn]

I like mine.. I have like.... 5 - SW1911's, 4 Colts and all different configs... NP's to speak of, certainly not with the SW's... I haven't shot my 5" E series yet though... all the rest have ate everything I threw at them. I shot my father's old US gov, it was nice. Didn't care for the old nickle 4" commander, that sucker hurt to shoot, not much of a beavertail on that one...
I don't carry the 1911's much, but do on occassion... for obvious reasons and none of them are cause I don't think they will function properly.. It always seems like there is more credibility when the guys that post to a thread, have actual experience with the topic at hand..

 

[mesinge2]

My E-Series 1911 is possibly becoming my favorite 1911 and I have Colts, a Springer, Kimbers, and a Para.

 

[gunnutter]

I have a 1911PD, about the most reliable auto I ever owned, including my Colts, a Sig P226, 6906, 3913, and a Kimber Ultra CDP. Will be picking up this E Series next week, lightweight, factory bobbed, night sights and good lookin'

I just unloaded my Springfield Lightweight 1911 for this same model. The out of the box trigger on it is unreal compared to the Springfield.

 

[ladder13]

My E-Series 1911 is possibly becoming my favorite 1911 and I have Colts, a Springer, Kimbers, and a Para.

That's sooooo purty

 

[M29since14]

Am I looking in the wrong place, or is there just not much interest in them on this forum?

As others have said, revolvers having been the core product of S&W for so long, it is only natural that you find a LOT of revolver shooters here.

On the topic of the S&W 1911, I think the guns are well received here. Admittedly, the M&P guys do seem to make most of the posts in the pistol section when I happen to read there, but whenever a post involving a 1911 pops up, most of the reactions seem to be favorable. My own guns have been excellent, as far as I am concerned.

Whenever someone asks me about 1911s, I have no hesitation to point them toward S&Ws, and the comments I hear about them away from this board are overwhelmingly favorable. About the only objections seem to be the "external extractor," and the prices. Most admit the extractor issue is not a big deal. The prices I see do not seem out of line to me, when compared to similar models from other manufacturers.

I admit I was skeptical when I heard S&W was going to offer a 1911, but the guns convinced me pretty quickly.

 

[GJHIII]

I think the lack of 1911 posts are only natural. Those of us who were issued and/or own it know full well what a fine piece of work it is. And in this politically correct world of universal (small) calibers, why date ourselves ? HaHa

 

[Ranger98]

S&W 1911's are fine pistols..