S&W 1911's

[Sevens]

Here is my Pro Series 9mm. This model features the scarcely seen "wavy" style serrations that S&W didn't use often back at this time. They have made MANY of this model (all with the wavy serrations) but very few other models featured this style. The PC 1911-2 Doug Koenig pistol in .38 Super wore them, as did a very rare variant of the PC 945 model.

This pistol is extremely attractive in my opinion, my photo doesn't do it justice.



It's one of very few S&W guns that I own that was produced in Houlton, Maine.

 

[roo_ster]

I own one of the old JRD stainless base model SW1911 from their early introduction. Has the FPS. Shoots great, reliable, all that. I keep thinking about swapping parts to remove the FPS, but never get to it.

I also own a SW1911SC scandium-frames ltwt commander. Also .45ACP. Again, great shooter.

Last is a Springfield Armory OACP in 9mm. Not as nice as the SW1911s, but I must say that the 9mm and OACP 1911 go together like peas & carrots.

 

[dlh711]

I know I'm a little late to the party, but I have seen a number of used but like new S&W 1911s on GB that list for $1500-1600 new, selling in the $600-800 range. IMHO, they are a steal at those prices. I have two and both are 100% reliable and very accurate. With a trigger job, some internal parts polishing and a lifetime warranty, I think they compare favorably with anything under $2k.

Im actually in the market for a 1911 and S&W was one of the 1911s I was looking at. It was their E Series and they were all $1200-1400.

Now I dont mind paying a bit more for a gun, especially one I like, but to me for what it is I did think they were a bit over priced.

That said I did enjoy how they felt in my hand, they has a positive safety it wasnt too easy to push off, good sights but I found a few other 1911s from other makers that were 750-900 and thats where Id like to stay.

 

[fmflorida]

I know I'm a little late to the party, but I have seen a number of used but like new S&W 1911s on GB that list for $1500-1600 new, selling in the $600-800 range. IMHO, they are a steal at those prices. I have two and both are 100% reliable and very accurate. With a trigger job, some internal parts polishing and a lifetime warranty, I think they compare favorably anything under $2k.

I certainly agree you can find them on the secondary market for less though I was speaking "new".

Of course as you say they can be found on GB or any number of websites but rarely are they found "used" at local shops, at least in my area, which is a credit to their likability.

 

[CH4]

Interesting. S&W has been successfully using external extractors since the 1950's. John M Browning used an external extractor in his HP design. Yeah, Kimber had some problems with theirs and it took a couple of design mods before they got it right. I have one Kimber with an external extractor that I have run thousands of trouble free rounds thru. Zero malfunctions. I've had more than a few Colts and other brands that required tuning and tweaking of the extractor to get them to function. You are certainly entitled to your opinions, as am I. However, I would suggest that you do yourself a disservice by ignoring the 1911 variants that utilize the more modern design.BTW, what new designs have you seen that use an internal extractor?

Nothing wrong with external extractors, I just don't like external extractors or mim on 1911s, locks or mim on Smith revolvers or anchovies on pizza. It's merely a matter of personal preference not a subject intended for debate. I like external extractors on my Sigs, Glocks, Berettas, etc.

 

[OFT II]

I agree that there is nothing wrong with external extractors. John Browning must have liked them also since most of his designs utilized external extractors.

 

[DMcBB]

While I have a S&W e series I traded into, I agree wholeheartedly- my 2 DWs are superb- a Specialist Commander in 45 and a TCP in 9mm.

I agree here. My TCP is like a laser gun. The bullets go exactly where I point that brass bead.

 

[mikerjf]

That makes me think - why an internal extractor on the 1911, when other designs (1903, vest pocket, 1910, et al) were external? I'd be curious to know why the design choice, if anyone knows.

 

[Octagun]

It seems like everyone I know that has guns has a 1911. I don't have one but I am wanting an early JRD serial no. or what I have seen referred to as a "Billboard" 1911 to add to my assortment of handguns. Anybody have one that can offer an opinion?

I bought one a long time ago. It's a 'JRD' and I just found out a few minutes ago it's a first year run. It's still bone stock and uses original springs and mags. Never had a problem with it or a reason to let it go. Great guns IMO.

 

[CH4]

"I am not interested in 1911s with external extractors"

I've heard this sentiment many times and I just don't get it. Is it an appearance thing? Granted I only own the one S&W 1911PC (pictured above) but it's external extractor works perfectly. Please explain?

I merely said I am not interested in 1911s with external extractors, I didn't say they don't work. Same thing goes for the IL. I like what I like and it doesn't need to make sense to anyone but me. I like my Glocks, Sigs, Berettas just fine with there external extractors. I just don't want one on my 1911.

 

[S&Wman]

I wanted a 9mm version of my Colt Gold Cup National Match and I preferred it in stainless for low maintenance. The S&W Pro Series came close. It doesn't have the top rib or the wide trigger but otherwise I couldn't be happier. I thought that I would have to have a custom 1911 built. I'd be looking at 2 to 3 times the cost of this. So when these came out I jumped right on it. The only thing that I did to it was change the magazine catch lock from the factory slotted to a hex head (I felt it deserved it). I love the hand filling grips too. Actually I love everything about it

 

[Justin T]

That makes me think - why an internal extractor on the 1911, when other designs (1903, vest pocket, 1910, et al) were external? I'd be curious to know why the design choice, if anyone knows.

Had something to do with meeting specification on a military contract, I guess. Or the intent of the spec. I dont know the 1911 pistol spec, but I'd guess maybe the internal extractor addressed a part of the requirements that had to do with entry of dirt into the pistol. Or something else specifically written in the design requirements

Browning had a purpose in everything he did. He didn't just decide to incorporate an internal extractor because it was Thursday. He designed the 1911 to meet a specific set of requirements. Just like he did with his 1935 design (which was modified and refined by Saive into the HP we know today). Browning didn't design for the sake of design. If the spec said it, he found a way to do it.

 

[cbunix23]

I bought one a long time ago. It's a 'JRD' and I just found out a few minutes ago it's a first year run. It's still bone stock and uses original springs and mags. Never had a problem with it or a reason to let it go. Great guns IMO.

I've had a handful of 1911's. My 'JRD' is my favorite to date. I did change out the springs because I bought it used. I might buy another one as a backup if I can find one at my price point.

The Colt '70 I had was one of the first ever put together by Bill Wilson before he even started Wilson Combat. It had S&W revolver sights on the topside. I ended up selling it to a Wilson collector.

 

[Sgt911]

I might have to look at one of these. Smith & Wesson SW1911TA.

 

[AveragEd]

I for one actually prefer the external extractor. I shoot mostly off a bench with a catch net beside the gun to capture my brass. The 1911s I used to own that had internal extractors needed an occasional tweak of the extractor to control where they threw their empties but the external ones haven't needed anything adjusted and continually toss their empties right into the net.

Ed

 

[toddimusnimski]

I bought one a long time ago. It's a 'JRD' and I just found out a few minutes ago it's a first year run. It's still bone stock and uses original springs and mags. Never had a problem with it or a reason to let it go. Great guns IMO.

I have a JRH that I bought new for my son when he was born in 2006. Its the model 108284 with SS finish, adjustable rear sight, and ambidextrous controls (in case he turned out to be a leftie!) I was surprised it came with 2 blued ACT magazines since images I had seen showed Wilson magazines. I asked S&W about that and was told they switched to ACT due to "issues" with the Wilson ones. From what I have read Wilson makes great mags so I'm thinking the only "issue" would be cost. They probably just got a better contract with ACT.

The ACT mags do have the S&W logo stamped on the left side and I was wondering if your Wilson mags do also? Are they SS or Blued?

Sorry to say I wont be able to give a range report for another 7 years! I want to give it to him at 21 and he'll be the first to fire it outside of the factory

 

[Octagun]

That is a really great way to add sentimental value to a great 1911! I'm sure he will keep that one for life. To answer your question mine came with 2 stainless 8 rd Wilson Combat magazines. They have no S&W markings on them but do have Wilson Combat markings on the plastic extension under the floor plate.

 

[beeps]

I might have to look at one of these. Smith & Wesson SW1911TA.

I have one of these. It's a great gun. Can't recommend it highly enough.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[roo_ster]

I have a JRH that I bought new for my son when he was born in 2006. Its the model 108284 with SS finish, adjustable rear sight, and ambidextrous controls (in case he turned out to be a leftie!) I was surprised it came with 2 blued ACT magazines since images I had seen showed Wilson magazines. I asked S&W about that and was told they switched to ACT due to "issues" with the Wilson ones. From what I have read Wilson makes great mags so I'm thinking the only "issue" would be cost. They probably just got a better contract with ACT.

My SW1911 came with 2x Wilson 47D mags when I bought it. I now own two SW1911, one full size stainless and one SC. Wilson, Wilson, Wilson, mags are what runs best in both of them. 47D and their new 1911 mag, as well as their 10-rounders.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I might have to look at one of these. Smith & Wesson SW1911TA.

I enjoy mine a lot.

 

[Guevera]

dan Wesson all the way for the money

My thoughts on my Smith & Wesson 1911 was never the same after the plunger tube became loose and fell off, much to my dismay. Sold it and finally moved to Dan Wesson.

As much as I hate to say it, Dan Wesson makes a wonderful 1911 and their quality surpasses almost every other 1911 I have examined.

 

[prochi2k]

Yeah, I don't think S&W gets enough credit for their 1911s. They may be a little pricy but not over priced imho. I really like how the 1911PC's barrel bushing adds to the tight tolerance and better shot groups.

Here is my 1911PD and 1911PC.

 

[AndrewMock1]

I have a new SW1911 E-series Stainless 5" bought April 2020 at Sportsman's Warehouse for $845.00. I've only shot 50 rounds thru it and never been out of the house during days with any precipitation. My issue is that patches of surface rust have shown on the slide and now the sides of the hammer. The gun is oiled and kept in it's original case in my room. I didn't purchase my first 1911, a beautiful one at that carrying the Smith and Wesson name for it to develop surface rust after two months. I found one other instance of someone experiencing this problem with a SW1911 and he was advised to return it to S&W where it was resurfaced. Seems like a lot to deal with after such a large purchase, kinda disappointing. Any advice, experience, or criticism is welcome. Wishing I would have gone with the M&P Shield 2.0 .45 full size instead now. Called the 800# today and no one answered at S&W. Looking forward to any comments. Oh, this is not my first firearm. I own hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns but this is my first Stainless piece.

 

[Big Cholla]

Forty years ago I got back into competitive handguns in IPSC. It was all Colt 1911s. That led me back into active gunsmithing modifying my 1911s. I became somewhat hidebound about any other manufacturers' clones of Colt's 1911. My gunsmithing efforts for years was centered on customization of the Colt 1911. About 5 years ago I purchased a small collection of handguns that included a NIB S&W SS 1911 clone. I was very interested in the change to the external extractor as I had formulated the opinion that the internal extractor was the weakest point of J.M.B's design. I was impressed with what I found inside and outside the S&W 1911. A good friend that I turned into a S&W revolver collector had never owned any 1911. I had put about 500 rounds down range thru the Smith. My friend talked me into selling him the S&W SS 1911. He has two sons in the military. Every time one of them is home they head for the shooting range. To date they have put over 10,000 rounds of factory ammo thru this particular S&W 1911. They are impressed, I'm impressed and to date I've not had to tweak, correct or even look at this handgun on my workbench. On this one example I think that S&W has improved J.M.B's design and are certainly capable of producing as good of 1911 as Colt ever did.