Stainless 5" E Series 1911

[66snub]

Well, when I put my E Series on layaway, I originally came to the gun shop with the intention of buying a used Colt Lightweight Commander that they had on lay for the same price that I would be paying for the Smith.

I couldn't get over the difference in the number of features and the difference in the fit and finish of the two guns. They felt so different. I understand that Colts are supposed to be top-shelf, but I came away thoroughly unimpressed with the it. To me, it felt and seemed more like a $600-ish gun. Other than an extended beavertail and an alloy frame, it was nothing special. The trigger was mediocre, in my opinion. It was sloppy in the frame, which is nothing like what an Series is. I used to have plain-jane Mil Spec Springfield 1911 and the triggers were comparable. I'd expect more out of a $900 gun.

 

[epj]

My father in law and I bought a pair of these a couple of years ago. Nice guns. I immediately changed out the recoil spring to a 16# and the mainspring to a 19#. That cured all the ills of both guns and they are both 100% reliable and a pleasure to shoot. Don't know why S&W made them sprung so heavily. The heavy mainspring may have something to do with the light weight firing pin. Anyway all's good now.

 

[78Staff]

Apparently 1911 grip bushings are not common stock, at least in many shops around here. Finally found some VZ ones at the 3rd LGS I went to - they are slimmer than the stock ones, but seem to work fine. I'll be adding some VZ O2's or Recons anyway most likely, so should be a non-issue. Bad part is after running errands, stopping by the gun show (which was a bust, btw - seems like they are getting smaller and smaller these days ), and time wasted chasing down the bushings - pretty much wasted my whole afternoon. So range time will have to wait until Monday.

I think it's time to put in a general spare parts order to Brownells

EDiT - lol I just realized I posted this in the wrong thread, meant to post it in my other E-Series thread .