SW1911 Performance Center Q's

[BingoFuel]

I just purchased the full size (government) PC SW1911. I've never been a big 1911 fan but I've been eyeing this model since SW brought it to market. It is overwhelmingly beautiful to my eyes (as is the scandium btw) and felt like, as a handgun owner/collector I just had to have at least one 1911.
Two questions:
I'd like to order some extra mags for it and was thinking about Mec Gar. I was also thinking of buying two Kimber 10 round mags as well. Comments?
Regarding the lightening cuts. Do they essentially preclude using this as a carry gun? Since the create opening, do you have to be careful about getting dirt and crud in to the slide?
Thx,
B

 

[worm5932]

is yours the 4.25"? I am considering one of these as well in the 5" though. i personally would only use brand specific magazines in a high end gun.

 

[t-bird]

I just purchased the full size (government) PC SW1911. I've never been a big 1911 fan but I've been eyeing this model since SW brought it to market. It is overwhelmingly beautiful to my eyes (as is the scandium btw) and felt like, as a handgun owner/collector I just had to have at least one 1911.
Two questions:
I'd like to order some extra mags for it and was thinking about Mec Gar. I was also thinking of buying two Kimber 10 round mags as well. Comments?
Regarding the lightening cuts. Do they essentially preclude using this as a carry gun? Since the create opening, do you have to be careful about getting dirt and crud in to the slide?
Thx,
B

Need Pics or it never happened..

 

[WhitleyStu]

I use Tripp CobraMags, both 8 & 10 rnd, in my 5" S&W PC 1911. Tripp mags run flawlessly in the PC 1911 as well as in all of the other 1911's I have used them in. I've never found the "lightening cuts" to collect dirt or be of any detriment.

 

[Tom_R]

I have a Kimber 1911, and the Kimber mags I use for it work very well. The only mag I have ever had an issue with is a Wilson a Combat mag, so go figure.

MecGar makes excellent mags, but I'd get some more input as to what the S&W 1911 specifically runs well on.

It's funny, I just don't associate S&W with 1911s at all, yet they probably made the slide for my Kimber.

 

[AveragEd]

I've owned both brands and the only reason I still have one Kimber is because S&W doesn't offer a target 1911 in .38 Super. All three of my Kimbers needed multiple trips back to the factory for warranty repairs and one of them had conditions that were never corrected. I can't say how much better S&W's service might be as I've not had to use it, which speaks for the quality difference in the two brands.

I have the 5" PC 1911 and the Sc version of the E-Series - both have been absolutely trouble-free, enjoyable to shoot and are very accurate. Both run well with S&W, Wilson and Kimber magazines. Conversely, my Kimber Stainless Target II in .38 Super will only function properly with Kimber magazines.

Ed

 

[worm5932]

From what I can see the line of 1911s from smith are very nice. I've never owned one but will be buying one soon. Pretty sure the 5" with the blue grips will find its way to my safe.

 

[ericlw]

i have 5 sw 1911's. they are all great shooters. i don't regret buying them at all. I know people REALLY like kimbers but i find them to be highly over rated. sw 1911's are a tad bit on the expensive side i don't deny that. my favorite is the 1911 9mm pro. that is a nice shooting gun without the 45 recoil since its all stainless the recoil is even less.

 

[Rpg]

My experience is that expensive 1911 magazines display problems at the same rate as cheap ones, so I always buy the least expensive I can find.

I discard any magazine that doesn't function flawlessly in ALL my 1911's. About 10% get discarded.

That said, the high volume mags tend to be less reliable than good old 7 round mags.

 

[dakota1911]

I bought one of the 4.25 inch guys this last year and really like it. Don't carry it as I have an older Colt Commander for that which has holster wear and scratches on it already. Any quality mag should be fine and I have had more problems over the years with the 8 rounders than 7 round ones. I could see picking up one of the 5 inch pistols down the road if I see ones when I have some money.

 

[wlp624]

I've got several S&W 1911's, PC and otherwise, and I've yet to find one I don't like! I also vote for Tripp Cobra Mags. As for S&W not offering a 1911 in .38 Super, as you can see, they did at one time, you just have to look hard for them!



The Doug Koenig Signature Series in .38 Super (all stainless) and .45ACP (two-tone)


Early 'Billboard' model, produced in the Performance Center but not marked as such




Talo Special, All Stainless


Talo Special, Two-Tone

 

[66snub]

I really like the Act Mags in my 5" E Series. They work great and are priced right. I've had Wilsons and Chip McCormicks and they are fine, but like in an earlier post, I like to have all of my mags as the same brand. By the way, I've put about 300 rounds through it since purchase and the only malfunctions it experienced (2 fail to feeds), were with the factory (Checkmate?) mags. YMMV