Thinking about 1911

[Noir1911]

I'm in the market for a 1911. I have an idea of the model that I'm leaning towards, but wanted to get some opinions from actual owners.

If you could kindly confirm my selcetion, and/or suggest a different model I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Here is a link to the model: (SKU108295)
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=14727&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

Description:
•"Exclusive" Olive Drab Crimson Trace® Lasergrips
•5" 1911 Configuration Accepts After-Market Parts and Accessories
•Packaged with 2 - 8 Round 1911 Magazines
•Non-Reflective Matte Finish
•External Extractor for Extremely High Reliability
•Novak® Low Mount Carry Sight
•Full Length Guide Rod
John Moses Browning began his gunsmithing career in Ogden, Utah over 125 years ago. With more than 100 handgun and rifle patents, he is considered the father of the 1911. The Model 1911 has evolved since those early days. At Smith & Wesson, we have made an enormous commitment to this special pistol and have grown our family of SW1911s to include the widest variety of materials, finishes and unique features. Our commitment to pistols and the SW1911 has never been greater. Whether you want Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel or Lightweight Scandium Alloy construction, you are sure to find the highest quality 1911s made. Through Smith & Wesson, John Browning's timeless design has reached a level of quality and performance never before thought possible. For the finest selection of SW1911 pistols...turn to Smith & Wesson.

 

[kscardsfan]

I have no actualy experience with crimson trace grips, but I love my 1911PD. Only thing I changed was the full length guide rod and plug. Only cause I don't like full length rods, not cause they didn't work.

 

[Gunner11]

I have a 1911Sc with CT grips and use it as my primary carry gun. Also have a 1911PD. The PD went full auto on me during a range session but the factory repaired it at no cost. You won't regret a S&W 1911. BTW, the PD models are abt 10 ounces lighter which makes a difference if you carry it for any period of time.

 

[tlen]

What is your intended use ?
You might be able to purchase CT grips cheaper separately. CT grips are the way to go especially in low light conditions and they are a good training aid target shooting on cloudy days.

 

[Noir1911]

Purpose

Really for defense, but also for the aesthic value. I think the gun is beautiful.

 

[Jhawk412]

I have the exact model you're looking at and it functioned 100 percent right out of the box (with a cleaning and oiling) even during the break in period. It restored my faith in metal guns to tell the truth. Plus, the exclusive CTC grips are wonderful for old eyes. The grips themselves have a green color to them and the stainless steel of the gun has a very light greenish tinge to it. The whole package works like a charm and is striking to look at.

Ditto for the 1911PD with crimson trace grips, which I also bought.

 

[crofoot629]

If I was looking to purchase a .357 Magnum revolver, I would be looking for a S&W, and one made prior to 1957. A .45acp 1911? Probably not a S&W.

Among other considerations I believe S&W’s use a Swartz safety and I don’t know that their external extractor is a good thing either. Kimber Series II 1911’s all have Swartz safeties too. They are not as reliable as a series 80 safety, and I’d prefer neither. Springfield Armory’s have neither.

I’ve owned two Wilson Combat’s since 1996 and have been very happy with them. Prior to that I owned a Colt Series 80 gun and a low end Springfield.

If I was looking for a moderately priced gun today, I’d start with Springfield Armory and hope to buy a TRP or better grade gun. I think it’s fair to say you get what you pay for with SA, more money is more gun. Lightly used Les Baer’s can also found int the $1300 dollar range. Cruise the 10-8 Forums classifieds.

In this case I’m a proponent of spending more money for more value.

Emory

 

[running iron]

I have given away 4 1911's over the years to family members, all Colt's. I gave them away because I did not like searching for my brass and I have been sorry I gave them up then bought another one only to repeat the cycle. This time I got a Springfield Mil-Spec and I'm not giving this one up. It has just what I want and nothing extra. The 1911 platform is a weapon every-man should own, at least one IMO.

 

[38-44HD45]

I carry 1911 design guns more than anything else, and have for many years. I work on them, too, and have worked on most of the available brands, including S&Ws. The few Smiths that have come to me for help have had extractor problems, along with an occasional issue with other MIM internals. I am not a fan of their external extractors, nor of their firing pin safeties, but I've yet to see one of the firing pin safeties cause a problem. I think that there are better 1911s out there for the money, but I know lots of folks who have had 100% satisfaction with their S&W 1911s.

Springfield Armory is a hit or miss proposition. If you find one without metallurgical problems or major dimensional flaws, they are okay, but I've seen too much of both. "Series I" Kimbers were almost always excellent, but their QC has slipped lately, occasionally badly. Wilsons are excellent, Les Baers even better, Nighthawks superior. I have a fairly recent Colt XSE Commander that I converted from .38 Super to 9x23, and it is quite nice, if you don't mind doing a dehorning job. I understand that the latest production XSE guns are even better.

I like CT Laser Grips, but I've never put them on a 1911; only revolvers. If you like them, go for it.

You asked; remember what you paid for this advice...

 

[79ipa]

hmm

I have a 5 inch 1911 which I have had no problems with. That being said a 5 inch 1911 is slightly heavy and long for every day carry. Probably a 4 inch alloy frame would be ideal especially if a person would bobtail the rear end of it.

 

[MSgt G]

I have a S&W 1911 and love it! I've found that most of the people who complain about the external extractor's are doing just that - complaining. Probably because people don't seem to like change and they're used to the internal ones. I say buy it and don't look back.

Having said that, I also own two Les Baers, a PII and a SRP Commanche. They have internal extractors and I have had no complaints with them either. It would be hard to go wrong with the Baers or the Smiths.

 

[TennTony]

I do not have S&W 1911. Here's my take on some I have. Colt Gold Cup 70 Series, Gold Cup's target grade barrel is tighter and would not allow some of my reloads to feed. Designed for lighter loads and I damaged the slide stop shooting IPSC with it, shoulda changed springs. Was my 1st 1911, learned what not to do by doing it. Paraordinance Tac-4, no functional issues but for some reason I shoot slightly low with it. The grip is no wider than a single stack 1911 but the boxier cross section makes it bigger around. Paraordinance C7.45, more accurate than I expected from a 3.5" barrel. One of my favorite carry options. No problems yet. If you like the S&W model you mentioned, get it. I doubt you will regret that choice.

 

[Wee Hooker]

With a quick look at your link, it appears I have two earlier versions of that same gun minus the CT grips. 5" SS, Novak sights, etc.....
For the record, I've owned 3 other 1911's ( Colt series 70, S&W 1911PD and SA Gi) and sold them all off due to some level of dissatisfaction. I also still have a Colt Series 80 gold cup national match with a LOT of custom tweaking that may also soon be up for sale. I.E I'm not an expert but not a newbee to 1911's.
IMHO, the S&W 1911's have been the best out of the box 1911's I've ever shot. Accurate, decent triggers, lots of the must have custom features and they are RELIABLE regardless of what I feed them. Both my twin S&W 1911's run like clocks and never have disappointed me in any way. When I want to shoot a 1911, I reach past the Colt GCNM and grab a S&W.

If you like the grips and can get the gun for some reasonable amount then I'd say FO FOR ti. It the grip option turns out to be big $$$, just buy the basic SS version and add you own CTs if/when you feel the need. Nice thing about 1911's, Grips are cheap and plentiful. Mine wear som pretty cool stag grips right now.

 

[crofoot629]

I’m sure S&W makes a fine hobby grade 1911. If it’s in your price range, and you love the way it looks, and that’s what you’re buying it for, it should serve you well.

I’m not an expert, but I know enough to know where to go for some expert advice on 1911’s. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch and Hilton Yam of 10-8 performance are both people who I’d consider firearms experts.
My first of 6 classes with Clint Smith was at the old Texas Thunder Ranch in 1995 where I shot a Colt Combat Elite. When I bought the Combat Elite I already had a plain Jane Springfield Armory 1911, and I just had to have the pretty two tone Colt. It ran ok after I had the feed ramp polished and the front sight only fell of the one time. I got pretty good at clearing ftf and double feeds though. At the time I was shooting steel and IPSC and wanted a better 1911. I rather haphazardly bought a 5” Wilson Combat. There was no internet then to make research easy. There is a lot of information easily available to us now via the net. Maybe too much, you have to filter all of it for the right information. The replies you get from me and others on a gun board like this are often times of very little value. You need to find an expert, like Clint or Hilton. I’m a full time LEO, a gun guy, and I’ve been to some great trainings, but I’m in no way an expert, and don’t live and breathe guns like Clint or Hilton or other experts

I can parrot some of what I’ve learned from the experts though. Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, and Les Baer custom or semi custom guns have been mentioned here. I think they are all great guns, and unless someone was able to articulate exactly why, I wouldn’t believe anyone’s ranking of them in any particular order. Personally I’d be inclined to buy a Nighthawk or Baer because I don’t already have one. It seems to me WC has the absolute best customer service reputation in the industry. With Ryan being in the business with his father I’m more inclined to believe WC will be around down the road the longest.

Two of my coworkers own Bear TR 1911’s, they are nice guns. A third Bear TR owner and I were at a Clint Smith handgun course a few years ago when a small part broke in his gun, taking it out of commission for the remainder of the class. Bear fixed it, but I guess even Bear TR guns break.

Buy what makes you happy, but not all 1911’s are created equal.

Emory

 

[Wee Hooker]

S&W 1911's Hobby Grade??? Your kidding right?!!


Over and out on this one before I start in on "the experts" and where they make their $.

 

[MSgt G]

S&W 1911's Hobby Grade??? Your kidding right?!!

That's when I stopped reading and put on my waders.

 

[dennis40x]

I guess the question of quality is always a concern. At a price range of $2500 -$3000 certainly one should be expect quality. Every day some one puts their life on the line with such examples as Glock and S&W-MP series pistols. I know it’s an apple orange example but from a functional stand point they simply work. What is the $$$$ break point between excellent – good – bad - & awful? To a certain extent that determination is made by reputation/quality/function and the market place.

I’ll admit to spending some $$$$$ on a rifle but not for esthetics but for functionality. Like to hit things way out there.

If it were I and it isn’t I’d buy a Colt-XSE and spend the remainder of the money on ammunition. Oh yes there is nothing wrong with a S&W 1911 the Colt is simply a personal preference.

 

[crofoot629]

S&W 1911's Hobby Grade??? Your kidding right?!!


Over and out on this one before I start in on "the experts" and where they make their $.

No I'm not kidding. Among other issues if it does have a Swartz safety it takes it out of the duty gun category.

Emory

 

[MaJeeper]

I have a 1911 PD Commander with CT laser grips. Love it. Nuff said.

 

[qennis]

kimber maker a great 1911, IMO