SA 1911 or Full Size or S&W

[nsjohnson]

I've been going back and forth trying to decide between a Springfield Armory full size .45 or a Smith & Wesson SW1911. I've also been considering the SW1911SC with the Scandium Alloy frame. I believe the SC is about 10oz lighter than the other two. Can ya'll give me some opinions on which is the better for target, self defense, etc. Am I talking apples & oranges??

Thanks

 

[ede]

i have a 1911SC and 1911PD and think for the money you'll not find a better 1911, even for more money you won't find an equall to the smiths. i don't like the springfield looks or feel, but lot of people have them and say they're great too.

 

[nsjohnson]

thanks for the reply. I didn't notice someone below started a similar thread. Are there any drawbacks with the S&W SC being 10oz lighter? Seems like a pretty big weight loss. Thanks

 

[thales]

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The biggest drawback is that the alloy frame is softer and will wear out sooner. If you shoot more than a hundred rounds a week, that may be of some concern to you. If you shoot less than a hundred rounds a month, don't worry about it.

Of course the big advantage of the alloy frame is that it is a great deal more comfortable to carry around all day.


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[beltfed74]

I've got SA's, Colts and a Kimber. The SA's better if you want a more traditional 1911, no external extractor or Swartz safety system. Im a Series 70 Standard type so the S&W really doesnt appeal to me.Also alloy doesnt really have the problems everyone thinks alteast with the ramped barrel. Just watch what kind of followers the mags use some can sorta ding up the frame under the barrel.

 

[robctwo]

I have the S&W PD Commander



Also the SA Black Stainless



So far the S&W is as accurate even w/o the laser. SA is much better for long range sessions. The weight helps manage the recoil. For carrying for a day the S&W would be the kdeal. Hence I needed both.

 

[dmallind]

Not a tradition-purist here so I vote S/W (though no small regard for SA either - fine weapons by all accounts). I have the PD Commander and albeit with 1200-1500 rds only in the course of a year or so I have no damage or wear. Recoil is not significantly greater (felt that is) than my Ed Brown full size stainless, but I am a gorilla-built guy so may not be the best datum for that. Very accurate, 99.99% reliable (couple of FTFs on early rapid fire drills - it was my first 1911 and I probably limpwristed a bit - been great since even on rapid fire drills). Feels just right.

Physics being what it is no doubt the lighter frame both absorbs and passes on a bit more damage than the heavier one, but I would have to see very real repeatable data on relative longevity before I would even venture to guess whether that would be significant for long term durability or not.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I have a S&W 1911SC, one of the earlier black models with big rollmark. The pistol has functioned flawlessly over the first thousand rounds or so and S&W did a good job of engineering such a light pistol to handle recoil so well. IMO it is a fine carry gun.

I also like all-steel 1911s.