New Colts & SW1911 ... with a growing edge to the SW1911's.
The only thing I really dislike about the new XSE I bought is the increased number of non-Colt produced, vendor-supplied parts. The pistol is very accurate & reliable so far, although I replaced the ambidextrous thumb safety (which broke apart) and a standard guide rod & plug & 18.5 lb recoil spring are going to be installed. I may, or may not, eventually replace the older style extended 'duckbill' grip safety, since it doesn't really interefere with my personal grip and presentation techniques, although it's not as well shaped or rounded (meaning sharp edges) around the frame as some other upswept parts. Just depends on my mood someday.
The SW1911's I've handled and fired have all performed fine, and I'm ordering a SW1911Sc of my own. My partner really likes his, and he's always been a hard-line Colt fan, having also bought new blue & stainless Government Models in recent months (although he'll admit to owning a very early production Kimber which has exhibited fine function). I know a few other folks that really like their SW1911's, as well.
I think S&W is really going to do well with this line, especially now that they're investing in the ability to produce more of the parts in-house. I don't know about their choice in magazines, though, since they've gone through a couple of vendors, so far. Perhaps the ACT magazines will turn out to be better than the Wilson mags. Time will tell ... In the meantime I'll be ordering more Metalform/Wolff, and will continue to T&E the Tripp Cobramags.
