Ruger SR1911 vs. S&W 1911 E 5inch SS

[Skylerbone]

The Ruger's barrel and bushing are machined from a single piece of bar stock, not a big deal as the extra material is already there to accommodate the barrel feet.

The E-Series isn't completely conventional as it still sports a void at the rear of the frame for some unknown reason but is indeed devoid of a Swartz. It does not, on the base model, include an ambi-safety but does come equipped with a FLGR. While the front strap checkering is a nice touch the contour itself is rather incomplete in its radius, similar to a Les Baer. This leaves a rather unsightly (to me) gap between the front strap and stocks making it less comfortable overall than say a Colt with more rounded profile.

If I were buying again in that price range with only those two choices I'd choose the Ruger. If I were the OP however I'd save my pennies for a really nice 1911. You've already purchased one mid-priced 1911, why would you want more of the same?

 

[JTQ]

Ref S&W "E-Series" - This leaves a rather unsightly (to me) gap between the front strap and stocks making it less comfortable overall than say a Colt with more rounded profile.

I find that an oddity of the E-Series I haven't been able to get over. The older models didn't have the frame like that. I'm assuming it must be a cost savings feature, as I don't ever recall any 1911 fans ever saying "Gee, I wish some company would may a squarer front strap so I could have extra space on the grip frame that my grips won't cover".

Auto Ordnance used to have that same frame type, which bugged many a GI style 1911A1 lover, but recent pictures I've seen have shown the more rounded front strap like Colt.

 

[Skylerbone]

For those wanting a view, my E-Series vs. a Colt using Sarge's stocks which are slightly wider than a standard factory offering.

Same stocks on a Colt leaving no gap between front strap:

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Huh..... This is interesting. It is a difference I was unaware of since the S&W is the only 1911 I own so far, nor am I a 1911 expert. I can see how that would bug you true 1911 collectors. If you've been shooting 1911's for a long time, it could feel pretty weird. It doesn't bother me a bit as a newer 1911 owner. You learn something new everyday.

Nice horse skull by the way.

 

[KTXdm9]

Can't speak to the Smith, but I love my SR1911. Many great features for the pricing point.

 

[Miterek]

Today I put money down on a Ruger SR1911 CMD. Now I just have to wait

 

[MassMan]

I have 2 S&W 1911s, one of which is a performance center model. I love both and have never had an issue with either. I have friends who own the Ruger but I have yet to shoot one. That being said, a fellow named Mochak, who worked in the S&W performance center, left (or retired) from S&W when he was recruited by Ruger to run their 1911 project in Phoenix. He is the guy pictured in their early 1911 ads. Knowing his work and knowing Ruger's goal for quality, I am sure their 1911 is a fine gun.

 

[JTQ]

That being said, a fellow named Mochak, who worked in the S&W performance center, left (or retired) from S&W when he was recruited by Ruger to run their 1911 project in Phoenix.

Richard Mochak designed the S&W 1911 firing pin safety system. It is a very robust design. Most 1911 fanciers don't care for fining pin safeties, but I don't recall seeing many problems with the S&W design.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=yZUJAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4#v=onepage&q&f=false