I am saving up for another 1911. I already have the Remington R1 and love it. However, I am looking at a stainless 1911; and have narrowed it to eithe the Ruger SR1911 or the S&W 1911 E series 5 inch. Any thoughts on these guns? The Ruger can be had for about $150.00 less. Just wondering if the S&W E is that much better?
Ruger SR1911 vs. S&W 1911 E 5inch SS
- Thread starter DavidB2
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g_one
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I've heard nothing but great reviews of the Ruger; although I haven't heard much specifically about their 1911, S&W also makes a great product. I personally would avoid both of them - they both have an external extractor, which isn't really an issue with reliability, but I think it kills the classic look that I love the 1911 for.
Fishslayer
Member
Ummm.... no. The SR1911 has an internal extractor and GI length guide rod. It also posseses none of the newfangled nonsense like internal locks, firing pin blocks, etc. It does have the hole for LCI but you hardly notice it.
g_one
Member
You're right, sorry. I'm not sure which other take on the 1911 I was thinking of, I'm gonna have to find it now though because it's bugging me
EDIT:
It's the SIGs. SIG is another firearm company that I would have no problem supporting or trusting their firearms with my life - but when they put external extractors on their 1911's, that ruled them out for me.
EDIT:
It's the SIGs. SIG is another firearm company that I would have no problem supporting or trusting their firearms with my life - but when they put external extractors on their 1911's, that ruled them out for me.
Southside830
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Nothing wrong with an external extractor. If you rule out a Sig or a S&W based on the fact that it has an external extractor your eliminating two of the best 1911's on the market.
SwampWolf
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Amen, Southside830.
Zaydok Allen
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I bought the E series after looking at the Ruger. When it came down to it, I liked the front cocking serations, front strap checkering (I really did want that), and fish scale serations on the S&W. The serations are just a little bit different take on the 1911 that I like, and they do provide a very positive grip. I believe the slide is also forged on the Smith rather than cast on the Ruger if that matters to you.
When it came down to it, it was just a preference thing for the Smith. I easily could have gone with the Ruger though. I doubt if one is more reliable than the other. If you are looking at spending 3/4ths of a grand, why not just jump to the one you want? If those added perks are not worth the extra money, then go with the Ruger.
When it came down to it, it was just a preference thing for the Smith. I easily could have gone with the Ruger though. I doubt if one is more reliable than the other. If you are looking at spending 3/4ths of a grand, why not just jump to the one you want? If those added perks are not worth the extra money, then go with the Ruger.
2bfree
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Can't speak of the S&W but I can tell you I really like my SR1911. I just came back from another 200 rounds through it for a total of 600 so far. 150 of them factory ammo and the rest my reloads. I have had one failure to feed on the first round to chamber, not sure if I faild to fully rack or not (it was 29 degrees and my hands were getting a bit numb ) It was also a reload using a rather long OAL. It will hit the 10 0n the target at 25 Yards using a bench rest so I am happy. I can find nothing I don't like about it other then it being SS, I really wish they sold in Blued. For 619.00 it is a great value IMHO.
WoodchuckAssassin
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I love when a SR1911 vs. Anything thread comes up!
As far as quality, I would put both on par with each other. Like a fellow poster said, it comes down to personal preference. I don't really care for any extra "frills" on my guns - especially 1911's. If you like front-slide serations, Ambi-safeties, etc...then the S&W is a great choice. I like the Ruger because...well, it's a Ruger...but besides that, it has a tight slide to frame fit, nice trigger (just over 5 lbs), all stainless, all American made, and again - no frills.
I do like the trigger of the S&W a little better (it's a little crisper, and maybe even a little lighter), but besides that, I'm still happy with my Ruger.
As far as quality, I would put both on par with each other. Like a fellow poster said, it comes down to personal preference. I don't really care for any extra "frills" on my guns - especially 1911's. If you like front-slide serations, Ambi-safeties, etc...then the S&W is a great choice. I like the Ruger because...well, it's a Ruger...but besides that, it has a tight slide to frame fit, nice trigger (just over 5 lbs), all stainless, all American made, and again - no frills.
I do like the trigger of the S&W a little better (it's a little crisper, and maybe even a little lighter), but besides that, I'm still happy with my Ruger.
Fishslayer
Member
^^^ This. Internal vs external would be pretty far down the list of deal makers & breakers for me. I have a mix of both. Same with guide rod length. I'm not really a 1911 purist...
...except for forward cocking serrations. Not my cuppa meat.
Jim PHL
Member
Can anyone clarify regarding the S+W; aside from the external extractor, is it pretty much a 'true' 1911?
The SW1911 also has a Schwartz firing pin safety, which wasn't part of the original Browning design.
...and it has a beavertail grip safety.
...and better sights.
...and a skeletonized trigger.
...and different slide serrations and frame checkering.
etc., etc.
funnelcake
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The Ruger's slide is barstock, not cast.
Funnel
Funnel
JTQ
Member
For clarity, it is a Swartz firing pin safety. However, the S&W "E Series" 1911's do not have a firing pin safety. The lack of a firing pin safety is the significant design feature of the "E Series" vs the previous generations of S&W 1911's. All the other changes are primarily cosmetic.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_770151_-1_757752_757751_image
May the schwartz be with you.
jakk280rem
Member
For further clarification, yes, the older SW1911 did have the Swartz FPS. The new "E" series S&W 1911 does not have a FPS, of any style. It uses a titanium firing pin and extra power spring to pass a drop test.
Zaydok Allen
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Thanks for clearing that up. Wasn't sure.
meanmrmustard
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...and the Rugers slide and barrel come from the same bar, if that matters!
The Ruger is a pretty good gun, but in my experiece the S&W 1911's are better. One of the best buys in a 1911. If you are a traditionalist the external extractor is a negative. If you want gun that works more reliably it is a positive.
wow6599
Member
IMO, a perfect answer to the question.
While I have no experience with the Ruger, I have been very please with my S&W E-Series.
It has been completely reliable and much more accurate than I am.
The only negative I can think of is between the external extractor and slide serrations, it certainly isn't as traditional as some.
For what its worth I plan on picking up a commander SR1911 when I can find one.
It has been completely reliable and much more accurate than I am.
The only negative I can think of is between the external extractor and slide serrations, it certainly isn't as traditional as some.
For what its worth I plan on picking up a commander SR1911 when I can find one.
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