Babalouie
Member
Just picked up (yesterday) a Smith & Wesson 1911PD, a light weight commander style 1911 from S&W. As a point of reference I have a full size 1911 Springer Trophy Match and an STI Edge, and I shoot around 3k rounds a year in uspsa with the Edge. I also CCW with various smaller guns, mostly a KelTec PF-9 and occasionally a Keltec P3AT. I’ve carried an XD, an M&P and a Taurus PT-140…not at the same time 
. I have been looking for a CCW 1911 that I could also shoot in Single Stack class uspsa in order to be really proficient with my ccw weapon. I considered a Springfield Champion and a few other aluminum frame lightweights. I chose the S&W with the scandium frame as I have read that the scandium is really strong and I just really like the look and feel of this gun.
Fit and finish was appropriate to the cost of the weapon which was $819 shipped from Bud’s. Appropriate meaning it was tight and looked good as far at fit and finish is concerned but does not have fancy millwork texturing and fine transition areas, i.e. the space between the frame and beavertail joints, frame and slide, etc. are tight and look nice but are not refined enough to generate a WOW factor. The finish itself is a beautiful matt black with S&W logo in offwhite lettering which gives it a nice subdued appearance.
It shipped in a very dry condition and before cleanup the slide was a bit gritty feeling. I field striped it, cleaned it and lubed it up with Mobile Syn. and sprayed the internals with Rem oil. Slide felt much better afterwards. One surprise is how light the frame is. Its quite amazing as the frame, without the grips attached, doesn’t seem any heavier than a poly frame! The over all weight of the gun is the same as the M&P. The trigger was heavier than I anticipated, I’d guess in the 5 to 6 lb range, but my 3lb STI spoils me. For a carry gun the trigger weight is fine. The trigger itself felt kind of unpolished…not really gritty just a bit abrasive. The grips are on the thick side with sharp checkering. I’ve already ordered a slim grip bushing kit and slim grips from Fusion.
At the range today I fired 200 rounds through her. No failures or problems of any kind whatsoever. I have six mags and used them all without any hiccups. When I did my job she impacted point of aim. Groups were tight but I did not shoot past 20 feet. I was concerned that the light weight would make for a flip happy firearm but I was seriously and most pleasantly surprised at how well this commander sized blaster handled. I am surprised at how much the shorter length adds to the overall balance and feel to the gun. Moderately fast double taps (pulling the trigger without stopping the front sight for a sight picture as it recovers down to target) impacted 3 inches apart at 20 feet. Between dry firing it a gazillion times last night and then today at the range the trigger is really nice now. I do not feel the need to get a trigger job and I would guess its now around 4.5lbs and the feel is crisp. I was planning on polishing the internals but I think I’m going to just leave it as it is, I’m that happy with it.
Overall I was enormously impressed and pleased with my purchase. This weapon just fits me well and makes me happy. Its like when you hit it off with someone and there’s a simpatico. I will not hesitate to take her out and shoot Single Stack with her or use her as my main concealed carry choice. I can’t wait for my Milt Sparks to come in!
. I have been looking for a CCW 1911 that I could also shoot in Single Stack class uspsa in order to be really proficient with my ccw weapon. I considered a Springfield Champion and a few other aluminum frame lightweights. I chose the S&W with the scandium frame as I have read that the scandium is really strong and I just really like the look and feel of this gun.Fit and finish was appropriate to the cost of the weapon which was $819 shipped from Bud’s. Appropriate meaning it was tight and looked good as far at fit and finish is concerned but does not have fancy millwork texturing and fine transition areas, i.e. the space between the frame and beavertail joints, frame and slide, etc. are tight and look nice but are not refined enough to generate a WOW factor. The finish itself is a beautiful matt black with S&W logo in offwhite lettering which gives it a nice subdued appearance.
It shipped in a very dry condition and before cleanup the slide was a bit gritty feeling. I field striped it, cleaned it and lubed it up with Mobile Syn. and sprayed the internals with Rem oil. Slide felt much better afterwards. One surprise is how light the frame is. Its quite amazing as the frame, without the grips attached, doesn’t seem any heavier than a poly frame! The over all weight of the gun is the same as the M&P. The trigger was heavier than I anticipated, I’d guess in the 5 to 6 lb range, but my 3lb STI spoils me. For a carry gun the trigger weight is fine. The trigger itself felt kind of unpolished…not really gritty just a bit abrasive. The grips are on the thick side with sharp checkering. I’ve already ordered a slim grip bushing kit and slim grips from Fusion.
At the range today I fired 200 rounds through her. No failures or problems of any kind whatsoever. I have six mags and used them all without any hiccups. When I did my job she impacted point of aim. Groups were tight but I did not shoot past 20 feet. I was concerned that the light weight would make for a flip happy firearm but I was seriously and most pleasantly surprised at how well this commander sized blaster handled. I am surprised at how much the shorter length adds to the overall balance and feel to the gun. Moderately fast double taps (pulling the trigger without stopping the front sight for a sight picture as it recovers down to target) impacted 3 inches apart at 20 feet. Between dry firing it a gazillion times last night and then today at the range the trigger is really nice now. I do not feel the need to get a trigger job and I would guess its now around 4.5lbs and the feel is crisp. I was planning on polishing the internals but I think I’m going to just leave it as it is, I’m that happy with it.
Overall I was enormously impressed and pleased with my purchase. This weapon just fits me well and makes me happy. Its like when you hit it off with someone and there’s a simpatico. I will not hesitate to take her out and shoot Single Stack with her or use her as my main concealed carry choice. I can’t wait for my Milt Sparks to come in!
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