trade question

[cameramonkey]

A little while back I had a question about my Springfield Stainless loaded model:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84135
Since the wonderful state of Maryland has approved 2 new internal locking devices, it has opened up new opportunities to trade my Springer. It has opened up the possibilities for a SW1911. After reading posts about the SW1911, it seems to get pretty favorable reviews. It seems to be a more reliable out of the box 1911 that wouldn't need any 'smith work. I really like this since I want the gun to serve double duty as a rang/defense weapon (and I really like the 1911!) But I have some questions:

1) does the SW1911 use MIM parts?
2) Does the external extractor really help the reliability of the weapon?
3) Am I wasting my time hoping for a reliable 1911, or should I just trade for the Sig or glock for what I'm looking for in a personal defense weapon?

Sorry for the redundant post, I'm just looking top make a wise decision (because I want a reliable 1911!) and really appreciate the input.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

1)- Probably yes, but I don't know what they are. Hopefully somebody else does.

2)- No. External extractors are easier to adjust, but as far as I know they are no better or no worse than internal. The easier adjustment of external extractors might be a cost factor, since if the gun comes back with a problem with the part, less of the gunsmith's valuable time will be spent fixing it.

3)- Never had a Springfield, but my Kimber TLE and all 3 of my Colts have been reliable. So, no , you aren't wasting your time, but this design can be a bit more finicky than your average Glock.

 

[Chuck Perry]

The 1911 can be perfectly reliable. Take the $100 you're going to lose on the trade and get a reliability job done. Worth every penny. A good 1911 is the best thing going in a combat pistol.

 

[at-home-daddy]

I just took my new SW1911 out to the range for the first time last night, and can vouch for it being functionally reliable through its maiden 150 rounds -- had no FTEs, no FTFs, etc....it handled great, and I'm satisfied with my purchase; it's a terrific gun.

Having said that, though, a Sig has been and always will be my weapon of choice for the defense of my home and family, as that's where my total confidence in performance and design lies. Not only that, but I'm of the school of thought that a double-action first shot is a good built-in safety.

 

[Majic]

Most 1911 problems are faily simple and easily fixed. You can run into problems with most any 1911 made today as so many have gotten away from the original design specs. It's a fact of life you have to put up with. Yours can easily be retrofitted with good parts and you should have years of trouble free usage.
Your very next 1911 could work perfectly out the box, or you could spend a life's savings trying to find one. The vast majority of them can be made to run perfectly though.
If all this bothers you then maybe it's best for you to get the Sig or Glock as you have no faith in the 1911 and peace of mind is important. The 1911 is not for everyone.

 

[Shmackey]

1) does the SW1911 use MIM parts?

Yup.

2) Does the external extractor really help the reliability of the weapon?

Nope.

3a) Am I wasting my time hoping for a reliable 1911

Nope

3b) or should I just trade for the Sig or glock for what I'm looking for in a personal defense weapon?

See 3a.

 

[JoeHatley]

CM,

I bought one of the very 1st SW1911 about a year and a half ago.



Once it got though a break in of around 300 rounds, it has been 100% reliable.

I'd rate it as a great value, especially given it's $650-ish street price.

Good Luck...

Joe