Smith & Wesson SW1911PD - anybody have one?

[bafsu92]

I've got an offer for my Kimber I've got listed for a full sized SW1911PD. I don't know much about them but they seem to have good reviews. I'm for the most part a 1911 purist so I'm not really keen on the external extractors on the S&W & Sig 1911's. Supposedly it's pretty reliable but I'm just not sure. The other issue is I'd have to spend $60+ for a good ambi safety since I'm a lefty so I'm not sure if it's a good deal. Does anyone have any experience with these?

[Ichiban]

While it may not be a purist's 1911 the S&W 1911PD is a very good gun.  I've had one for several years and it has been boringly reliable (not a single problem to date) and is very accurate.  It is what I use to introduce people to 1911s as it is lighter weight but is still absorbs much of the recoil.  I have never had a moments regret about buying it.  Lord knows I can't say that about too many of my other purchases.   

[bafsu92]

thanks Ichiban. Everything I could find sounded positive and if anyone knows how to make an external extractor it should be S&W. I Like the idea of the scandium frame and if I really ended up hating the top end I could always swap out one of the Series 70 Colt slides I have squirreled away.

[Ichiban]

If all things were equal (which they never are) and I had to choose between a S&W and Kimber, I'd go with the Smith.  YMMV.

[bafsu92]

I could see that, I've had some exceptional Kimber's and some that were not so great. I even had one that I took in trade that if I didn't know better I would've sworn it was a chinese built copy of a Kimber. When I sent that one back to them it came back to me with an entire new top end and many hours of machine work on the slide along with all new, fitted lower internals. Basically everything that could be done that kept the same serial number. I will give them credit though, it was all done at no charge and no argument and I wasn't the original owner. Excellent service.

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

I've heard alot of good about S&W 1911's and experienced a little bad.

My future SIL bought one used, plenty of problems, a few trips to Springfield for repairs (about 40 miles) and they counldn't correct the problem.  He traded it away on a Bushmaster to get rid of it.  Our local FFL wouldn't even put the gun on consignment. 

A fella at my range had identical FTE problems with all sorts of assorted mags, same thing and that was a high end Doug Koenig model. 

"Caveat Emptor"....good luck.

In all fairness, I've heard similar issues with a lot of other brands of 1911's, including some budget busters...

[bafsu92]

I still haven't decided to take it. I've never really debated this much on something in this price range before.  I've read and heard a lot more good than bad but the bad I've heard really scares me. If I knew the person involved I'd probably pull the trigger but I always worry that I'll be the one to get someone else's problem.

[Timothy]

We're pretty restricted up here so I couldn't buy everything I wanted to try.  S&W is well represented (since they build them here) and so is Para Ordnance.  I'm used to the series 70 and 80 systems with internal extractors so I went with the monster extractor that Para uses.

I have no complaints with the Para, like "Mikey", it'll eat anything I feed it and poop it out on schedule every time.

Smith & Wesson should stand by everything they make and from reports I've read, they do just that.  My SIL had a turd but that doesn't mean they're problematic.  Darn near every other auto loader on the planet uses an external extractor, some better than others I guess.

[TAB]

I can't speak for thier run of th emill 1911s, but thier dk model is very nice.  Its also a deal at about $2500.  it would cost you alot more to build that gun.

[twyacht]

YES YES YES!!!!


I can personally vouch for a S&W 1911. Mine is a Gold Cup, with a few "tweaks" but it is a 100% reliable, no muss no fuss 45ACP platform

NO issues, eats all ammo, added Wolff Springs, trigger job, ambi-safety, Novak Sights, and use Wilson Combat Mags. That's cause I'm a lefty, and I like Wolff Springs.

The amount of "meat" on the extractor, makes it very simple and effective. It is not just "thrown" together. Like the M+P, S&W got their 1911 line right.

They know how 1911 owners, buyers, are.

I will pass this one down, it is that good.