Appreciate Your Thoughts ........

[cray]

Good evening folks; I've been lurking for the last couple of weeks, shamelessly snatching up as much forum wisdom as I could. The knowledge level and maturity at this site are over the top .. congrats to the owner/mods/senior members.

I've decided that the time has come for me to get back in the 1911 game. And, though I've got 3 full sized Colts, I'd like something a bit lighter, and more concealable. When I started visiting, I had my mind set on a Kimber Pro Carry, CDP, or the like. But, it didn't take long to get a negative vibe about Kimber in general. I did a very "unscientific" survey, and you'll be proud to know that considering Pro posts to Neg posts, Smith 1911s come out way ahead of everyone else. Also, the warranty is an important selling point with me.

I want the following in a carry gun: 3.5 to 4.25 inch barrel, with a tendency toward the 4". I know the shorter barrel lengths work, but I have always thought they were more "finicky".

I want an AL-Scandium alloy frame. This won't be a competition gun, but will be shot enough to insure reliability. Whenever I go to the range to shoot rifles, I generally put 25 rounds or so through whatever I'm carrying and that's usually once a week. Kimber says their aluminum frame is good for 20,000 rounds? An AL-Scanidum allow should be good for at LEAST that. I have no illusions, I know what I'm giving up to get the lighter weight.

Caliber 45 ACP or 40 SW ... I currently have 45s and don't really need another cartridge to load for.

Corrosion-free slide & frame - In the summer, I use IWB holsters, SOBs with a good cover garment, and sometimes belly bands - I don't want anything that's going to rust when sweat hits it.

Tritium/Night Sites - pretty explanatory ....

Now, I love SA semi-autos, and carried a compact .45, in condition one for several years. But, for civilian carry, I tend to favor a long DA trigger stroke for a CCW weapon. Recently a dealer showed me a Para-Ordnance LDA which fits my requirements. That's a pretty nice piece of engineering. This is one area I haven't yet made a decision about ... for those of you carrying a 1911 the way it's supposed to be carried (cocked-n-locked), any problems/concerns carrying concealed?

Anyway, I'd appreciate any comments and/or thoughts you may have, whether about my reasoning, or anything I may have overlooked.

Y'all have a good evening,

cray

[carolinaman]

Hi Cray,

Welcome to the forum.

I have owned many, many .45's including Colts and SA's. Back in the mid-nineties, I built 2 caspians to be used for CCW and competition. My legacy with the 1911 stretches back a bit and I have alway's managed to keep a 1911 in my collection of Glocks, and "other" handguns.

First, when I purchased my last 1911, I went with a S&W 1911. Why? I didn't see the need to buy a new handgun and dump $$$ into it making it more shootable as I have done with my other 1911's, i.e. new sights, safeties, grips and ect. The S&W had all the features I wanted right from the box at a "decent" price.

Your choice for a S&W is pretty much "dead-on" as far as I can see. I would take a hard look at the SC series of S&W 1911's.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14724&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

I would have no problem with the Cocked and Locked carry mode with the S&W. The safety is very positive.

Chris

[1911 Shooter]

Welcome to the forum Cray, I hope you enjoy the exchange of ideas and opinions that keep us coming back.
As an owner of a S&W 1911PD in 4.25", I can recommend this model and the Sc version with the stainless slide without hesitation. Several members on this forum own the Sc and seem to be happy with the weapon.

The Scandium alloy added to the aluminum in the S&W frame is to ensure a stronger more long lasting life of the frame than an aluminum alloy only frame.
You should expect a long service life with the Scandium models without worry.

I really like the S&W 1911. I think the folks at S&W have a great line to satisfy any need of any shooter.

I just wish I owned more of them.

[Baldy]

Welcome Cray. I too am a new owner of a S&W 1911 PD 41/4" barrel. All I can say is it is one fine shooting gun. I got the steel barrel in black. I don't due a hole lot to work up a sweat anymore or I would get the stainless steel one. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. I think I'll start saving for a SS model anyway. Good Day.

[John]

Hey Cray, where are the pics???

:wl:

[Tang419]

Welcome to the forum Cray, I hope you enjoy the exchange of ideas and opinions that keep us coming back.
As an owner of a S&W 1911PD in 4.25", I can recommend this model and the Sc version with the stainless slide without hesitation. Several members on this forum own the Sc and seem to be happy with the weapon.

The Scandium alloy added to the aluminum in the S&W frame is to ensure a stronger more long lasting life of the frame than an aluminum alloy only frame.
You should expect a long service life with the Scandium models without worry.


I love my Sc ! Most accurate handgun that I have owned, and I have had about 15 in the last year, trading around to find that "perfect fit" for me.

Also, what he said about the Scandium treatment must be true. I did the no no, without putting much thought into it. I polished my feedramp like I have several of my other guns. Some folks said the coating was there to protect the frame, and now my feedramp would dwindle to nothing. I just hit 500 rounds yesterday, with a mixture of hollow points and ball rounds, and the ramp is still mirror smooth.

Here, Ill add a pic to get it started

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid209/p2311f7265ed3ff07724b19b7ba90e986/ee229d4f.jpg