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Old December 16, 2011, 02:19 PM   #1
moneypit
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Pro/Con between SW1911 E-series and Sig 1911 C3

I'm window shopping now for a near future purchase of a 1911.

This handgun will primarily be used at the range (90%). My budget prefers closer to $800 but I would be willing to stretch it to $1200. This is a handgun my wife will also be shooting and she likes the idea of Crimson Trace grips.

I am considering between the S&W SW1911 E-Series (two-tone) and the Sig 1911 Ultra Two-Tone C3. I have held the C3 and like the feel and grip. Any comments that would help me decide between these models as well as buying the Crimson Trace versions are appreciated.

These two were picked because of the feel, look, availability of Crimson Trace models and price points. I am open for suggetions too.
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Old December 16, 2011, 02:43 PM   #2
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They're both good choices. Ideally you want to handle both and pick the one that feels the best to you, but they're not that different.
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Old December 16, 2011, 03:43 PM   #3
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The slide shape of the SIG may cause some problems with tightly fitted 1911 holsters (unless they were moulded for the SIG).
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Old December 16, 2011, 10:54 PM   #4
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I had the sig, ended up selling it due to consistent failure to feed issues with a commonly available brand of ball ammo. I kept shooting in the hope it was just growing pains but >600 rounds and a trip to sig later it still did it. None of my other 1911's choked on said ammo. My advice is to stick to a brand which is known to produce good 1911's and/or go custom and have a real person not just a series of machines fit the gun.
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Old December 17, 2011, 11:34 AM   #5
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I'm not in the market for a 45 acp right now and your question is one of the reasons why. I would love to have either one. The Sig C-3 just keeps calling my name everytime I see one. The S&W E series keeps E-mailing me telling me what a great gun it is.

I can't help with your dilemma, but I can say you have excellant taste in guns. Out of the box maybe the S&W, but that C-3 keeps calling my name.
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Old December 17, 2011, 04:14 PM   #6
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I'd definitely prefer the Smith outta' those choices.
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Old December 17, 2011, 04:59 PM   #7
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I think you will see favoritism toward the S&W based on their already established history in the 1911 market. Sig is not as well known though the poster above who had consistent FTF issues is interesting. I have not heard of anyone else who was unhappy with their SIG 1911 though.
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Old December 17, 2011, 05:21 PM   #8
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Early Sig 1911's were definitely plagued with issues, but recent one's are purportedly running nicely.

I've not used an E-Series S&W, but have heard raves about them.

I myself prefer a more traditional 1911, with "normal" slide profile, grasping grooves, and internal extractor.
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Old December 17, 2011, 05:50 PM   #9
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ripnbst, I had an early C3. It was a tack driver, but had at least its share of FTRBs.
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Old December 17, 2011, 07:11 PM   #10
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Of the 2 I would get the smith but if you are willing to pay $1200 stretch it another $100 and get the Dan Wesson CCO.

Problems with Sig 1911s have been documented from day 1. I had a gen 1 GSR which ran well. The extractor pin walked out on me and had to be replaced. Other than that it ran great but I sold it to find other projects.

They have gotten better since they got parts production in house for things like barrels, slides and frames but they are not as reliable as the Smiths IMHO.
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Old December 17, 2011, 07:36 PM   #11
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Excellent advice if you can find a DW CCO @ $1300.
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Old December 17, 2011, 07:41 PM   #12
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http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=265384014

$1219 shipped.

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Old December 17, 2011, 07:50 PM   #13
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S&W E-Series thread

http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...ghlight=series

If I recall, people commented that they are really fine functioning super-reliable pistols.
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Old December 17, 2011, 08:28 PM   #14
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Get the E-Series. $850 will buy you one fine 1911 my friend. Mine is a tackdriver. It is the finest mass-production firearm I have ever owned. Period.


Mine wearing the standard grips...




...and Crimson Trace grips.






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Old December 18, 2011, 10:18 AM   #15
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With all of the input and given my budget, I am leaning towards the S&W. I was able to see one in person and liked the feel. My local shop just received one in Friday, a few hours before I stopped by.

It is the one I want but, without Crimson Trace grips (just like your first pic John Eastwood). If I take this one it is $755(cash). If I order the Crimson Grips version it is $925 (cash).

If I am going to order, I might wait and get the one that really grabs my attention, the SW1911SC (with the bobtail) for $1125. Stretching to the $1300 price point will be a little difficult to justify when this is just one of the things demanding a portion of my income.

At least it looks like I have settled on the S&W though.
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Old December 18, 2011, 04:16 PM   #16
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Of those 2 choices, I'd opt for the SW1911 E series.

My SW1911Sc has been an outstanding pistol. S&W has invested heavily in equipment and resources to their SW1911 line. The Enhanced Models offer some revisions and features not found among the standard models (although the small 3" Pro-series has the oversize extractor).

S&W's customer service is a considerable advantage, I'd think, especially with pre-paid shipping both ways for the original owner for any warranty concerns.

While I definitely have no need for a 10th .45 pistol, let alone a 6th 1911-style pistol, ordering an E series has been in the back of my mind since I heard about them being developed.
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Old December 18, 2011, 04:18 PM   #17
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Buy the Bobtail, it's the most comfortable thing in the world. I really like the Kimber Aegis 5" Bobtail, but of course it's kimber; hit or miss.
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Old December 18, 2011, 06:36 PM   #18
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I dont have any experince with smiths but my Sig RCS has been perfect. And is very accurate.
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Old December 18, 2011, 11:28 PM   #19
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Yes, the very early Sigs had some problems. That was fixed years ago. Nothing wrong with the SW but I carry three 1911s regularly:

Les Baer Stinger
Ed Brown Special Forces Carry
Sig C3

'Nuff said.
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Old December 18, 2011, 11:58 PM   #20
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Was going through the same decisions a while back(looking at Sig Target Nitron instead) and ended up the with E-series. I like Sigs, my P220 is one of my favorite guns, however you won't be disappointed in the S&W.

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Old December 19, 2011, 07:31 AM   #21
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KyJim, if by "years ago," you mean 2008 or 2009, you may be right. My issues were with a late 2007 NIB C3.
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Old December 19, 2011, 07:55 AM   #22
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I have a newer C3 w/factory CT grips. Love it. Never had a failure with almost 500 rounds through it to include reloads and factory. Tack driver with the sights.

Only issue I have with it is my crossbreed supertuck for a 1911 does not fit it unless forced. So i need a new holster...

I'd think if i didn't get what I considered a great deal on it, I'd stick with the S&W just due to the holster use.
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Old December 19, 2011, 09:09 AM   #23
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Just picked up a C3 on Friday night. Ran 3 boxes of hardball through it along with a box of cast lead handloads and not single problem. The sight was dead on from the box. Christmas came early at our house
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Old December 20, 2011, 12:15 AM   #24
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Quote:
KyJim, if by "years ago," you mean 2008 or 2009, you may be right. My issues were with a late 2007 NIB C3.
Yes; 2008 is just about the cut off date.
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Old December 20, 2011, 11:42 AM   #25
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Quote:
Yes; 2008 is just about the cut off date.
Yes by 200 the buying public had just about completed Sigs C3 beta testing...
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