1911 - Narrowed my choices - Pros/cons ??

AdrianVall · October 13, 2012, 06:24 PM

Hey all,

Ok, after visiting a gun show today.. I've narrowed down my choices to 4 different 1911's. If you guys could help me choose, maybe listing some pros/cons of each, or personal experience, I would GREATLY appreciate it.

1 - Smith & Wesson 1911 E series - Price at show today - $750. I reaaaaaaaally liked this gun a lot. Looked GREAT to me. Stainless slide, loved the fish scale serrated slide. Don't like that the mags aren't flush with the bottom of the grips, but whatever. Loved the grips.

2 - Springfield Armory 1911 loaded - I don't think I saw one at the show today, but if I'm not mistaken, price is around $900? A bit out of my budget, unfortunately, but can make it happen if it comes HIGHLY recommended over my other choices.

3 - Ruger SR1911 - I already have a Ruger. Wanted something different, but I've read so many GREAT things about this gun. Price is somewhere around $750??

4 - Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 - I've always wanted a Desert Eagle since playing Socom when I was a youngin'. LOL. But besides that, I've read they are great guns and shoot very well. Didn't have the 3 dot sights though, which I didn't like. Cash price is $600 which is FANTASTIC!

All guns are brand new. I just simply can't decide. I thought for sure I was going to buy the S&W E-series. But decided to wait to do a bit more research tonight and make a decision tomorrow.

Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Adrian

Jbail1 · October 13, 2012, 07:24 PM

The only one I have experience with is the ruger and I am 100% satisfied. Only have about 350 rounds down her, but every one has been flawless. Trigger is crisp. Parts are tight. Gun is more accurate than I am. The only 1911 I have compared it to is a buddies series 70. To ne completely honest I like mine better, but then again I would be biased.

Mine came to my FFL for about 650 though. If you are not in a huge hurry, I'd search online before paying a premium plus tax at a gun show. Just my 2 cents.

Goodluck.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Smit · October 13, 2012, 07:54 PM

I have an E Series S&W, its a great gun. That price for a quality 1911 is hard to beat. The feature I like most about mine is the trigger; its fantastic. Super accurate at the range and looks good to boot. I know they had issues when they first came out, but all of those have been resolved. For $750 you can buy some ammo with it.

Fishbed77 · October 13, 2012, 08:37 PM

The S&W E-Series would be my first choice out of those pistols and $750 is a good price. Flush mags are easy to find, so don't let that affect your decision.

orionengnr · October 13, 2012, 09:49 PM

Depending on which E-Series S&W, I would lean that way.

I paid a bit over $1000 for a new E-series Scandium PD1911, and $750 for a used Scandium GunSite edition.

Mags are a non-issue--any quality 1911 mag will work in any 1911.

I am still on my LGS's waiting list for a Ruger 1911 at ~$650...it's been over a year, and it may take a while longer.

The steel-framed Ruger will be a range pistol. The S&Ws are carry pistols.

The Mag Res, Remington, RIA, and many other 1911s are entry level 1911s. Some have great experiences with them, others are dissappointed.

In my experience, the money you save on a cheap 1911 will likely be repaid several times over getting it to work correctly...and you will never have the resale value of a quality 1911.

Your choice...do as you will.

AdrianVall · October 14, 2012, 10:28 AM

I was all set to buy the S&W E-Series, but I've read soooooooooooo many bad things about the early production models. It seems they have been resolved, but I'm still incredibly hesitant of buying one. Any other thoughts?

Amsdorf · October 14, 2012, 11:07 AM

If you have a budget of between $600-$750, I'd recommend the Ruger SR1911. Here is my one year review/update.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU_Ghu5eKJ8

jmr40 · October 14, 2012, 01:37 PM

Quote:

I was all set to buy the S&W E-Series, but I've read soooooooooooo many bad things about the early production models.

I haven't read of any problems. I'll say that the S&W 1911's I've owned and handled have been the best I've experienced. I'd easily pick one over anything else in the price range.

Smit · October 14, 2012, 04:01 PM

As I said before, these problems are fixed by now. I would not worry about buying a faulty gun from them.

predecessor · October 14, 2012, 09:06 PM

All are fine for the price. The Smith and Ruger are US made if that is important for you. But for my money on all of these guns, I like the Magnum Research by IWI -- Solid well built pistols and you basically get the most for the money. None of the other pistols are heirloom guns either so save you money, cut your teeth on the Desert Eagle and save your money for an heirloom gun down the road.

TunnelRat · October 14, 2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Don't like that the mags aren't flush with the bottom of the grips, but whatever.

You say that like it's some sort of design flaw. Most 8 rd 1911 mags will extend slightly, because they hold one more round than typical. The flush fitting mags are typically 7 rds, though there are some 8 rders but the springs have been cut and aren't worth it IMO. As has been said quality flush fitting 7 rd 1911 mags can be found for say $25 a mag.

Patriot86 · October 14, 2012, 11:37 PM

I have a Pre-E S&W 1911; I had a small slide to frame fit issue and I will say this S&W has the best customer service I have ever encountered. They paid shipping both ways and fixed my gun quickly. Since then the gun is a freakin beautiful thing; NOT A SINGLE failure of any type for over 500 rounds.

The new S&W E series 1911's seem to get nothing but glowing reviews too.

I don't have any personal experience with Springfield Armory or Ruger 1911's but I have never even read a negative word about either.

Edward429451 · October 15, 2012, 01:40 PM

My friend has one of the new Ruger 1911's. I've shot it and it is an incredible pistol. Fit and finish are superb and the trigger is about as sweet as it gets. Shoots nice and straight. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I could.

Isk · October 15, 2012, 01:45 PM

That price seems a bit high for the Ruger...they had them here a few weeks ago at $626 plus tax. A friend has the S&W E-Series and it is a super nice gun. At $750, that's the one I'd buy.

WESHOOT2 · October 16, 2012, 09:55 PM

S&W; you already answered your own question!

Rob228 · October 16, 2012, 10:00 PM

While neither of my S&W 1911's are E series, I freakin love them.

Kreyzhorse · October 17, 2012, 06:44 AM

I don't know any thing about the DE, but it's really hard to go wrong with the S&W, Ruger or Springfield. All three have great customer service and if you have any problems, they will be taken care of.

If I were buying I'd go Springfield but really, either of the three will serve you well.

coolbreezy · October 18, 2012, 04:21 AM

i only had experiance with 3 of those guns. the ruger is great gun and easily best bang for your buck. the s&w is also a great gun and relatively fair in pricing. i dont like the springer loadeds at all. i still think springfield is a fine 1911. i do love the look of the longslides but the trp is a MUCH better gun. no experiance with dezzy 1911.

1stmar · October 18, 2012, 05:18 AM

I have an older model Springfield custom built in geneso il, it's been 100% reliable and a good shooter for over 15 years. By far one of my favorite pistols. A true work horse.

October 13, 2012, 06:24 PM	#1
AdrianVall Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 144	1911 - Narrowed my choices - Pros/cons ?? Hey all, Ok, after visiting a gun show today.. I've narrowed down my choices to 4 different 1911's. If you guys could help me choose, maybe listing some pros/cons of each, or personal experience, I would GREATLY appreciate it. 1 - Smith & Wesson 1911 E series - Price at show today - $750. I reaaaaaaaally liked this gun a lot. Looked GREAT to me. Stainless slide, loved the fish scale serrated slide. Don't like that the mags aren't flush with the bottom of the grips, but whatever. Loved the grips. 2 - Springfield Armory 1911 loaded - I don't think I saw one at the show today, but if I'm not mistaken, price is around $900? A bit out of my budget, unfortunately, but can make it happen if it comes HIGHLY recommended over my other choices. 3 - Ruger SR1911 - I already have a Ruger. Wanted something different, but I've read so many GREAT things about this gun. Price is somewhere around $750?? 4 - Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911 - I've always wanted a Desert Eagle since playing Socom when I was a youngin'. LOL. But besides that, I've read they are great guns and shoot very well. Didn't have the 3 dot sights though, which I didn't like. Cash price is $600 which is FANTASTIC! All guns are brand new. I just simply can't decide. I thought for sure I was going to buy the S&W E-series. But decided to wait to do a bit more research tonight and make a decision tomorrow. Any thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, Adrian

October 13, 2012, 07:54 PM	#3
Smit Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2012 Posts: 335	I have an E Series S&W, its a great gun. That price for a quality 1911 is hard to beat. The feature I like most about mine is the trigger; its fantastic. Super accurate at the range and looks good to boot. I know they had issues when they first came out, but all of those have been resolved. For $750 you can buy some ammo with it. __________________ "Vegetarian, an old Indian word for bad hunter."

October 13, 2012, 09:49 PM	#5
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	Depending on which E-Series S&W, I would lean that way. I paid a bit over $1000 for a new E-series Scandium PD1911, and $750 for a used Scandium GunSite edition. Mags are a non-issue--any quality 1911 mag will work in any 1911. I am still on my LGS's waiting list for a Ruger 1911 at ~$650...it's been over a year, and it may take a while longer. The steel-framed Ruger will be a range pistol. The S&Ws are carry pistols. The Mag Res, Remington, RIA, and many other 1911s are entry level 1911s. Some have great experiences with them, others are dissappointed. In my experience, the money you save on a cheap 1911 will likely be repaid several times over getting it to work correctly...and you will never have the resale value of a quality 1911. Your choice...do as you will. Last edited by orionengnr; October 13, 2012 at 09:57 PM.

October 14, 2012, 04:01 PM	#9
Smit Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2012 Posts: 335	As I said before, these problems are fixed by now. I would not worry about buying a faulty gun from them. __________________ "Vegetarian, an old Indian word for bad hunter."

October 14, 2012, 09:06 PM	#10
predecessor Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2006 Posts: 837	All are fine for the price. The Smith and Ruger are US made if that is important for you. But for my money on all of these guns, I like the Magnum Research by IWI -- Solid well built pistols and you basically get the most for the money. None of the other pistols are heirloom guns either so save you money, cut your teeth on the Desert Eagle and save your money for an heirloom gun down the road. __________________ ________________________________________________________________________ The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

October 13, 2012, 07:24 PM	#2
Jbail1 Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Posts: 3	The only one I have experience with is the ruger and I am 100% satisfied. Only have about 350 rounds down her, but every one has been flawless. Trigger is crisp. Parts are tight. Gun is more accurate than I am. The only 1911 I have compared it to is a buddies series 70. To ne completely honest I like mine better, but then again I would be biased. Mine came to my FFL for about 650 though. If you are not in a huge hurry, I'd search online before paying a premium plus tax at a gun show. Just my 2 cents. Goodluck. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

October 13, 2012, 08:37 PM	#4
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	The S&W E-Series would be my first choice out of those pistols and $750 is a good price. Flush mags are easy to find, so don't let that affect your decision.

October 14, 2012, 10:28 AM	#6
AdrianVall Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 144	I was all set to buy the S&W E-Series, but I've read soooooooooooo many bad things about the early production models. It seems they have been resolved, but I'm still incredibly hesitant of buying one. Any other thoughts?

October 14, 2012, 11:07 AM	#7
Amsdorf Junior member Join Date: July 24, 2011 Location: Saint Louis, Missouri Posts: 849	If you have a budget of between $600-$750, I'd recommend the Ruger SR1911. Here is my one year review/update. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU_Ghu5eKJ8

October 14, 2012, 11:37 PM	#12
Patriot86 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,293	I have a Pre-E S&W 1911; I had a small slide to frame fit issue and I will say this S&W has the best customer service I have ever encountered. They paid shipping both ways and fixed my gun quickly. Since then the gun is a freakin beautiful thing; NOT A SINGLE failure of any type for over 500 rounds. The new S&W E series 1911's seem to get nothing but glowing reviews too. I don't have any personal experience with Springfield Armory or Ruger 1911's but I have never even read a negative word about either.

October 15, 2012, 01:40 PM	#13
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	My friend has one of the new Ruger 1911's. I've shot it and it is an incredible pistol. Fit and finish are superb and the trigger is about as sweet as it gets. Shoots nice and straight. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I could.

October 15, 2012, 01:45 PM	#14
Isk Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2011 Location: Alaska Posts: 206	That price seems a bit high for the Ruger...they had them here a few weeks ago at $626 plus tax. A friend has the S&W E-Series and it is a super nice gun. At $750, that's the one I'd buy. __________________ The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave. -James Burgh

October 16, 2012, 09:55 PM	#15
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	S&W; you already answered your own question! __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

October 16, 2012, 10:00 PM	#16
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	While neither of my S&W 1911's are E series, I freakin love them.

October 17, 2012, 06:44 AM	#17
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I don't know any thing about the DE, but it's really hard to go wrong with the S&W, Ruger or Springfield. All three have great customer service and if you have any problems, they will be taken care of. If I were buying I'd go Springfield but really, either of the three will serve you well. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

October 18, 2012, 04:21 AM	#18
coolbreezy Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Posts: 271	i only had experiance with 3 of those guns. the ruger is great gun and easily best bang for your buck. the s&w is also a great gun and relatively fair in pricing. i dont like the springer loadeds at all. i still think springfield is a fine 1911. i do love the look of the longslides but the trp is a MUCH better gun. no experiance with dezzy 1911. __________________ S&W highway patrolman 28-2/ Springfield mil spec 1911 (semi custom)/ Sig P220 match elite .45 acp/Kimber micro 9 stainless/ Remington 870 tac14/ Taurus pt22/ S&W 629-1 3" .44 mag/ S&W 629 PC V-Comp/ Beretta M9/ Stevens/Savage 311A 12 ga double bbl/ Magnum research Desert Eagle XIX .44 mag/ S&W 460 xvr/ Glock g40 10mm longslide/ H&K usp compact .45 acp/ Ruger SuperBlackhawk Lipsey Edition/ S&W 686+ 3-5-7 talo edition

October 18, 2012, 05:18 AM	#19
1stmar Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,378	I have an older model Springfield custom built in geneso il, it's been 100% reliable and a good shooter for over 15 years. By far one of my favorite pistols. A true work horse.