Smith & Wesson “E” Series 1911: https://www.smith-wesson.com/1911e
| Smith & Wesson re-launched their “E” Series of 1911s this year and they have been very well received in the market. With an MSRP in the $1300 range and street price much less, you get a lot of advanced features in this new 1911 that you would have to pay a gunsmith for with most other guns. These are 100% “nextgen” 1911s, and besides the modern looking fish scale serrations and the accessory rail that many of the guns have, the intereals of the gun appear to have the best of the good of the classic 1911 design, without including some of the bad ideas that have crept into the gun over the years. The Series 80 firing pin safety has been replaced with a titanium firing pin, so rather than block the pin with a problematic safety device, they just made the firing pin too light to set off a primer when the gun is dropped. They have also cleaned up the trigger housing and each of these guns has a hand fit trigger. Is it truly the quality of a $1,000 1911 with $2,000 worth of work as is claimed in the video? Could be, but we hope to see one of these come in the door for some real-world testing. They look to be a really great buy in a 1911, and hey, they say Smith & Wesson on them, so they will retain their value and eventually become collectible. That’s a lot of selling points on a gun that has so many variants and options out there. Check out the video, and please don’t harp on George in the comments. He’s a big, tough, sensitive guy! |
Smoothest disassembly and refit I have seen yet
Will one being to California?
I purchased my 1911Sc a few weeks ago. Just a wonderful pistol. I own a Kimber Warrior, an SA 1911-A1 and I am now looking at purchasing a S&W1911TA. S&W manufactures a superb 1911 in the E Series. There manufacturing/machining of these pistols in true quality. I will put the E Series as comparable to my Kimber Warrior. It shoots just as we’ll, groupings are similar. I have used 1911’s for over 31 years from my time in the military to now. Congratulations S&W for bringing such a quality pistol (E Series) to the market within a price range that is affordable and with quality/add ons found in more expensive pistols. Kuddo’s to you!
I owned two S&W Stainless 1911’s when they first started making them – a full size and a Commander Version. They were both Great Guns, however financial Hard-times forced me to sell them. Now the prices for those same guns have doubled and are thru the Roof. I was looking at one of their “E” Guns at a Gun Show. I like the Lizard Scale type Slide Serrations, as I have a hard time with the thin lined original style serrations. The wider style angled serrations as on Sig 1911’s and other guns are also nice. Other great Guns include the Sig P220 and the old defunct S&W 4506-1. Of course another great 45 in my latest, a Springfield Armory XDm with 4.5 inch barrel.
For a while now Pepsi has been known for manufacturing and selling strangely flavored versions of their well-known Pepsi soda. They’ve gone clear, white, clear, red, and now they’re going blue with Pepsi blue.
Now S&W in aventuring in the world of 1911 ? Like Wilson Combat and Colt None Smith & Wesson you better retire or keep making revolvers as pistols you’re a total fail and disaster and a shame.
S&W is a fine American gun maker(except for the brief period) and I tend to think
S&W products are as good as another, if not better on some guns(think Mod41).
I own and carry Colts because I am used to the 70 and the 80 models. The 80 Gold
Cup is great in locked and loaded mode, very safe. The 70 shoots easier for me
coz I grew up with it. I am really interested on this new S&W. But like any old coot,
I will knock around a bit before buying one. I tend to think that the two companies
use best materials for their guns so they are worth the money. Accuracy and reliability
will always win over price in my books. All my pistols are accurized. My life (and then some)
will depend on them. Never compromise.
I would be amazed if S@W started building quality guns again. I stopped buying S@W when they started crush fitting thier barrels. I own alot of old school S@W revolvers that are top grade but quality has been replaced with bottom line. I will pass on the smith 1911 and stick to colt or springfield.
This looks to be a fine 1911, and I am sure the price is justified based on the materials fit and finish. I own an American Classic, commander- cost $465with ffl transfer. Forged 4140 steel slide and frame, fit and finish are quality. This will shoot sub 2″ at 25yds from a ransom rest (see gunblast.com for full review). This is my carry piece an has not failed to load/fire/eject in 2000 Rounds. It’s not nearly as pretty as an e-series, but it is reliable enough to depend on.
Will te E Series come 9MM in full size 1911?
Owned a SW 1911 and I have to say I do love it. Very accurate piece of iron out of the box. Gave it to my uncle because he thought he needs a 40sw for personal protection. Once he fired the SW1911 45 acp, the rest was history. Everything else just looks nice. You can pay more but that is just for cosmetic effects and do nothing for accuracy of the gun.
Now I have to choose from a Kimber Pro Carry, a Dan Wesson Panther, a Norinco 1911, or a Series 70s Colt in my collection to carry. I am, at the moment, also eying a Olympic Arms Matchmaster 1911. Humm… It is very nice and I am hoping I will win that auction…
To amplify: I prefer a short guide rod – and detest the Series 80 safeties etc., because they slow down my old fingers in field stripping and reassembling such a pistol, as compared to the pure 1911. And I prefer a good set of checkered wood grips to the rubber versions. Not that anyone cares.
@PRCKID: Like your S&W revolver comments: I have a 1926 .44 Special 4″ Smith 3rd that still shoots an inch and a half, usually, at 25 yards, even with these old eyes? Like driving a 1953 Chrysler!
I think the interview was done just fine on George’s part. Just an observation, I find it “interesting” the features that many manufacturers are adopting on their “modern” 1911, such as the bobbed tail/grip. I also noticed full length guide rod on the new model, despite a pretty big camp of folks that feel the traditional guide is more than sufficient (e.g. the keep it simple line of thought).
Probably the best way to sell any 1911 pistol these days, in view of the “way too many flavors and choices” problem with the “100 year -old gun”, would simply be to produce an “Obama has been overthrown” commemorative edition, which can hopefully be released after the next election. Any true American, would be proud to own one.
Please do something about your text. It runs way over past the screen width making it near impossible to read.
I agree with Brian. You don’t leave a firearm in the car. If you carry, It is a lifestyle. If you have no choice by your location you are attending. It needs to be locked down and ammunition separated. It’s the law, Those of us that are fighting for the second ammendment, Absolutely need to keep from giving reason to take them away. We are responsible citezens, and need to act as such.
Dave
wow!!! WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WRONG AGAIN!!! first.. some places even with a CCW card, you can’t carry your gun in with you ,( like Gov. Buildings), so your saying I should leave it at home ? I think NOT , if I get a flat tire on a dark road or in a bad part of town I will have a 1911 lock-n loaded in my tool box! ( you know what happened to Bill Cosby’s son) . 2nd. in my state you can open carry a loaded gun in your car (no CCW needed), 3rd you can keep a cased gun with a full clip in the same case and it dose not need to be locked and your ammo dose NOT need to be separated ! however when you have a gun in your car you should keep the doors locked wheather your in the car or not , and thats not a law eather , just common sence !
I’m a NRA Life Member and being a member is not good enough you have to read your books and E-mails , and remember misinformation is worse than no information !!!
DO NOT HAVE ANY SMITH PISTOLS BUT DO HAVE SEVERAL OF THEIR OLDER( 40+YRS) REVOLVERS AND THEY ARE GOOD QUALITY AND HAVE SERVED ME WELL. HAVE BOTH BLUED AND SS AND MODEL 60 SNUBBIE IS MY BACK UP.
I JUST BOUGHT A RUGER KSR1911 IN SS AND IT WAS 700.00 OUT THE DOOR, TAX, TAG, TITLE, RECORD CHECK AND OTHER ASH AND TRASH. EXCELLENT GUN. RAN 500 RDS THRU IT FIRST DAY, CHEAP CHINESE .45ACP AND IT NEVER MISSED A LICK. DEAD ACCURATE, NOT MUCH RECOIL( LESS THAN MY ORIGINAL GOV MODEL COLT) TITANIUM FP, HEAVY SPRING AND NO SERIES 80 GARBAGE. JUST AN EXCELLENT GUN , VERY TIGHT AND EXCELLENT QUALITY. NOTHING AGAINST THE SMITH BUT WAY PAY A GRAND WHEN THE RUGER SO REASONABLE AND IN MY OPINION A VERY FINE GUN. THIS IS A WORKING GUN AND I USE FOR CONCEALED CARRY AND HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IN IT. I THINK BEFORE ALL THE ASH AND TRASH TAXES AND SUCH ADD TO PRICE IT WAS 625.00 AND THE DEALER PUT IT ON MY CREDIT CARD. 30 DAY OF FREE SHOOTING AND A GREAT PRICE. TRIED SELECTION OF OTHER 230 GRAIN BALL THRU IT AND ALL FUNCTIONED FINE.
First of all. Please Do not!!! leave any gun in the car. Are you serious? Thats how guns get in the hands of criminals.
That being said..I recently purchased a Pro Series S&W 1911. It was about 1300$ but has all the bells and whistles you would pay a pistolsmith but costing less $ in the long run. It’s dependable, very accurate, and is a good looking pistol. I was looking for something other than a chiefs special Mod. 60 to carry off-duty. More punch and it had to be dependable. I found it.
The last time I bought a Smith, is some 15 years ago when they didn’t stand together with the rest of the U.S. gun makers, when the anti-gun nuts tried to sue manufacturers, because some minority got himself shot. Haven’t forgotten …
At the time S&W was owned by a British company that brought S&W in 1987. The CEO at the time, Ed Shultz was more interested in avoiding expensive litigation fighting against the national movement to sue the pants off anyone who made guns. The deal was made with the thought that government contracts would be protected and S&W was promised immunity if the just signed on the dotted line, which they did. It should also be noted that that the British company that owned S&W was looking for a quick sale before they could bankrupt their own company. You have to ask yourself; do you really think a British owner gave a flying flip about Smith and Wesson? The answer is no, they were in it for a quick buck.
Smith and Wesson was later brought by an American conglomerate that told the Clinton administration what they could do with the agreement. S&W of 2000 and S&W of 2012 cannot in any way be compared. They make the finest revolvers in the world, and after spending some serious range time with my 1911E I think they are on the right track for 1911’s. This is one serious pistol. One final thought; you can thank George W for ending the litigation wars.
Age 75, shooting M1911s since age 17. At present shoot a Wilson CQB .45, Kimber .38 Super and 10mm Match Targets, a S&W 1911PD Scandium Commander (plus a couple first year Colts not used). The 1911 PD of course doesn’t shoot as closely as the real 1911s so I dont carry it much. I reload for these but I don’t like to accessorize, save I replaced the long spring rods in my S&W and Kimbers with Colt Style (Wilson style) short ones. A little fiddling with better sight picture. A 20# spring in the 10mm to shoot hot loads. I detest the firing pin safety system on the Kimbers. Having bored you with all this, I can say the S&W is pretty, like the bob tail, don’t like the flush muzzle or the long op. rod. Like the extractor. Don’t care for ambi safety, Love that they dispensed with the firing pin safety and put in titanium firing pin. That alone might drive me there. You have my attention: I will wait to see some reports. I am assuming this model has a ramped barrel. Like polished blue.
I read a wite up on the E series last year , and the lack of a firing block made think I would not be buying another one ! however. I took a look at there web page , and was happy to see they are still making the old SW1911 series 80. this new gun (the E series) is a series 70 style , it’s fine if your not cock-n-lock however those of us who carry cock-n-lock when bow hunting would not want to drop an “E” and have the hammer hit the ladder on the way down , I’ll keep my SW1911 series 80 thanks !
S &W are one of the top guns Mfg companies and there new serious of 1911’s will be something to look at for future purchase. I like the improvemnts that they made on the 1911’s and saving the time and money to custom the gun to our liking. All Life Time NRA members, Hunters, and Target Buffs, Keep doing what you do best, and great hunting. We need a new commander in chief who will protect “Our Rights To Bear Arms Shall Not Be Infringed” so every American Citizen can have GUNS in his home to protec his family and property, and have a CCW. Vote to keep our 2nd Ammendant propected for ever!
I recently purchased sweet 1911e series.Loved the look and feel of the pistol but the gun look better than it shoots.Slide is very rough and has feedind problem on almost every magazine. It also catches the empty brass before it clear gun. I sold my kimber to get this pistol. What a mistake.
I, too, purchased a new 1911 E series pistol after months of looking for one. They are hard to find but they sure are a good looking gun. Haven’t shot it yet but I’m hoping that it’s a good un. If it’s not, I’ll be bummed because I got rid of a pretty decent Kimber as well…
If the pistol isn’t working properly send it back to Smith and Wesson; details can be found on their web page. They do stand behind their products and shipping to the factory and back to you is paid for by S&W, not you.
Comparable to a Ruger SR 1911 plus some cosmetic features of questionable value. Don’t start in on the MIM arguement,that horse has been beat to death. Ruger could sell a million at $650. But they haven’t even begun to flow 1 year after announcement. Could it be they don’t want to make more because they’re not making any money at that price?
Wow!! I have a 1006. Way back when they introduced that 10mm after the Bren Ten. Very accurate dead on shots. Only issue is Extra “Mags” I should have bought a dozen what they were still available. Anyway, speaking of George I love his show and thank God for direct TV. Cox cable is not second amendment friendly Even after writing to them none of the “gun” shows would ever be on the channel line up. Anyway George does a great job as a host and his Guest, from the owner of Thunder ranch and how many shows do you get to see “Massad Ayoob” in action and his massive information. George your doing a great job! By the way, why doesn’t anyone go do a background show at “Front Sight” in Nevada?
But on another note it does look like another good gun from S&W but I still love my custom .45 Kimber covert.
So here we go. First everyone lined up for the Ruger 1911 and now it’s a line for the E Series Smith & Wesson. Take a look at the Sig 1911 SS. It’s basically the same gun. If you want a rail, it’s the same extra cost. What’s wrong with this picture? I would definitely go for a $700 1911.
I got one late last year. SW1911TA E Series has the bottom rail, tritium sights. Great shooter. Was looking at Kimber but decided on S&W. It felt better and tighter than any of the Kimber’s I looked at. Only problem is they are hard to find. I go to gun show’s almost every weekend and very seldom do you see them.
Super-Duper!! Another over priced 1911. Sure its nice, but do we need another $1000 and up 1911. Why not something like this for $700 or less that would be something to get excited about. These companies are not doing anything new or exciting, but just changing around the combinations on these pistols. Two tone, serrations, etc. Come up with something affordable that you can leave in your car, take camping, a working pistol. In this economy safe-queens are out!!
Yea, why not $299! We’d all be even more excited! Unfortunately you don’t get the features on this gun in a 1911 for under $1000, and if what they say is true, even for a lot more than the projected price.
There are plenty of 1911’s $700 and under some of which have a few “custom style” features (match grade triggers, improved ejection ports, etc.) it is the sheer combination of features in this one that determine the price point, more work (even at the factory) means higher price. If you want a firearm to leave in your car, buy one of the lower price point models, but don’t expect it to have the same features or shoot as good as one that has had more invested into it.
hey Joe check out the Regent at http://www.regentarms.com a good starter gun for guys like you that want a 1911 on a glock budget , however after you put on the bells and whistles you will have spent more than if you just got a top of the line gun to start with ! I got a SW1911 (series 80) fully loaded up with all the goodies for $1,150.00 a few years back and I have ran an icecream bucket full of brass through it and it still looks and runs like new ! and now they have a series 70 (the E) for about the same price for those who want one
good job S&W!!! but please keep makeing the series 80 too.
What type of grip safety is on this series? I have an original scandium version of the SW1911PD and I believe that it has the Schwartz style.
PLEASE offer this fine pistol in .38 Super~!
When will this new 911 be at the retail stores
As far as we know they are out.
Picked mine up Saturday, it took my FFL 2 months to find one! But it is an awesome 1911!
Oh great! Just when I thought I had picked out the 1911 I wanted to buy you come out with this. I’m never going to make up my mind!
You can never have too many 1911’s.
Looks like you S&W guys are making a much better 1911 than a lot of other manufactures out there for the same price. Put it another way, more gun for same money. I personally have always loved the brand, infact when I had turned 21 and could legally purchace a handgun, that very day I bought a model 1006 and 20 years later I still own the gun and it has never failed to function or fire. Thats a full size, 5″ barrel 10MM matte finish stainless steel frame and slide with adjustable sights for those who don’t know the model. The only other thing I would like to have had on the gun was tritium inserts. As far as the 1911 goes, I would love to see a 6″ version made by S&W, accurized in various calibers, and in full stainless and carbon steel versions. NO Aluminium please, save that for beer cans.
Go get this gun!! I have a couple S&W 1911’s, all scandium framed and they are fine pieces of workmanship. I had the opportunity to pick up an E series before it came on the market, a two-tone version and it is my favorite handgun. I’m an old Colt 70 series guy but this pistol has everything and more that you would want in a light weight, accurate, comfortable carry piece. You would spend a considerable amount more to tune up another brand to bring it up to par with the Smith.