Finding a Smith & Wesson Gunsite 1911 for CCW

[Adventurer_96]

I've read on another forum that the S&W1911 Gunsite models have been found NIB for around $725-750, but no specifics as to where. I've seen the one on Gunbroker currently for $1k, but if they can be found for $725-ish that's a no-brainer since I've got a friend who is an FFL.

Why this pistol? Commander length with lighter weight, durable frame, basically. Overall, I shoot the 1911 best. Plus, its slim lines make it easy to conceal in a Milt Sparks IWB holster. Even if I don't want it for CCW, it would be a keeper it would seem based upon the general reviews I've read of it. In my never-ending search for a carry pistol, I've gone through the following:

S&W Combat Masterpiece
S&W Model 65
Colt Detective Special
Glock 19
Springfield XD-9
H&K USP Compact 9mm
CZ 75
S&W 1911 stainless fullsize
Colt stainless Delta Elite (currently my carry weapon of choice)
Sig 229 DAK
Colt Commander (lightweight frame) 9mm
Caspian 9mm 1911 fullsize

I still haven't made a final decision, obviously since I don't have the pistol yet, but even if I did I'd have to do a lot of shooting with it to see how it would work for me as a CCW piece. And, a trip to Front Sight will most likely help me make up my mind, but in the meantime I want to try one of these out.

 

[elprofeloco]

Colt CCO

You might also consider a Colt CCO (Concealed Carry Officer's) which is a LW Commander barrel/slide on an alloy Colt Officer's frame (takes a 7-shot vs. std. 8-shot mag; shorter grip).

I paid $600 out-the-door for a used (approx. 95%) Colt CCO Series 80 last year. I have seen new/like-new for $700-$800 here in NM.

The Colt CCO was produced in a Gunsite model (so marked on the slide). It was a somewhat limited production, so you might have to search around for one - could take a while, maybe not.

I saw a couple of SW 1911s fail during my CCL course - good guns, but tighter tolerances and thus maybe a bit more subject to failures/jams from powder/smoke/dirt/dust accumulation after many rounds of contiuous fire; many SW 1911 owners have not have had a problem, though. My Colt CCO waltzed thru over 300 rounds in one session without a glitch, and it is a great shooter - nary a problem.

 

[Adventurer_96]

Thanks, but I'm looking for one of the S&W Gunsite pistols specifically.

 

[aubie515]

I've never even seen a GunSite model, so that $725 price tag sounds a bit low to me. I know on the 1911forum guys talk about that price range. The 1911Sc are a bit expensive in my area and I know they have been discontinued. Keep us posted if you do find a GunSite model for that price range. I am looking for a fair priced Sc or PD and they are tough to find as well.

 

[longeyes]

I have the Commander-sized 1911PD. Excellent pistol in all respects.

 

[possum]

here it is for $911 this is a gun shop out of kansas that i used to stop by every once in a while, they won't have it in stock but they could get it.

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/consume...ded=&youth=&Offset_rec=0&num_rec=50&item_num=

 

[Adventurer_96]

Thanks for the pointout.

I'm thinking I might have to go with a Scandium framed commander as compared to the Gunsite pistol, based upon how hard it is to find the Gunsite edition.