I'm close to 100% certain that a Ruger 1911 or a S&W E-series will join the family soon. Internal vs external extractor is a toss up in my mind, with S&W using the PC extractor. I'd like to hear some objective opinions on how the two compare. Please, no "get this or get that" instead. Just some objective opinions on the differences between these two.
Objective SR1911/E-series comments
- Thread starter Racinbob
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Bob, I have lots of 1911's and I recently put a S&W E-series on layaway. It is a Extremely nice looking gun. My syster owns a PD with the external extractor as do some of my friends. There do not seam to be any problems with this feature. I have also become very interested in the new Ruger as well. I will probably end up with both but I may change the Smith from a full sized to a commander sized gun as this the size gun that I most often carry. I don't think you can go wrong with either or both.
That's the way I'm thinking too CZ. I've always been mainly a wheel gun fan but I'm having a blast with my SR9 and 3913 and, as soon as I get to shoot it, a LC9. Just sold a beautiful Kimber 10mm. I want to go with a .45 and decided to fund it that way. My better half wouldn't think too kindly me touching our budget money since we are in the middle of buying an investment house. I was thinking all Ruger until I looked harder at the E Series. Probably a bit more for the E but my S&W blinders are starting to show up even though I love Rugers as well. Geez! It's tough to have to make these decisions.
I think it is a pretty obvious choice between a mature gun and the new kid on the block.
While Ruger has been casting 1911 frames for a while, this is their first complete 1911 and there is often a learning curve in producing the old design. The SR1911 is a very basic entry level model.
The S&W E-series has two major improvements to their long running offerings. The replacement of the Swartz style FPS with the titanium firing pin and the inclusion of the Performance Center extractor (for additional purchase on the rim) are both notable
upgrades. The Performance Center external extractor has a proven track record longer than any other external extractor.
I really like the flattened and serrated top of the slide and the fish scale serrations on the side of the slide aren't horrendous.
I'm not a fan of either the FLGR or the Novak style sights, but those are easy changes which are fairly common.
In my mind, you are getting many more features with the S&W E-series
While Ruger has been casting 1911 frames for a while, this is their first complete 1911 and there is often a learning curve in producing the old design. The SR1911 is a very basic entry level model.
The S&W E-series has two major improvements to their long running offerings. The replacement of the Swartz style FPS with the titanium firing pin and the inclusion of the Performance Center extractor (for additional purchase on the rim) are both notable
upgrades. The Performance Center external extractor has a proven track record longer than any other external extractor.
I really like the flattened and serrated top of the slide and the fish scale serrations on the side of the slide aren't horrendous.
I'm not a fan of either the FLGR or the Novak style sights, but those are easy changes which are fairly common.
In my mind, you are getting many more features with the S&W E-series
harmon rabb
Member
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
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- 2,699
The E-series is a more expensive gun ... and looks it. I'm sure either will serve you well, and Ruger and Smith both have excellent customer service, so you can't need to fear buying either.
Skylerbone
Member
My experience is limited to the E-Series but here are the bits I didn't care for. Please note that I always look first at platform, reliability then accuracy and ergonomics when choosing a pistol which is why I chose the S&W. I prefer to change bathwater rather than throwing out the baby.
First notable thing on removing the slide is the sizable chunk machined out around the hammer. Likely Smith did not reprogram for the 70 style or are planning to add a Swartz series in the future.
The other notable is an interrupted frame rail on the port side. I don't recall any other 1911 frame that has this.
The trigger, while being fitted much better for vertical play had an excessive amount of creep. Pull weight was also a bit heavy which is customary with S&W autos.
Grip safety while nicely fitted to the frame was a bit sticky when releasing from the stirrup.
What I did: obviously I was not about to attempt major frame surgery with a TIG welder but I did choose to replace the trigger, recut the sear and hammer engagements, and of course with the trigger changed filed down the GS to fit. I did note a small burr on its underside where it was catching (forcing a full depression to deactivate).
The slide to frame fit is what I would call slightly loose as opposed to "combat loose" meaning I think it will run dirty for days but not weeks.
The good news is it ran from the box, it was better than combat accurate, the serrations are filing down my calluses nicely and it looks nice enough for a SS pistol. Extraction is also positive and without damaging brass.
I would buy one again in a heartbeat but those thinking S&W is now building a competitor to say Les Baer need to look elsewhere. Those looking for a solid, good shooting 1911 can add the E-Series (along with the older SW1911s) to the list.
First notable thing on removing the slide is the sizable chunk machined out around the hammer. Likely Smith did not reprogram for the 70 style or are planning to add a Swartz series in the future.
The other notable is an interrupted frame rail on the port side. I don't recall any other 1911 frame that has this.
The trigger, while being fitted much better for vertical play had an excessive amount of creep. Pull weight was also a bit heavy which is customary with S&W autos.
Grip safety while nicely fitted to the frame was a bit sticky when releasing from the stirrup.
What I did: obviously I was not about to attempt major frame surgery with a TIG welder but I did choose to replace the trigger, recut the sear and hammer engagements, and of course with the trigger changed filed down the GS to fit. I did note a small burr on its underside where it was catching (forcing a full depression to deactivate).
The slide to frame fit is what I would call slightly loose as opposed to "combat loose" meaning I think it will run dirty for days but not weeks.
The good news is it ran from the box, it was better than combat accurate, the serrations are filing down my calluses nicely and it looks nice enough for a SS pistol. Extraction is also positive and without damaging brass.
I would buy one again in a heartbeat but those thinking S&W is now building a competitor to say Les Baer need to look elsewhere. Those looking for a solid, good shooting 1911 can add the E-Series (along with the older SW1911s) to the list.
This is exactly the type of comments I wanted to hear. I know neither is a 'hign end' 1911 like the Les Baer, etc. I haven't had the chance to even handle either one. I just can't find one here. It will happen. Thanks all and keep the comments coming.
Ruger Redhawk
Member
Check the Ruger forums out. Some very good reviews on the SR1911's.
dcarch
Member
@Ruger Redhawk: What would be some of those forums? (I'm not really into forums except for THR.) Could you maybe put up some links to those reviews if you have them handy? Thanks!
Ruger Redhawk
Member
natgas
Member
I have the E series and really like it; accurate and well balanced; I haven't found one thing I dislike about it---yet
dcarch
Member
Thanks!
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