SAM Commander Stainless

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Purple2

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I have been looking at purchasing a Ruger SR1911 Commander and I came across the SAM 1911s at Wolverine. Does anyone here own the SAM Commander Enhanced STS .45ACP V2 or have an opinion on whether the Ruger is really worth paying $350 more?

I just found it so I am still looking into what "enhanced" and "STS" signifies.
 
Not exactly what you are looking for, but I have the SAM Sigma 9, it is a 1911-style commander length in stainless. I can't say enough good things about it, in both fit and finish and in operation. I also own a Kimber 1911-style in .45 ACP so that gives you an idea of what I compare it to. Sorry, no comment on the SR1911.

Good luck in your quest.
 
Purple2 said:
I have been looking at purchasing a Ruger SR1911 Commander and I came across the SAM 1911s at Wolverine. Does anyone here own the SAM Commander Enhanced STS .45ACP V2 or have an opinion on whether the Ruger is really worth paying $350 more?

I just found it so I am still looking into what "enhanced" and "STS" signifies.
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Sam > ruger
I had both and while the sr1911finish is a bit nicer (blingy) the sam quality was far better and my front sight stayed put.
 
I have SAM and Ruger pistols. Ruger is more attractive, but I would not buy one at today's price. Mine was under $700 new when I got it. SAM is utilitarian, but pretty solid. I had issues with mine but Wolverine took care of me.
 
SAM destroys Ruger, Remington, Taurus... the list goes on and on. You're getting a custom fitted, almost custom built 1911 for a fraction of the "off the production line" 1911's.

I'd go far as to put a SAM, especially their Thunderbolt model, way above anything Colt or Wilson Combat would make.

They are made by people who have been making guns their ENTIRE lives. And in addition to their craftsmanship abilities, they regularly knock-off and replicate much higher end 1911's for their own "illegal" market. If you're a master at making guns of a higher quality, then it's a no brainier that their standard 1911's are top of the line in fit and function.

The bottom line is, there is no one making 1911's in the states that can say that they've been making that same model their entire lives, so it's for that reason alone is why anyone even considers a Filipino 1911, let alone that they have become renowned with shooters in the USA for their unbeatable value.
 
I think that I am going to go with the SAM commander model. On the product page (link above), they say that it has "low-profile combat" sights. Are they three dot or is the rear blacked out?
 
Purple2 said:
I think that I am going to go with the SAM commander model. On the product page (link above), they say that it has "low-profile combat" sights. Are they three dot or is the rear blacked out?
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A buddy of mine has one and he gets as good results from it than higher priced pistols in his crew..
 
Purple2 said:
I think that I am going to go with the SAM commander model. On the product page (link above), they say that it has "low-profile combat" sights. Are they three dot or is the rear blacked out?
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The one we had were blacked out rear, not 100% if they still are or not.
 
Conscript said:
SAM destroys Ruger, Remington, Taurus... the list goes on and on. You're getting a custom fitted, almost custom built 1911 for a fraction of the "off the production line" 1911's.

I'd go far as to put a SAM, especially their Thunderbolt model, way above anything Colt or Wilson Combat would make.

They are made by people who have been making guns their ENTIRE lives. And in addition to their craftsmanship abilities, they regularly knock-off and replicate much higher end 1911's for their own "illegal" market. If you're a master at making guns of a higher quality, then it's a no brainier that their standard 1911's are top of the line in fit and function.

The bottom line is, there is no one making 1911's in the states that can say that they've been making that same model their entire lives, so it's for that reason alone is why anyone even considers a Filipino 1911, let alone that they have become renowned with shooters in the USA for their unbeatable value.
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Wow! Ok, I've shot a SAM, 9mm enhanced Government lenght that had some tuning done to it. It was pretty good indeed, for what's it worth that is, it's comparable to a STI Spartan, even though the Spartan ran 100% out of the box while the SAM needed some tweaking. But saying a SAM is "way above anything Colt or Wilson Combat would make" is like saying to folks that drives Audi, Lexus or even Porsches 911 Turbos that a Hyundai Accent is better in every way...
 
Purple2 said:
I think that I am going to go with the SAM commander model. On the product page (link above), they say that it has "low-profile combat" sights. Are they three dot or is the rear blacked out?
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Fortunately no "three-dots" on my rear sights. Black is beautiful baby!
 
Harry Callahan said:
Wow! Ok, I've shot a SAM, 9mm enhanced Government lenght that had some tuning done to it. It was pretty good indeed, for what's it worth that is, it's comparable to a STI Spartan, even though the Spartan ran 100% out of the box while the SAM needed some tweaking. But saying a SAM is "way above anything Colt or Wilson Combat would make" is like saying to folks that drives Audi, Lexus or even Porsches 911 Turbos that a Hyundai Accent is better in every way...
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The Thunderbolt model from SAM, without a doubt beats anything from Colt or WC. The slide rides so tight, it's as tight as some Les Baers or other high end custom guns.

Machining and fit and finish on everything, from safety levers, to mag ejection is tight and is almost too perfect for the price.
 
Purple2 said:
I think that I am going to go with the SAM commander model. On the product page (link above), they say that it has "low-profile combat" sights. Are they three dot or is the rear blacked out?
Click to expand...

Just picked one up (my second) a few months ago. Blacked out rear, and not a terribly visible front dot. That front sight is the only thing I don't like about it.
 
I wouldn't put SAM on top of the heap so far as hand fitting goes. They are nice, but my one gun had a sloppy barrel bushing that made it pattern at ten yards and a second one had not only a bad bushing fit, but a non-functioning grip and thumb safety.

I don't think that Wilson would let an outright lemon like that one was out of their shop.

The triggers are also heavy and in need of tuning.

Then again I've been told that I just have ####e luck when it comes to these pistols.
 
Just got a SAM Thunderbolt from Wolverine. I was AMAZED at the fit and finish, and she shoots like a dream. Absolutely ZERO issues.

I have a Colt Series 70, and this is on par with it.
 
Shanks4300 said:
Just picked one up (my second) a few months ago. Blacked out rear, and not a terribly visible front dot. That front sight is the only thing I don't like about it.
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I blacked out the front sight on mine....its a weird dull white plastic insert instead of a bright white painted dot.....
 
Conscript said:
The Thunderbolt model from SAM, without a doubt beats anything from Colt or WC. The slide rides so tight, it's as tight as some Les Baers or other high end custom guns.

Machining and fit and finish on everything, from safety levers, to mag ejection is tight and is almost too perfect for the price.
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Have you ever held a Wilson Combat or a Les Baer or Nightforce or Ed Brown? Seriously? Seriously? There is NO comparison!!!!!

That being said, I do want a Sam commander in 9.
 
redryder said:
Have you ever held a Wilson Combat or a Les Baer or Nightforce or Ed Brown? Seriously? Seriously? There is NO comparison!!!!!

That being said, I do want a Sam commander in 9.
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I have held a Wilson Combat and a Les Baer, haven't held the other ones.

I was impressed with the Les Baer but for the price, I can't justify paying so as I see a Thunderbolt in the same camp when it comes to fit and finish. There is no reason to pay $2000 or more when a SAM can come very, very close and, if someone dumps enough money to match the cost of a LB, better or exceed it's performance in any way.

That's where I come from, and from everyone that I've talked to or shown the gun at the range, that is also the consensus. Mind you, I don't see high rollers in my club with $4000-$5000 1911's, but absolutely everyone that I've shown the SAM too, especially some older folks, are blown away with the quality.

If the Filipino's actually took things to a higher level and started manufacturing super, super high end 1911's with better steel and US made parts, they could easily wipe off every custom 1911 manufacturer overnight. It all comes down to human skill when you're making a 1911, and the Filipino's have the world beat.
 
Conscript said:
If the Filipino's actually took things to a higher level and started manufacturing super, super high end 1911's with better steel and US made parts, they could easily wipe off every custom 1911 manufacturer overnight. It all comes down to human skill when you're making a 1911, and the Filipino's have the world beat.
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So what is wrong with SAM's steel?
Or was this a comment on cast vs. forged frames?
If this is it perhaps they should start with Norinco forged blanks?
And why do they need American parts?
Wouldn't they just need accept higher manufacturing standards within their own organization?
At any rate any of these changes would definitely increase the MSRP, how much, who knows...
 
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