Thought on Smith and Wesson 1911 E-Series?

Potshot21

Potshot21

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Hello fellow GunNutz,

I'm looking at finally picking up a 1911. To nip the debate in the bud, I already have a couple of wonder-9s in the stable, so no need to debate the merits of 9mm vs 45ACP. I just plain always wanted a nice 1911 to play around with at the range!

I've always been drawn to the S&W E-Series 1911s. The stainless, clean lines, all of it looks like a piece of art. However, looks are secondary to function, and with the E-series coming in at $1400-1500 before taxes, I want to make sure I'm getting the most bang for my buck.

So what I'm looking for from all of the knowledgable members here are your experiences with this pistol or similiar 1911s around the same price point. If there are better options out there that provide better quality or performance for the money, I'd be very interested to know.

Thanks for any input!
 
You cannot buy them for the price you listed. However, they are the best S&W’s 1911’s they make. (Abandoning their 3rd generation autos was a mistake)
Sure, S&W were stupid to make them *fixed* sight autos, but many of the Big Boy 1911 manufacturers do not include adjustable sights on guns @ the C$2000.00 plus range.
I fired their 9mm version. It was fabulous!
 
Can’t really go wrong with the E series. Very nice. If I may add a suggestion, the Sig STX would be my first choice. About the same price, it is by far my favourite 1911 for under 2K
 
hatman1793 said:
Sure, S&W were stupid to make them *fixed* sight autos, but many of the Big Boy 1911 manufacturers do not include adjustable sights on guns @ the C$2000.00 plus range.
I fired their 9mm version. It was fabulous!
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I have a 9mm with adjustable sights. They make both versions in 9.

For 45 you need to buy the version with lightening slide holes to get the adjustable sights.

Beautiful firearm.

FWIW 9mm with adjustable was $1800CAD plus tax in 2016. Fixed sights were same price which was odd.


OP for the $1500CAD range before tax look to the newish Colt Series 70 Competition's
 
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I have one as well in 45 and am very satisfied with the gun The only mod was to put a fibre optic front sight.Shoots well and gets lots of trips to the range.Mine is the brushed stainless model.They were considerably less when I bought.
 
padawan said:
Can’t really go wrong with the E series. Very nice. If I may add a suggestion, the Sig STX would be my first choice. About the same price, it is by far my favourite 1911 for under 2K
Click to expand...

I'm going to agree with Padawan on this. For your price point the Sig is very very good. I've had their SS Carry, a Nightmare and Nitron. All very good guns (though all down the road as I just prefer my P220s. I do have a 1980 Colt Series 70 Mk IV Gold Cup NM, so I'm not a complete heretic! But I don't shoot it....? Like I said, I like my P220s....
 
I'm sure you can't go wrong if you like the slide serrations and other features of the Smith, but that is a competitive price range. Springfield and Colt make some nice models in that range and that is probably the direction i would go, but that is purely a personal preference thing - not because they would be better guns.

If you want best bang for the buck, though, I would definitely be looking for something lightly used. Given the numbers out there, 1911 depreciate like cars. Pick a few models that meet you criteria keep your eyes open or put up a wtb even.
 
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