Posted: 6/15/2007 6:51:21 PM EDT
I think the Patron Saint of Pistols, John Moses Browning, has hit me with the divine touch of influence. For some reason I have the urge to buy a 1911 style pistol and I cant get the thought out of my head.  I've been looking at a few brands; Kimber, S.A. and S&W. So far the one that appeals to me most is the S&W 1911PD.  Now I've read about MIM on the FAQ, but only Kimber, S.A. and Colts are listed. Does anyone know for certain if S&W also use MIM parts? Is the S&W considered a "good" choice. I'll be using the pistol for basically everything. Target, training, defense. Not much of a competition shooter, but who knows the 1911 may change that. Any helpful advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated. 
|
| I don't care for the Smiths, but I am more of a purist. If you want a mid-grade 1911 that isn't a "pure" example of JMB's design, the Smith seems to have good reports from those who have bought one. It is not the be all end all in the 1911 world, but it is as you ask a "good" choice, as in a solid pick for the money. |
In production pistols, Colt uses 2 MIM parts, most other use considerably more. Once you go up to the custom 1911s, there shouldn't really be an MIM in a decent one. Some stuff is perfectly fine being MIM, other parts like extractors that flex or parts that are struck are probably best not being made of MIM. The S&W seems to have a pretty decent rep tho I don't own one, I prefer the internal extractor personally. |
Is it aluminum? Light rails are cool!
|
It's Scandium. Some kind of alloy that's very, very lightweight. |
Welcome to the companion to BRD! !  As far as advice: How about "Embrace your illness!" or "Go Big or Go Home!" ?......Because once you have that first one, then you'll want an original from WWI, and then one from WWII, then you .......well, you get the idea! |
|
I have a S&W 1911; stainless version, not the PD. It's great, I EDC it and CCW it IWB no problem though it is a little heavy. Some people don't like that, I don't mind. I like the constant reminder. I was cleaning it religiously and then just thought "hmm how long will this go with some kind of failure without cleaning?" I went for about 2000 rounds and then just broke down and cleaned it. Not one malfunction of any kind, though the crud was making it group a little worse towards the end. 
|
I thought that JMB wanted an external extractor for the 1911, just like the Hi Power. As an aside I own 2 S&W PC 1911's one in .38 Super and the other .45 and love them both! |
This question almost starts fistfights. The external extractor is more reliable, but it's a bit more difficult to replace. |