My dad has a brand new Smith & Wesson 1911, the performance center 5" stainless model. The same one in this picture here:



He went to Cabela's the other day and picked up a few boxes of Hornady ammo for it. Bought some regular target ammo and some of the self defense stuff.

Unfortunately, he didn't read the box well enough and accedently bought some +P rounds.

Is this gun capable of shooting the +P ammo? Or is it a bad idea to do?

I tried googling it and I found mixed opinions.

The article I stole the picture from did a write up on the gun, but doesn't mention the ammo, even though it clearly shows +P ammo.

I don't think he can bring the ammo back, as allot of the stores I see don't allow returns or exchanges on ammo.

Will it be okay to shoot this? Or should he try to trade it? He doesn't have another 45 ACP pistol to use it in.

Plus p ammo in a modern but 1911 style pistol is fine no worries. Shoot it and enjoy

The slide has been lightened with those slots cut in it. I wouldn't shot +P in it personally.

Call factory.

/thread

I just looked up the online manual, and it doesn't really say if +P is okay. It says not to use +P+ as there is no SAMMI specs to dictate presure.

It does make mention that +P can speed up wear & tear, and will cause additional recoil, but doesn't mention not to do it.

Pretty much any non-cheap modern 1911 that's properly heat treated is fine imo, consult owners manual or call S&W if you have doubts.

Fire one or two rounds to see how it does in the gun.  Testing for accuracy and reliability.  Save the rest for serious social work.  Granted two rounds is not a great indicator of reliability, but if you are worried about the gun handling it, it will give you an idea.  Save the good stuff for social work.

If it doesn't handle +p, I would get rid of the gun.  

Acouple of boxes. Wron't hurt it. If you are going to shoot a steady diet of it, go to a 18 lb recoil spring and maybe a shok buff.

It'll be fine. Nice looking pistol btw.