Anything good/bad with newer model S&Ws?

[The SoCal Gunner]

Haven't looked at S&Ws for awhile and was wondering if anyone have anything good or bad to say about the newer hammer-fired pistols, particularly the tactical series but also their line of 1911s.

I have enough striker-fired pistols and I think it's time to pick up a hammer-fired one.

[randy]

Good or bad you make the call.

Newer (been around for a few years now) Smith revolvers have a key lock safety feature, no longer have the firing pin on the hammer, the barrel on the 620 seems to be shrouded like the ti frame guns maybe other models as well, 7 shot on K&L frames.

The 1911 line has the external extractor, otherwise they don't seem any better wor worse than a Kimber or SA. Just like the other two the trigger is only as good as the gun you get.

The other Smith Semi's .........

Good luck

[kick Z tail out]

S&W semi-autos have always made good paperweights.



If they're doing something different now, well good for them. I haven't seen anything yet though.

[veeklog]

I have a S&W 1911SC, and I have never been HAPPIER with a 1911. I have shot many kind of 1911's, and this is the most corfortable and lightest 1911 I have ever carried (weighs 28 ounces empty). I recently purchased a M&P 40, and it shoots better and less recoil than my Glock 23.

I will have to admit that S&W had many problems with their auto, especially their 3rd generation series. I am not a S&W "homer", but I can say that their quality control is hell of lot better.

For work I carry a Glock 19, and for backup I carry a Glock 26 (even though more and more the G-26 is being carried). My agency just went to Sig 229 DAK's, and I am sorry to say, I DO NOT want one. I carried a Sig 229 for two years while in uniform, and while it was better than a Berreta, it is one huge piece of metal to carry concealed. A Glock 26 in a IWB holster conceals very comfortably, and if I am sitting in a car on surveillance, I hardly feel it on my hip. I can't say the same for the Sig; plus I despise thr new trigger!!

Just my two cents

[bwiese]

S&W 1911s are some of the best 1911s out there - accurate and reliable. You never hear of a problem (unlike Sig GSRs, Kimbers, etc.) They got things right.

S&W purists (the "pinned & recessed" guys) may not prefer new S&W revolvers due to lock + MIM parts, however their trigger feel and bbl accuracy and cylinder/bbl alignment has improved post-2000 (or very late 90s). The lock can be removed/blocked if desired, and the MIM parts are actually better and provide a consistent trigger pull from gun to gun.

I have a 6" late-80s 686 .357 that is quite nice, as well as a 6" 629 Classic Hunter 44. Neither are as 'tight', etc. as my 2005 4" 625 or my buddy's 4" 686Plus.

Given the imbalance btwn autloader and revolver marketplace demand that has existed for quite some time now, it appears S&W is treating their revolvers as 'premium guns' with a better attention to detail and relying on autoloaders for bulk sales.

I am also not a fan of most S&W non-1911 autoloaders, esp the 40s & 9s. Howver, the large frame 1006/4506 guns (10mm/45acp) are grrrreat - I love my 10mm 1006.

[dfletcher]

You may want to visit the S & W forum - that question will sure open the floodgates.

I own quite a few, all except one (a Model 21 in 44 Special) is 30 plus years old so I'm partial to the older models. This is very much a generalization, but I think the old models are more aesthetically pleasing and offer more of the finer qualities - target hammer, trigger, different sights, etc - while the current models are probably made to tighter internal tolerances.

[oghl888]

I have 4 S&W1911s, and will probably add another one this year. If you are not looking to do custom work to it, their 1911 is amoung the best choice available. I would not say mine are 100% reliable, none of my guns, even the Glocks and Sigs, have been truely 100% reliable. Mostly magazine spring or poor reloads causing issues.

I have 3 S&W revolvers, and will probaly add another one this year. The M&P looks good as well. I'll try it and see whether I want to add one later.

[m1371]

Haven't looked at S&Ws for awhile and was wondering if anyone have anything good or bad to say about the newer hammer-fired pistols, particularly the tactical series but also their line of 1911s.

I have enough striker-fired pistols and I think it's time to pick up a hammer-fired one.

Limited answer for you here, but the 4506 & 1006 that I have are extremely reliable.

Have yet to experience any issues with either of them after several thousand rounds through both.

They both favor the hotter loads, like DoubleTap.

[blackrifle]

S&W's 1911's are comparable to other 1911's in the same price bracket. The external extractor works well. Overall quality isn't better or worse than the competitors. It's just a matter of what features you want on the pistol. For me, the S&W 1911 I bought had the right combination of features (scandium frame with a built-in rail, government size and high cut front strap...I really bought it for the frame!)

That being said, if you're looking for a Commander size 1911, I would recommend that you take a look at the Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail. IMO, it's best kept secret out there. Definitely the best in its class and price point...

...but honestly, if you want a 110% reliable, no-need-to-upgrade, hammer strike pistol, get a HK USP/P2000.

[Incitatus]

Altough the subject of the thread refers to S&W hammer pistols, I would like to sway a little bit OT and share my oppinion about their newest pistol wich is hamerless:
In my oppinion, S&W Military & Police model is the best new pistol to come to market in 2006.
Superb ergonomics, extremlly reliable, very light and it just "feels right" when you handle it. The three different size grip backstraps are a nice addition for women with small hands or guys with big hands like me.



I wasn't a fan of S&W before, but this M&P plastic-fantastic is a winner.

[smle-man]

Limited answer for you here, but the 4506 & 1006 that I have are extremely reliable.

Have yet to experience any issues with either of them after several thousand rounds through both.

They both favor the hotter loads, like DoubleTap.

I agree, my 1006 has never had a problem. Nice stout piece.

[Matt C]

I don't know much about the autos, but I am not a fan. As far as the revolvers, the older ones generally have better fit and finish, but the newer one are tougher.