SW1911 quality issues.

[civilsnake]

I stopped by Turners today to see what they had in stock by way of 1911s. They finally had something I've wanted to check out: the basic SW1911 stainless, fixed sights with the rubber grips.

I excitedly ask to check it out, and as soon as I grab it I'm pissed. The machining on the left side of the frame by the grip safety was poor as hell, leaving a sharp edge that was scratching up my thumb/index finger webbing. Basically, gripping the pistol with a hi hand grip physically hurt. You could also see what looked like serious tool mark/scratches in that same area. If I was actually shooting the pistol, there's no doubt it wouldn't take long until blood starts flowing.

The other issue was the thumb safety: gritty and sloppy as Hel. It would click half into position and then grind its way up to full engagement.

I was just really bummed because I was ready to buy a 1911 today and THAT was what I encountered.

The one praiseworthy item would be the trigger pull: very clean and light, better than most I've tried. On par with any Kimbers I've checked out, better than the SAs and Colts, much better than the SIG I tried.

I dunno, guys and gals... this has been a serious blow to my confidence. I thought S&W would be the answer, but I'm not closer now than I was a week ago.

Has anyone else noticed frame issues on their SW1911s?

[M47_Dragon]

Aside from the thumb safety on mine being a little mushy, I'd have to say no, my two SW1911s did not have the issues you describe.

Did you ask if they had a NIB SW1911 (vs. the display model) in the back that you could look at?

[Rwnielsen]

I stopped by Turners today to see what they had in stock by way of 1911s. They finally had something I've wanted to check out: the basic SW1911 stainless, fixed sights with the rubber grips.

I excitedly ask to check it out, and as soon as I grab it I'm pissed. The machining on the left side of the frame by the grip safety was poor as hell, leaving a sharp edge that was scratching up my thumb/index finger webbing. Basically, gripping the pistol with a hi hand grip physically hurt. You could also see what looked like serious tool mark/scratches in that same area. If I was actually shooting the pistol, there's no doubt it wouldn't take long until blood starts flowing.

The other issue was the thumb safety: gritty and sloppy as Hel. It would click half into position and then grind its way up to full engagement.

I was just really bummed because I was ready to buy a 1911 today and THAT was what I encountered.

The one praiseworthy item would be the trigger pull: very clean and light, better than most I've tried. On par with any Kimbers I've checked out, better than the SAs and Colts, much better than the SIG I tried.

I dunno, guys and gals... this has been a serious blow to my confidence. I thought S&W would be the answer, but I'm not closer now than I was a week ago.

Has anyone else noticed frame issues on their SW1911s?

I have a SS, S&W 5" 1911 and it's a thing of beauty, I love it.

[5shot]

Aside from the thumb safety on mine being a little mushy, I'd have to say no, my two SW1911s did not have the issues you describe.

I have a SS, S&W 5" 1911 and it's a thing of beauty, I love it.

My feelings too.

[Rwnielsen]

My feelings too.

Easy to see why...

[civilsnake]

Aside from the thumb safety on mine being a little mushy, I'd have to say no, my two SW1911s did not have the issues you describe.

Did you ask if they had a NIB SW1911 (vs. the display model) in the back that you could look at?

This was the only one they had in stock, but he said he could order another one from the warehouse. But I don't want to commit to buying something to get it there and then find out it's a batch issue. I have a fear of buying guns sight-unseen these days.

[sholling]

Everybody has a has a lemon now and then and I'd just wait for them to get a new one from the warehouse.

[bigbob76]

I have a SS, S&W 5" 1911 and it's a thing of beauty, I love it.

What is that wrapped around the bottom of the mag, a velcro strip?

The more I read and hear about the S&W 1911s the further up the list on my wish list they move. I like the stainless, if budget allows when I'm ready to pull the trigger I'll go all the way with one from the Performance Center.

[JTROKS]

Ask to see another one from the back room. I've had the same problem with a rifle and when I asked them to bring out another that they will actually sell me the barrel was straight in the channel free floated. It might just be the display gun was a little off.

[railroader]

Ask to see another one from the back room. I've had the same problem with a rifle and when I asked them to bring out another that they will actually sell me the barrel was straight in the channel free floated. It might just be the display gun was a little off.

The thing with Turner's is they don't have another in the back room. You buy a new gun and it comes from there warehouse and it's there when your ten days are up. Now if you buy something used that's on sale like a mosin they usually have some more at the store to choose from. Mark

[M47_Dragon]

What is that wrapped around the bottom of the mag, a velcro strip?

That is a 10 round mag. That is the part that sticks out of the grip -- looks like ProMag just tried to make the surface a little grippy.

The CMC 10 rounders just have an extended bumper pad kinda thing, but smooth.

[BossHog]

No problems (cosmetic or otherwise) with mine. I picked this one up from Bud's earlier this month:

[tiko]

My SW1911 is perfectly dehorned, very accurate, snap on thumb safety, par with my Kimber. You may got a SW1911 made in China , just kidding.

[twotap]

Sounds to me like you NEED to go somewhere else.I would question a dealer that doesn't take the time to make sure their display isn't a good example of what they sell. My sw1911 is flawless in fuction and is a joy to carry every day.The only thing i've done to mine is buy a Kimber 22lr conversion. For cheap plinking.It is more fun to shoot than anything else I own.

[Tenchi]

sw1911 having machine/tool marks on the frame is not uncommon.