SW melonited 1911 or Springfield RO?

[gun505]

I have a choice between these two , I can find all kinds of info on the RO, but hardly any on the S.W. Anyone have any experience with the S.W.? I am doing a trade . Here is some pics.Thanks

[viet4lifeOC]

The smith and Wesson is BEAUTIFUL.

[nahpungnome]

I read good reviews for both. Hard choice you have there. The Smith looks pretty awesome though.

[Loubot10]

Do you consider a rail important?

[gun505]

I am leaning on the S.W. Looks pretty sweet. I like the rail option. Just never held one . How the fit , finish is. I am going to ask the owner if he can bring them down.
I was hoping someone had experience with S.W.

[ChuckW]

Looks like two good choices there. Not a bad position to be in.

[9mmepiphany]

I've had experience with S&W 1911s. Mine was a SC model with the Scadium Frame.

The slide to frame fit was very good, it was very accurate and the trigger pull was very clean. Mine fed everything I fed it and its current owner tells me it has been flawless since I sold it.

Be aware that the rear sight is a Novak produced by S&W and is slightly undersized...but the rear sight cut is a accurate Novak one. Also the VZ grips it is wearing are an extra $65 value

The two things you have to decide is if you prefer a rail or an adjustable rear sight...and if you want a dark or light colored gun.

I'd personally take the S&W as I:
1. don't usually use an adjustable rear sight
2. prefer the S&W beavertail
3. might use the ambi thumb safety
4. like the VZ Operators
5. like the included extended mag well

I don't really care for the rail or the FCS

[82lightfighter]

My S&W (scandium Gunsite Edition 1911PD) has been reliable and accurate -- I've shot IDPA and taken it camping with me, never had an issue that wasn't traced to bad mags. S&W has great customer service as well -- but that's a push with Springfield in this situation.
I've had 4 Springfields in my collection at one time or another (Loaded, TRP, TRP Operator, Pro) and all of them were excellent handguns. I've been looking for the right deal to grab a RO -- seems good out of the box, and an outstanding platform for customization.
In your situation, just go with your gut -- both are excellent handguns.
Personally, I like the look of that S&W, and it does have the additional add-ons noted above. But that RO has the classic 1911 lines...

[BuckshotBob]

That Smith and Wesson looks awesome!

[1911Luvr]

I would take the Springer over S&W any day, and twice on Sunday! Best warranty in the business, great base for a custom build, and they are an excellent value.

[Powder_Keg]

They both look great, the SA is more traditional looking with the internal extractor and the S&W has the exposed external extractor plus light rail. I personal don't mind the light rail on a 1911, but I never cared for the external extractor, IMO it takes away from the look of the slide. That's just my personal taste. As far as quality, I think you would be happy with either.

[trigger945]

Oooh, tough choice for me.

If I had to pick one, I will more likely try the S&W.

Why? Curiosity and looks. I know it's lame...

Good luck!

[yankee-pete]

I'm not a big fan of rails on 1911's. I have a Springer and love it. The RO is my choice.

[JTROKS]

I shot an RO and I was very pleased with the accuracy, but that's what SA created it for. A no frills target gun that begs for a trigger job and a better front sight. If I was looking for a defensive/offensive tactical gun I'd get the S&W. If I was looking for a target gun that would also serve as a defensive gun I'd get the SA RO.

[WWDHD?]

Easy choice for me since I'm left-handed: Gotta go with the S&W TA. This is probably at the top of my list for a possible SSE purchase someday. That Melonite finish is very nice. I have an M&P9 and the finish looks like new (owned it 5+ years now).
The RO is supposed to be great as well. I have a "Loaded" in SS and it's a very nice pistol for the money.
Hard choice to make but I vote the S&W. Good luck.