Smith Wesson SW1911 E-Series 45 ACP – Superb 5 in. Pistol

Description

The Smith Wesson SW1911 E-Series 45 ACP is Smith and Wesson take on John Browning 1911, built in stainless steel with a full 5 inch barrel, checkered wood grips and the scalloped slide serrations that give the E-Series its name.

Smith Wesson SW1911 E-Series 45 ACP Browning Design, Modern Execution

The 1911 has been in continuous production since 1911, and the reason is that the fundamentals were right the first time. A single-action trigger with a short, clean break. A low bore axis that keeps recoil pushing straight back. A grip angle that points naturally for most shooters. None of that has needed improving.

What has improved is manufacturing. The SW1911 is built on modern machinery with modern tolerances, in stainless steel throughout, and it arrives with the features that used to require a custom gunsmith: an extended beavertail grip safety with a memory bump, a skeletonised trigger and hammer, and a checkered mainspring housing.

The E-Series designation refers to the scalloped slide serrations, front and rear, which give a positive grip for press checks and clearing malfunctions while looking considerably better than plain cuts.

Fit, Sights and Handling

Checkered wood grips with the Smith and Wesson medallion fill the hand and give a warm, solid feel that no polymer frame reproduces. Combined with 39.6 ounces of stainless steel, the pistol soaks up 45 ACP recoil to the point where the round feels like a firm push rather than a snap.

Three-dot sights are fitted, which is the sensible default for a general-purpose pistol. They are quick to pick up and easy to replace if you decide you want night sights or a fibre optic front.

Note the slide marking: this pistol is capable of firing with the magazine removed. There is no magazine disconnect, which most 1911 shooters consider correct, but it is worth knowing if you are used to pistols that will not fire without a magazine seated.

Specifications

• Manufacturer part number: 108482
• Caliber: 45 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 rounds
• Barrel: 5 in.
• Frame and slide: stainless steel
• Action: single action
• Grips: checkered wood
• Sights: three-dot
• Grip safety: extended beavertail with memory bump
• Trigger and hammer: skeletonised
• Slide serrations: scalloped E-Series front and rear
• Weight: 39.6 oz
• Height: 5.6 in.
• Width: 1.3 in.
• Warranty: Smith and Wesson Limited Lifetime Service Policy
• UPC: 022188084825

Why Buyers Choose the Smith Wesson SW1911 E-Series 45 ACP

A good single-action trigger is the easiest way for most shooters to improve their groups, and the 1911 has the best trigger geometry of any common defensive pistol.

Stainless steel construction means this pistol will outlast almost anything else in the safe. It also resists the corrosion that a carbon steel 1911 with a worn blue finish will not.

The aftermarket for 1911 parts, grips, sights and holsters is larger than for any other handgun design, so this is a pistol you can genuinely make your own.

45 ACP is a heavy, slow, subsonic cartridge with a long service record. Out of a five inch barrel it is comfortable to shoot and easy to shoot well.

Who Should Buy It

The Smith Wesson SW1911 E-Series 45 ACP suits shooters who want a full-size steel pistol with a serious trigger, 1911 enthusiasts looking for a modern build at a sensible price, and anyone who prefers 45 ACP. It is heavy for daily concealed carry, and single-action carry with the safety on demands training and a proper holster.

Learn more from Smith and Wesson, or browse the rest of our firearms selection.

Every firearm we list ships to your chosen FFL and is transferred there after a background check.