SMITH & WESSON SW1911 E SERIES
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson SW1911 E Series
The Smith & Wesson SW1911 E Series is a line of reliable semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Smith & Wesson, an American firearms company with a long history of producing top-tier weapons. The E Series is a line of full-size, single-action handguns modeled after the classic 1911 .45 Auto, chambered in either .45 ACP or 9mm. While staying true to the classic 1911 aesthetic, the SW1911E Series adds modern features such as dovetail sights, beavertail grip safety, and a lightweight frame, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced shooters.
The external frame of the Smith & Wesson SW1911E is made of carbon steel with a polished black melonite finish that looks good and provides excellent protection from corrosion and wear. The matte-finish steel slide has a flat face to reduce glare, and includes a lowered ejection port to reduce the possibility of jamming. The beavertail grip safety provides an active safety system and ensures the handgun is properly deactivated, as it blocks the trigger from pulling without the user’s thumb engaging the guard.
The SW1911E Series also includes Smith & Wesson’s dovetail sights, giving users the option to fit their own choice of sights on the weapon. The Novak-style sights are adjustable and feature a white three-dot system for quick target acquisition. The handgun’s 4.25-inch stainless steel barrel includes a stainless steel match-grade bushing for improved accuracy and sound management.
When it comes to how it shoots, the SW1911E is the very definition of reliability. It fires with minimal felt recoil and has excellent accuracy. Additionally, its traditionally-designed frame further reduces recoil impulse, minimizing muzzle rise for improved control and follow-up shot accuracy. Additionally, the low bore-axis significantly reduces felt recoil while allowing shooters to keep their focus on the target.
The trigger on the Smith & Wesson SW1911E is single-action and features a crisp, clean break. It has a light 4.5-pound pull weight that is consistent and predictable, making it incredibly accurate. The ambidextrous safety allows for safe carry and is easy to operate for shooters of all sizes. The magazine release is ambidextrous and easy to reach regardless of shooting stance, making tactical reloads a breeze.
The Smith & Wesson SW1911E is a fantastic pistol for shooters with experience in semi-automatic handguns, as well as those just getting started. It is well-built, reliable, and accurate. Additionally, it is lightweight and features a comfortable grip, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry and home defense. It also includes loads of modern features like adjustable sights and an ergonomic design, all while staying true to the classic 1911 design. All these features and more make the Smith & Wesson SW1911E an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable semi-automatic pistol.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly Reliable - The Smith & Wesson SW1911 E Series is constructed with highly reliable parts and is designed to be a reliable weapon for serious shooters.
- High Accuracy - The SW1911 E Series comes with fully adjustable sights and match-grade barrels that improve accuracy.
- Comfortable - Thanks to its ergonomic design, the SW1911 E Series fits comfortably in the user's hand and is well balanced.
- Quality Finish - The Series includes a stainless steel slide that features a polished finish.
Cons:
- Expensive - The Smith & Wesson SW1911 E Series is a high-end handgun and is more expensive than many comparable models.
- Heavy - At 2.7 pounds empty, the SW1911 E Series is considerably heavier than many other handguns on the market.
- Not Suitable for Concealed Carry - This weapon's size and weight makes it difficult to conceal in a pocket or holster, making it unsuitable for concealed carry.
Who Should Buy
The SW1911 E Series from Smith & Wesson is designed with the experienced shooter in mind. As such, it is best suited for shooters with intermediate to advanced experience with handguns. Those with limited firearms experience should not purchase this handgun.
Comparisons
| Brand | Model | Caliber | Capacity | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson | SW1911 E Series | .45 ACP | 8 Rounds | Matte Silver & Black |
| Ruger | SP101 | .38 Special | 5 Rounds | Matte Black |
| Kimber | Micro 9 | 9mm | 6 Rounds | Matte Stainless |
| Beretta | PX4 Storm Compact | 9mm | 10 Rounds | Matte Black |
| Sig Sauer | P238 | .380 ACP | 6 Rounds | Matte Anodized Aluminum |
Features / Specs
• Single action/Semi Automatic
• 5” Stainless Steel Match Grade Barrel
• Low Profile 3-Dot Combat Sights
• Model: SW1911 E Series
• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 8 Rounds
• Frame: Stainless Steel
• Slide: Stainless Steel
• Grips: Textured Wood
• Trigger Pull: 4.5-5 lbs
• Overall Length: 8.7”
• Overall Height: 5.5”
• Overall Width: 1.3”
• Weight (unloaded): 37.1 oz
Popular Accessories
SCANDIUM?
- Hogue Piranha G-10 Grips
- Crimson Trace Laser Sight
- TRUGLO TFO Tritium/Fiber-Optic Front/Rear Sights
- Ahrends Finger Groove Grips
- Wilson Combat 47D Extended Magazine Base Pad
- Semi-Drop-In Match-Grade Barrel
- Extended, Ambidextrous Safety Lever
- Wide, Extended Beavertail Grip Safety
- Extended, Extended Magazine Release
- Magpul Magazine Bumper Pad
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson SW1911 E Series is renowned for its accuracy. The markings, fit and finish have been acclaimed by gun experts as some of the best on the market. With its beavertail grip safety, solid steel frame and extended beavertail grip safety, the SW1911 E Series provides an incredibly tight and secure grip to its users. The extended barrel design helps promote superior barrel-to-slide alignment, as well as an improved sight radius, for unparalleled accuracy. The model also features an oversized external extractor for reliable spent casing ejection. With its simple yet well-designed internals, exceptional accuracy can be expected from the SW1911 E Series.
