New lead slinger

[Will]

I have always loved the looks of a 1911. In the past I had a couple of Colts and a STI that I just never did shoot well.

I started looking at them again and found one that fit my hand well. So I’m giving the 1911 another try. I know some don’t like the external extractor but I actually prefer it.

I’m hoping to get out and try some of the RCBS 45-201’s and Saeco’s copy of the H&G 130 in it.

Here she is

https://imgur.com/iaoe7OZ

Oh and I must add. This was a Bday present from my Parents and Wife.

 

[Spindrift]

Wow, nice present! Happy birthday!

 

[S Mac]

Happy Birthday Will, nice.

 

[Cherokee]

Nice gift, Happy Birthday.

 

[Wiresguy]

I had one of those. They are nice shooters! Congratulations.

 

[Ole_270]

Nice. Get ready to wear out the casting pot.

 

[CZ93X62]

NICE SIDEIRON!

 

[Will]

Sadly I haven’t shot it yet and may send it back to S&W

7lb trigger pull out of the box and the safety is so stiff I can barely move it. Not sure whether to send it back or shoot it and see if it improves.

 

[Ian]

geezus, that's unacceptable. What a bummer. I have DA autos that have less pull than that, and if there's one thing that better be manageable to operate it's the safety.

 

[Will]

I haven’t decided whether to send it back or just shoot it and see what happens.
I’m afraid they will just say the trigger pull is within spec. It has a very crisp clean break just HEAVY!!

I’ve always been a fan of S&W but the last couple I’ve bought from them I haven’t been happy. Sucks spending almost $1000 on a American made product and getting this kind of quality.

Also found this while messing with it today

https://imgur.com/JLAblrm

 

[Ian]

Normally I'd say call them, make your discontent fully know, and make them fix it. However, the person to send it back should be the one whose name was on the ATF form. Gift horses and so forth, so in your situation I'd say just fix it to your liking and then you know it's right, shouldn't be hard to do with a little stoning here, polishing there, and an aftermarket leaf spring.

Is that stock cracked? Apprentice marks on the plunger spring housing?

 

[Will]

Your right on both. The grip is cracked and it has some scuffs around the plunger.

All I have done is handle this pistol. It hasn’t seen the first round of ammo or a holster.

Dad recently got his FFL and this is how it arrived from Lipseys.

 

[Edward R Southgate]

Get Dad to send it back . If you fool with it will void the warranty. They messed up let them fix it .

 

[Will]

I contacted S&W today about the issues and they sent me a shipping label.
I was told they would take care of all the problems I had including the 7lb trigger pull

 

[Missionary]

That is good to read. But how did all that slip through the QC ??

 

[StrawHat]

That is good to read. But how did all that slip through the QC ??

It didn’t. More and more, companies are relying on the customer to be the quality control department. Saves on payroll and benefits and not all customers have the same standards.

Myself, heck, I have a revolver that has not been fired since I got it. So far, it looks good. Of course, it was built in 1918 and the current workers would not have a clue what to do if I did find something wrong and send it back!

Kevin

 

[Ian]

The old "let's see what we can get by with before the customers start squeaking" thing. Minimum deliverables, it's a thing folks.

 

[Will]

It’s truly a shame though. I’m a big S&W fan and have a lot of them. At one time their name really stood for quality.

I know anything can happen but it seems they are really starting to slip. Dad purchased 2 Ruger 1911’s for himself and both were of much superior quality out of the box.

 

[Will]

Started working on some bullets for it today. At least I’ll have time to get lots of ammo loaded to try for it.

https://imgur.com/AB9PgBA

 

[StrawHat]

Okay, I am a revolver type fellow. As much as I have tried to like the 1911, it has never worked out. I would buy one, Colt, Dan Wesson, Paraordnance, Springfield, etc and really try to learn the drill. Never happened. Many months and many rounds down range, I would never have the confidence in the self loader that I did in the revolver. I can pick up any N frame and carry it with utmost confidence after a shakedown cruise. With the 1911, I am constantly aware of it on my hip, constantly worrying will I remember to hit the thumb safety and a list of other things.

So, since I am used to a DA revolver, the OP mentioned a 7 pound trigger pull. Is that bad for a 1911? My revolvers are usually 9-10 pounds some a bit lighter but I prefer smooth and sure over light and iffy. So, 7 pound 1911, heavy or not?

Kevin