New SW 1911 and not too happy...

[SuicideHz]

Ok, here we go again:

What is this wear shown on the left with the two arrows pointing towards it?


Maybe this is only cosmetic, but I've got the all too common problem of extra metal in the breachface that leaves marks on the brass:


(if you know what you are looking for, you can see it. If not, check out the 1911 forums...)

Are these NASTY gouges on this part of the barrel only cosmetic?:



The trigger is sloppy as all hell. There is about 0.045" of play in it- up and down. It wiggles the full amount of the gap that you see in the following pictures. This can't possibly be correct or a sign that everything is working correctly:

[Admin]

That wear pattern on the upper barrel lugs is just some scuffing from the machining marks in the slide. Nothing to worry about. You'll probably start to see them on the barrel hood as well... It'll start to mar up that fancy herringbone pattern

That ding on the lower barrel lug is something somewhat concerning though... if it's due to an obstruction in the frame that it's crashing into. If it's just a (really) sloppy fit job done in machining, it shouldn't be a big deal other than looking like shoddy workmanship.

The trigger does look a lot worse than any other SW1911 I've seen. Don't blame you for wanting that fixed.

I have a SW1911PD with that same ledge on the breechface. Never caused a functionality problem, just marks up the brass a bit. It does eventually get peened down a bit on it's own. If it really bugs you (reloads perhaps) and you don't want to wait for the SW repair shop, you can take it down pretty easily with a flat scraper file from brownells.

I have the scandium framed version and the finish on that is rather fragile as well. There's areas under the thumb safety that rubbed through the finish before I even shot the thing. And if you drop the slide using the slide stop, expect the finish to get even worse in that area.

Overall it looks like you got a poorly fitted one and if for nothing else, I'd want that trigger fixed.

How's the barrel crown? Mine looked like they ran a rifling die thru it and called it a day... Looking at it you'd think it would shoot at right angles but i'll be damned if it isn't accurate as hell.

I can understand being disappointed in a brand new pistol looking a little rough... but just take a look at Steve's 1911 and you'll feel better

[rob_s]

I'll get you an exact replacement. I'll trade you your used scratched one for a brand new version of the same model. I mean that as sincerely as I do smartassly

There are more critical areas that need to work together on a 1911 than probably any other auto loader. The cosmetics you guys are concerned with are meaningless(but expected fromn the 1911 crowd). Machine marks on the barrel and inside the slide?! Boo ****in Hoo

"Looks like" means nothing. The S&W 1911 Super Dave drove all weekend looked like a piece of shit. The guy who knows how to use the ugly one will kill the the guy holding the pretty one he was afraid to scratch.

My 1911 looks like a shit, but my arrogance regarding my ability with it I consider well earned - If your not confident you and make the shot playing around, how are you going to make it under stress. If you own a gun for anything other than collection/safe queen, learn how to use it and you wont worry about that petty shit.

While I agree to a point, I still want to have something that looks nice, and when it looks like shit right out of the gate it indicates a complete lack of concern for the manufacturing process and it would make me very nervous about the overall quality of the firearm.

Having something that started out well made and well machined and breaking/wearing it in yourself over time is one thing, starting out with something that looks like it was machined by the kids on the short bus is something else altogether.

[SuicideHz]

rob shares my exact point of view. I buy new for new and should be able to break it as I see fit. I'm not the type of guy that buys jeans with holes already in them and I'm sure none of you guys are either. You buy the good jeans and wear them like they're the good jeans. When they start to wear or "break in" it's because you and they have done their jobs together...

[Milkman]

The majority of the problems with that pistol are cosmetic with the exception of the trigger. However, if it were me who bought the gun I would be disappointed because it should at least be nice looking from the start. The trigger doesn't represent a big issue because it can be fixed for $20 and 20 minutes of fitting.

I'd take Steve up on his offer. You'll be out transfer fees but it beets having to deal with RMA's and such.

ETA: Would you please take a picture of the VIS in your receiver? I suspect the mark on the lower lug is sloppy machining but a picture would show if otherwise

[SuicideHz]

It's not as if I am cursed. Steve will probably get close to the same product from Smith and Wesson if he orders one...

[Milkman]

A friend bought a GSR recently. I'm thinking I should have ponied up the cash for a GSR or Kimber. I could have waited a few weeks. Hell, I'm getting married in two and there ought to be a little cash to divert into the gun fund...

How does your friend like his GSR? The forums are loaded with complaints.

[SuicideHz]

I think he likes it but he was shot while at the range. Well, hit with a bullet fragment if that counts...

[bigbore]

You'll be out transfer fees but it beets having to deal with RMA's and such.

I forgot about sending it back. S&W Customer service is one of the BEST. If you want to call and tell them you are sending it back for a new trigger and maybe even barrel, they'll replace the parts and return ASAP.

[SuicideHz]

The main reason I come here to whine in the first place is to get a feel for whether my expectations are realistic or not. I will call SW but I just don't want to end up getting the pistol back in a month to find out that the sloppy trigger is their standard trigger and it won't get any better.

If at my price point I have to deal with a sloppy trigger, then I will. But, this is why I am asking you guys.