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Smith and Wesson 1911sc e-series bobtail commander

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8K views 38 replies 21 participants last post by  bagman45  
#1 ·
Howdy all, does anyone here have any experience with the SW1911sc bobtail commander? I've been interested in adding a "bobtail" to the herd for quite a while, and this one has been of particular interest. Great looks, good reviews, "reasonable price", etc. There's a used one available locally that looks to be in really great condition for $1200 - all blue version. Owner says it's had less than 500 rounds through it. Any first-hand experience, and thoughts on pricing would be greatly appreciated!
 
#6 ·
Concur with everything posted so far. These are excellent pistols. S&Ws remain the best kept secret in the world of 1911s. Sure, purists many not like them, others may be scared of the external extractor, and still others don't even know they exist, but, regardless, they are solid, reliable, fantastic firearms. Lot's of 'bang-for-the-buck", as they say. I would add, though, that 'used' should normally run a bit less than that, but, this is a crazy market, so the mark-up is expected, and the seller will likely get it.
 
#10 ·
I have no experience with the S&W, but my EDC for the last almost 2 years has been a bobtail Commander (a Dan Wesson Guardian in 38 Super).

I love it! I think a bobtail Commander is pretty much the ideal (to me) size for a carry gun. I also have a CCO in 45. It seems that the bobtail prints about the same as an Officer's frame, but gives that extra 1 (in 45) or 2 (in 38 Super or 9mm) rounds of capacity. And the bobtail feels great in the hand!
 
#22 ·
Bagman - About six months ago I picked up the same model your considering. It cost me 1300 plus tax for a brand new one, which was a decent price (not great) for that time. I would say 1200 for a nice used one would also be a decent price. If you can get them to 1150 or 1100 then I think your getting into “nice deal” territory. That said, I’d rather pay 1200 and own one than draw a line in the sand at 1100/1150 and walk away empty handed. Just my $.02 on pricing.

I’ve been really happy with my e series. No problems to report with about 300 rounds of various 230 grain ammo down range including three different types of JHPs. I plan to try some 185 grain golden sabres this weekend.

I started a thread on my e series that is still on page one of this sub forum. Check it out if you haven’t already and let me know if you have any questions. I need to update it and will probably do so after this weekend.
 
#23 ·
Bagman - About six months ago I picked up the same model your considering. It cost me 1300 plus tax for a brand new one, which was a decent price (not great) for that time. I would say 1200 for a nice used one would also be a decent price. If you can get them to 1150 or 1100 then I think your getting into “nice deal” territory. That said, I’d rather pay 1200 and own one than draw a line in the sand at 1100/1150 and walk away empty handed. Just my $.02 on pricing.

I’ve been really happy with my e series. No problems to report with about 300 rounds of various 230 grain ammo down range including three different types of JHPs. I plan to try some 185 grain golden sabres this weekend.

I started a thread on my e series that is still on page one of this sub forum. Check it out if you haven’t already and let me know if you have any questions. I need to update it and will probably do so after this weekend.
Thanks for the helpful reply. Couldn't find your thread, but would love to read it. Reply with the link when you have a chance. Thanks again!
 
#33 ·
The only inherent issue with the "E" Series that I know of (and experienced) is the plunger tube coming un-staked. S&W covered it for free, but it could have been catastrophic if it happed during an armed assault?
I don't carry mine anyways, but here she is with her sister Sig C-3.
Definitely one of the prettiest and undervalued gun in my collection.
Image
 
#37 ·
Recently purchased the Eseries and am experiencing some growing pains. Absolutely love everything about the gun except the very low left grouping. Due to an elbow injury I will impact marginally left but on proper vertical. I will generally shoot 50 - 100 rnds then drift the sight and bingo all is fine. I did change the grips and this helped slightly with bringing my POI up. I am not giving up on this gun but haven't had this issue with my SA's or custom .45.
 
#38 ·
I just picked one up today - it was new in box. (See Mortimer’s post for identical picture of one I bought). I’ve been carrying a stainless 1980’s Colt Combat Commander and liked the lighter weight and bobtail of the Smith. I paid $1350 plus tax.

These Scandium frame Smith 1911’s have just recently started showing up in local gun stores here in St. Louis. I know of three different stores that have received more than one so they must be back in production. They are all retailing in the $1450-1550 range. I got a break on mine because I was also buying a Dan Wesson PM-9 and paying cash.

I really like the ergonomics and the trigger on this pistol. I expect to get to the range for its first workout this weekend. My hope is that it will prove accurate and reliable to replace the Colt in my carry rotation. ( I carry 45’s in the cold months, 9mm in the warmer months, and 380’s in the downright hot months.)
 
#39 ·
Still on the lookout for one, but haven't found any in my area that I could actually lay hands on to check out. Not trusting GB or most of the online sites for jack diddly these days. Did actually pick up a Tisas Bantam bobtail in .45 for a screaming bargoon some months back, and so far, it's turning out to be a hella good gun and has quenched my thirst for a bobtail. For now. STILL love and looking for the Smith, as it's a bit smoother and more refined. But for now, the Bantam is scratching my itch... Wish Dan Wesson still made them like they used to, but have nothing but trouble with the newer ones, so at this point WAY over priced for what you get, from my more recent experience. That said, it would be AWESOME if S&W started to produce them again, but doubt they will. That one, AND the non-HILLARY HOLE 686. NEVER should have traded off my trusty old 4" no-dash a ways back....