Smith & Wesson sent me a sample of its SW1911 E Series pistol. Constructed chiefly of stainless steel, the E Series gun possesses a high degree of fit and finish as well the reliability and accuracy we’ve become accustomed to with Smith & Wesson products.
It’s a handsome pistol, sporting fish scale-style cocking serrations fore and aft. Smith & Wesson polishes the slide flats to a bright polish, while the rest of the gun remains a subdued satin silver. Appendages like the external extractor, magazine release, slide release, thumb safety, mainspring housing and beavertail grip safety are left blued to provide contrast to the stainless finish. 20-lpi checkering is machine cut into the gun’s frontstrap, and the mainspring housing has matching checkering to give the shooter a secure firing grip. Smith also flat tops the E Series slide top and serrates it to reduce glare. This custom feature is something I always add to my custom 1911s.
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Frame-to-slide fit of the E-Series gun is perfection, as are the fit of things like the thumb safety and beavertail. Smith outfits this gun with a long, aluminum trigger, which is adjustable for overtravel. Combined with the elongated, skeletonized hammer, the trigger breaks at a serviceable 4.75 pounds. No firing pin safety is included on this particular 1911. Low-profile, Novak-style sights are used on this gun and aided me in shooting some very nice groups.
