Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911?

[LTUME1978]

While you may have good luck with S&W, don't assume that all high end manufacturers will take care of their problems. I purchased two high end M4 variants (civilian version of what some of the special forces use) 6 months ago. Several trips back to the factory and 5 barrels later (3 on one rifle and 2 on the other) and they both still shoot 3 inches at 100 yards with match ammo. They have suggested to me that I don't know how to shoot or reload (pretty arrogant of them since they don't know me) but I have not ever received a test target with any of the uppers when they come back. I am emailing with the president of the company at this time but not having much luck getting this resolved. He is trying to convince me that what I have is normal and meets their specs. I will post full details once this comes to completion, whatever happens, so that others won't go through the same misery.

[gigag04]

an example was i went to a gun show and they had a 2300 dollar les baer laying on the table. it already had rust developing on the hammer.obviously it had been sitting around and or stored improperly.

And priced improperly, even without the rust.

[extremist]

So i want to buy a smith wesson performance center 1911. the gun shop will only special order it. If i don't like it or something is wrong I cant return it for full value.its like 2000 dollars. anyone got any ideas? seems dumb to buy something sight unseen.

I have had three SW PC 1911 Melonite guns and they have all been superb. But there's no way I would pay 2000 for one and I didn't. Mine averaged around $1300 and while used, they were all like new with one have 16 rounds fired and the most used one having what I would guesstimate as being 200 rounds fired.

I've since sold 2 of them but hang on to my last one. It's a GREAT 1911, VERY accurate and not as ammo sensitive as some other high end 1911s. I own samples of all of the high end 1911s (WC, NH, EB, LB) and the PC1911 as a shooter can hold it's own against any of them.

That being said, it's not a WC, NH, EB or LB. It most closely compares to a LB Premier II, which RETAILS for $1790 and can be purchased easily for $1699 or less. Check out Gunbroker and GunsAmerica and keep your eyes open and be patient. If you are going to buy sight unseen (like I did for my first one), then you might as well shop for best prices. You should not pay more than $1800 for one new, and $1400-1600 for a used one.

Edit: Although I do see the wholesale price has gone up considerably and is now $1760+ which is a bit steep in my opinion. I think the LB Premier II is a better gun in that price range. Another gun to look at would be the Dan Wesson Valor Duty Coat if you are gonna spend money in that price range.

Regards,
James

[alvins]

one place has it for 1780 and i think another is like 1697 but i would have to get it through an ffl. i would only consider a wilson combat or les baer. i personally think kimbres are overhyped.