S&W 1911 #108303: “Masterpiece of Steel” by Nutnfancy

A forged stainless, full-sized 1911 that rocks the range. That’s this Smith and Wesson Model 108303 with its low profile light rail. Sometimes lightweight guns can handicap you. Like in competition and when you don’t have to carry a lot of gear long distances. In that case you might want to reach for this Amercan-made S&W interpreation of the design. In my testing it shoots fast and soft, attributable of course to its stout 41 oz weight and also its excellent stock trigger which yields a 4.75 lb with very little creep. That results in impressive tactical accuracy (show on small steel targets) that can dominate the competition. It also results in loads of fun for the shooter. The gun was addicting in fire. Attribute that to both great ergos and performance where it matters. Good shooters can achieve around 2.5″ to 3″ inch groups achieved at 25 yds off the bench (with fliers at times). However in running, practical shooting drills the accuracy seemed magical; all S&W 1911s tested so far achieve the same. Major points are reviewed in this video to include frame and slide details, the trigger, the sights (excellent, shot point of aim), the safeties, the finishing, the handsome Cocobolo grip panels, and the balance and feel. The new “E” Series of S&W 1911s are more visually interesting but I doubt they will improve much on the already-excellent shootablility of these guns. Reilability was not 100% at first due to tight slide to frame fit (failures to go into battery noted) which the factory remedied quickly when it was returned for service. After their fitting, this #108303 ran 100% with all loads. The S&W 1911s depart from the pure John Browning formula by having external extractors, full length guide rods, and a firing pin safety system that indexes off the grip safety (similar to Kimber II series, preserving a better trigger pull). The “E” Series uses titanium firing pins with lower mass, has no firing pin safety, and has a larger external extractor (no weaknesses noted in this oneat all however). As we’ve seen throughout the S&W 1911 lineup, the light rail is perfectly executed: low profile, multiple slots, and it fits into standard polymer 1911 holsters. The stainless barrel, frame, and slide are forged by S&W in Houlton, ME and that really separates this value 1911 from the pack. Most others in this price range will be investment cast. Given the durability, excellent ergonomics, and accuracy, the value is excellent for a 1911 pistol. There are many other stainless steel 1911s (fewer with rail though) that might offer more custom-type features and specialness, but you will pay much more and in the end get no better performance. If you can find the #108303 in stock, you might score it for around $900 (2011, subject to change). In the POU of range competitor, recreation, or home defense gun this Smith and Wesson 1911 proved itself to be a masterpiece of the steel and will remain a workhorse in TNP for the foreseeable future.///////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale #108303: 10 of 10 (after repair by Smith and Wesson)////////// Music licensed to TNP from Jason Shaw @ audionautix.com