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Smith & Wesson Model SW1911 Sub Compact – Pro Series Pistol

Smith and Wesson SW1911 subcompact

Smith and Wesson has brought a new subcompact 1911 in .45 ACP to the market in their SW1911 line.  The SW1911 Sub Compact Pro Series is a tiny 1911 with an obvious eye on the concealed carry market.

The SW1911 features a Scandium frame, carbon steel slide, and stainless steel barrel, which all weighs in at only 24 ounces unloaded.  The gun is offered in matte black.

The gun loads 7+1 of the venerable .45 ACP and launches the rounds through a 3″ barrel.  Sights are typical three-dot.

Due to the reliability problems sometimes encountered with shrinking the 1911 platform, S&W installed an oversized external extractor to ensure positive extraction.  Smith and Wesson also equipped with subcompact 1911 with a three-hole trigger and a full-length guide rod.  I personally do not care for the skeletonized-type triggers, but your mileage may vary.

Smith Wesson SW1911 subcompact

Specifications

  • caliber: .45 ACP
  • standard magazine capacity:  seven rounds
  • barrel length:  3″
  • overall length:  6 7/8″
  • weight (unloaded):  24 ounces
  • frame:  scandium alloy
  • slide:  carbon steel
  • barrel:  stainless steel
  • full-length guide rod
  • oversized external extractor
  • sights:  three-dot

List price on the SW1911 Sub Compact Pro Series is $1264.

Smith & Wesson 1911 Subcompact

2013 SW1911 Update

This SW1911 pistol, introduced at the 2009 SHOT Show, is still in the Smith & Wesson catalog.  The MSRP has dropped to $1,159.  While not “cheap” by many people’s understanding of the term, the price is lower than the introductory price of $1,264.

The gun has gained a lot of respect from even the most traditional of 1911 enthusiasts. These guns look good and run great. For the price, they are actually a very good deal. Sure, more than $1k for a handgun is a little over the top for many people, but for a real 1911 fan the price is not bad at all.

I’ve had a chance to shoot these guns on the range, but I have not had one in my possession long enough for a complete review. If this changes, I will update this article with my observations.

By Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is an American author, editor and entrepreneur. He's done a lot of silly things in his life, but quitting police work to follow his passion of writing about guns was one of the smartest things he ever did. He founded this site and continues to manage its operation.

14 replies on “Smith & Wesson Model SW1911 Sub Compact – Pro Series Pistol”

Good Day!

I am selling my Beretta 92F .9mm and Walther PPK .380 to purchase a compact 1911, for concealed carry.

I want a .45 caliber and have been looking for the Kimber Ultra Carry II (blue), but so far I haven’t found one.

So, could anyone provide some comparisons between the S&W and the Kimber? (Or any other choices in that size range)

Thanks in advance

Tony Ellis
1975 USN 1988

I own a full sized S&W 1911 and I absolutely love it. It has very little recoil. You can fire it over and over without hurting your hands. I am very impressed with the engineering behind the 1911 and I trust the S&W brand so it was only natural that I would buy their version of this historical firearm. My next purchase is going to be their sub compact 1911 for concealed carry. I own a S&W Model 442 revolver that uses .38 and .38 +P. Given the small size and the large bullet, it is just too painful for my hands to fire it repeatedly.

I would like to see some real reviews on this piece.
Can’t find much on the forums and I don’t trust the gun rags.

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