SW1911SC vs. Colt Combat Elite

[Paints-n-cows]

Ok,  here is the deal.  I found both of these weapons and at this time, I can only afford to buy one of them.  They are offered at the same price and roughly are in the same location.  When I was in the USMC, I carried a Colt with a 5-digit serial number and also have had a S&W 645 that I absolutely would not sell for love-nor-money.

I realize that the S&W has a 4.25" barrel and the Colt has the full 5"

Does anyone have some factual information to help me make a decision?  I would really like to get both but right now, it is going to be one or the other.

BTW, they are both going to be around $650 from individuals.

Thanks in advance.

[jakes10mm]

I will chime in for the Colt crowd.  I picked up a S&W SW1911 when they first came out.  Back then, I was shooting IPSC competitions and it was my primary competition pistol from the day it came out of its case.  Did very well for a couple years and proved to be utterly reliable and quite accurate.  I was re-infected with the Colt bug and sold the SW1911 to purchase a Colt 1991 Government (New Roll Mark Model).  The Colt has been just as reliable and more accurate.  I have since retired from IPSC competition, but not before giving the Colt some holster wear. 

In a nutshell, you will not go wrong with either pistol.  I am biased towards Colt and would recommend that direction.  Unless you totally abuse a gun and history repeats itself in the future, the Colt will gain value over the years while the S&W may hold hold its value.  In my opinion, Colts also have an undefinable "Feel and Balance" that other 1911s lack. 

[Mikey]

Paints-n-cows:  I've been looking at the new S&W1911SCs to replace my very old lightweight Colt Commander.  I specifically wanted a 4.25" bbl replacement for what I currently have and the Colt you reference has a 5" bbl. 

I decided, a while back, to move on away from the Colts.  There really isn't anything special about them, they are trying to maintain their place in the firearms industry but they overprice their product and the last time I tried getting any service from them I felt like I was in the company urinal trying to get my umbrella open.  I still have a Python that I consider marginal for use because it needed servicing, 20 years ago, and I couldn't get it serviced by the manufacurer.  Since then Colt has gone bankrupt a couple of times, is partially owned by a unfriendly-gun state (Conn), dropped most of its revolver and semi-auto line, and stays afloat on the black rifle. 

Smith and Wesson has improved their quality and expanded their line.  Their product is as good if not better than any.  I have Colts laying around the house but that's only 'cause that was all there was when I bought it.  A Smith and Wesson won't go wrong on ya, and neither will a Colt but I prefer the S&W.  Mikey.

[44 Man]

I would choose based more on what you want to do with the gun.  The S&W is a scandium frame and with it's light weight, it would be very good for carrying.  As for the Colt, that will have the steel frame and be a better 'range' gun or house or competition gun.  It's up to you.  I have 3 Colt 1911's and love them all.  They have been 100% reliable and accurate and I could not ask for more.  You really can't go wrong with either gun.  Pick the one that suits you or has that 'I've just got to have it' appeal!  Then take it home and shoot it!  Enjoy.  44 Man.

[SHOOTALL]

what a choice ! lucky you !
a light gun will kick more but carry easy and the heavy gun will be the opposite . both are good guns ( I like colt ) so choose your tool by the job you need it for !
shame ya can't get both , been there !

[jhm]

Every manufacturer of 1911s basically COPY the colt, its kinda like the buick salesman saying it rides just like a Cadilac, however it isnt a Cadilac!!  with that said I have owned both S&W 1911s and Colts I still have some Colts. HTH   JIM