Questions about the Model 1911A1

[dramos]

Hello all,

Recently I have become more interested in WWII firearms and with my 21st birthday around the corner I am looking more into the model 1911A1 pistol. I realize these guns can be quite pricey, but eventually I would like to own a genuine example. Any tips on what to look for, or possible reference guides that you guys and gals have found to be helpful would be much appreciated.

[Walkwolf]

Quite a few makers in the WWII period, as well as pre and post-war commercial
models, which will have much better finishes. An untouched original finish
WWII pistol will likely mean a slightly higher price, as will a rare maker
ie: 'Singer'.

Remington Rand .45's are the most common of the WWII military types,
although Colt is always the most popular.........

[dramos]

Any idea on a fair price for a decent, shootable, war-time model? I know thats probably what everyone is after, but if Im gonna save and spend the money thats what Ill want. Do you own one Steve?

[Walkwolf]

You should be able to buy a nice one for between $500 and $1000.

I have one, but it's a 1911 that was made in 1915 - the year my
father was born - It has a normal .45 barrel, but the slide is
marked in British .455 caliber. I added a WWI style mag
with the lanyard loop, and repro grip plates.

It has been refinished, and was modified for competition,
which lowered collector interest, so I was able to buy it
for under $300. I re-worked it myself back to 'standard'
configuration. You can still see where the rear of
the ejection port has been ground:

[Walkwolf]

A couple of sites I found on the net:

Model 1911A1. Com

Colt Model 1911A1 (M1911A1) U.S. Army .45 ACP Pistol Collector's Information - Coltautos.com

[dramos]

Very cool Steve. Very iconic pistol and something I really want to add to my collection. Do you shoot yours?

[Walkwolf]

I have fired it in the past using surplus ammo from the 1950's,
but haven't shot it in quite a while. They are loud, powerful,
accurate and reliable. ( Also very easy to strip for cleaning,
thanks to the genius of John Moses Browning's design. )

I'd suggest buying one with an intact original finish, unmarred
grips and good rifling - basically, the nicest you can afford.
You really cant go wrong.........

[dramos]

Thank you Steve, I will continue looking into it!

[Walkwolf]

If you are like me, you will fixate on the model you want until it is yours,
and then love and admire it - but you can always own more than one !

The 1911 is a handful - which is one of the reasons the 'A1' models
were developed - so if your hands are rather small, you might
also want to look at the 9mm Browning Hi-Power, a further
refinement of J.M. Browning's design.........

[dramos]

Oh man Steve, now youre tempting me! And yes, once I decide I want something I figure out how to get it, no matter how much over time I have to work!