I was going through one of my tool boxes tonight and found all the way on the bottom this vintage wrench from a Colt 1911 that I had way back in the 1960s. Anyone familiar with this, wondering if they are hard to come by, if I should hold onto it or what ?

The only 1911s I have now are a couple of Springfield Armory EMP 9mm which do not have the separate barrel bushing. Thanks for any info.

Attached Images

Colt 1911 Wrench.jpg (39.7 KB, 163 views)

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DAV Life Member

I'd keep it. I don't think they have much collector value. Midway used to sell Colt bushing wrenches for $4, but they're no longer offered. You never know, though.

I don't know if that wrench is a rarity, but bushing wrenches are very common and still produced thing. Wilson offers theirs in Blue, Stainless, & Blue Plastic. A little bit uncommon are the WWII era accessory screw driver and pin punch, It looks like a two inch tall letter "L". It fits the grip screws and will push all pins except the Main Spring Housing retaining pin for the Hammer Spring. On the very rare side is the same tool for WWI! it is the same as above with the addition to make into an off side "T", the addition is a small screw driver to fit the Mag Release Button Spring Retainer "Screw".

I keep a bushing wrench and a WWI takedown screwdriver in a mag pouch (behind a spare mag) with all my 1911's that go into the field.

These tools fit all GI, Colt Government, & Commander models, as well as many or most clones.

Ivan

They are generally used for accurized GMs which have fitted barrel bushings. They are so tight it takes a wrench to install or remove them. I see them at gun shows, and several styles of wrenches are available from eBay vendors. If a wrench is actually Colt marked, as this one is, it might be worth $25 or so. If not, maybe $5.

It's been with you this long, why not keep it. I think those are cool.

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Thread Killer.

I have one of the “L” tools... bought it in the 1970’s when I got my first 1911. Never seen the WW1 version.

Colt bushing wrench, yeah - that’s a keeper!

Keep it ...it ain't eatin no hay and the 45 acp w/ bushing might make a comeback just as soon as the 9mm phase runs it's course .
Besides the day after you sell it ...you will need one...happens every time !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

There’s a Colt wrench on eb**, $50 ask... plus a couple of the WWII tools. Search “1911 tool”.

One of the metal ones, stamped by Colt may have some minimal value, but the plastic ones that have been included for many many years as well as those still produced currently have literally no value. There is usually one included in any 1911, regardless of maker, originally. Brownells used to supply orange plastic ones for bag stuffer's at bigger match's.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Granted I've never owned a super nice target model Gold Cup or any other commercial 1911A1 so I really have no feel for nice tight bushing that would require a wrench.

All of my 1911A1's from Argentine, Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca are US Property (or Argentine Army) marked former GI use, and all of them are like my title "NWR" meaning "no wrench required".

In fact eons ago in 2 tours with the Army, I've got to say I never saw a 1911A1 that needed a wrench, and saw some that could have actually used peening or something to keep the bushing secure.

I do think the tool is cool and a genuine wartime accouterment that would be nice for a collection...kinda like the Luger tool issued with wartime Lugers...so.....yea, I would hold onto it too.

Although I do have to say, if SSGT Negron (my 45 DI in basic/AIT) saw me with the tool I would have been told "drop and give me fifty"

Attached Images

	Argentine 1911-8.jpg (55.4 KB, 16 views)
	Colt 1911A1-1.jpg (33.2 KB, 12 views)
	Ithaca 1911-1.JPG (25.5 KB, 14 views)
	Ithaca 1911-2.JPG (31.5 KB, 15 views)
	RR 45-1.jpg (30.1 KB, 15 views)

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I would say keep it. It doesn't take up much room. And it might come in handy some day.

I have a 70 Series Gold Cup with a match-grade solid bushing installed. Can't field strip it without a bushing wrench, though I have a plastic one, I think from Wilson Combat.

I've never seen one with the "Rampant Pony" on it. I'd keep it if it was mine.

My friend purchased a new Colt Gold Cup 15 months ago and his gun came with that exact same wrench in a small yellow envelope. So they are still being included (at least with the Gold Cups).

Don’t recall ever needing a bushing wrench for a Colt

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213th FBINA

Not necessary but I do use a plastic Brownell's version from time to time. Keeps my Nitrile glove finger from ripping when removing by hand.

I found these laying around the shop recently.

Actually - I just checked my own Gold Cup's original box (manufactured 1974) and I have one that came with the gun as well. Since I am headed to the Range this morning and actually shooting the Gold Cup - I checked.

I picked up a couple of those screw drivers in the Colt booth at SHOT SHOW years ago

I'd keep it. Beats using the base of a magazine to loosen the bushing.

Think I will take everyone's advice and hold on to it, makes a nice cool addition to my work table top, even if I do not use it, I really like the pretty pony with the broken lance inscribed in it. Might even make a nice addition to my key chain.

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DAV Life Member

Those remind me of the bottle openers made of flat steel that poke out of the back pockets of those cute little bar maids. Come to think of it, if someone made those with a bottle opener on one end and a bushing wrench on the other end they could sell a bunch.

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Forum consigliere

Keep it. It isn't eating anything, and it doesn't take up much room. I will not have a 1911 that is not able to be disassembled without the use of a bushing wrench, but you never know when you might encounter one that requires it (someone else at the range, etc.). That said, a tightly fitted bushing is simply not necessary to achieve even match accuracy.

I had a Series 70, the one with the swelled muzzle and the finger bushing, supposedly to give a tighter fit. To take the pistol down, had to move the slide back in inch or to rotate the bushing. I think they discontinued that in the series 80.