My “GI” Inspired M1911A1

[JayFramer]

Hey gun buddies!

Just thought I’d show off my USGI inspired M1911A1 pistol! I came in to late to carry a 1911 but have always been fascinated by the guns and accouterments my fellow servicemen used with them. Here’s my interpretation:

This is a Springfield Armory gun that is pretty close in most regards to the “real deal”. One day I’d love to own a genuine milsurp 1911 but for now, this’ll do! It’s got a nice parkerized finish, low profile GI sights, lanyard loop MSH, and a few other correct details. I still need to add a GI low profile safety and some other things, but it’s not a bad start. It wears authentic surplus grips and I have several 1990s production military magazines made by Check-Mate Industries.

The rig is all 100% original USGI, with a late 70’s web belt, contract M1916 flap holster, and double mag pouch. I actually really like this setup, quick on and off, comfy, and the holster gives excellent protection to the gun while being fast into action with practice. Overall I really like this gun and while it isn’t a perfect rig, it scratches the itch I’ve always had for a military 1911 setup. I keep it stocked with Winchester “Service Grade” 230 gr. hardball just in case, and it’s been a reliable shooter.

Guys thanks for looking and take care!

-Jay

 

[misswired]

If it had an idiot scratch you'd have the look!!!

Just kidding, nice pistol and rig.

 

[Telecaster]

Very nice! I have the Auto Ordinance version. I put a short trigger in it, but it pinched my finger so I put the original back in.

 

[gwpercle]

Sweet !
Proper no frills fighting iron , I Like It !
Gary

 

[Grayfox]

Here's my G.I. 1911A1 mystery gun. Its a 1914 Springfield Armory (the original U.S. Armory) frame with a Colt slide and all G.I. parts. Its parkerized but has no arsenal rebuild marks. I suspect it may have been put together with parts. But by whom and when is unknown. None the less, it is a genuine G.I. 1911.

 

[Watchdog]

Here's my G.I. 1911A1 mystery gun. Its a 1914 Springfield Armory (the original U.S. Armory) frame with a Colt slide and all G.I. parts. Its parkerized but has no arsenal rebuild marks. I suspect it may have been put together with parts. But by whom and when is unknown. None the less, it is a genuine G.I. 1911.

Yeah, someone put that one together with parts. But they did a good job, especially on the finish. It's also possible that whoever refinished it polished out any arsenal rework stamps. Note the arched mainspring housing...on the original Springfields, they're flat.

I like that pistol a lot, though. Wouldn't mind having it, myself. Bet it's fun to shoot, too!

Wouldn't mind seeing some more photos of it. (hint, hint)

 

[M29since14]

That is very nice! Now and then I think about rounding up a gun like that (I won’t pay crazy $ for a surplus gun) but when I remember how bad the spur hammer bites me I set the project aside. No sense in a Commander hammer on this type of gun. Anyway, great looking rig!

 

[jeffrefrig]

You guys make me jealous! I had one of those ATI Philippine made 1911, very inexpensive, but a great shooter. It killed many attacking paper plates at the 25 yd. range! I gave it to my son; he loved it, so it's all good! I'd love to find an original, but I have a wife that says no! I have two pensions, plenty other firearms, in her eyes, and I'm trying to get a Ruger revolver, but...I'll be retirement age 62 in March, probably won't go yet, but I would like to share my pensions with her! Nice guns up above. Can I ask the average going rate on one of these? I would shoot it, no safe queens!

 

[Grayfox]

Watchdog said:
Wouldn't mind seeing some more photos of it. (hint, hint)

Here ya go.

These are all the markings on it. As I mentioned, no arsenal rebuild stamp.

I've posted this gun before both here and on the 1911 Forum. The general consensus is that it is a parts gun. But its also a true G.I. 1911A1. There has been some speculation due to the all G.I. issue parts that it may have been put together by some unit armorer somewhere. But, I guess we'll never know the real story.
You might also note that it has an original 1911 long trigger in it and not the later A1 short trigger. I prefer the long trigger anyway.

BTW: Yeah, lots of fun to shoot!

 

[BigBill]

I was torn between the gi springer and the auto ordnance us Army. I purchased both a week apart.

 

[Laketime]

I have one first year production like yours and one in first year in stainless. They never should have discontinued this model in favor of the Mil Spec.These were the best affordable clones out side of the Colt's reproduction and other high cost versions.

 

[VaTom]

Glad I picked up my 1943 Ithaca 10 years ago. Was not cheap but has doubled in value since. Couldn't afford one now. (Was working then and retired now). Also have one of the WWII Colt 1911A1 reproductions from 2002. They only made about 3,000 of them. Bought it shortly after the Ithaca and got a great deal due to some scratches on frame. Both came from GB auctions. If you find a deal on an original military buy it as they aren't getting any cheaper.

In meantime enjoy your 45s!!

 

[jeeps]

That is a ww2 rebuild ,not all were were marked with rebuild marks. It is stated in the Clawson 45 bible. Nice pistol. Much like my 1918 1911 rebuild in early ww2,New colt replacement slide and barrel early war.

 

[alwslate]

I have a Colt Series 70 commercial model but this ATI is closer to an
original GI issue model.

 

[Glashaus]

1911's and A1's are nice guns to own. I appreciate the rebuilds that have been posted. I have a WWII Augusta Arsenal rebuild with a 1918 Colt frame and a Remington Rand slide, it was sent to England as lend lease and then returned in the 50's - early 60's

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

This is as close as I can get, the Springfield Military Spec

 

[Mexican Kerry]

I like it! A Springfield GI was my very firstest pistol, lusted after them and almost lost my mind waiting for my license to get approved. The day it came, I went to the gun store and bought one. Then I took it home and disassembled it and put the scratch on it.

I eventually swapped an old GI safety onto it with some repro grips I found. It has a horrible trigger, it makes me chase brass all over the range after it fires them directly at my forehead, I love it.

 

[Frank46]

My 1943 Ithaca 1911A1 came about as a result of a swap. He got a Saur 38H in 32 auto and I got the 45 plus a cigar box full of ammo. Used it many years ago to shoot in steel plate matches. I got the Saur for free as the owner was going to ditch it in the trash. So I rescued the Saur and used it in the swap. So in essence you could say that I got the Ithaca for free, Frank

 

[jsfricks]

This is my 1943 Ithaca 1911A1 that I purchased from a forum member a few months back. It’s all original including finish.

 

[29aholic]

Here ya go.

These are all the markings on it. As I mentioned, no arsenal rebuild stamp.

I've posted this gun before both here and on the 1911 Forum. The general consensus is that it is a parts gun. But its also a true G.I. 1911A1. There has been some speculation due to the all G.I. issue parts that it may have been put together by some unit armorer somewhere. But, I guess we'll never know the real story.
You might also note that it has an original 1911 long trigger in it and not the later A1 short trigger. I prefer the long trigger anyway.

BTW: Yeah, lots of fun to shoot!

Technically, it is a 1911 rebuild. It does not have the trigger guard scallops of an A1 although it has the later type grips and hammer.