NM 1911-A1 Questions.

[brucev]

Several months ago one of my church members bought a very nice match prepared M-1 Garand rifle. It came w/ a can of Winchester M-2 ball (non-corrosive). He paid $1,000 for the rifle and ammo.

Just a minute ago this same church member called to tell me about a very nice National Match 1911-A1 that was for sale by the man from whom he bought his rifle. He said the man wanted $1,500 for the pistol and that there would be a good bit of ammunition that would go with the pistol.

I have not ever had any experience w/ NM 1911-A1's. I have a idea of what the ammunition is worth, but I am clueless about the pistol. I would appreciate any suggestions or information that anyone could offer about this pistol. It'll be at least next week before I have to do anything. Thank you very much. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Cpo1944]

Hey Bruce, It depends on the condition of the pistol photos are needed. That price might be reasonable, If I had to sell my Gold Cup Colt 1911, I`d ask that much , but might settle for $1200 ish . .45 ACP if they are factory are worth about .30 - .50 cents each. A fellow can Never have enough .45 ACP ammo, so if he has about 500 - 600 rounds to go with the gun, the $1500 price is about right.

 

[johngalt]

Like everything else, it depends on condition. Strip it down and verify all the serial numbers match. The last 3 digits of the serial number will be on the slide, barrel, and bushing. The barrel and bushing will also be stamped NM.

I'm unsure as to what the value is compared to a Colt gold cup. As a shooter, it is probably better than a gold cup. Back in the day, they were the best there was in target guns. They were set for DCM service matches, which have strict rules as to what enhancements are allowed. Essentially, just adjustable sights. No beaver tails, mag wells, extended slide release, ambi safety, etc. minimum 4# trigger.

If it were me, I would probably pay close to 1500 for it. They are excellent target guns.

 

[Bat Guano]

Are either of those guns purchases from the old DCM? If so there might be paperwork to go with them. As I recollect, circa 1960, both sold for around $120 or better in the day, and we're nice pieces (and out of reach for a kid). Both were essentially intended for the Camp Perry matches of the day.

Very nice guns, too. Collectible.

 

[M1Garandy]

If it is a USGI pistol and not a Colt Gold Cup or some GI parts on a commercial frame (Colt, Essex, Vega, etc), a book called US Military Match and Marksmanship Automatic Pistols by Bill Jenkins might be a good investment for about $40 or so.

There are a lot of "National Match" pistols out there that are nothing more than a pile of surplus (or commercial) parts put together by persons unknown (could be a GI armorer, gunsmith or just Bubba).

NM parts were and are are still easy to find so you need to know what you are looking at.

DCM paperwork would be a plus (but can be and has been faked).

 

[ordnanceguy]

He said the man wanted $1,500 for the pistol and that there would be a good bit of ammunition that would go with the pistol. I have not ever had any experience w/ NM 1911-A1's. ...I am clueless about the pistol. I would appreciate any suggestions or information that anyone could offer about this pistol.

Bruce:

Assuming we are talking about USGI NM pistols, a legit, unmonkeyed-with NM pistol is typically worth from about $1500 to $2500, depending on condition, accessories like the original box and sale papers, and which year it was constructed (or "re-constructed" as all USGI NM pistols made by Springfield Armory and, later, Rock Island Arsenal, were rebuilds of pre-1946 USGI M1911A1 pistols.) Some years had relatively few NM pistols sold to civilians. Most were rebuilt one or more times after becoming NM pistols as these guns were continually refined up until the NM pistol program ended after the 1968 National Matches. Fortunately, the genuine NM pistols are pretty easy to detect.

BTW, not all NM pistols have serial numbered barrels and slides. Only the earlier guns had that feature.

The suggestion to pick up a copy of Bill Jenkins's book on US Match Pistols is a good one. It is the best work on the subject. Highly recommended.

Good luck.

 

[brucev]

Just a brief update. Went over to the gentleman's home to see the pistols. They were basic shooters. One was a pre-Ser. 70 Colt NM w/ a lot of blue wear... maybe 85% finish left. The other was a unmarked frame w/ a NM slide, front sight, etc. He wanted $2000 for the Colt w/ 360 rds. of USGI ball. I didn't want to be unkind, but to be perfectly honest, the pistol was nothing to write home about. I told him it was simply beyond me and wished him good luck w/ his sale. I hope he does get the price he is asking, but I think it's going to be a real hard sell for him. JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Rick Bowles]

Keep looking Bruce, they're out there!

 

[H Richard]

A pre Series 70 "National Match" even with 15% finish wear, if still tight and not harmed would still bring around $1000+, but he would have to have a lot of ammo to make up that other $1000.